THEO WILL BE EVEN BETTER IF HE’S NASTY
STUART KETTLEWELL reckons Theo Bair can start mauling defences for club and country – if he becomes more nasty on the pitch.
The 6ft 3in hitman has netted 10 times in the last 11 games including a vital opener at Ibrox on Saturday and is back on Canada’s radar ahead of a crucial CONCACAF Nations League play-off with Trinidad later this month.
Now Kettlewell wants the 24-year-old to take his game to the next level by showing a ruthless streak.
The Well manager said: “Nastiness comes in so many different ways, doesn’t it? We now want him to become a greater leader on the pitch, we want to hear his voice because he’s been a mainstay.
“You see him and he’s a big, imposing figure. But nastiness comes with how ruthless you are if you get one chance in the game
“Nastiness comes from your hold-up play and the size that he stands.
“We talk about things like striker contacts with defenders. There has to be a wee bit of nastiness in that sometimes. Not to injure your opponent but to put yourself in a dominant position.
“Those are things he’s getting better at. The more you’re exposed to playing and the longer you’re out there that’s when I believe you become a better player.
“He’s heard the coaching processes and the key attributes it takes to make him a good player.
“We’ve worked on it and we continue to work on it but only by exposing yourself to good players do you actually start to become that.”
Bair has one goal for his country from two caps and hasn’t featured since January 2020. But Canada coach Mauro Biello is considering the frontman.
And Kettlewell said: “I would be surprised if they weren’t looking at him..
“The fact he’s now made himself a first pick in a position as central striker for us, if they’re looking for that profile of player then I’m fairly certain he’d be towards the top of the list.”