DUTV
STORY OF THE MATCH | MOTHERWELL (H)
31st October 2024
Danny Griffin was yesterday named in the Northern Ireland squad for next weekend's World Cup qualifier in Malta and although it is likely that the versatile Belfast man will line up in defence for his country his club manager Alex Smith revealed today that he sees skipper Danny Griffin's future in central midfield.
The quietly-spoken Northern Ireland internationalist has never hidden the fact that he prefers to be playing in the middle of a back four but Manager Smith believes he has the talent to be even more effective further up the field.
"Danny is a better player than he gives himself credit for and having had a good look at the situation I have decided it is better all round if he plays in central midfield," said the Tannadice boss.
"He likes to be in the thick of the action and, as well as possessing the stamina to do so, also has the temperament to run the game around him. His distribution is excellent while everyone knows the goal threat he gives the team both from set pieces and open play. "The more I see of him in midfield the more convinced I become that he is a key player for the team there-also that he can only get better."
The United captain won't be the only Tannadice representative in the Northern Ireland party heading for the Mediterranean island as winger Stephen Carson has also been named in the Under-21 squad for their final European Championship qualifier against the Maltese.
The quietly-spoken Northern Ireland internationalist has never hidden the fact that he prefers to be playing in the middle of a back four but Manager Smith believes he has the talent to be even more effective further up the field.
"Danny is a better player than he gives himself credit for and having had a good look at the situation I have decided it is better all round if he plays in central midfield," said the Tannadice boss.
"He likes to be in the thick of the action and, as well as possessing the stamina to do so, also has the temperament to run the game around him. His distribution is excellent while everyone knows the goal threat he gives the team both from set pieces and open play. "The more I see of him in midfield the more convinced I become that he is a key player for the team there-also that he can only get better."
The United captain won't be the only Tannadice representative in the Northern Ireland party heading for the Mediterranean island as winger Stephen Carson has also been named in the Under-21 squad for their final European Championship qualifier against the Maltese.
