Jim Goodwin reckons a fully fit and firing Ross Docherty could be one of the best midfielders in the Scottish Premiership.
Docherty’s display after climbing from the bench against Rangers was a major positive from the 1-0 defeat, with the club captain snapping into tackles, pressing hard and showcasing plenty of quality on the ball.
Goodwin has been managing the former Ayr United and Partick Thistle favourite carefully due to the swathe of fitness problems he endured last term, allied to a slight calf strain at the start of this season.
However, he has now played around an hour against the Gers and 75 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly match during the international break – with no ill effects.
And while Goodwin is loathe to pile on the pressure, it is clear the high esteem with which he holds Docherty.
“I had a conversation with Doc during the summer about proving to people that he belongs at this level,” said Goodwin.
“He has spent a hell of a long time in the Championship when, in my opinion, he should have been playing in the Premiership LONG before now. Doc has that opportunity now.
“If he can stay fit then, for me, Ross Docherty can be one of the best midfielders in the league when he is at his best.
“He has good energy levels, can be aggressive when needed and, more importantly, for us to play the way we want to, he is very comfortable in possession. I thought he showed that against a good Rangers team.”
Vital period for Docherty
Docherty replaced Holt after 34 minutes on Sunday, with United undeniably losing the battle in the engine room until that point.
While Holt previously performed manfully in that unfamiliar berth – helping United to consecutive league wins and Premier Sports Cup progression – one suspects Docherty will be in pole position for a start at Motherwell on Friday night.
“This is an important period for Doc, now, in terms of him going forward and his future at United,” continued Goodwin.
“It’s important that he stays fit and plays to the levels he is capable of. If he does that, he’ll be a really important player for us.
“But we aren’t putting too much pressure on him.
“We are aware of the issues he has had, and we’ll manage him properly.
“I’ve tried to gradually build up his minutes over the last few weeks, and he really benefitted from getting 75 minutes during a bounce game in the international break.”
Kevin Holt reaction to early hook
Meanwhile, Goodwin is adamant a “disappointed” Holt remains a pivotal player for United and, despite cutting a dejected figure when the Sky Sports cameras panned to him, ultimately understood his gaffer’s reasoning.
“Kevin Holt has been outstanding,” said Goodwin. “But we felt that having Doc in the middle of the pitch – a more natural midfielder – would give us an ability to take the ball in tight areas and he reads the game really well.
“Kev was obviously disappointed. I get that. Especially coming off so early in the game. No player wants to come off in the first half.
“He understood the reasons behind it, and I’ve explained to him why I made that decision. I think anyone who was watching the game will understand that it was a decision I had to make.
“We had to change the system and plug up the middle of the pitch. He’s accepted that.
“Kev has been an important player for us up to now and was a significant factor in the good run we have been on until the Rangers game – and he will be an important player for us throughout the season.”
