SPL Transfer Window Round Up

A number of sides in the SPL have had to cope with the loss of key players this season and may still be considered to be in transition as new signings and younger players try to settle in. Following the shutting of the transfer window, we will have a look at who has left and who has been brought in and how this will affect their respective teams. Who has recruited well and who looks ill equipped to cope with the demands of the 
league this season?

Aberdeen
IN: Kari Arnason; Jason Brown; Mohamed Chalali; Chris Clark; David Gonzalez (loan); Youl Mawene; Isaac Osbourne

OUT: Sone Aluko; Myles Anderson; Nick Blackman (end of loan); Zander Diamond; Paul Hartley; Mark Howard; Nicky Low (loan); Chris Maguire; David McNamee; Michael Paton (loan); Joe Shaughnessy (loan); Steven Smith; Nikola Vujadinovic (end of loan); Derek Young

Aberdeen have signed players that few in Scotland will know much about. They will have to settle in and prove themselves quickly in order to please the Dons support. David Gonzalez may prove to be a good loan signing as cover, or a possible replacement, for Jamie Langfield and Youl Mawene looks to be a big strong player so defensively Aberdeen could be solid. However they will miss the creativity of the likes of Sone Aluko and the talented Chris Maguire so may struggle for goals this season. Michael Paton will hope a loan spell at Stockport leads to more starting opportunities in order for him to reach his potential.

Celtic
IN: Mohamed Bangura; Badr El Kaddouri (loan); Fraser Forster (loan); Adam Matthews; Victor Wanyama; Kelvin Wilson

OUT: Graham Carey; Ryan Conroy; Sean Fitzharris; Jos Hooiveld (loan); Ben Hutchinson; Efrain Juarez (loan); Fredrik Ljunberg; Shaun Maloney; Niall McGinn (loan); Paul McGowan; Daryl Murphy (loan); Darren O’Dea (loan); Josh Thompson (loan); Richie Towell (loan)

Celtic seemed short of options up front so the signing of Bangura, who is fast and powerful with a good scoring record, may prove an important one. However he seems a similar type of player to Gary Hooper and Anthony Stokes so doesn’t offer much in the way of different options. Kelvin Wilson looks to have settled in well and El Kaddouri will provide cover at left back until the return of the injured Izaguirre in January. Young Adam Matthews looks like a good acquisition. He was reportedly courted by Manchester United and Arsenal before signing for Celtic and should develop well under Neil Lennon. Lennon will hope that the likes of Juarez, McGinn, Thompson and Towell will benefit from their loan spells and force themselves into his reckoning on their return. Celtic have also lost Shaun Maloney to Wigan and may miss his creativity from the bench. Georgios Samaras was linked with a move away from Celtic Park but Celtic were holding out for a larger sum and he will now remain until January at least, much to the displeasure of a number of Celtic fans.

Dundee United

IN: Lauri Dalla Valle (loan); Willo Flood; Gavin Gunning; Gary Mackay-Stevens; Keanu Marsh-Brown (loan); John Rankin

OUT: Prince Buaben; Craig Conway; Darren Dods; Morgaro Gomis; David Goodwillie; Ross McCord; Ryan McCord; David Robertson; Andis Shala

Dundee United have had to cope with the loss of a number of key players this season. The loss of Buaben, Gomis, Conway and Goodwillie will have a major impact on the team. Willo Flood had a successful couple of loan spells and will hope to emulate these now that he is back and John Rankin has SPL experience and is technically a good player. These two may step in to the void left by Buaben and Gomis in the centre of the park. Gunning performed well on loan at Motherwell last season and will continue to develop as a player. Supporters will hope that loan signings Dalla Valle and Marsh-Brown will be able to provide goals to fire the Arabs to a top four finish.

Dunfermline

IN: Andrew Barrowman; Paul Burns; Patrick Boyle; Craig Easton; Paul Gallacher; John Potter; Kevin Rutkiewicz; Jason Thomson (loan)

OUT: Graham Bayne; Alex Burke; Chris Higgins; Jake Hyde; Neil McGregor; Greg Paterson; Calum Woods

Dunfermline have brought in experienced players in John Potter, Kevin Rutkiewicz and Paul Gallacher, and these players could be crucial in the Pars maintaining their premier league status. Andrew Barrowman will hope to bring the sort of form and goals he showed during his time at Ross County but may struggle in the country’s top division. Likewise, Patrick Boyle and Paul Burns have made the step up from the first division and may take some time to adapt to the demands of the SPL.

