Striking Similarities
Monday, 14th Feb 2022John Hughes draws parallels with his signing at Ross County in last year’s transfer window
All John Hughes starting elevens have included the name Lewis McCann and the manager feels that his 20 year old striker reminds him of former Par, Jordan White, the 30 year old he signed for Ross County in January last year.
“He reminds me of big Jordan White up at Ross County, I brought him up there and he is not a prolific goal scorer. What he does he is vocal, he is that focal point that we can play to.”
After just eight minutes game time as a two time sub during the Peter Grant era, Lewis has led the line for Dunfermline since his start at Inverness in mid November. It was the day after his appointment as Grant’s successor and John Hughes watched that match from the stand at the Caledonian Stadium. He clearly saw something in the youngster who has represented Northern Ireland ten times at under 18 and under 21 level.
“His physicality is a real problem. I don’t think he is going to be a natural out and out finisher but he has to work on it, left foot, right foot - wants to try and hit the back of the net. In terms of effort and commitment it is not in question and his physicality lets others come into play.”
Jordan scored 4 goals in 13 matches for County last season as John Hughes charges notched up 17 in their successful mission to stay in the Premiership. This season Lewis has scored 3 goals in his 13 starts for Dunfermline and helped the team to score 14. There is resemblance between the two strikers and both tend to have to use their physical presence to create opportunities for others. The manager praised Lewis’ commitment:-
“At times he is up there on his own because we play a different shape but his work ethic is never in doubt. I had to take him off on Saturday because he was out on his feet. He leaves everything out on the pitch, he gives you everything - maybe a goal, it might spark him a bit of confidence.
“I have been there myself seeing strikers getting a goal going on a run. Hopefully we can see that soon.”
The manager hopes to welcome back midfielder Dan Pybus for this Friday night’s match against Partick Thistle after seeing out his period of isolation after Covid. John confirmed:-
“I think he will come back in on Thursday. Obviously we will have to check, and if he doesn’t have any symptoms which we heard didn’t seem to be the case, then we hope that he is doing a lot of training. If he is keeping himself fit and ticking over he will come back into contention.
“It is one of these things, it is part and parcel of football you just have to have to dust yourself down and get on with it.”
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