BURTON Albion boss Paul Peschisolido has admitted axing skipper John McGrath was one of the toughest decisions of his managerial career.
The 30-year-old Irishman had been a virtual ever-present since being recruited by former manager Nigel Clough from Tamworth three years ago, clocking up more than a century of consecutive appearances before a minor injury spoiled his run.
McGrath’s only other absence from Albion’s starting line-up in a league game was last season when a motorway snarlup delayed his arrival for a home game.
On Saturday, however, McGrath had to suffer the disappointment of seeing his name being left off the team-sheet for the Pirelli Stadium clash with Morecambe, although his exile to the substitutes’ bench proved to briefer than he probably expected.
The former Aston Villa player was omitted as Peschisolido opted for a more attack-minded midfield department in response to goalless draws against Oxford United and Barnet.
The Brewers boss got the result he wanted as Albion ran out 3-2 winners — their first League Two three-pointer of the season.
However, Peschisolido was quick to praise McGrath’s efforts from the substitutes’ bench — and insists he remains a major part of his plans.
The Canadian said: “I’m a massive fan of John McGrath and leaving him out out the side was a very difficult decision to take. Last season he was superb for us, but I just felt on this occasion that the team that I picked was the one to go on and win the game.
“What was positive was that Macca kept his head up, he didn’t moan and didn’t sulk, and 30 minutes into the game he had to go on.
“That’s what you need — someone prepared and ready to go out there from the bench and do his stuff when he gets the chance.
“He helped us to deal with Morecambe’s extra numbers and movement in midfield and played a big part in getting us to get the three points.” McGrath got his chance to impress after an injury to full-back Paul Boertien forced the Brewers to shuffle their pack in the first half.
Boertien has already been described as “extremely doubtful” for Saturday’s trip to Cheltenham Town.
Peschisolido said: “Boerts came off with a calf problem and he’s going to have a scan to see how serious it is.
“If it’s a tear, we could be looking at him being out of the side for up to three weeks.
“That would be a disappointment, but fortunately we have Aaron Webster who can carry on at left-back where he left off at the weekend.
