'He’s feeding off scraps': Oran Kearney predicts there's more to come from Ballymena United talisman
Ballymena United manager Oran Kearney has hailed Igor Rutkowski’s start to life at the Sky Blues after his brace helped seal Saturday’s 2-1 Premiership win over Carrick Rangers – but insists the striker brings far more to the table than just goals.
Since joining from Armagh City in January, Rutkowski has scored eight times in 10 league appearances, taking a top-flight step in his stride.
The 21-year-old finished off from close range after Kian Corbally’s initial strike had rebounded off the post before showing composure from the penalty spot to double Ballymena’s weekend lead.
Carrick ensured there would be a nervy finish for the hosts as Danny Gibson also converted from the spot, but Ballymena held on to secure what was only a third win in 14 league games under former Coleraine chief Kearney.
The result has helped ease Ballymena’s potential relegation fears – they’re now eight points clear of 11th-placed Glenavon – and Kearney predicts there’s even more to come from talisman Rutkowski.
"He has (had a great start to life here), and as I said last week and I've said it in weeks gone by, he’s feeding off scraps, to be honest,” he said. “Today, he hasn't had many opportunities, he hasn't had many chances, but again, that's a sign of a good striker.
"I think what he's brought to us as a team, particularly on the pitch, I guess he gives us an outlet, he gives us an ability to get up the pitch.
"He's technically a lot better than people give him credit for as well, he's good on the ground.
"He’s only 21, a long way to go, but we're happy with his progress, and if he keeps going the way he is, I think we'll be more than happy with him.
"(His first goal is) a good finish from Igor. People will say it's a tap in, but Igor makes the first pass to Kian and he could easily stand still and hope that Kian scores.
"He runs 15 yards thinking that something might break...that's what all good strikers do.
"The goals changed us as well. I said it to them after, there's been no pressure from our side.
"The changing room has been really calm since we've come in. Everything's been good attitude, everything's been brilliant, and we're not ramping any pressure on players in there."