Spike, a well written and well balanced piece, - and I particularly note what you said about Harkins not being impressed when he was subbed against Ross County.

However, - personal egos are not the issue here, - it is about what is best for the entire team. Harkins and Dobbie need to be protected too from overplaying and potential knocks and especially given their advanced years (for a footballer,) - it would make the greatest of sense to suggest to them that after an hour or so, - we may be looking to sub you, - which should be accepted by them.

Harkins was not impressed at being replaced in the Ross County game (and neither was I) because he was one of our more effective players in the second period - and that may have impacted on the manager's decision last week at Thistle.

However, - the bottom line is this and there can be no ifs or buts about it, - if the team is losing and the best eleven are not producing the goods, then the team needs freshening up right reason or none.

Who the manager chooses to replace is entirely up to him, - but I'd have thought that there are several glaring options; 1) the player (s) who are not as effective because of the opposition or illness or a plethora of other possibilities and 2) the player (s) who is fading simply because he has given his all and he can't do any more.

Dykes was a prime candidate for substitution against Ross County because the boy was knackered and he'd been battered by the Ross County defence, but surprisingly Harkins was hooked?

Equally against St. Johnstone, - the entire team had given 100% and if it hadn't been for the potential for penalties, (and the best takers being on the pitch) - then anyone could have been taken off, - simply to provide fresh legs.

So to conclude, I understand and accept your argument,- but the manger must take cognisance of the greater good, - which is maximising the points on the board.

Extra fans are not going to come to Palmerston because the manager is an expert at massaging egos!