Hearts

IN: Danny Grainger; Jamie Hamill; John Sutton; Mehdi Taouil; Callum Tapping

OUT: Ismael Bouzid; Dawid Kucharski; Jamie Mole; Ruben Palazuelos; Mark Ridgers (loan); Craig Thomson (loan); Jason Thomson (loan); Lee Wallace

Hamill and Sutton are established SPL players and will improve an already good side. Mehdi Taouil however can be a bit hit or miss, he is capable of great skill but at times his work rate is lacking. Callum Tapping, who has been capped at under-19 level for Scotland, will join the youth squad and looks to be a player for the future. The loss of Lee Wallace is a bit of a blow as he is a talented player, but Hearts got a great price at £1.5m for him. Danny Grainger should be a decent replacement.

Hibernian

IN: Junior Agogo; Phil Airey (loan); Leigh Griffiths (loan); Adam Mitter; Garry O’Connor; Sean O’Hanlon; Isaiah Osbourne; Ivan Sproule; Richie Towell (loan)

OUT: Kurtis Byrne; David Crawford (loan); Francis Dickoh; Darryl Duffy (end of loan); Edwin de Graaf; Kevin McBride; Kevin McCann; Liam Miller; Colin Nish; John Rankin; Derek Riordan; Scott Smith (loan); Steven Thicot; Valdas Trakys; Ricardo Vaz Te

Hibs have lost some good players in Miller, Rankin and Riordan and look as if they may struggle again this season. The departure of Colin Nish is less of a blow, although he is 10^th in the all-time leading scorer charts in the SPL. Junior Agogo is an experienced player and if Calderwood can get them playing well together the combination of Griffiths, O’Connor and Sproule could provide goals. Sean O’Hanlon and Richie Towell will hope to form a good defensive line along with Paul Hanlon and Callum Booth as Hibs haven’t started the season well defensively.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle

IN: Aiden Chippendale (loan); David Davis (loan); Aaron Doran; Roman Golobart (loan); Billy McKay; Josh Meekings; Thomas Piermayr; Andrew Shinnie; Gregory Tade; Greg Tansey; Owain Tudor Jones

OUT: Gil Blumenshtein; Russell Duncan; Stuart Golabek; Chris Innes; Roy McBain; Grant Munro; Eric Odihambo; Adam Rooney; Dani Sanchez

Losing Adam Rooney is a massive blow to Inverness and they will miss his goals this season. Gregory Tade will have to quickly step up to fill Rooney’s boots and Terry Butcher will look to other players to provide goals as well. Greg Tansey looks a decent acquisition and can contribute goals from midfield, he has scored two in three games already. David Davis and Roman Golobart come from English premier league sides and could add quality, as might Aaron Doran who joins following a successful loan spell last season. Andrew Shinnie, signed from Rangers, will get more starting opportunities and may develop into a good player.

Kilmarnock

IN: Patrick Ada; Danny Buijs; Jorge Galan (loan); Gary Harkins; Paul Heffernan; Ben Hutchinson; Zdenek Kroca; Rory McKeown; Leon Panikvar; Daniel Racchi; Dean Shiels; Mohamadou Sissoko (loan); Jonathan Stynes; Jude Winchester

OUT: Kieran Agard (end of loan); Craig Bryson; Tim Clancy; Alexei Eremenko (end of loan); Jamie Hamill; Rui Miguel; Mehdi Taouil; Frazer Wright

There are a number of new faces at Rugby Park this season and it remains to be seen if they can match the impressive performances of last season. Killie have struggled for goals since the departure of Conor Sammon in January and will hope that Hutchinson and Heffernan can contribute. Killie have also lost a lot of creativity from the likes of Jamie Hamill, Craig Bryson, Mehdi Taouil and, of course, Alexei Eremenko. Jorge Galan, on loan from Osasuna, and Dean Shiels may be able to provide a bit of flair, but don’t look as good as the players they have replaced. Following Wright and Clancy’s moves to St Johnstone and Motherwell respectively, Kilmarnock look short at the back although Kroca looks to be a big solid centre half and many fans will be pleased to see the return of Sissoko on loan from Udinese. Ada and Buijs appear to be getting to grips with the SPL and reports suggest that Ada may leave, just over a month after joining, as he is not suited to Kilmarnock’s style of play. Stynes and Winchester appear to be signings for the future and possibly won’t feature much for the first team this season. Kilmarnock reportedly have at least one player, Mark de Man, on trial and may sign him in the next few days.

