Gary Irvine Or Willie Dyer?

[Ludo*1]

Solid, dependable, gives his all and clearly loves the club.

Playing in a position he has no right to play in, he's made the LB position his own with some very good performances.

Yet at the games and on here, he's the first person in the firing line if thing's go wrong. Do you think he'll ever be able to shake off the 'boo boys favourite' tag?

Granted, he's not a wonderful player who's worth paying the entrance fee for and he will occasionally make mistakes but does he deserve the abuse/criticism/whatever you deem it to be? The guy is nearing on 200 games for us in all competitions (By my reckoning, he's around 25 games away using soccerbase as a rough guide and considering the fact it doesn't count Challenge Cup games) and that in itself has to be respected.

It's improved a lot this season because a lot of people take him how they see him. Still feel a sizeable bunch go against him or don't want to like him because of prior judgements regardless how he plays though. I could be wrong on that front though.

Thoughts?

ETA: Thought I'd add in a wee poll whilst I'm at it.

[BCram]

He should be able to shake off the "Boo Boys Favourite!" tag, if he carries on putting in the performances. Don't forget, too, that it was his cross that gave Peaso the scoring header against Dumbarton.

Deserves some stick for mistakes, but I think his performances this year are working in his favour, and he will lose the "favourite" tag.

[Ludo*1]

Changed the topic slightly and added a poll that might prove a stimulus for more discussion. As it is, I realise we need a new LB, but Gary Irvine should be first choice until a quality LB is signed as he's done very well there. Think Irvine is good quality back-up.

[Cobra]

Irvine has done little wrong at left back. I'd keep him there for the rest of the season.

[MainStandMenace]

I've posted something not to dissimilar to yourself on another topic Ludo 

Irvine gets the nod from me also

[chomp my root]

I've not seen Dyer play for a while so I'm not sure where he stands V Irvine so would be difficult to say but he seems to have found a new lease of life as a LB. Irvine hasn't done anything to be dropped for me so unless Dyer is completely out playing him in training he should wait his turn as others have had to. FWIW, I think Dyer started off well this season, better than I expected but I'm sure PH will know who to play.

[Edin_Dee]

I am more than happy for Irvine to be our left back for the rest of the season at least. Defencively he has been first class this season. He does a lot of work which goes unnoticed when you are at the game and its not until you watch the highlights back you realise. In our first season up when the main goal is to avoid relegation he is exactly the sort of player you want in your team.

Don't think Dyer is the answer for long term so I would sooner sign a new natural sided left back for next season and keep Irvine as backup.  

A lot talk about Clarkson being a good role model for Wighton but Irvine must be just as big a role model for McGinn and Kerr.

[Wattie Rojas]

Irvine's form since bomber and especially Hartley came in has improved unbelievably from previously. I thought he was rotten for nigh on 2 seasons so deserves credit for turning things around. His form at left back has been especially good. He's even making runs into the opposition box quite often and set up clarksons goal vs celtic. Quite happy with him ahead of dyer atm.

[Gedee]

I never thought Garry Irvine would really ever come good for me. And that time when he appeared to be holding back from signing...........(was that aroond twa seasons ago? ) Well that put me right off him.

But he certainly is regularly doing the business now and I would see no reason to drop him.

Don't no too much about Dyer's recent performances.

[JDee]

Irvine is rotten. Dyer in just now, with a replacement needed.

[Guest]

Dyer is far to one footed if a winger cuts inside him he is beat, Irvine everytime for me.

[Attilio]

Don't think Dyer could have done any better than Irvine has tbh. Not the time to be messing around with these positions for the sake of it.