The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Campbell praises loan duo’ s impact
Dick Campbell has heaped praise on Arbroath loan stars Scott Bitsindou and Marcel Oakley as he hopes to hang on to them beyond January.
Oakley and Bitsindou have impressed since joining Lichties in September, with the latter setting up Bobby Linn for the second goal in Arbroath’s 2-0 Scottish Cup win over Fraserburgh.
Wing-back Oakley, who turned 20 last month, is due to return to parent club Birmingham City in January.
Bitsindou has agreed a switch from Livingston to Gayfield until the summer.
But the Congolese international has the same January recall clause that saw fans’ favourite Joel Nouble depart early last term.
“They’ve both done well for us since coming here,” said Campbell.
“Marcel is gaining interest from everyone due to his all-action displays.
“He’s very quick and pleasing on the eye when he runs down the flank. He’s only just turned 20 and has real potential.
“We got him here because Pink (Ian Campbell) and I have a very good relationship with Birmingham.
“We’d hoped that relationship would help us to try and keep Marcel beyond January. And Scott here on the same terms as Nouble was last year.
“Livingston want to get him out to give him experience with a view to him making an impact in the Scottish Premiership in the future.
“He was unlucky with injury at first but you can see he’s got a lot of ability.”
Meanwhile, Campbell was delighted his side avoided a potential banana skin to add their name to the hat for Monday night’s Scottish Cup fourth round draw.
A Bobby Linn double helped Lichties see off Fraserburgh.
Campbell added: “Before a ball was kicked I bet a few were thinking that could be a potential upset.
“We haven’t been getting results in the league and it’s not an easy place to go for any side. But I felt we were very professional and got the job done.”