Motherwell

IN: Tim Clancy; Omar Daley; Nicky Devlin; Michael Higdon; Nicky Law

OUT: Esteban Casagolda; Angelis Charalambous; Gavin Gunning (end of loan); Steven Howarth (loan); Francis Jeffers; Steve Jones; Ross McKinnon (loan); Maurice Ross; John Sutton

Tim Clancy is a versatile player and can play anywhere along the back line so should provide good depth to Stuart McCall’s side. Michael Higdon has a big task ahead of him to fill John Sutton’s boots, but he is a good player with a good scoring record from last season. Motherwell had hoped to re-sign Gavin Gunning but he opted to join Dundee United. Nicky Law has started his Motherwell career in excellent fashion and may prove to be a great signing. Nicky Devlin appears to be have been signed with the future in mind, although Motherwell are a club with a reputation for giving younger players first team opportunities.

Rangers

IN: Kyle Bartley (loan); Alejandro Bedoya; Carlos Bocanegra; Dorin Goian; Matt McKay; Juan Manuel Ortiz; Lee Wallace

OUT: James Beattie; Madjid Bougherra; Archie Campbell; El-Hadji Diouf (end of loan); John Fleck (loan); Richard Foster (end of loan); Kyle Hutton (loan); Andrew Little (loan); Vladimir Weiss (end of loan)

Rangers perhaps haven’t made the sort of signings the fans would have expected following reports that Craig Whyte would be providing a high degree of transfer funds. Lee Wallace is a good young Scottish player but Rangers perhaps paid over the odds at £1.5m for him. Goian and Bocanegra bring with them a lot of experience but Ortiz is yet to impress the Rangers support. Kyle Bartley provides decent cover as he can play in defence and midfield, but still seems to be learning the game and at times can be a little petulant. Looking at the signings it would appear that Rangers have bought what some would call squad players, and not the kind of players who can make an impact on the first choice eleven. Hutton and Little will benefit from their loan experiences as will John Fleck, who was tipped for stardom but never made a great impact. Hopefully a good loan spell will get his development back on track. Holding on to Nikica Jelavic and Steven Davis will please the fans, but not the bank. Reports suggest Rangers rejected a last minute £9m bid for Jelavic from an unnamed English premier league side. The degree of truth in these reports however remains to be seen as, financially, Rangers are not in a position that they could turn this kind of money down.

St Johnstone

IN: Callum Davidson; Carl Finnigan; Willie Gibson (loan); Marcus Haber; Sean Higgins; Alan Mannus; David McCracken; David Robertson; Francisco Sandaza; Cillian Sheridan (loan); Frazer Wright

OUT: Scott Dobie; Michael Duberry; Danny Grainger; Danny Invincibile; Andy Jackson; Jonathan Lindsay; Peter MacDonald; Steven Milne; Jordan Robertson; Kevin Rutkiewicz; Colin Samuel; Graeme Smith; Cleveland Taylor

St Johnstone appear to have done some good business in this transfer window. The only notable losses seem to be Grainger and Duberry. St Johnstone’s biggest issue last season was a lack of goals but the signing of Sandaza may solve that problem. Sheridan and Gibson are capable of contributing goals also. Frazer Wright adds solidity to their defence and along with Callum Davidson provides good experience. Carl Finnigan looked a promising player at Falkirk and is still young so may yet develop further.

St Mirren

IN: Graham Carey; Ilias Haddad; Nigel Hasselbaink; Paul McGowan; Joe McKee (loan); Graeme Smith; Gary Teale; Jeroen Tesselaar; Steven Thompson

OUT: Garry Brady; Patrick Cregg; Craig Dargo; Paul Gallacher; Michael Higdon; Dominic Kennedy (loan); Sean Lynch; Jamie McKernon (loan); Paul McQuade; John Potter; Conor Ramsay; Jure Travner; Gareth Wardlaw

The Buddies have also done well in this summer’s transfer window. Securing a permanent deal for Paul McGowan was a great piece of business as he is a talented and creative player. The addition of Teale and Thompson should also excite the fans and Nigel Hasselbaink has started the season well. However St Mirren may miss the experience that was provided by John Potter, Paul Gallacher and Michael Higdon.

