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Norris Edges Closer to Return Thursday, 10th Dec 2009 10:13
Midfielder David Norris got back to match action in a couple of practice matches in training on Wednesday. Norris has been sidelined with a knee ligament injury since the opening day defeat to Coventry City.
The former Plymouth man joined other players not involved in the Peterborough match on Tuesday for two 20-minute training games.
Boss Roy Keane told the club site that he is delighted to see Norris closing in on a return: "We are very pleased with David's progress.
"He has shown a great attitude all through his recovery process and it will be a real bonus to have him back. We've definitely missed him and hopefully he may be available in the next few weeks."
Last week Keane said he hoped Norris would be available for some of the Christmas fixtures. Luciano Civelli, who has also been out with a knee ligament injury, is unlikely to be back before the end of January.
Photo: Action Images
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Can't see a place for him in the team. Leadbitter is our best player and Garvan is the only one who can the pass the ball.
Another good example of the lop-sided squad we have, right-sided players playing on the left, plenty in centre-midfield, lots of similar forwards who all like ball to feet but have no aerial presence and can't score.
rml123 - Garvan should play on the left - he's left footed and I reckon he plays better there than in central midfield on the few occassions we've seen him this season. So Norris & Leadbitter central, Garvan left and Walters or Edwards on the right (pref Walters).
Garvan is to slow to play on the left for the whole game, his delivery is good but he cant get by people, having said that neither can Martin or Edwards lol will be good to have Chuck back in the squad we have missed him big time Leady and Chuck in central midfield could be the turning point for the season!!!
Not sure i could rely on Priskin to work that much playing in that formation Blue boots, but certainly worth a shout although i doubt Keane will revert to that now the 4-4-2 is working well for us in defence and midfield.
Norris & Leadbitter in central midfiled - that would be the best in this league by a mile. But let's not expect too much of Chuck - we still need a 20-goal striker. Van Nistelroy on a loan?
Keanish - I think with the back 4 looking more solid, Leadbitter AND Norris (not to mention Garvan's new-found workrate since his "holiday") in the midfield, I think the front 3 could concentrate on their attacking roles.
I've noticed a lot of negativity towards Priskin, which is a bit disappointing. The lad's only 23 and started 8 games for us, and a few fans seem to have written him off already!
Maybe he's taking a little longer than we would have liked to kick on, but I think he's got plenty of ability and potential - perhaps everyone needs a little reminder of what he's capable of when gets a bit of confidence and hits form...
Priskin went on a run of 7 goals in 9 starts for Watford after Xmas last season, so here's hoping he can get back in that groove :^D
Strider ... although Norris coming back is great news best in league by a mile ?
What about Smith,Butt ,Nolan,Geremi,Guthrie,Barton at Newcastle, or Koran,Dorrans,Brunt at West Brom even Lansbury and Cleverly at Watford ? They are great players which is why they are at the top of the league
As for 20 goal a season striker look at the leading scorers for our division Whittingham,Ambrose ,Nolan,Johnson,Adam,Cleverly,Buzsaky all midfielders or wingers not strikers we are not scoring enough goals from all over the pitch .
And Keanish answer to yesterdays question 7 million on attacking players Priskin striker, Edwards attacking midfielder/winger,Martin attacking midfielder /winger,Leadbitter signed as an attacking midfielder who has played most of the season alongside a holding player. 4 goals between them is not a great reply for the money spent how ever many shots we have had .
Surc072 makes a good point there is a real lack of quality strikers in the Championship & certainly at ITFC, I still say confidence is the key, we need some luck infront of goal and Keane needs to get the squad playing without fear
Someone earlier reckoned Garvan was not quick enough to play wide left. I don't agree. I was at Wembley in 1988 when a certain Arnold Muhren was playing for Holland against England at the age of (i think) 38. He was out wide left and moved no more than 2 yards each side of the halfway line, but pinged the ball all over the pitch with amazing accuracy. I'm not saying that Garvan is in the same class, but he can certainly pass a ball, so I don't think speed is necessary.
That Priskin collection looks good. Goes to show it's all about confidence. He's got the class, needs to work harder, but I am still sure he'll come good. Won't help if the crowd keeps getting on his back. With crowd encouragement, he'll stop hiding and maybe get a few goals
BlueBoots - I've really wanted it to work out for us with Priskin, but after seeing his work rate in the last two home games I'm not confident. Let's hope I'm wrong and he gets another post-xmas run eh? :)