Motherwell boss Graham Alexander has stated that Stephen O’Donnell is the best right back in Scotland and he was actually being serious.
Of course, managers will talk up their players and standy by their club.
There is optimism, blind faith and then there is delusion.
He was speaking at the press conference today ahead of the visit of St.Mirren to Fir Park tomorrow.
As reported by the Daily Record, the former Salford City gaffer was talking of his positivity on what is building at Motherwell and how he feels his squad is evolving with the right players in place.
Alexander stated, “Stephen O’Donnell is a proven international.”
“I think he’s the best right-back in Scotland and if we can get over that line with him, which I think we are close to doing, then it’s a great addition going forward for us.”
“It also shows the ambition that we’ve got that a current Scotland international is willing to commit themselves to staying at our club. That’s testament to the work that everyone at the club does.
“It’s a fantastic club to work and play for but we have ambitions to be successful.”
“We want to look at who else is out of contract that wants to be part of the journey that we are about to embark on.”
Facts
To overlook the Premiership champions skipper is quite something from the Motherwell manager, in preference for his own player.
From a domestic comparison alone, the stats tell a different story.
Tavernier has amassed 11 goals and 10 assists, from 29 appearances in the league so far this season – he is currently sidelined due to injury.
On the European stage this season, the Rangers man has five goals and four assists from 10 outings overall.
Meanwhile, from the same quota of Premiership appearances, O’Donnell has 0 goals and 2 assists.
Alexander’s opinion just doesn’t stand up to scrutiny.