Two players who both likely thought they were not

Whyte and Sang

By Glen Williams ( Junior reporter )



Two players who both likely thought they were not in with a sniff when the summer began.



Pre-season commenced with Tom Sang out in the cold, left out of their trip to Edinburgh, and Gavin Whyte having been afforded an extended break after his exploits with the Northern Ireland team.

But, credit to both of them, they have got their heads down and forced their way into contention. Sang finally seems to have conceded that he is a central midfielder and has looked very good in pre-season. In a new midfield comprised of players who are asked to move the ball quickly and win the ball back off the opposition even quicker, he looked at home.

Few players performed as well and as consistently as Sang this summer and he really is in the mix of four or five players now vying for midfield spots against Norwich this weekend.

Similarly with Whyte, he has benefitted from Morison's penchant for playing with wingers and the Northern Irishman has looked bright and lively. He, like Crole, scored one and assisted one against Newport, but has carried the ball with real pace when afforded the opportunity.


With Isaak Davies and Rubin Colwill injured, Whyte is behind only Callum O'Dowda, Sheyi Ojo and possibly Ollie Tanner and Mark Harris in the pecking order for the wide berths. He is surely in contention.

It's not to say either, or both, won't leave before the end of the window, but they are far more in credit now than they were a few weeks ago.