Tuesday 23 August 2016

Can Ryan Fraser keep his place?

It has been a long time to wait to see the 'wee-man' back in an AFCB shirt running at full-backs. In fact it has been so long that it sent me scurrying back to my programme cupboard to try and find out when it was. I knew I had to look in the AFCB v Aston Villa opening game programme from last season, as it would have all the Championship promotion games in it and while I remember seeing Ryan celebrating at Charlton, I didn't remember him getting on. Indeed it was back on 27 April in the last home match of the 2014/15 season when Ryan came on with seven minutes to go against Bolton Wanderers. For those who wondered when he last started a game for AFCB, I believe it was Birmingham  at home on 6 April 2015 when the side won 4-2.
Keeping pace with Ryan Fraser is never easy.
Last season at Ipswich Ryan had a strong loan period and while it ended with him being injured he must have been anxious to start playing again for the side he signed for. Now he might have got his Premier League start a little earlier than expected and with Marc Pugh carrying an injury (not sure what exactly), Junior Stanislas still fighting his way back and with Max Gradel on the bench for West Ham, it is possible that the Scotsman might yet extend his time on the left wing. 

As usual Fraser was fairly much a bundle of energy from first minute to last and while he tried to bulldozer his way past players, it will have been important for him just to get this first Premier League game out of the way. Now he can concentrate more on his game and contributing in the team not feeling like he is the latest addition, and he may well push himself ahead of one or two others. Football is a game of opportunity and the door is currently open for Ryan. I hope he grabs his chance and does all he can to help the side.

From memory it is always a special moment when Ryan scores as the crowd really want him to do well and if he can get that first Premier League goal in the next few weeks, it could be that bit of excitement that gets the Cherries hunting down the sides in front of them. 


1 comment:

  1. Hmm..unless he comes on Eddie favourite lists he won't be in the team for long methinks


    As an aside your view please of the job Stephen purches is doing with under 21s ..we have just lost to burnley on the under 21 cup and am asking he is doing anything to bring forward young players to challenge for first team place

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