Steve Kean baffled by Jordan Rhodes role

STEVE Kean believes that Scotland manager Craig Levein missed a trick in leaving Jordan Rhodes on the subs’ bench for the World Cup qualifying 
double-header.

The Blackburn manager admits he was surprised to see his new £8 million striker see only nine minutes of action against Serbia at Hampden last Saturday and then 24 minutes against Macedonia on Tuesday.

It left members of the Tartan Army screaming for Rhodes’ introduction as the man who scored 40 goals for Huddersfield last season kicked his heels on the sidelines.

And Scot Kean is among those baffled over the way he was used when four points appeared to be the minimum requirement for Levein from the two games.

“Bearing in mind that I think we had to win at least one of the games, I was a bit surprised,” said the Rovers manager. “I thought he would’ve played more in one of the games.

“The way he finishes and having listened to the Scotland staff, they’re very impressed with his ability and his finishing. From a selfish point of view, I would’ve liked to have seen him play more minutes in the first game and none in the second and helping get us a win.”

Kean insists Rhodes has not been affected by his frustrations and has already showed that in training with his club ahead of tomorrow’s game at Bristol City.

He added: “Jordan’s great. He scored a few very good goals in training and he’s looked bright.

“I asked him if it was a good trip and he said it was but it was long.

“I’m sure he’ll get his international goals as he will his club goals.”

One thing Kean called for, however, is more patience from the Tartan Army, who vented their frustration during both matches.

He said: “Sometimes fans might think, ‘It’s just this nation that doesn’t have too big a name or too good a ranking.’

“But in all international games the teams are so well organised and hard to break down and if they do get the ball, they’ve got quality and will have a go.”