Hoops full back Peter Ramage is putting his faith in on-loan striker Heidar Helguson to spark a charge up the Championship table, writes Chris Cottrell.
Finnish international Helguson has signed until January and will boost the attacking options in the squad who, after Saturday's 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace, have failed to score an away goal for eight matches.
The striker made his first appearance in blue and white as a half-time substitute in Saturday's game but didn't get off to the best start - he missed an open goal with his first kick.
"The chance for Heidar came too early for him - just as he had come on," said Ramage. "He's a top quality player and his holdup play is excellent. "Hopefully he'll give us that little bit of extra Premiership experience to fire us up the league.".
And with manager Paulo Sousa expected to bring in more new faces in the January transfer window, Ramage welcomes the competition for places they will bring. "If the manager strengthens in January it will only help us," said the full-back. "It keeps you on your toes. If you don't play well, there's someone to take your place."
Apart from Helguson's chance, the Hoops did not create any clear cut opportunities and Ramage conceded the team was still adapting to the new formation favoured by Sousa.
"There's not a lot of difference in the way he goes about training," said Ramage. "It's the same philosophy - to start solidly from the back and try to get our forward players on the ball and express themselves."
