Duffy: Crowd’s acclaim will be a boost to Shanks

Manager Jim Duffy told how he subbed Lawrence Shankland because he felt it was important for the striker to experience the applause of an appreciative Cappielow crowd.

Aberdeen loan ace Shankland made way for defender Ricki Lamie in the second minute of stoppage time in the 2-0 win against Raith Rovers at the weekend.

He was treated to an ovation by the Ton fans as he departed the park following his goalscoring debut, and gaffer Duffy made the decision to bring him off because he believed it would be beneficial for the hitman to hear that support from the stands.

He told gmfc.net: “What Lawrence did at the first goal, which we don’t normally do, is made a run across the face of the defence to try and get on the end of the cross.

“Because it just went over his head the keeper was distracted by that and it goes into the far corner. That’s quite a common thing in football.

“I’m delighted for Ross again. Once again, that type of delivery gives defenders problems and gives goalkeepers problems. It was a bit fortuitous, there’s no doubt about that, but it got us in front.

“From then on in, we always looked strong enough to hold out and managed to get the second goal through Shanks, which was brilliant for him.

“We know he’s not played a lot of 90 minutes, and it was just after the 90th minute we decided to take him off, and I thought it was important for him to hear the crowd supporting him.

“If you come off after the game at the final whistle, it’s great – but when you come off as an individual and the supporters get behind you, it just gives you wee bit of extra confidence and it puts a smile on your face.

“It’s because they appreciate the job you’ve done and there’s a wee rapport straight away, so I think that is important for players and was good on Saturday.”

Image: David Bell