DUTV
STORY OF THE MATCH | MOTHERWELL (H)
31st October 2024
Manager Alex Smith may be faced with a selection headache in the midfield department for Saturday's visit to Aberdeen. Already out of consideration are suspended Craig Easton, and long-term casualty Jamie Fullarton. John Licina is another who will miss out due to injury, while Dave Hannah's inability to shake off a groin strain means he will face a late fitness test.
However, while the Manager accepts that the situation is far from ideal, he is happy enough with the options he has to cover the middle of the park. He said, "Charlie Miller will play in his usual role, and of course Jamie Buchan can easily slot into the middle of midfield if necessary. Young Kevin McDonald has done well any time he has come in, and Hugh Davidson is knocking on the first team door again. Remember also that Hasney Aljofree can play midfield as well as in defence, and I am also giving thought to offering David Partridge a Fullarton-type marking role in front of the back four. So we still have plenty of options to consider going into the match at Pittodrie."
And on the back of United paying for Federation buses to Paisley on Tuesday evening, Smith added,"The backing we got from the fans who travelled to Love Street was tremendous. In the end we let them down by conceding that goal, having until then been looking comfortable. A similar support at Pittodrie would be wonderful, and I hope the fans can be fully rewarded this time."
However, while the Manager accepts that the situation is far from ideal, he is happy enough with the options he has to cover the middle of the park. He said, "Charlie Miller will play in his usual role, and of course Jamie Buchan can easily slot into the middle of midfield if necessary. Young Kevin McDonald has done well any time he has come in, and Hugh Davidson is knocking on the first team door again. Remember also that Hasney Aljofree can play midfield as well as in defence, and I am also giving thought to offering David Partridge a Fullarton-type marking role in front of the back four. So we still have plenty of options to consider going into the match at Pittodrie."
And on the back of United paying for Federation buses to Paisley on Tuesday evening, Smith added,"The backing we got from the fans who travelled to Love Street was tremendous. In the end we let them down by conceding that goal, having until then been looking comfortable. A similar support at Pittodrie would be wonderful, and I hope the fans can be fully rewarded this time."