Best of the Rest - The Scottish Premier League Select (Outside the Old Firm)

Here I will attempt to pick a team of the best players currently playing in the SPL, out with the Old Firm. Due to the difficult nature of the task, two players have been selected for every position in a 4-4-2 formation. There are some notable exclusions from the team but admittedly that is due to a lack of knowledge regarding some teams and players which meant that an informed decision could not be made. Corrections and opinion are welcome.

GOALKEEPERS

Marian Kello (Hearts)

Kello is a reliable and athletic goalkeeper as well as a great shot stopper. He performed fantastically last season and was voted Hearts’ Players’ Player of the Season and Fans’ Player of the Season. He also picked up the Save of the Season award for a wonderful fingertip save to deny Rangers’ Steven Davis. Furthermore Kello kept twelve clean sheets in the league last year, putting him in 4^th place in the league charts.

Cammy Bell (Kilmarnock)

As a Kilmarnock supporter this may be viewed as a slightly biased choice as there are some top goalkeepers in the SPL. However the 24 year old has firmly established himself as the number one at Killie following speculation about his future during the summer. He is tall and strong and is an excellent shot stopper, saving Killie on a number of occasions. He is also willing to play the ball to feet from kicks, as is Killie’s style. He managed seven clean sheets last season and has two to his name so far this term. Regularly in the thoughts of Scotland manager Craig Levein, he earned his first and only cap in a friendly against the Faroe Islands.

Missing out:

Darren Randolph (Motherwell), Dusan Pernis (Dundee United), Paul Gallacher (Dunfermline), Peter Enckelman (St Johnstone)

DEFENDERS

Danny Grainger (Hearts, LB)

Even though he is still only 25 Grainger has a wealth of experience of playing in the SPL. He has turned out for Gretna, Dundee United, St Johnstone and Hearts. Very attack minded, he has the fitness and desire to get up and down the left flank. Defensively he is strong and a difficult man to beat. He also possesses a good left foot and is capable of good delivery.

Paul Dixon (Dundee United, LB)

A similar player to Grainger, Dixon also likes to get forward and contribute in attack. He notched up seven assists last season, a decent statistic for a defender. Previously voted Dundee United’s Young Player of the Year he has great potential to improve.

Jamie Hamill (Hearts, RB)

Another marauding full back, Hamill started out as a midfielder before moving to right back. Equally adept in attack and defence, Hamill has the ability to deliver good balls into the box, be it from open play or from a dead ball situation. Furthermore he is effective from the penalty spot and contributed a number of goals for Kilmarnock last season. However, he does have a knack of riling opposition players and fans and at times struggles with discipline. Last season he received the 2^nd most yellow cards in the league.

Tom Hateley (Motherwell, RB)

The son of ex-Rangers player Mark Hateley, Tom Hateley is another player who started out in midfield. He has since extablished himself as Motherwell’s first choice right back. Defensively he is strong but also has a good eye for a pass. Another player who can be dangerous in dead ball situations.

Marius Zaliukas (Hearts, CB)

The Hearts captain has been a consistent performer in the SPL since joining in 2006. He is big, strong and good in the tackle. He is also effective in the air and has good awareness and positioning.

Garry Kenneth (Dundee United, CB)

Similar to Zaliukas, Kenneth is very strong defensively and good in the air. Always a threat from corners, he occasionally likes to get forward and hit shots from range. Has been capped for Scotland and is a player Craig Levein admires and knows a lot about.

Shaun Hutchinson (Motherwell, CB)

The young English centre back has done very well to fill the void left by the departure of the consistent Mark Reynolds to Sheffield Wednesday. Has formed a good partnership at the heart of the defence with Stephen Craigan, and will certainly benefit from his experience. He is a difficult player to beat and is strong in the air. Great potential to improve.

Paul Hanlon (Hibernian, CB)

Hanlon is included, despite playing for Hibs, as he is a player with bags of potential. Currently Hibs’ vice-captain he has regularly represented Scotland at under-19 and under-21 level. Hasn’t made a great start to the season but would certainly benefit from better players round about him. John Hughes in particular regards Hanlon as a great prospect for the future.

Missing out:

Zdenek Kroca (Kilmarnock), Andy Webster, Darren Barr (Hearts), Mihael Kovacevic, Keith Watson, Sean Dillon, Barry Douglas (Dundee United), Steven Saunders, Stevie Hammell (Motherwell), Richard Foster (Aberdeen), Callum Booth (Hibs)

MIDFIELDERS

Andrew Driver (Hearts, LM)

Driver is a player that seems like he has been around forever, but is still only 23. He has good experience of playing in the SPL and is a quick skillful player. Possesses the ability to take a man on and can score goals. Previously been linked with call ups to the England and Scotland squads.

