Following the loss to Roma earlier today Alex Neil has addressed the issues surrounding the team’s depth, most importantly upfront. The gaffer explains why Bailey Wright and Ross Stewart missed out on today’s action.
STEWART
“Yeah, Ross just wasn't quite ready for today's game. It's nothing too significant. Obviously we had players who weren't completely in their normal position, but I thought they adjusted quite well.”
WRIGHT
“Bailey has been a little bit behind [after his international return] but I'd fully expect him to be involved on Saturday [against Dundee United].”
DEPTH
"I certainly wouldn't say I'm relaxed, but then I wouldn't say I'm relaxed about most things concerning my team. We need to add to that area, plain and simple. That's there for everyone to see, but equally, it's about other parties as well.”
GOOD FIGHT
"I thought that we more than held our own, against a really strong team. I thought tactically we were very good. As it wore on, we changed the team slightly, brought a couple of youngsters on, and that can sometimes imbalance the side a bit.”
LESS PRESSURE
"When they changed as well, they had fresh legs at the top end of the pitch and we probably dropped a bit deeper than we did in the first half. That then made it harder for the lads at the top end of the pitch to put pressure on the ball.”
CONDITIONS
"We had a good chance to take the lead as well, which unfortunately we couldn't take. And I can assure you, even if it's just standing in it now, this heat [is tough]. The Roma lads will be much more accustomed to that. So to be honest I expected a bit of a drop off towards the end, but I thought the effort and the endeavour of the lads was very good.”
POSITIVE
"We don't want to lose any games but I've got no complaints at all, to be honest. When you look at what you're capable of and how you can get to those levels, I thought a lot of the lads reached those levels today. It was a great experience for a lot of our lads. I thought over the course of the game, the heat and their fresh legs [told]. But it was nothing concerning. Fitness wise in particular, I think we're looking really strong.”
LO9 RED CARD?
“Well, when you're given the option of making a substitution or playing with ten men in this heat, I don't think the latter is going to do anyone any good. I thought it was a bit of an overreaction for the second one. He goes to try to win the header, and he gets a push so his arm naturally goes up. I thought it was accidental, there was no malice in it. To be fair, they handled it fairly well [in the end]."
