Now I'm sure someone will correct me if my stats are wrong, I believe that Luke Rooney has so far scored six goals in our five pre-season games, one of which he never played in. So simply put an average of 1.5 goal ratio per game. It look's to me that Hessy has got a good dilemma on his hands, because player's use the friendly game's to stake their place in the first team and starting line up. I've not been to any of the friendlies, so I will leave it to others to judge that have, however, currently by my reckoning I will be expecting to see Rooney in the starting line up, when I take my seat at Priestfield on the 6th August. Views please based on his current pre-season performance...
Don't think he should be anywhere near the starting line up. We've got far better midfield options now ahead of Rooney. He was generally poor last season with occasional exceptions when coming on as a late substitute. A few goals against lowly opposition does not change my opinion.
I dont think he will start. We have'nt bought Kedwell and Birchall to sit on the bench and the quality of opposition has not been great so far. It may be that Kedwell and Birchall are more high profile and the opposition are marking them more i dont know. Its great he is scoring and provides competition for places but no more than that.
Sorry to be annoying but the ratio is lower than 1.5. However if you round it up a bit it is close to 1.5.
The problem with Rooney is that he has been in this form for the last 2 pre-seasons. His pace and trickery can fool defences at non league level but during the season he just isn't the same player. Last year he scored 7 in the 10 or so games that we played and he chipped in with a few the year before. I understand that he is making a point to Hess (that's what pre season is for) but until he starts bringing that form into the first team once the season is under way he will never be a first team regular.
I certainly respect everyone's view and hopefully there will be more to come, however, I would put Rooney in for the first game of the season. I've seen many first team line ups predicted for the opener and this is the one I would most go with... Flitney Fish Lawrence Frampton Martin Whelpdale Rooney Lee Montrose Birchall Kedwell
Rooney does to deserve to play the first game of the season. What more can he do to show Hess he want's to play first team football?
it will all come down to the qualities that hess wants in his midfield, if he's looking for trickery etc down the left with less defensive attributes then rooney would be in, but he may be looking for a better defensive player then jackmen (who was superb last night) or spiller may get the nod. personally i like the interaction those to offered on that side with both able to come out to the wing or drive through the middle. however that then leaves no space for montrose who is another who has been performing well in preseason and deserves to start
http://theshoutingmen.wordpress.com/2011/07/16/the-luke-rooney-debate/ Please check out my article on the subject! Let me know what you think. UTG!
Luke is a tremendous talent and could well make the starting 11 this season and be a big player for us. You can see he has a lot of skill and a fantastic shot, he didn`t get much of a chance last season but I think Hessy is going to give him a go now and I really hope Luke takes his chance, he has looked superb in pre-season so far and lets all hope he continues to play well. Could be a big player for the Gills.
Luke has a lot of talent, you can not miss it but he can be very weak in being a team player at times as he can waste chances but on the other hand he can score great goals, we just have to wait for him to mature and get better and then he can get his time in the team, no good sending him out on loan again as he may never get in the team then, Just hope he can be the man this season that makes the step up.
Yeah, I know I copied it from you! tbh it was the best selection imo that had been suggested, throughout all the many threads and posts.
