Joe Dodoo’s praise at Blackpool couldn’t have come at a better time for the on-loan Rangers man.
Dodoo hasn’t had much luck since swapping Glasgow for Lancashire in the summer. The Gers flop is spending a year on-loan in England’s League One, and needs to make a big impression to have any chance at Ibrox upon his return.
It hasn’t started particularly well, but finally Dodoo got a big break at the weekend. The Englishman started for the Seasiders against Exeter in the FA Cup on Saturday. He also managed to bag the opening goal with a terrific header.
His manager, Terry McPhillips, took the time post-match to praise the Rangers man for his contribution.
“I’m delighted for him because he hasn’t played as much as he wants to and he’s let me know that to be fair. He’s had his go and he’s done himself no harm, has he? I thought he was outstanding.”
Deserves a break
If there’s one Rangers loanee who could certainly do with his break it’s Dodoo. He’s found the going tough down in Lancashire since moving in the summer, at a time when he really needs to start making an impact too.
So far, Dodoo has managed just 10 appearances out of a possible 23 down south. His goal against Exeter on Saturday was also only his second since joining the club in the summer.
That follows a six-month loan spell at Charlton last season where he only bagged two goals in eight appearances. Five of those matches were from the bench.
Hopefully, now, Dodoo can finally get himself a run in the side at Blackpool. If he’s ever going to make it at Ibrox, and it isn’t looking likely, he needs to start seriously impressing new loan manager Billy Kirkwood.
Greg Docherty is the only current loan star seriously making waves at his new club this season. If Dodoo could get himself on that list, it would certainly reflect well on him. It’s important to remember, however, that this is only praise based on one performance. Whether Dodoo can perform consistently for Blackpool remains to be seen.
For now, however, it’s good to see his contribution down in England is being recognised, even if it’s taken a while.
