Toastie Awaits the Call

Last updated : 22 August 2004 By Firparkcorner

Burns played an important part in our success last season. He played in over thirty games and though he scored only four goals in the course of the campaign it is certain that his fellow forwards appreciated his presence. David Clarkson, in particular, learned much from the prompting of his older colleague.

Toastie in the sun

This season seems to be different. Scott McDonald is beginning to establish himself, Foran is keen to make an impact and Clarkson’s potential all add up to competition for the front two positions. In the pre season friendlies Terry Butcher tried all combinations of two strikers from four and on several occasions he played Toastie at right midfield.

Terry came to the same conclusion as the fans after the first pair of games and the resulting changes on Saturday saw McBride and McDonald replace Fagan and Burns. The switch did the trick though the compliance of a poor Dundee defence made the task much easier. At Dens it did seem that we got the ball forward more quickly than in our earlier games. We seemed able to exploit Clarkson’s pace and McDonald’s battling determination when we got the ball to them without the holding midfield pass which has become Toastie’s trademark.

Alex celebrated his thirty second birthday earlier this month and it could be that he views more games from the sidelines in the season ahead. We have four players who are capable of taking a turn up front and they will all have the chance of an extended run in the games to come. Toastie is the one out of form at the moment and he will need to wait his chance again. But that does not mean he is not still capable of doing a job from us from the bench and it certainly does not mean he should lose the support of the fans. Alex Burns deserves the full respect of Motherwell fans and he is entitled to expect our support in getting through this spell. A late winner from the bench next week will be a good start!