Roy Hodgson is scheduled to travel to the Stadium of Light on Saturday to watch Sunderland's Adam Johnson and Hull's Tom Huddlestone but Gus Poyet thinks the England coach could do worse than take a close look at Jack Colback. Colback, deployed in his preferred attacking central midfield position, shone as Sunderland won 3-0 at Newcastle United last Saturday, creating one goal, scoring another, regularly surging into the home side's box and rarely wasting a pass. "There's always one that goes to the World Cup that no one expects," said Poyet. "Jack's position is the one ahead of the central midfielder. He's got the legs, he presses and he passes the ball. He cares a lot about the ball which people don't always see. Now he's started to make the extra runs into the box which is great for us because, with our system, we need people pressing. So who knows what might happen now." When Poyet took charge at Sunderland he immediately switched Colback – used heavily at left-back by Paolo Di Canio and Martin O'Neill – to central midfield. After experimenting with him in deeper roles, he then shifted the 24-year-old to a more attacking brief with considerable success. "It's not too difficult to play someone in his best position, is it?" said Sunderland's manager. Johnson is another individual blossoming under his coaching. "I'm pleased for Adam," said Poyet who dropped the winger a few times before seeing him return to form with seven goals in the past seven games. Partly this improvement has been down to Johnson but it has also been about other players gradually comprehending their manager's possession-based passing philosophy. "When you have such specific characteristics as Adam's you need the team to play one way," said Poyet. If Hodgson asks his advice, Poyet will tell him that Johnson – a £10m buy from Manchester City by O'Neill – needs "to be in a position where he can use his ability, which is the last third. He needs a situation where he can control the ball and attack defenders." Although left-footed, Johnson has prospered on the opposite flank. "He's been working better when he plays on the right," said Poyet. "I think Messi probably changed the world. Before every left-footer wanted to play on the left, now they want to play on the right. "I don't know exactly how England will play in Brazil but you would imagine they will have to play a certain way because of the conditions [hot and humid] and that should suit Adam's style. If they play the way they will probably have to, I think Adam can do well. There will be moments where the game is flat and the tempo drops away, and that is where you need somebody to make something happen. That spark is what we were missing a few months ago but it is what Adam has provided for us. He has helped the whole thing come together here." Sunderland's escape from the bottom three has created considerable optimism on Wearside but they remain in relegation danger and Poyet is particularly keen to beat a Hull side managed by one of his predecessors in Steve Bruce. "My challenge is to get safe," he said. "But we are not safe yet." --------------------------------------------- Id have Jack over Cleverley any day of the week! Ill never understand why he never got a chance with the U21's?
I don't think he was ready for the under 21's, to be fair. He's really grown these last couple of seasons and really excelled under Poyet. My criticism of Jack has always been his side-ways passing and inability to get forward. These last few games have seen a change in his play which he topped with his outstanding performance against Newcastle, breaking forward at their defence on a few occasions. If he keeps this up, he will fast become a midfielder who has everything to his game
Alright Tees, how's the twins? You got them watching our matches on the TV yet? Say hello to your old fella for me. I've noticed he's not been about much lately and his craic is missed on this board
Reckon the World cup will come too soon for him like. But looking at the future of England midfielder then he's worth a few caps isn't he?
Agreed. There's a few good'uns in front of him at the moment, but if he keeps this form up and adds a few goals to his tally, he may got a shot at the next European Championships.
Colback for England? Nah, however if he can re produce his Newcastle performance, week in week out, it'll give his chances a boost.. Bout time he signs a new contract ain't it?
Sorry but no from me. There are a few ahead of him and even then lesser players at bigger clubs would be picked before him. He will however develop and maybe the next World cup is realistic
dont want him any where nead that poison which is the national team to mant decent players get a few caps followed by a over priced move to a so called big club and ultimatley annonimity
SUNDERLAND are taking a patient approach in Jack Colback’s contract talks, with the club’s uncertain future holding up proceedings. Black Cats boss Gus Poyet has confirmed that negotiations are continuing over tying academy product Colback down to a new deal, with his current contract due to expire at the end of the season. Colback produced a man of the match performance in last weekend’s Tyne-Wear derby success and has no shortage of admirers, with Everton and today’s opponents Hull City among those who have checked on the 24-year-old’s status at the Stadium of Light. Poyet is hopeful that Colback will pen a new deal and it remains likely that the Tynesider will still be a Sunderland player next season. http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport...s-sunderland-contract-talks-ongoing-1-6427098
Alright mate, the boys are doing spot on thanks, yeah i always sit them infront of the Tv when we're on. Another couple of years and ill be getting us 3 season tickets. Ive not spoke to my dad in a while, ill tell him you were asking after him when I do
I wouldnt worry too much about Rodwell. Hes got a huge career rebuilding job to do after deciding to join City, the same as Scott Sinclair. Ive never understood the hype about Rodwell, he's always looked very average in the few times he wasnt injured for Everton.
He seems to love his football under Poyet and has excelled since he's come in. I reckon he's just waiting to make sure we are a Premier league team next season before he signs.
Colback was severely restricted by having to play as full back. He's now being encouraged by Poyet to impose himself and Bridcutt might be just what Jack needs to progress. I noticed, during the total humiliation of Newcastle, that Bridcutt instantly slotted in whenever Colback, Ki, Bardsley or whoever went forward. The lad knows his job, I just hope Cattermole can learn from him Edir: I agree with Safc83 about the contract.
I've been saying all season that we weren't supporting Altidore, Colbacks run for the second goal summed up what I've been saying perfectly. Ki and Colback seemed 20 yards further up the field instead of tripping over our centre backs like they have been. When the ball came to Jozy he had players near him pass to. Hope to see the same again today.
