TONY Rougier has made the most of his new lease of life as a striker.

Having initially filled in when Tony Naylor and Carl Griffiths were unavailable, and with Marcus Bent on his way to Sheffield United, Rougier was pushed forward from his customary position wide on the right.

He now shares the position of leading scorer with player-coach Martin Foyle with six goals, his strike partner.

Rougier is a big, strong and forceful player, who arrived at Vale Park from Hibs for £270,000 having previously been with Raith Rovers.

As such, he is a perfect foil for Foyle, who prefers the role of poacher, ghosting into the penalty area undetected.

But Rougier, the captain of Trinidad and Tobago, would appear to shirk his defensive duties, especially when his Carling Opta stats are compared to Rovers' own man-of-the-moment Damien Duff.

While Duff, who was out of favour and short of confidence under Brian Kidd, has only featured for around half the time of Rougier.

And it has to be remembered that some of Rougier's time, has been spent away from his customary wing role.

But, for such as imposing physique, a total of 22 tackles made and only 14 clearances when compared to Duffs 18 tackles with 20 clearances, would suggest that Rougier is much happier going forward than tracking back.

Duff is also more comfortable delivering the ball from wide positions, whereas Rougier prefers to run directly at the opposition defence. Duff's 102 crosses to Rougier's 60 bear this out and Duff has already totted up four assists compared to Rougier's three. A total of 108 dribbles, with a completion rate of 69 per cent, bears testimony to that fact.

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