Danny Swanson (Dundee United, LM)

Overcame a heart bypass at the age of 13 to develop into one of the most consistent players in the SPL. Good on the ball, has an eye for a pass and can beat defenders one-on-one. Also has the ability to score good goals.

James Dayton (Kilmarnock, RM)

Dayton has started the season in great form and has bounced back well after suffering cruciate ligament damage a year ago. Another quick and skillful player he can at times ghost past opposition players. Provides good service to the strikers and can be dangerous from dead ball scenarios. Capable of scoring great goals.

Jonny Hayes (Inverness Caley Thistle, RM)

Similar to Dayton, Hayes likes to run with the ball and likes to cut inside to utilise his very good left foot. Contributes both goals and assists and scored one of the goals of the season last year, a 25 yard screamer against Rangers. Consistently one of Inverness’ best performers.

Keith Lasley (Motherwell, CM)

The “Housewife’s Favourite” is currently in his second spell at Motherwell following time down south at Plymouth Argyle. Highly regarded in Scotland, by Motherwell and opposition players alike, Lasley consistently turns in good performances. He is reliable, maintains possession well and keeps things simple. Technically gifted and is particularly adept at passing. Perhaps would like to add more goals to his game.

Paul McGowan (St Mirren, CM)

McGowan is a very exciting talent and has great potential to go on to bigger things. He is comfortable on the ball and is able to find good positions on the pitch. A good passer he may be a future Scotland player (according to Chick Young) if he can maintain the form he has started the season in. Another player with the ability to score great goals.

Murray Davidson (St Johnstone, CM)

Davidson’s career didn’t get off to a great start, receiving red cards in his first two appearances for Livingston. However he did manage to impress after this and moved to St Johnstone. Was recently courted by Rangers following a series of good performances last season. However a bid was rejected as it did not meet St Johnstone’s valuation. Has been included in Scotland squads and looks to be a good young prospect. Derek McInnes describes Davidson as a competitive and confident player.

Ian Murray (Hibernian, CM)

The former Rangers player is currently in his second spell at Hibs and is an experienced player. Strong and competitive, Murray is comfortable playing in a number of positions and is a natural leader on the pitch.

Missing out: 

David Wotherspoon (Hibs), Jody Morris (St Johnstone), Eggert Jonsson, Ryan Stevenson, Ian Black, Mehdi Taouil, David Templeton, Rudi Skacel (Hearts), Scott Robertson, John Rankin, Scott Allan (Dundee United), Steve Jennings, Nicky Law (Motherwell), Liam Kelly, Manuel Pascali (Kilmarnock), Fraser Fyvie, Peter Pawlett (Aberdeen), Martin Hardie (Dunfermline)

STRIKERS

John Sutton (Hearts)

Sutton is a big strong player who fits into the target man mould for a striker. Very good in the air and is a handful for defenders. Scored 17 goals in the league last season for Motherwell.

Michael Higdon (Motherwell)

Something of a relegation specialist, Higdon scored the goal to keep Falkirk in the SPL in 2009 and last season scored 14 crucial goals to help St Mirren fight off relegation.  Higdon was signed as John Sutton’s replacement at Motherwell this season and is a similar type of player.

Jamie Murphy (Motherwell)

Murphy is a player with lots of potential and has represented Scotland at under-19 and under-21 level. He is skillful, composed and an accomplished finisher. Motherwell’s leading European goal scorer, Murphy has been linked with a move down south but doesn’t look likely to move in this transfer window. He can also play out wide and may go on to bigger and better things.

Garry O’Connor (Hibernian)

O’Connor has started this season in fine form and has scored three goals in four games since re-signing for Hibs. Has played in top leagues in Russia and England and has great experience. He has a decent scoring record for Scotland with four in 16 but has never been able to secure a regular place in the squad. He's capable of causing defences a number of problems and is a confident finisher.

Missing out:

Scott Vernon (Aberdeen), Richie Foran (Inverness), Nigel Hasselbaink (St Mirren), Kevin Kyle, Stephen Elliott (Hearts), Jon Daly, Johnny Russell (Dundee United)

MANAGER

Derek McInnes (St Johnstone)

At 40 McInnes is still a young manager and has great potential. He has worked under a number of different managers and will have learned different things from each one. He has done a great job so far at St Johnstone and has rejected a number of more lucrative jobs from clubs in England. He is able to get the best out of his players and would do well at a club with greater resources.

