JIMMY Floyd Hasselbaink has praised defender Anthony O’Connor for his versatility and commitment.
The Gaffer was forced to shuffle his pack due to injuries against Wigan with O’Connor being asked to play left back.
Hasselbaink says: “Anthony didn’t know he was playing until the day – but he can play in all four positions at the back and, at times, that’s very handy, especially when you are working with small budgets.
“You need that versatility. It was very simple with him. We had a chat before the game and I said that he had to play left back. He relished the opportunity. These boys just want to play and do the job and that’s the beautiful thing about it.”
Hasselbaink was able to bring back Robbie Weir after a three-game suspension and felt that was a factor in the 1-0 win at Wigan.
“It was good to have Robbie back. He was very tired after the game, which happens after being out for three weeks. You can train as hard as you want, and we do that, but match fitness is different to training.
“It was good to have Robbie back as he gives us stability in the middle of the park. He stays there, he tackles, and he understands what he need of him.”