Saturday was the first time I’ve seen Stephen Darby following his loan move from Liverpool, which lasts until the end of the season.  I suspect playing at Swindon in League One must come as a shock after featuring in the Champions League and albeit a minor role in a Premier League game in January with Gerrard, Torres and co.  Whilst I was very impressed with his game, he certainly will need to work hard in training to adapt into the way we play.

Darby was often too defensive and rarely made key runs up the right hand side and into the box, pressuring defenders, which is something we have been accustomed to with Amankwaah. Consequently McGovern’s game suffered to the extent where he looked likely to be substituted at one point as he lacked the link-up play with Kevin which has served them both so well this season.

Whilst I’ve never been overly impressed with Amankwaah and often thought the right back position needs strengthening, in his absence I’ve realised how much of an important team player he actually is.  I now can’t wait to see him return to first team action. Kevin returned to the reserves in this afternoon’s 4-3 defeat against Exeter at the County Ground and played a full 90 minutes, so I’d expect him to be on the bench for trip to Hartlepool this weekend.

At least Town now have two quality right backs who can make the difference in this promotion push.