Looking at this team it is clear to see why Hearts are regarded as the 3^rd best team in the SPL. There are a number of good players currently in the SPL and some of the younger players look like they have the potential to develop a good career in football. However, this team probably still wouldn’t challenge the stranglehold the Old Firm currently has on Scottish football.

An In-Depth Look at Conor Sammon

Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images Europe

Conor Sammon began his footballing career at the relatively unknown Dublin club Cherry Orchard whose former players include Andy Reid and Willo Flood. He has since developed into a promising goal scorer plying his trade in one of the biggest leagues in the world.  In 2005 he earned a scholarship with University College Dublin (UCD) who play in the League of Ireland Premier Division. The ‘Sammon of College’ notched up 83 appearances and 19 goals in all competitions during his spell there, including the winner in an FAI cup match against Derry City. His performances at UCD impressed Derry who promptly signed him in December 2007. However Sammon’s appearances at Derry were limited and he was rarely considered for a starting place. He made just 20 appearances in his one season at Derry but managed to score a respectable seven goals in that time.

In July 2008 Kilmarnock fought off competition from Hamilton Academical, as well as a number of other SPL sides, to secure the signing of Conor Sammon from Derry for an undisclosed fee. His competitive debut came in a 1-0 defeat of Hibernian in the league and his first goals came soon after, scoring a double in the 4-2 league cup win over Aberdeen. However in his first two seasons he managed only seven goals in 47 appearances and found his starting opportunities limited. This may have been due to the relatively large step up from Irish League football to the SPL which the former bank teller took some time to adjust to. Furthermore Jim Jeffries, the Kilmarnock manager at the time, often played him in wide areas to accommodate other players, notably Kevin Kyle who was pivotal in Kilmarnock avoiding relegation during the 08-09 and 09-10 seasons. Sammon really came to life in the 10-11 season following the departure of Kyle who joined Jeffries at Hearts. Given a more central role and greater guidance by Mixu Paatelainen, Sammon netted an impressive 18 goals in 27 games and became one of the first names on the Killie team sheet. He particularly thrived while playing with Alexei Eremenko, whose skill and passing ability created a number of chances for the Irish striker. His goal scoring and good performances led to interest from a number of clubs and Kilmarnock rejected an offer from Derby County before accepting a bid from Scunthorpe United. However he rejected a contract offer from the Iron as he felt that the move was not right for him at the time.

On January 31^st 2011 Sammon signed for Wigan Athletic for a reported £600,000, a bargain for a player who was at the time second top goal scorer in the SPL. He joined fellow former SPL players Gary Caldwell, James McCarthy and James McArthur at the Latics. The 24 year old had to wait until March 5^th to make his first team debut, coming on as a substitute in a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City, a game in which he very nearly scored. This was followed by a number of substitute appearances including a 0-0 draw with Tottenham Hotspur where he came very close to opening his Wigan account. His first goal came during one of the most entertaining games of the season. He came on at half time while 2-0 down to West Ham and showed great composure and awareness to score the equaliser in a 3-2 victory for Wigan. This earned him his first start in the following game against Stoke City, a game which Wigan won to remain in the English Premier League.

Internationally, Sammon has been limited to three appearances for the Republic of Ireland under-21s and one for the under-23s, but if he continues to develop in the same fashion as last season it may not be too long before he is on Giovanni Trapattoni’s radar. However he has to contend with the likes of West Bromwich Albion's Shane Long, and the established Kevin Doyle and Robbie Keane for a place in the team.

If he can get a run in the Wigan team, Sammon may be able to recapture the form he showed for Kilmarnock at the start of last season. He is quick, has good feet and is a composed finisher, attributes which will assist him in scoring goals this season. The departure of Charles N’Zogbia to Aston Villa may lead to more opportunities for him to start and playing with the likes of James McCarthy and the improving Victor Moses will be of great benefit to him. However Roberto Martinez currently doesn’t seem to know who to select between Sammon and Franco Di Santo. In Wigan’s pre-season games they have both played one half each, with one replacing the other. Sammon must use the opportunities he is given to impress Martinez and earn a regular starting berth. He has quickly established himself as a popular figure among the Latics support and will hope to repay them with goals this season.

Craig Hewitt