Impressive duo are in contention

Mar 6 2008 by Ian Cheveau, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

WIDNES now have the kind of selection headache he doesn’t mind ahead of their coach National League One season with the growing competition in the half-back and fullback positions.

This follows impressive displays against Blackpool by sub “No7” John Duffy and also Scott Yates as the last line of defence.

He said: “John has only trained with us for half an hour and has come in and done very well. He is a quality player and one who will get better for us.

“He has been with us just a few days and he’s got over for two tries and been behind a lot of organising – so he’s done well.

“We have a lot of competition for places now in the halves. Bob Beswick has been playing at seven and we have John, Lee Paterson, Steven Roper and Tim Hartley all competing for those places so it’s a good position to be in.”

McCormack reckons Yates has put regular fullback Ian Hardman under pressure with a scintillating display behind the Widnes defensive line.

McCormack added: ‘I thought Scott was our best player. He has been chomping on the bit all season and has been itching for a start and I gave him the chance and he has taken it.”