Ferguson Reports Good News

Clyde manager Barry Ferguson was the bearer of good news this afternoon, confirming that Scott McManus’ injury will not keep him out for as long as first feared.

Speaking to the official website, Ferguson confirmed that the forward is expected to only miss one or two matches, while he also discussed Keigan Parker’s impressive debut, his own fitness and Iain Gray’s loan move to Kilbirnie Ladeside.

McManus was taken off with what looked like a serious injury just nine minutes into Saturday’s 2-0 win over Albion Rovers, however Ferguson explained: “Scotty will be missing for a week or two – it is not too serious so that is the main thing. It looked a bad one but thankfully he went to hospital and they gave him the all clear as it was just bone bruising.”

One of many positive aspects to come from the match was the performance of new signing Keigan Parker. Ferguson admits he has ‘taken a chance’ by signing the former St. Johnstone and Blackpool striker, but the manager believes it is a gamble that will pay off.

The debutant helped create both goals on Saturday, while he posed the Rovers defence problems throughout the match and Ferguson said: “Keigan did well. There’s not really much happened with him over the last two or three years but when I knew he became available, there was no doubting his ability.

“A lot of people may have stuck their nose up at the move but he has got the ability. He has still got a bit of fitness to catch up with the guys but he will do well for us if he keeps up that level of performance. His attitude has been spot on since he arrived and he can be a big player for Clyde.

“His game intelligence is a big factor in me bringing him in – he knows the game, he knows where to take defenders; where they don’t want to go. It is still early doors but it is a chance I took and I would have regretted it if I hadn’t. I’m delighted to have him at the club and he just needs to keep that same attitude up and he will be a really good player for us.”

One player who has not featured as much as some fans had hoped is the manager himself. Ferguson confirmed that his ankle injury is continuing to give him problems and, as a result, he has been unable to take part in recent training sessions.

“I’m pretty up and down,” he explained. “My ankle isn’t great, it has been a problem for the last year and I just need to take it as it goes. Unfortunately I’ve not trained for the last couple of sessions because it has been sore.”

Another player who has struggled with injuries recently is defender Iain Gray and the 23-year-old joined Kilbirnie Ladeside on loan yesterday. Ferguson explained it was in the best interests of both the club and the player:-

“Iain has had a difficult season with injury and then he has been unavailable for the last three weeks with illness, so I just felt it was better for Iain to go out and get a bit of game time.

“It has been a frustrating season for him and when there was an opportunity for him to go out on loan, I asked him about it and he was keen to go and get some games. He will get the benefit and so will we from him playing and getting back to full fitness.”