Selfless Malcolm a great assist for United

At times it has been difficult to imagine how Malcolm scored 18 league goals last season, in what was after all a fairly limited Stranraer side. He does not look to be a natural finisher, often snatching at chances and displaying a lack of composure; he does not have great pace or composure on the ball and he isn’t dominant in the air. Yet, the statistics speak for themselves and what is clear is that Malcolm played an important role in the side up until the arrival of Kyle, and his hold-up play and unselfishness was profitable to the side’s fortunes. United have often been criticised for a reluctance to shot, yet in Malcolm have a player who creates shooting opportunities for his team mates.

The opportunity to sign Kevin Kyle looks to be one Mark Roberts will not regret. Replacing Malcolm in the team for the visit of Rangers – after, it has to be said, two uninspiring substitute appearances as a trialist – he has gone on to play an important part in the side’s latest two victories, providing an exquisite assist for Scott McLaughlin at East Fife with the skipper returning the favour the following week, swinging in an inch perfect corner from which Kyle opened his account against Arbroath. With the former Sunderland and Hearts striker’s fitness increasing with each game (Kyle is visibly slimmer than he was a month ago), he brings a gravitas and physicality to the side that Malcolm simply doesn’t posses. Kyle is comfortable in taking the lead role in the side, however, arguably hasn’t yet fully integrated with his team-mates. His partnership with Moffat especially appears to still require some fine-tuning.

Kyle brings a new, albeit sometimes primitive, dimension to United’s play which has been effective but Malcolm’s contribution should not be overlooked. Hopefully Malcolm will continue to apply himself (he has two goals in three games for the Reserves) and does not become too downhearted by his absence from the starting XI. With Kyle’s injury record – and the fact his deal is up in mid-January – it is likely Malcolm will return to the team, a fact United fans should not be disheartened about.

Malcolm	5
McLaughlin	4
Donald	3
McGowan	2
Campbell	1
Roberts	1
Kyle	1