I've been critical of Hecky's substitutions this season

But he's got them spot on today.

He's been talking about game management when seeing games out, but some of that is on him too. Thiam seems capable of terrorising tired defences. Young Bird seems ready for regular first team action. The two have complemented each other well as Thiam also seems capable of holding onto the ball allowing others to get forward. Hedges is just a great player and useful to have on the bench.

You reds

 

Spot on

 

Bird isn't quite ready - hence Gardener from Villa.
But Bird needs game time because he's only going to get better.

 

I reckon he could do a job from the bench when seeing out a game. He's a more defense minded midfield player than Potts, Moncur and I suppose McGeehan too, so he's a useful option to use primarily from the bench for now. 30 minutes here and there will do him the world of good for now I reckon.