Now back and seemingly raring to go, so who is it to be? Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has praised David Meyler for his attitude while battling back from injury but insists 'the gloves are off' now he is fit. The 22-year joined the Black Cats in July 2008 but has suffered two serious knee injuries since that have hampered his progress and even threatened his career. The Irishman spent the summer in America undergoing specialist treatment in an attempt to return to full fitness. He made his comeback for the reserves earlier this month and played another full 90 minutes for the Sunderland second-string against Everton last week. After those two successful outings Bruce feels Meyler is ready for the first team again, but warned he will not be in for any special treatment. "David has had a terrible time with really bad injuries. They were injuries that could have easily finished his career. But he has worked incredibly hard to get fit," Bruce told the Daily Express. "His attitude has been absolutely magnificent and there is no one who was more determined to get back playing again than he was. Kid-glove "I am just keeping my fingers crossed for him that all his injury problems are in the past and that he stays fit. "There's no need for the kid-glove treatment with David any more. The gloves are off now. "As far as I am concerned he is now back in the squad and available Your choice?
Cant compare yet, DM hasn't had enough playing time. Think JC has proved he is a no nonsense, no frill, 100% consistent player. Thought DM looked v good in the time he has been on the pitch but needs more games. He is also a hard lad and has a physical presence which I believe we need. Why not play both?
Meyler and Bardo have the same problem, Colback and Richardson have the shirt and deserve them. When either drops their standard the others get their chance.
Colback for me if he drops form then give Meyler a go, quite nice to be having this kind of discussion.
Would give Meyler a few more reserve games, we are not short of numbers in midfield and let's be sure he is totally 100%. Better to be over protective after the injuries he has had so leave Colback in for the time being at least and if he is playing well Meyler will have to wait his turn.
I think Meyler could become our best player, he has impressed me massively when I have seen him play fit. As others have said JC has the place and has been playing well so lets see if he can keep that place. I can see someone leaving in Jan, we have: Catts, Colback, Meyler, Gardener, Vaughan. 5 does not go into 2 very easily.
Colback at the moment. If Meyler returns to full fitness and form he has the chance to be the best central midfielder Sunderland have had for a long time and I believe he will also go on to play the same role for the Republic of Ireland. Fingers crossed for him and hope the injuries have gone away. Excited to have him back and great to have such competition in the middle of the park
I've almost forgotten how good Meyler is its been that long since he was a regular. Pleased to have him back though, now we just need young Frazier to get himself sorted.
For me, if Meyler can get back to his best then it may give us the option of being able to sell Cattermole in January...For me both Colback and Meyler could be massive players for us in the years ahead...
Both are good. I still rate Cattermole though and the role he does for us, but needs to hold down his challenges as no matter how good you are if you are always sent off / playing with a yellow then it's not benefiting anyone. Meyler won't go straight back to the first team but will at least get some time coming on as sub, building his confidence and fitness. Don't think reserve matches properly prepare you for the PL.
If 100% fit Meyler would go perfect with Vaughan, I can see a good balance between those two in the middle of the park. Unfortunately though it will probably take Meyler a couple of months to get up to speed if his knee stays in one piece. Best of luck to the lad though.
If they were both starting from scratch, I would choose Meyler. However with Colback doing OK the last 2 games it's his jersey at the mo. Also, there has to be a big question mark over Meylers fitness.
