As the 2022/2023 starts to draw to a close with only five games remaining for the Boys in Blue, focus will be on Beale and his team selection for these games.

At the core of fans’ argument is that some of our homegrown lads need to be given game time ahead of players who will not be at the club next season.
With second place already secured in the league, Beale does have the ‘luxury’ of giving youngster a chance in these games.

Some will argue that some of the players will need a run of games to show what they can do, a few mins here & there will not cut it.
It’s time to see if these players can do a job in the five remaining games & show to Beale that they can be counted upon for next season too.

There are a few already who have played for us and do deserve more time than those who will not be here next season, or those who need to undergo surgery (Lundstrum).

I am thinking of the following players –

McCrorie – IF he is fit, then he needs to be given a run of games in the First Team. He’s already had two first team games, and kept two clean sheets – not a bad record. This boy has been called up to the Scotland squad, so he is rated, just needs to be given a chance that he can do well for us.

Devine – Play at Right back, and move Tav further up the Park – may as well see if both can handle the step up in expectation.

King – If he is fit, then he needs to be given game time. However this one is tricky, as many fans want to see what Goldson & Souttar would be like in a defensive partnership. If King struggles to get game time in the next five games, then a decision will need to be made on him in the summer. Personally I think he needs to go out on loan, to a team of a decent standard, at 19 he needs regular first time football to allow him to develop.

Lowry – The boy has talent there is no doubt, but he had not had the best of time with injuries & family bereavement. So if he is in a good place, then he needs to start in a midfield beside Raskin & Cantwell. He’s shown in flashes that he has the skill, the only thing that might be lacking is upper body strength. But he’s good enough, so let’s see what he can do in the next five games.

Ure – With no fit strikers up top to lead the line, is it time that the boy is given a chance to stake a claim in the squad for next season. Scored earlier in the season on his debut. Sure he’ll give more effort that Fred did on Sunday!!

Others that are in the mix – Rice (might be too soon after the youth cup final defeat, but we have a really talent on our hands), McCausland (Promising stats with the B Team this year, deserves to given a call up to first team squad), Fraser (Captain of the B Team, and six assists from left back this season – being 20 it’s time for him to force the manager to be given a run out).

For what it’s worth here is how I would line up on Sunday

            McCrorie 

Devine Souttar Goldson Ridvan
Raskin
Cantell Lowry or Hagi
Tav Ure Matondo

Bench – McLaughlin, King, Fraser, Rice, McCausland, Lowry or Hagi, Sakala, Arfield (he’ll still give 100% even if he is not at the club next season), Wright