Martin O'Neill let something slip today that I was unaware of. He was discussing Rose's form and was questioned about whether he'd like to sign the youngster permanently and this was part of his reply. "Tottenham have the ability to recall Danny in January. If that's the case, I'm just trying to enjoy him being here with us." With our current problems in his position and our lack of real cover there, plus our ongoing European campaign and the possibility of an FA Cup run, I'd like to see him brought back. Assou-Ekotto's missed virtually every game so far and I think that some competition and cover could only be a good thing. The only negative for me is that Rose might take such a decision badly, as he's been playing regular Premier League football, albeit without winning very often. Leave him there or bring him back?
Personally, I don't think he's good enough for the level that we're trying to push on to. As I have said, I think he's been overrated since the Arsenal goal. I think it's best for him that he stays at Sunderland and continues to play each week. Benny will be back soon and Vertonghen has proven he's fantastic left back cover, so I don't see Rose playing. - It's not fair on him.
The Mackems appear to be missing him badly today. He failed a late fitness test and they're already 2-0 down and getting cut to bits at the back.
Agree with Roo, I think a year of PL football is far better for him than keeping Benny on his toes. This is based on BAE staying fit though, if Benny (perish the thought) has a setback and looks like he might miss a chunk of the remainder of the season, then get him back.
you remember when o'hara went out on loan and put in some great performanes, what happened to him since? not much! Thats how i view rose as i dont see any future for him with us and expect this run of form wont last each season, but ill be happy for him o prove me wrong!
Is it really worth recalling him to be a slight improvement on Naughton as second-choice left back? If we have injury problems, recall him, otherwise he needs regular games and that's what he's getting at Sunderland.
If you're saying we recall him if and when we get injuries, then I don't think the loan rule works like that. So, if we don't take up our recall option in January, then he has to remain at Sunderland for the rest of the season.
He would do a better job at LB than Naughton, who cant use his left foot and predictably cuts inside onto his right all the time. Rose could be a decent understudy to BAE, Naughton back up for Walker in his preferred position. Which also allows Vertonghen to play his best position at CB, and limit the appearances of the now past his best Gallas.
Tough call, but on balance prob leave him where he is. With Benny on the return we do at least also have cover on that side with Verts. Also, although Rose arguably adds something going forward, he is no better defensively than Naughton. Personally I would prefer to recall Adam Smith and get him some more game time on the right. I know Walker has upped his game in recent matches, but still think that Smith offers a lot for the future and it would save Walker having to play every game.
Except Gallas had an excellent game today....... (Although agree that his appearances should be limited)
Let him play regular football at Sunderland, Benny's nearly back and won't need resting as he's already missed do much football. As much as it'd be good to have better cover at left back, I don't want to have him rotting on the bench and getting a few minutes here and there should Benny stay fit. Naughton did well today too I thought.
Agree with all but the last bit, mate. Other than one good intercept late on, I didn't think he added much. And everything seems to slow right down going forward as soon as he gets it. Not wishing to be too critical but we have lost a lot of the balance that we usually have. Gallas & Verts did really well in the middle today, but the option to play Caulker and move Verts to LB must be high on AVB's options.
I thought everything other than his crossing today he did well. right from the start he got foraward and moved the ball quickly, in contrast to his previous performanes. I wouldn't have dropped Caulker but I can understand it, he's had a few dodgy moments lately and Vertonghen's much better playing centre back.
He is doing a good job for us, compered to O Shea and other defenders, who cannot clear the crosses coming in at the moment. We would sign him now if possible. And could we have Bale on loan!.
I think Naughton got away with a torrid afternoon off Dyer tbh, their tactics and his off day helped KN to an average performance, but most importantly fewer mistakes. Going forward if he did get anywhere, he then checked back, didn't lose possession, just momentum.
I voted for Rose to stay at Sunderland, but having witnesssed yet another average and pedestrian performance from Naughton today, I am tempted to change my mind.
