Substitutions can be made earlier, but there must be a reason why McKenna has left it later than usual to bring players on this season. It’s most likely because he doesn’t trust in those players to influence a match at this level. Hirst hasn’t been able to create chances for others because top division defenders are able to nullify his strengths. My fear is that he’s not the same player he was before his knee issues. At 25, he’s yet to hit his prime years and he can clearly do a job in the Championship. Hopefully he can overcome the injury issues and lead the line next season - because it’s looking increasingly likely we’ll be without Delap.
I thought Enciso looked a really decent prospect and given a bit more time will link up well.He got stuck in,looked willing to take the ball deep and drive forward,something we've really missed of late.
I thought Enciso looked a clearly upgrade on anything we've got, he held onto the ball a few times too long but nothing in comparison to Delap and Hutchinson, I thought on a few occasions his one touch play alongside Broadhead was very good and created chances. I think criticism of Hirst is harsh he's barely played in the past year and his one start in the PL he was superb. He offered something different to Delap, Delap has more quality on the ball better touch and finisher etc but in terms of movement and unselfishness Hirst is one of the best strikers I've seen. His goal record is poor but he creates space for others. Delap is mostly the opposite and has that selfishness which is also a strength. I don't think if Hirst had of played this season he would've scored the same number of goals Delap has but I bet those behind him would've scored more. As for Hutchinson, I think he's been a shadow of himself last season and both him and Delap have contributed to a lack of fluency up top by carrying the ball into trouble too often. We've always lost the ball easily under McKenna but that's because we've played risky passes and tried to move the ball quickly. We've run far too often into trouble this season and any crosses from our wide players have found space but not players...clearly something we need to work on.
