Injury returns will only add to competition in Clachnacuddin ranks
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Jordan Macdonald expects to have a full complement of players at his disposal this week heading into Clachnacuddin’s Scottish Cup first round tie away at Dunbar United.
Ross Logan was due to be assessed at training last night after being out since picking up a knock against Banks O’Dee last month, while Donald Morrison also rejoined the group after a groin issue.
Both men may have a hard task on their hands breaking back into the starting 11, though, with the Lilywhites winning each of their last two matches 4–1 against Rothes.
Results finally seem to be backing up performances at Grant Street Park, and Macdonald believes the competition for places – which Logan and Morrison will only add to – is pushing everyone to be better.
“That’s what you need a squad for, that’s why we need everyone,” Macdonald explained.
“If you’re not playing well, there’s somebody on your heels ready to take your place off you.
“That’s what we’ve wanted to do since we came into the club, and I think we’ve got that all over the park now.
“People know that they need to perform, which is good because it keeps players on their toes. I think they enjoy that as well.
“People have bad games, we totally understand that.
“We don’t drop players for bad games, because anyone in the world can have that. If you have four or five games where you’re not doing what we’re asking you to do, though, then it becomes a different conversation.
“If you’re trying to do the right things and they’re just not coming off for you, that’s just a bad day at the office and everyone gets those.”
That mindset is something Macdonald has been trying to drive home since taking over at Clach, and the squad ethic is at the heart of his approach.
“I think the players know it now,” he reasoned.
“You do need individuals in football, but if there’s something that’s so simple – like a two yard pass – and you try and beat two boys when you don’t need to, that’s an issue.
“If you can cut it back for somebody to score when they’ve got a tap in and you’re at an angle, cut it back. That’s what we’re trying to drive in.”
