Declan Caddell expecting interest in goal machine Fraser Bryden and insists he won't stand in his way if a ‘bigger and better’ move materialises
Crusaders manager Declan Caddell says he will not stand in Fraser Bryden’s way if the striker receives an offer in January that progresses his career.
The marksman made it 13 goals for the season as he found the back of the net four times as Crusaders ran out 4-1 victors against Glenavon at Seaview.
Bryden netted twice within a two-minute spell in the first-half as he showed his clinical edge in front of goal, before he completed his hat-trick after the break when he lashed home after being picked out by Adam Brooks.
Despite Kyle McClelland pulling a goal back for the Lurgan Blues, the lively Bryden had the final say when he latched onto a ball over the top and rifled a shot into the net.
Bryden’s form is similar to that of Kieran Offord who made a bright start to life at Seaview last season when on loan from St Mirren.
The Scotsman was then involved in a transfer tug-of-war but it was Linfield who won his services for a six-figure sum last January.
However, Caddell is confident that a “content” Bryden will see his future in north Belfast.
"Listen, they're my players,” he stressed. You always want the best for them.
"If there's a bigger and better opportunity for my players, I'd be the first one to push them out the door.
"I'm not selfish whatsoever that way. If they're able to move on to bigger and better things than we can provide here, then brilliant.
"I've been part of their journey and that's what I am as a coach. I try to develop young players and let them lift the levels and move on to bigger and better things.
"I've managed to do that the past year and the coaching staff have managed to do that the past year.
"For me, he's a Crusaders player at the minute. He'll remain a Crusaders player at the minute. There will be interest around him, but he's content.
"He's a good lad, he's an honest lad, he'll want to develop and he'll always make the right choice as it comes along what's best for him.”
The victory was Crusaders’ first in the Premiership this season as they leapfrogged Portadown up to 10th in the standings in the process.
Caddell believes that his young side are continuing to learn as they go along in a bid to climb the table.
He stated: "Yeah, good to get that monkey off the back with our first home win of the season.
"We had one draw, four losses, but I think some of them games we actually played quite well in and didn't get the result.
"We've played better throughout the season, I think, than we did today. But one thing we were today was clinical.
"I think in the final third, once we opened up with our passing and the movement, especially the first three goals were exceptional.
"Fraser will always get the highlights after scoring four...so, three points and an all round good performance.
"The boys are all familiar with each other, they're all in the same age group, they're still young lads and they're still learning."