Dundee United gaffer Ray McKinnon admits he’ll face a dilemma when Lewis Toshney returns to fitness next month.
Ray’s liking to use the 24-year-old as a rampaging full-back on the right of defence is well documented.
But the recent performances in that area of Dutchman Frank van der Struijk and Toshney’s versatility could see him handed another role.
And that’s something the manager is going to seriously consider over the next couple of weeks.
“The good thing for me is that he can play midfield, centre-half and right-back,” said Ray.
“I do like Tosher being at the back so when he returns there will be competition for Frank.
“But I can use him in midfield, too, if I choose to keep Frank where he is.
“Tosher gives us a presence there during important spells in games, maybe when we need a bit of dig when we’re defending leads late on like we’ve been in the last couple of games.
“We also have Mark Durnan coming back (from suspension) this week so we’ll have plenty of options in defence when everyone is back fit.”
Toshney’s return from the damaged ankle ligaments he suffered against Hibs early last month is expected to come in the next couple of weeks or so.
He could be ready for the Irn Bru Cup and Championship double-header against Dunfermline.
This week has seen him back running along with long-term absentee Stewart Murdoch and Blair Spittal.
Of that trio only Spittal is reckoned to have a chance of featuring against Falkirk in what’s set to be the division’s game of the day on Saturday.
Just the sight of them back at work, though, has put a smile on Ray’s face.
“I watched them do the running and they looked as if they were fit but it’s all still in straight lines and non-contact at the moment.
“Blair would be the only one who might be ready for Saturday.
“The other two are looking at coming in for full training at the end of next week and then get a full week behind them.”
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