LEARN TO FLY
Higgins on ‘problem solver’ McMullan
DEEP thinker Paul McMullan is Derry City’s model student — according to Ruaidhri Higgins.
And the flying Scotsman has been backed to problem solve whenever the Candystripes hit a title race conundrum.
Playmaker McMullan scored his first goal for the club — after 35 appearances since signing last July — in Monday’s 1-1 home draw with Shelbourne.
The 28-year-old pounced on a Shels mistake as they played out from the back and beat Conor Kearns with a first-time shot, having earlier smashed the post.
Boss Higgins has raved about
McMullan, the former Celtic, Dundee, Dundee United, St Mirren and Dunfermline man who he feels can play a big part in the title race.
Ahead of tonight’s home clash with Bohemians, the Derry manager said: “Paul has been great. We have played him on the left, played him on the right and played him as a No.10.
Delighted
“He’s been very good and has had a number of assists since he came here. He will be the first to admit that he would like to chip in with a couple of goals and we’re delighted that he got a goal for us on Monday. Hopefully it gives him confidence.”
McMullan was capped by Scotland’s Under-21s and Higgins continued: “I thought the impact he made last year was outstanding. He came in without a pre-season and was absolutely brilliant for us because Paul is tactically very, very good.
“I know people see this wee fella who can go by people and put in crosses but tactically, when you speak to him about the game, he’s a student of the game.
“He’s very, very smart and a problem solver. He’s been a great addition to the club and the dressing room and long may it continue.”
Alan Reynolds has slammed the desire in his Bohemians squad and wants a reaction tonight. The Gypsies were rocked by a 1-0 home defeat to Galway on Monday, their second loss in three games.
Standards
Bohs are in Derry tonight and Reynolds said: “I’m here six or seven weeks and I’ve looked at the standards and Monday wasn’t good enough.
“We let ourselves down and it was really disappointing. I’ve looked at the way we play and the energy about us isn’t good enough.”