Jim Goodwin is adamant Ryan Edwards still has a big part to play in Dundee United’s survival bid.
The Terrors boss dropped the skipper for last week’s 1-1 draw at Livingston, a result that snapped a seven-game losing streak for the league’s bottom side. Goodwin had a heart-to-heart with the big defender, who admitted his performances hadn’t been up to scratch. The manager said: “Yes, he was very understanding. Ryan himself would admit he’s had a difficult period.
“You could suggest, prior to me coming in, there are a few others in the group also who haven’t performed to the level they’re capable of. Unfortunately Ryan is just a little bit low on confidence. He’s an honest big fella, he recognises his performances individually need to be better and he agreed with the decision. It doesn’t matter whether you’re the most experienced player in the group, the youngest, the top goalscorer, or the club captain, everybody is accountable for their own individual performances.
“Ryan’s been a good player for the club and he’ll play a big part between now and the end of the season. No player wants to come out of the team. I’ve been there myself – you want to play your way through difficult spells. But sometimes it’s not a bad thing to come out for a couple of games, hit the reset button and, when you get the opportunity again, you get back to doing what you’re good at.”
Striker Sadat Anaku got his first start since the start of October at Livi, only to miss a golden chance. The 22-year-old was hooked at half-time but Goodwin insists tactical reasons prompted it.
He added: “The impact he made coming off the bench against Aberdeen was excellent. We’ve spoken about the pace and directness in the attacking third we’ve been lacking with Peter Pawlett and Glenn Middleton being out, so it was the right time to give Sadat the nod.
“He’s a tireless worker, he never stops running. I was hoping he’d get that opportunity to boost his confidence and win himself a run in the team. The pleasing thing was he was in the right area and made a great run to get there – he just lacked that finishing touch.
“But he’ll get plenty of opportunities before the end of the season. We’re not going to judge him on 45 minutes of football and one missed opportunity, especially when it was a difficult half for the whole team. We had to make changes at half-time to make an impact on the game and that’s why he came out. Unfortunately for Sadat he was the one who had to make way.”
Goodwin admits there is a limited budget to bring in the right free transfer. He said: “There might be the potential to bring in one good one but it won’t just be for the sake of adding someone.”
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