| The 21-year-old striker has been appearing at the back for the defensively-stretched Arabs during pre-season and replaced Garry Kenneth for the last 20 minutes of Saturday’s game at Glentoran.
Shala, playing alongside Lithuanian trialist Irmantas Zelmikas, held firm as United snatched a late draw in Belfast and admitted he was loving life at the back.
“I think it’s Garry Kenneth, Darren Dods, me and Sean Dillon that can play at centre-half now, so, if the manager signs another one, it’ll be good for competition,” he said.
“But, if not, I think a few more games and I’ll definitely be ready to play there in the SPL. I really enjoy playing there and having the pitch out in front of me. It’s a different way to look at the game — especially when you’re used to playing as a striker. The movements are very different.
“I know all the movements a striker would make, though, which is good for me. I can tell what they’re about to do.”
Andis’ defensive partner on Saturday, Zelmikas, was in impressive form, and boss Peter Houston will have another chance to see him in action against Raith Rovers tomorrow.
If a move should fail to materialise, however, Shala will be more than happy to give up scoring goals in favour of stopping them.
“I’ll do anything to help the team,” he said. “As a striker or a defender, I just want to play.
“I miss playing up front sometimes, like in training when we’re doing shooting practice, the strikers get to cross and finish while I have to pass the ball on from the midfield to the wide players.
“I used to be trying to get on the end of those crosses — that’s what I miss sometimes.
“Scoring goals is a very good thing.
“The best feeling in the world, though, is I’m finding there is big satisfaction in stopping them, too, of course.”
Saturday’s 1-1 draw provoked an angry response from the manager, who blasted his players’ “sloppiness”.
Those in the dressing-room at half-time were left in no doubt as to Houstie’s feelings, but, despite the poor display, Andis feels the season still looks like being a bright one for United.
“Glentoran had a really good team,” he said.
“They were very sharp. I think we played well enough in parts. They scored a goal, but it was a bit unlucky for us.
“I hear the manager was angry at half-time, but I wasn’t in the dressing-room, so I escaped that.
“I think we dominated the second half — apart from the goal — and I know we can play even better.” |
