Keeping Kane Hester at Elgin City could be a challenge for manager Gavin Price on current form
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KANE Hester’s sharp-shooting form for Elgin City will be attracting the attention of bigger clubs, says manager Gavin Price.
Price says he is making bigger demands on his leading goalscorer and every other member of his squad, and everyone is responding to the challenge.
In Hester’s case, he has netted ten goals in seven games between pre-season and Elgin’s competitive matches, and his manager feels he is constantly improving.
“Kane just keeps getting better and better,” he said. “He’s a likeable boy and he’s another one that I’m never off his back but I think it’s a benefit for him.
“It’s not just his finishing, his pace and his link-up play and his movement is getting better.
“If he keeps on going we will struggle to keep hold of him.”
Elgin beat Brechin 3-0 at Borough Briggs on Saturday with Hester scoring twice. The win satisfied Price, though he was vociferous from his seat in the stand throughout a first 45 minutes where he felt his team didn’t rise to the standards expected. Winger Conor O’Keefe set up Brian Cameron’s first half opener but bore the brunt of his gaffer’s frustration.
“Conor has created the first goal and I’ve had a right go at him at half time, and I won’t apologise for that,” Price said.
“I know how good a player he is and what he can do to other teams and I do demand more from him. I want him to do better and to realise the real potential he has as a player.
“He can absolutely destroy teams with his pace and in the second half he played the game on the front foot and he was a different player. He is so important to the way we play and it allows other people to play.
“The demands I put on, I think are justified. That’s how we all get better if we keep demanding more from them.”
Price did have some consoling words for striker Smart Osadolor after an incredible close range miss in between Hester’s two second half goals.
“He had a wee chance and he’s a bit upset with that one.
“I’ve been there. I’ve been a striker and had similar experiences so I know how he feels. It will come for him.
“I have no worries. Smart will score goals for us.”
Price knows Saturday’s hosts Edinburgh City will provide a sterner test.
“We know they have a settled squad similar to ourselves and it will be a very difficult fixture.
“Every game is going to be a new challenge.”
