All credit to Gallagher, it looks as though his loan spell might have done him some good, here is what the Mercury reports; Leicester City assistant manager Craig Shakespeare has praised midfielder Paul Gallagher for fighting his way back into the first-team frame. After making three consecutive substitute appearances over the festive period, the 28-year-old Gallagher could be in contention to make only his second start of the campaign when Burton Albion visit the King Power Stadium tomorrow, in the third round of the FA Cup. Gallagher's only other start came against the same side in City's shock Capital One Cup defeat in August. That led to a spell on loan at Sheffield United and the Scottish international didn't feature again for City until he came on as a second-half substitute at Hull on Boxing Day. Shakespeare said Gallagher had never been out of the first-team frame and had fought his way back into contention. "He hasn't been out of the picture with us as staff or the players," said Shakespeare. "Since he came back from Sheffield United he has trained with us every day. "I have to say his attitude and application in training has been first class. "Sometimes players force their way into it rather than de-select themselves. Paul has forced his way in with his performances. "Yes, he has had to be patient but we have never forgotten what Paul is capable of." Central midfielder Matty James has also taken his chance in the last three games after making only his second start since September at Hull. Shakespeare said James was an example of the type of player they had worked so hard to bring into the club over the past year. "Players like to be judged over three or four games, not just one and then back out," he said. "Matty is getting better and better. He has not missed a day's training since he joined the club and is a tremendous lad to have around. "He leads by example, trains properly and has a pedigree about him. "There has been a lot of transition within the squad, changing the mentality of the squad, changing the personalities of the dressing room. "They are a pleasure to work with now. We are pushing forward."
If we can get the Gally that played under Sven then he will be like a new signing. Dont get me wrong Gally isnt good enough to start every week but he is a decent squad player
Whatever you think of Gallagher ability wise, you can't argue with his commitment to the club. Sure, it might not be on show whilst on the pitch but he doesn't mind playing the squad player role and has never complained, unlike certain players I can think of. That's not to mention the unnecessary abuse from our fans.
I always say that Gally, on his day, is one of the most technically gifted players in the squad and one of the most naturally talented players I have seen at Leicester in a long time. Trouble is he doesn't do it week in, week out. Agree with the above that he is a fantastic squad player to have around.
Messrs Stringer and Young will be pleased now their favourite is back - feel sorry for Knocky though as he's youngys next target after what I heard from the Burnley game.
I think Young likes Knockhaert but it frustrates him that Knocky isn't interested in the defensive side of the game.
Thing about Gally is that he is excellent in and for the squad. Puts a smile on peoples faces with his wise cracks and wind ups. Happy players are more likely to perform. Always capable of the spectacular goal as well.
It's a team sport. You defend or attack as a team. If Nugent, Wood, Knockhaert and Marshall don't both going back to defend, you could be leaving six against ten. Fortunately, the other ATTACKING players don't have his attitude.
When we are defending at times Knockaert can be a bit of a liability. Nigel has acknowledged this and he said its a case of the good things outweighing the bad Knockaert brings a hell of alot more to the team then he costs us
