Saunders’ debut is ray of light on dull night at Fir Park

Dec 17 2008 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

Saunders’ debut is ray of light on dull night at Fir Park

THERE was little to get excited about on Monday evening at Fir Park as Motherwell slumped to another defeat.

But one ray of light that will give the Motherwell fans some festive cheer was the performance of 17-year-old Steven Saunders.

The rangy defender gave an assured display in both defence and attack as he made his home debut in front of an appreciative Motherwell support.

The right-back made his first telling contribution in 20 minutes, getting his head on to a Bob Malcolm free-kick at the far post burt his effort was held by Alan Combe.

His towering presence should see him become a regular setpiece menace for opponents in the future.

Fifteen minutes after his header, he made a superb last-ditch tackle on Donovan Simmonds, who was through on goal.

Saunders is a product of Motherwell’s under-19 set-up and his marauding runs down the right wing and his quality delivery on a number of occasions were also an encouraging part of the teenager’s display.

After the game, manager Mark McGhee enthused: “He showed that he was brave, put his head in and put his foot in where he might have got hurt.

“He also passed the ball well when needed and at times put some great crosses into the box that were made for centre-forwards that somebody should have been getting their head to.”

He added: “I was just disappointed for him that he made his full debut in a game that the team lost.”

Midfielder Steve McGarry was equally complimentary about the stopper.

He said: “I thought he did really well. He looked confident and got up and down the right-hand side and put a couple of really good balls in. He also defended well.”

He continued: “Paul Quinn will probably come back in but if there is any time we need him again then the gaffer will have no hesitation in putting him back in.”

Do not be surprised if Saunders is pushing for a place in the starting line-up this time next year.