I scored, then wondered how I’d got there!
Scotland have added Austin Macphee to the backroom staff, and part of his duties will be bringing an extra edge to our setpieces, both offensively and defensively.
Quite rightly, Steve Clarke is wanting to try and gain small percentages at every stage in games and, sometimes, that can make all the difference.
Unfortunately, Austin tested positive for Covid-19 prior to this round of World Cup qualifiers, and had to isolate.
He wasn’t at the games against Denmark and Moldova, and he won’t be in Austria on Tuesday night.
That’s unfortunate, as it would have been good to see what Austin’s input would have been.
Dean Smith has brought him into Aston Villa as their set-piece coach, and it seems to be a position that more and more clubs are looking at.
I’m all for that – as long as the manager has the final say, and has a clear view of what is all around him.
There are so many different roles at football clubs these days, and I’m not against looking at new things.
The bottom line is that if anything gives you an advantage to win on a match day, then go for it.
Some clubs are also looking at having a “striker coach”. Again, if that’s what is needed, then fine.
As long as the strikers want it, then it should be embraced. If any player feels he is missing something, then it should be looked into.
I know every team has goalkeeper coaches, and rightly so. It is a specialised position.
However, how do you define such a role for strikers?
I can remember in my own career – and I’m sure it’s the same for all strikers – that I got into a goalscoring position, then had no idea or recollection how I got there! It just happened.
Outfield, there needs to be cohesion between, defence, midfield and attack. Everybody needs to be involved defensively and offensively.
But if a manager, or the players, need to look at a striker coach then so be it.