Barron eyes up left-full-back slot

Jul 7 2012 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

BATTLING Buddie David Barron last night warned his team-mate Graham Carey that the gloves are off in the fight to nail down the left-back slot at St Mirren Park.

The departure of Jeroen Tesselaar to SPL rivals Kilmarnock has left Saints with a gap to fill at left-back ... with Barron and Carey both being tipped for the job.

And Barron has revealed that he has already had a “polite discussion” with Carey as they both aim to convince gaffer Danny Lennon that they are up to the task.

The 24-year-old defender told Express Sports: “The manager hasn’t really spoken to me or Graham about who will play at left-back but we’ve had a chat about it between ourselves.

“It’s just been a little bit of banter because it’s probably going to be one or the other.

“Hopefully. it’ll be me and not him!”

Some fans may reckon that 23-year-old Carey holds the advantage as he is naturally left-sided, while Barron is more comfortable at right-back.

However, versatile Barron insists he can fill Tesselaar’s boots if called upon by Lennon.

He said: “I’m prepared to play anywhere, to be honest.

“I played at left-back for almost a full season a few years back and I have filled in there now and then more recently.

“Playing at left-back would not be a problem but I would maybe have to work on my left foot again because it does sometimes feel unnatural playing there.

“The more games I play, the more natural it becomes. You get used to it.

“If it’s a case of needs must, then I’ll help out wherever I can.”

Barron also reckons the pre-season games will give Lennon the chance to work out who will be his preferred choice at left-back.

And he hasn’t ruled out the possibility that the gaffer will bring in a new recruit to fill that role, despite the current cash crisis which has swamped the SPL.

Barron said: “You always want to catch the manager’s eye in pre-season so that you are in his thoughts at the start of the campaign.

“Whether it be at left-back or anywhere else, the plan is to show him that I’m fit, keen and ready to go.

“We haven’t brought in a left-back to replace Jeroen yet and, if no-one else comes in, then it’ll probably be between me and Graham.”