No Lafferty but I understand he's injured and I'm guessing not exactly nail on to make the 25 any way. Also no Josh Murphy but there is Jacob assume he's either injured or on the verge of a loan move. Our 25 in Austria includes 3 players who count as under 21 (Murphy, Redmond, Toffolo) so we have space for some additions. A striker, left sided midfielder and a striker.
So Jacob and Toffolo make the cut, Thompson and McGrandles don't. Curious that Josh Murphy wasn't taken. I thought he may have had some summer football so joined the squad later, but I can't find any record of him with the England youth teams?
Just looked it up. He's with the development squad in Austria so are Thompson and McGrandles. The reality is none of them are likely to be 1st team regulars but they will be available due to their age which means they always have a chance. I imagine Toffolo is with the seniors as he's our oy fit left back. Jacob over Josh is very interesting though.
Yeah, it was Jacob over Josh which I found interesting. Jacob got more time on loan last season, so perhaps his development has caught up? That or Neil has seen more of Josh, and wants to keep a closer eye on Jacob. Or it could be a myriad of other reasons of course.
The Murphy switch puzzles me as well. With Lafferty staying behind for treatment, Johnson is our only left wing option. Dorrans can also play on the left but Josh would have made more sense than Jacob. Interesting that Olsson has gone, so he must be on the mend, but Toffolo will fill in until he's fit I suppose.
Olsson going might just to be due to the logistical issues of continuing his rehabilitation, whilst providing the full squad with appropriate medical expertise. It's easier for the medical team to work with him if he's with the rest of the team. Any tactical work and team building is also going to be relevant to him.
I disagree, think he's a good person to have in the squad for 20/30 mins to restore order or control the game. Especially if we're playing big midfielders with him. Think he uses the ball well and moves it really quickly, doesn't seem to waste it too much and good on a set piece. Most qpr fans were disappointed to see him leave. Can't see him staying if someone comes in for him offering first team football though. But seeing as AN. Has used central players wide there might be openings for him....
