Ian Black... Dear oh dear, what has happened to 'the king'? Early on last season he was looking like a superstar, for the past few months he's been a shadow of his former self, a headless chicken, like Mark McAllister in disguise. He seems to have gotten it into his head that he's a hardman, and constantly plays up to this role. (wee man syndrome perhaps?) We don't need a liablity like him in the middle of the park. His temperament apart, when is the last time he had a good game? You wouldn't exactly call him a talented playmaker (let alone a 'Scotland future' player) from what you've seen of him this season would you? It's been all aggression and no brains. The lad needs to het his head sorted out before he becomes the new Sandy Robertson. He shouldn't expect to get his place back after his suspension, a kick up the *rse is exactly what he needs. (I suggest his new nickname should be Buckie, because he's been playing like a ned)
Ritchie Hart deserves to start in the attacking midfield slot, the number of headers and tackles he wins in phenomenal, he's the kind of player opponents hate to play against, a real battler, and tricky to defend against. Unlike Blackie he doesn't give away a dozen stupid fouls per game. He also gives us a sound return of goals and assists.
John Rankin hasn't done the business at all. He never wins any headers, he can't tackle, he rarely does any covering (count how many times Barry Wilson busts a gut getting back in comparison) and never does anything remotely skillful or creative with the ball. Morgan is a much sturdier player out there, he holds the ball superbly and combines well with Hastings on the overlap, plus he's a much better crosser, and set piece taker.
Roy McBain should be played in the midfield anchor slot, he's the kind of experienced, level headed, intelligent, 'switched on' player that we need in there to pull the strings.
Graeme Bayne has improved over the last few months, and he always gets stuck in, but he's not a 90 minute player for me. He's at his best coming on with 20 minutes to go, rattling tired defenders and causing havock. He always does a job for us in this role and that's how he should be utilized to best effect.
Dennis Wyness... Has he had an operation off season and changed his name to Denise? Because he's been playing like a girl!
Gary McSwegan.... Signed as cover for injured Wyness, but takes longer to get match fit than Denise! But he's still a class player, and I'd like to see him in there when he finally get's fit.
Rory McAllister should be given a run of games. He's shown promising touches when he's played and may improve exponentially with first team football. With the other strikers off colour, he deserves a chance.
Ian Black... Dear oh dear, what has happened to 'the king'? Early on last season he was looking like a superstar, for the past few months he's been a shadow of his former self, a headless chicken, like Mark McAllister in disguise. He seems to have gotten it into his head that he's a hardman, and constantly plays up to this role. (wee man syndrome perhaps?) We don't need a liablity like him in the middle of the park. His temperament apart, when is the last time he had a good game? You wouldn't exactly call him a talented playmaker (let alone a 'Scotland future' player) from what you've seen of him this season would you? It's been all aggression and no brains. The lad needs to het his head sorted out before he becomes the new Sandy Robertson. He shouldn't expect to get his place back after his suspension, a kick up the *rse is exactly what he needs. (I suggest his new nickname should be Buckie, because he's been playing like a ned)
Ritchie Hart deserves to start in the attacking midfield slot, the number of headers and tackles he wins in phenomenal, he's the kind of player opponents hate to play against, a real battler, and tricky to defend against. Unlike Blackie he doesn't give away a dozen stupid fouls per game. He also gives us a sound return of goals and assists.
John Rankin hasn't done the business at all. He never wins any headers, he can't tackle, he rarely does any covering (count how many times Barry Wilson busts a gut getting back in comparison) and never does anything remotely skillful or creative with the ball. Morgan is a much sturdier player out there, he holds the ball superbly and combines well with Hastings on the overlap, plus he's a much better crosser, and set piece taker.
Roy McBain should be played in the midfield anchor slot, he's the kind of experienced, level headed, intelligent, 'switched on' player that we need in there to pull the strings.
Graeme Bayne has improved over the last few months, and he always gets stuck in, but he's not a 90 minute player for me. He's at his best coming on with 20 minutes to go, rattling tired defenders and causing havock. He always does a job for us in this role and that's how he should be utilized to best effect.
Dennis Wyness... Has he had an operation off season and changed his name to Denise? Because he's been playing like a girl!
Gary McSwegan.... Signed as cover for injured Wyness, but takes longer to get match fit than Denise! But he's still a class player, and I'd like to see him in there when he finally get's fit.
Rory McAllister should be given a run of games. He's shown promising touches when he's played and may improve exponentially with first team football. With the other strikers off colour, he deserves a chance.