Dunfermline Press | Sport | Kenny’s kids are alright

Tuesday, 6th January, 2009

Published: Thursday, 27th September, 2007 09:00

Kenny’s kids are alright

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YOUNG GUN: Calum Woods pictured against Hearts on Tuesday, was one of the youngsters who impressed Stephen Kenny with his performance.

TUESDAY night was a good night for the Pars’ youth system with boss Stephen Kenny praising the fresh-faced teenagers who helped to put the pride back in the Pars.

Calum Woods (20), Iain Williamson (19), Nicky Phinn (19) and Scott McBride (18) all played their part in a much-improved showing against Hearts following dismal defeat at Clyde three days earlier.

The latter three are all products of a youth system that has struggled to produce genuine top team talent since Jackie McNamara’s emergence at the start of the 90s.

But the signs are that the trio, along with Woods, could join Scotland under-20 cap Greg Ross in making an impact at East End Park.

Speaking after Tuesday’s match Kenny paid tribute to the kids and, in particular, to the showing of Woods.

“In Calum Woods we have discovered something because he’s upped his level of performance and he looks like he could become a regular in the team because he can play anywhere in the back four,” Kenny said. “He can become a regular in the line-up, the possibility exists for him to do that.”

Kenny revealed his decision to hand McBride a surprise debut came as a shock to the teenager.

“He’s come from absolutely nowhere and it was a bit of a surprise to him when I told him before the game but he did ever so well I thought,” Kenny said after the game.

Speaking to Press Sport yesterday (Wednesday), Kenny reflected on the qualities of the fresh talent at his disposal.

“They all equipped themselves quite well,” he said. “Scott McBride’s a young lad at 18 and he had a difficult time with a fractured cheekbone at the end of last season.

“Outwardly, he’s not a really confident boy but with a bit of self- belief he’s got all the natural attributes to be a good player. He’s a natural athlete with plenty of pace and has a really good left foot.

“Wide right isn’t Iain Williamson’s position, he can be an attacking midfield player or a centre forward but he did fine.

“He’s a very single-minded young player.

“Nicky Phinn was just on the edge of getting his breakthrough but then he tore ankle ligaments and that set him back.

“I threw him in again without a rehab but he was delighted to play and I thought he played quite well on the day.

“He’s very sharp with intelligent use of the ball and he’s got a good chance of coming in and doing well.”

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