Evan Khouri

Although the result tonight should be all about the team and the fact that everyone who stepped onto the pitch tonight gave it everything, I was tempted to post something about Khouri two games ago but opted out but I think he's earned a personal shout out for his start to this season.

He's had a lot of hype since arriving about his potential and despite a few good appearances here and there, I don't think prior to this season he's really shown anything with consistency that he'll go on in the game. Now being given a real chance and run of games he's paying that back and showing what he's about. Fantastic work rate, brave and not bad on the ball. Still young, he's only going to get better the more he plays which is great for us.

Someone referenced it - possibly in jest - about who Davies, Luker and Thompson are but when they are fit again it is genuinely going to give DA a headache who to take out and I don't think Khouri is the one who should be sacrificed. If he can now move his performances on to include more 'killer' passes and/or assists and even a goal or two here and there then he surely will be viewed as one for moving on for a relatively nice fee.

For the moment I'm simply buzzing for the lad that his previous potential is starting to turn into real, consistent contribution to the team and developing into an important player. Well done to him and all involved in his development over the last few seasons.

He's certainly gone from strength to strength and seems a lot stronger and quicker than I remember. That said, he's not played a huge amount over the past couple of years so that's probably just to be expected! Hopefully he can keep his fitness up and, if he does, it wouldn't surprise me if he has one or two suitors at the end of the season.

He's certainly benefitting from a good run in the side, (touches wood) injury free.

Showing what a quality footballer he is, and if he can stay fit will go on to have a great career.

Khouri and McJannet have been the standouts so far this season

Remember we’re a “selling club” and based upon his start to the season if Evan continues to impress he’ll court interest.

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

Khouri and McJannet have been the standouts so far this season

McEachran for me. Heartbeat of the team, rarely loses possession or misses a pass.

MOM tonight for me and seems to have gotten better and better so far this season.  The best bit is that he’s now playing more going forward and showing a creative side rather than just defending.  A real player there

He was the best player on the pitch against a really good side, he won the battles and they were visibly frustrated by him.

Massively impressed with him.

Don't forget Green too who's come on leaps and bounds in a slightly different role thanks to McEachran who's now sat in the defensive/deep lying role. But yes Khouri has been our top performer this season

A quote from the Gillingham forum :

Grimsby were absolutely excellent today. They just completely shut us down tonight, pressing us off our rhythm, forced us into long, hurried passes which didn't (and rarely do) pay off - they defended their box brilliantly on the ground and in the air. Not saying they are better than us - I don't think they are man-for-man (although I'd take that Evan Khouri in a heartbeat - he was superb) - but there is no doubt they tactically stifled everything. Credit to Artell and their tacticians - the were outstanding defensively and everyone fought for the cause - 21 blocks, 12 of which were in or around their box!

Always thought he looked a good player. Never had a decent run of games under PH.