Time for reflection

The UEFA Cup has predictably taken the main focus so far but that is now well and truly behind us. We enjoyed the wonderful experience of a trip to Nancy and that has surely whetted the appetite of both players and fans for more. However, it is only the players who can do something about getting us back there. Mark McGhee has called on them to raise their game and that is certainly not impossible.

With the League Cup already gone - somewhat unluckily it has to be said - we have nothing to focus on but the league. The midfield has plenty of options but getting Stephen Hughes fit and back in form is surely the first priority. If he does need a couple of weeks rest now is the time to do it. Between Malcolm, Smith, McGarry and Fitzpatrick we should have enough to cover for him alongside the inspired Lasley in the short term and playing him half-fit is counter-productive.

The strike-force has perhaps not hit full form yet but we have quality in this area. Sutton has already shown himself to be a remarkable scorer and Porter is a top player. He took a few games to get going last year before his fluke goal against Gretna and hopefully his finish against Falkirk will give him a lift. Clarkson, for all his critics, contributes a lot when on form and Murphy is looking like an exciting prospect. Scoring goals should not be our problem.

The big issue which could define our season is the defence. Hammell still shows every sign of being a decent footballer without actually being a good defender, while the form of the other three has been erratic at best. Craigan has shown in his international appearances he can be an excellent but has struggled to find consistency domestically. Reynolds has played almost every game since coming into the side in 2006 and very few youngsters manage to keep their spot for so long without either a rest or a drop in form. The fact that there are still questions over whether centre half is his best position does not help matters either. However, Reynolds being a little wobbly would hardly attract attention if we had proper cover to give him the break he probably needs. McLean got injured very early in pre-season so there has been plenty of time to get in cover. We have failed to bring in a suitable replacement and while we got away with it last term, it is doubtful we will do so again.

But there is no point in worrying about things that can't be changed. We are stuck with our existing squad until January and despite a tough start we have managed to stay within three points of third. A couple of wins will make things really interesting but if not we will be waiting on the cup to come around to save our season. Just like old times!