New Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has made getting the best out of striker Nicklas Bendtner one of his key priorities. The Dane moved to the Stadium of Light this summer on a season-long loan from Arsenal but has so far failed to have a major impact and has managed only two goals. Bendtner is doubt for Sunday's crunch clash against Blackburn with a groin injury, but the manager is determined to help the 23-year-old realise his potential, and said: "I think that is paramount. He has a lot of natural talent. He wasn't always in the starting line-up at Arsenal. They have allowed him to come up here and now it's an important time for him." He added: "This season is one where he can come through, he can score some goals. He obviously might have to adapt to a different style of play in the sense that Arsenal have the ball all the time in the vast majority of matches, even against the very best teams. "With respect, we might not have it as often so you have to allow him to adjust but essentially he has to try to get some goals." Midfielder Craig Gardner, a summer signing from Birmingham, has also been a disappointment thus far and was in and out of the team under Bruce. He is a player O'Neill knows well from his Aston Villa days and the Northern Irishman is hoping Gardner and other players who have been on the sidelines can begin to play a full part. O'Neill said: "I sold Craig to Birmingham but the players who were keeping Craig out of the team were all England internationals, so it was going to be hard for Craig to play, and he wanted to play first-team football. "But he is genuinely a terrific lad and he can score a goal, and I'm sure he's relishing the challenge ahead of him again. That would go for a couple of other players who also played (on Thursday) in the reserves. Titus Bramble, for example, and David Vaughan, for them just getting an opportunity to get a bit more football in was good. "And it's important for me to have as many players available as possible. We have one or two that have struggled with injuries but hopefully in the near future we can get these people on the pitch." He really has to pull his socks up Hope MON can pull him round.
Bendtner was one of the main talking points earlier on Soccer Saturday. All the pros saying the same as us, he wasn't making enough effort to get into the box or get to a returned ball. Hopefully a kick up the arse from MON will make him pull his finger out, otherwise the door will be wedged open to get his ego through, on his way back south.
lazy, arrogant and not half as good as he thinks he is. needs someone to tear him a new one, god knows we need a centre forward who is going to put a shift in at the moment.
Couldn't agree more Billy. After being pleasantly surprised by watching Noble the other night, I think for tomorrow he and Ji could work out very well. As JI put in a couple of first class balls that bendtner should have been there burying last week. If Noble had been there they would have been taken.
MON likes wingers and pace. If bendy does play today I think he will be told to stay in the middle and Larsson right wing & Ricco or even McLean left wing, will provide crosses from either flank with Sess enjoying the knock downs. If not fit Noble should get at least 45 mins on the pitch.
It will come as no surprise but I disagree with you all about Bendtner. I like the lad and I believe he has much to offer but like many other players under the old regime, he has struggled for form. I think Mon will simplify the game plan and get Bendtner focussed on being a target man again, not a winger. Bendtner is a talented lad. We need a manager that can get that talent to show. Mon is that man so don't write him off just yet.
not disputing his ability, just his attitude. we could have an awesome player on our hands if he applies himself properly - just look at his performances for denmark. hopefully o'neill will be able to get the best out of him, because i can't see him lasting long under the new regime if he continues to slouch around by the corner flag the next time we counter attack and sessegnon/larsson/richardson pings a great cross into the box to no-one.
Only a couple of weeks ago everyone was saying "sign him in Jan". Maybe his lack of effort recently can be put down to his apparent groin strain. Give MON time with him then decide stay or go.
