The last 3 games under GvB have been great not only from a results perspective but also he seems to have finally managed to plug the leaky defence. Two clean sheets from three games in two difficult away fixtures as well as a winner takes all Europa shoot out with Sparta is by far the most impressive sequence from a defensive perspective this season. Why is this? A number of reasons are the honest answer, with better application and attitude all round and a slight tweak in the formation all helping.

Up front the press seems to be back. Morelos looks to be newly-motivated and the reintroduction of Kent and his work ethic seems to be infectious. Hagi on the right will drop inside give us an overload in the middle of the park and allows Tavernier to pick the appropriate time to burst forward and deliver a more dangerous cross either by working a one-two and getting to the by line or whipping it past the last defender rather than the rather laboured hopeful deliveries we have sometimes seen when the team runs out of ideas.

In midfield Kamara playing a little more centrally and dropping back as the defensive midfielder looks inspired as he has the legs to cover the ground and the technical ability to break the lines from this position and also sees Scotty Arfield coming in from the cold. If you remember, one of his purple patches was around this time last season and he was pivotal during the busy Xmas period last year not only with vital goals but also the work rate. The decision will have to be made soon regarding a contract offer as he is a vital squad player in my opinion and offers something different in our midfield.

But the main focal point of this piece is in defence, and one thing I have noticed is the emergence of Calvin Bassey as a combative centre half with pace, power and great timing. Of course there are improvements to be made, namely his ability in the air, but he has time on his side to remedy this it has to be remembered he is only 21 and actually only 10 months older than Nathan Paterson!

I felt having watching him he reminded me of 90s Champ Manager legend Taribo West; the same kind of physique, the pace and power, but he was also a converted full back who was utilised by some of the largest clubs in the World (Milan and Inter) and represented Bassey’s Nigeria with distinction.

I thought it was noticeable that Boyle’s speed on Wednesday was almost completely neutralised by Bassey’s own blistering pace and power, no more easy balls down the side for him to run directly at our goal. If Bassey can continue to develop and learn then the sky’s the limit for him and with some fine tuning he has all the attributes to be a top defender in his own right.

I could see this being the start of something new under GvB with the centre back positions likely being up for grabs due to Goldson and Balogun’s contract situations. Is there a chance for Bassey to lock down a starting jersey at centre half? Having that pace in reserve at the back is priceless and with the right coaching and encouragement I can see massive potential for him continuing in this position.