Barry Douglas may not steal the headlines often, but the Scot was one of the stars of the show in our win over Millwall on Saturday.
The 29-year-old was brought on as the replacement for our energetic dynamo Ezgjan Alioski, and made a difference at left-back, capitalised by his assist for Luke Ayling’s equalising strike.
Sure he also played a part in Millwall’s penalty, but no player for either side made more accurate passes in the second half than Douglas – game-winner Pablo Hernandez recorded the second most with 27.
Douglas also spent the second most time in possession after the break – this time Hernandez held the edge – with the 1-cap Scotland international enjoying 9.9% of his time on the field with the ball.
The most significant difference he brought to Marcelo Bielsa’s side, though, was his ability to offer greater quality on the wings and clearing up what Alioski lacked in both attack and defence.
Some of you were also keen to come to Douglas’ defence on social media as the often-criticised ace’s input in the result – and our return to the top two – settled in…
The Douglas hatred is weird and wrong. Last week people saying if we go up we’d sell him just like Wolves did. Strange considering the amount of assists he has per 90 for us. Alioski offers energy but Douglas offers a lot of quality on the ball, his delivery is outstanding.
— Ash Cook (@ashcook4) March 31, 2019
Douglas is honestly ace. He gets unjust abuse Cus he doesn’t bend a free kick in from 30 yards every week.
— Mikey Rob (@mikeyrob11) March 31, 2019
Only Pablo and Klich with more assists, and he’s played no where near the minutes. ???? pic.twitter.com/wuEdm5BVj2
— d̳e̳a̳n̳???????? (@deancore) March 31, 2019
Don’t let facts get in the way of the player bashing. Always seem it need one. Personally feel he’s a much cleverer footballer than Alioski. Better decisions/passes & crosses in final third. On the other hand the energy & drive Alioski brings us fabulous. We need both
— Mark (@eddiesLeftFoot) March 31, 2019
He did well yesterday. Good link up with Harrison.
— ChrisB6000 (@ChrisB6000) March 31, 2019
Douglas best crosser of a ball in the team.
— Hound of Ulster (@JimA1964) March 31, 2019
Imagine Alioski lining up the cross for Aylings goal instead of Douglas. Wudda been in the East Stand
— MMLUFC (@Michael46041497) March 31, 2019
Exactly mate! Bang on… but alioski runs a lot so that’s enough for some
— Mikey Rob (@mikeyrob11) March 31, 2019
Fingers crossed he’s k ee isn’t to bad. Need his quality in the run in.
— James Mantella (@JYM40) March 31, 2019