McGhee Wants Midfielder

Mark McGhee is set to step up his chase for a tough-tackling central midfielder this week in a bid to relieve David Clarkson of his more defensive duties and play him in an advanced role again. Rovers were last week turned down by a player after negotiations but McGhee has not been put off and will attempt to bring someone in over the next few days.

Norburn to get a new partner soon?

Why the rush though? I think Clarky was, and has been, magnificent in his new role in midfield and complimented Oliver Norburn very well. He offered a threat going forward with his shooting ability and assumed his more defensive responsibilities with ease. He never stopped running and his passing range is very good. For the first time in a long while we looked like we had a midfield who could dominate matches and cause opposition defences problems - what a novelty! Do we really need to sign another player to play in that position when we currently have two who are occupying the middle of midfield with aplomb?

Who would McGhee replace in order to play a new man? It won't be Clarkson as the only reason for bringing someone in is to free him up for a more forward role. It surely can't be Tom Eaves as he has been fantastic over the last few weeks and it would be harsh to drop his recent strike partner Eliot Richards too. Although he's not scored since Exeter, he's played well and looks like he's settling in to his groove alongside Eaves. He looks the most likely candidate though as you wouldn't say left or right wing was particularly more advanced than central midfield. Don't forget, although we're still a little short up front at the moment, we still have Derek Riordan to return following injury and he should be available for Saturday's trip to Accrington Stanley. He's yet to score for the club in his three appearances but in a side that is now creating more chances he'll have no problem in finding an opportunity to break his duck.

It also leaves you to wonder the identity of McGhee's targets. It's a difficult position to cover at this stage of the season and it's not made any easier by the fact he'd like an experienced, combative player. There aren't too many of them available right now, well, not one of any real quality. A young player is out of the equation here so despite being inundated with recommendations from agents McGhee has turned down the opportunity to sign a teenager. A wise decision.

We'll have to wait and see what materialises this week but I doubt any movement will take place before tomorrow evening's game with AFC Wimbledon.