It’s Allan a day’s work to Buddies’ classy kids
ST MIRREN academy boss Allan McManus wasn’t surprised to see teenagers Jay Henderson, Dylan Reid, Kieran Offord and Daniel McManus shine against Celtic because they’re destined for the top.
The four helped the Buddies hold the Hoops to a goalless draw last week after Covid wrecked the Buddies’ build-up.
McManus said: “We know these boys are good enough to play at that level, so it wasn’t a surprise to us to see them manage the occasion so well.
“Kieran’s opportunity was a last-minute call and people need to understand he played out of position.
“He’s a striker who was put in at right wing and he was superb. The main thing a manager looks for is whether they can trust a player will hold their position, track their man and be brave on the ball and Kieran passed that test with flying colours.
“You forget that Dylan is still just a baby, but he was superb as well and Jay was one of our best players against Celtic and also against Rangers in the following match.
“Daniel came on late when we were hanging on and did brilliantly. He’s taken a little longer to mature as a player but we’ve still got very high hopes for him.”
Offord has now returned to East Stirlingshire to finish his loan spell but Henderson will be hoping his performances have put him in Jim Goodwin’s mind.
McManus said: “The best thing for Kieran is to go and play at a competitive level, week in, week out.
“All Hendo can do is take chances when they come. He made a huge statement in those two games to say he should be starting.”