Arbroath boss Dick Campbell admits he may not have given striker Kieran Shanks a “fair” chance.
The 20-year-old forward was given his opportunity to shine against Inverness on Saturday and duly delivered, netting The Lichties equaliser in the 1-1 draw.
The clash at the Caledonian Stadium was his fourth start of the season after previously making six cameo appearances off the bench.
Prior to Saturday, Shanks’ last start was two months ago in the 2-0 home defeat to Partick Thistle.
Since then, he has had to bide his time and found himself as an unused substitute on three occasions.
Shanks’, who signed for the club on a three-year deal in the summer, place in the starting XI would have been a welcome sight for Arbroath fans.
In their previous three matches, they had started without a recognised forward.
No.2 Ian Campbell addressed those concerns last week, insisting the former Inverurie Locos top scorer would get his chance.
Shanks to ‘fight for place’
After Shanks made a goal-scoring return to the side, the Lichties boss said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the goal. I don’t know if I’ve been fair with him.
“There were maybe four or five clubs after him and he’s turned down every one of them.
“He wants to stay at Arbroath and fight for his place.
“He worked his bum off and got his just desserts.
“He was really tired after the game, he put a lot into it.
“I’m delighted and so are the players.
“They all clapped after the game because they are so pleased for Kieran.”
Campbell also praised his side’s battling spirit in the Highlands.
After going a goal down, they kept plugging away at Billy Dodds’ side but refused to be beaten.
“It was very admirable for me – that was a Dick Campbell team,” he said.
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