‘Mr Versatile’ keeping Rose in contention

The former Spartans star has played in almost every position for Max Christie’s side this season, the latest being centre-half in last weekend’s 2-1 win over Kelty.

“He has now played everywhere across the back four, wide right and wide left, as well as centre forward,” said Christie of his club captain.

“I don’t think centre-back is his favourite position, but he just gets on with it and he was a stick out for us last weekend.”

So, too, according to the Rose manager, was Sean Grady, who was on target along with Paul Shields as the Midlothian outfit ended Kelty’s 12-game unbeaten run to stay in touch with leaders Hill of Beath.

“We put Sean up front with Paul Shields in the second half and he was outstanding,” added Christie. “It was a real team performance that earned us the three points, but Sean and Ross were both stick-outs for us.”

Shields, the former Celtic and Raith Rovers striker, scored the winner on his first start for Bonnyrigg.

“Paul has had a niggling injury, but he did well last Saturday and now it’s my job to try and keep him both fit and motivated,” said Christie.

“He’s a proven player and is someone who can certainly do a job for us in what is a relatively small squad of 18 players.”

Rose are away to St Andrews tomorrow and will be aiming to complete the double over the Fifers.

“We won 4-1 at home against them earlier in the season, but that scoreline flattered us as we were behind and scored a couple of goals late on,” said Christie.

The pick of tomorrow’s top-flight game sees new boss Mark Bradley lock horns with former team-mate Danny Smith when he takes his Linlithgow side to Camelon.

Champions Bo’ness are also away, to Lochee, while Bathgate entertain Kelty. Hill of Beath and Musselburgh are both in East of Scotland Cup action, against Dundee North End and Kinnoull respectively.