MOTHERWELL manager Stephen Robinson says Ryan Bowman has given him serious food for thought with his early-season form.

The former Gateshead striker only scored two goals last season and his last-minute celebration after a penalty in a 3-2 defeat by Inverness on the final day did not go down well with Robinson.

But the 25-year-old matched his tally for last term in a 22-minute appearance on the first day of this season as he struck two well-taken goals against Queen’s Park in a 5-1 Betfred Cup victory at Hampden.

Bowman’s three pre-season goals failed to get him a start ahead with Alex Fisher and Craig Tanner up front but the forward looks set to contribute in the coming weeks.

Robinson said: “We wanted more game time into the legs of Alex Fisher and Tans and they both did really well but Bowie has come on and stepped up to the plate and scored two great goals.

“The word we keep using at the football club is ‘together’.

“We have a small squad and people will get chances to play football. When you get your chance, take it, and Bowie has certainly done that.

“They were two great finishes. We have a small squad and we want competition for places.”