Petrie hails healthy competition for places

Montrose boss Stewart Petrie has admitted he is delighted with the strength in depth he has at his disposal with players currently in the starting 11 knowing they simply cannot afford to rest on their laurels.

The Gable Endies’ win at Berwick last week took them up to second in the League 2 table.

The victory was achieved with the likes of Martyn Fotheringham, Graham Webster and veteran striker Chris Templeman starting the game on the bench.

And with long-term injury victims edging their way back to fitness, Petrie will soon have some pleasant selection headaches.

The Links Park boss said: “With big Chris, because of his age, we are just going to try to manage him as best we can throughout the season.

“If it means he has to sit on the bench now and again, then that’s what we’ll do.

“Gary Fraser came in and put in a great shift for us up front.

“But our bench is strong so competition is there which is great from our point of view.

“Lads know they have to play well to stay in the team, that’s for sure.”

Petrie added: “The squad is strong and that’s with Jamie Redman, Michael Bolochoweckyj and Danny Cavanagh out injured.

“Jamie has certainly improved, Danny has had an MRI scan and has now got word back from the specialist that he can resume training, so he will start his rehab now which is great for us.

“Michael will start kicking a ball in November so that is fantastic as well.

“We won’t be rushing them back but once they are fit, that will mean more competition.

“It is great for the club and the boys as well. It lifts their spirits.”

Michael Bolochoweckyj will soon begin his comeback.