Beerman has done well. Holds his position well for the most part and got forward when he could. He stood up well to the physical challenge of Salmon in the Killie game and wasn't ripped by either of the sheep who played out wide. He did get caught with 1 or 2 long diagonals over the top but as his experience grows so will his confidence and those mistakes will become less and less. Could well turn out to be more than decent.
Bates doesn't seem too confident with the ball at his feet at times. He takes up good defensive positions. For the moment he has to concentrate on winning the ball and knowing when to pass it or to clear his lines. The old mantra should be instilled into him 'if in doubt, clear it out'. He hasn't let himself or us down. Two games two clean sheets. Given guidance, time and some confidence he could be a half decent no nonsense CB.
Considering I've watched some horror defending in the last eighteen months overall both lads have done well. Coming from U'20s football to first team football away to Killie and the sheep is a huge jump in standard and they both deserve some credit. The best compliment I can give them is in a defensive sense Kiernan and Wallace weren't missed in either game.
The acid test will be would I pick them against the bheast. Beerman, yes. Bates, no. I'd hope Clint Hill was back for that one.