Key Highlights
- Dan Barlaser believes Ben Gannon-Doak has the potential to be a key player for the Scotland national team.
- Gannon-Doak scored three goals and provided seven assists in 24 appearances for Middlesbrough on loan from Liverpool.
- The 20-year-old wideman has played ten times for Scotland since his debut, registering one assist in a recent match.
- Barlaser is optimistic about Gannon-Doak’s future with Bournemouth and potential long-term success with the Scottish national team.
Hibernian Midfielder Backs Scotland Mainstay Potential for Bournemouth’s £20m Man
According to Hibernian midfielder Dan Barlaser, Ben Gannon-Doak has all the attributes necessary to become a mainstay of the Scotland national team. Gannon-Doak, who is currently on loan at Easter Road from Middlesbrough, impressed Barlaser during his time with the Riverside club last season.
Impressions from Riverside
“Yeah, it was easy playing with him, just give him the ball! He was rapid, wasn’t he? I gave him the ball to feet or played him into space, and he did the rest, so yeah, he was really good,” Barlaser explained. “I think with youngsters like that, they’re just so confident and with his pace, he’s one of the fastest people I’ve played with. So he can use his pace very well.”
Move to Bournemouth
Since making his debut for the Cherries in August 2023, Gannon-Doak has played ten times for Scotland and registered an assist in a 3-1 victory over Fulham. Barlaser is optimistic about his future with both Bournemouth and the national team: “I think the move to Bournemouth suits him, the way that he plays. Hopefully, he can do very well.” He added, “He can definitely be a Scotland mainstay – if he stays fit.”
Recent Injuries
Gannon-Doak has had recent injury problems, including a hamstring injury and a meniscus tear. These injuries have sidelined him for significant periods in the past, potentially affecting his chances of representing Scotland at major tournaments such as Euro 2024.
Expert Analysis
While Barlaser is confident in Gannon-Doak’s abilities, it remains to be seen how consistent he can be on the pitch. “People who are that fast tend to have more injuries like that,” Barlaser acknowledged. “But if he stays fit, I think he could do very well.”
For now, fans and football enthusiasts will be keeping a close eye on Gannon-Doak’s progress with Bournemouth and his potential contributions to the Scotland national team in the years to come.
