| While Robson’s long-range winner grabbed the headlines, not lost on his manager was the significance of Steven Robb’s assist for the goal.
The fit again former Dundee man came off a subs’ bench that also included the likes of Jon Daly and Collin Samuel, and Craig believes having that kind of firepower in reserve can help United build a run of results.
“Several times since I arrived here, I have highlighted that when I looked behind me to the bench, I was not seeing enough faces who were tried and tested at this level,” he explained.
“Now we’ve been able to add to the squad, on Saturday I had Robb, Sammy and Daly all sitting there and that kind of strength in depth has to help your chances of winning matches.
“They are players who can come on an make an impact, like Steven did, and from the opposition point of view, if you are a full-back who has had a tough 70 minutes handling a Conway or a Robson, the last thing you want to see is Robb or Samuel coming on.”
Craig, of course, was not underplaying Robson’s role at Love Street, even if he refused to accept credit for his pre-match tip that the skipper would be the main man.
“He’s our best player and consistently produces so it hardly takes a genius to say he is going to play well. It’s still very pleasing that he did and he showed again why he is so important to us.
“I only wish I had two Barry Robsons — one in the middle and one out wide. I definitely see him as a central midfielder because of his presence, but when he goes out wide his delivery is something special.
“A couple of times in the first half on Saturday he put balls in that we really should have capitalised on.”
Also receiving praise on his first start was January signing from Cowdenbeath, Morgaro Gomis, who got an hour or so.
“Understandably, he was a bit nervous, but I was pleased with his work rate and the way he kept things simple,” added Craig.
“It has been difficult for him because the reserve league was shut down in January and I was reluctant to throw him into the first team without games.
“He’s had a couple now and done well in training and, while he is one who will be given time to adapt to this level, I would expect him to be challenging for a place from now on.” |
