The Ron is indicating that LLL will start for the first time this season against Charton at the weekend. Also, Shearer is determimed to play. Shearer can't be fit can he?
I hope CC is dropped for his own good because his confidence is shot.
No CB comeback talk?

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2002

Answers

... Shearer is determimed to play...

Don't know why. We didn't appear to miss him too much after he went off at Goodison.

Second thoughts, I do know. Goal no. 200. :- {E}

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2002

Al's nose is the problem and so he could wear some sort of protector over it, legs aren't the problem so he can get on with it. Glad to see Lua given the chance he deserves. Bernard is also in the squad but I imagine he'll be on the bench.

Shame about Bellamy.

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2002

Breathing and busting stitches is the problem. Has there been any word from Bobby on how bad Shearer's nose is? As long as he can walk, Shearer will want to play. I'm not sure it's such a great idea to play so soon after having your nose broken, but I'm no physio, so maybe it's nothing worse than a bit of discomfort. I have seen players play with stitches in their heads, though that obviously doesn't affect breathing.

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2002

He was on the telly last night as a pundit for the England game. Didn't look too much of a mess to be honest. Surely he won't be allowed to play if it is any way dangerous.

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2002

Yes what about the no CB comeback talk....he was only supposed to be out for a few games...there was some small talk that he'd had a minor setback in training but we've had bugger all official from the club....

I want to know whats going on....

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2002

If there is a serious problem with his knee and they only try get him back so he can play the last games then I rather see he rested all matches so hes fit for the CL qualification.

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2002

Agree Sudden. Gav, you're earlier prediction 'we'll not see him play again this season' now looks ominously accurate. Mind, as long as it doesn't mean a CC/Shearer double act for the next four games I'd be happy to see him rested and fixed for next season's CL campaign. Ditto CC.

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2002

Last quote from BR - about a week ago - indicated CB's knee tendon had healed, but that he still had tendonitis (inflammation?) in the knee. There's no doubt in my mind that CB, for the sake of his future at only 22, should sit out the rest of season.

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2002

Hate to remind everyone, but we haven't actually qualified for the CL yet. Still don't think we should rush CB back mind. Trust Uncle Bobby - he knows what he's doing (unless he picks CC ahead of LLL).

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2002

.......again!

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2002

Kats, that is good news about Al. :-)

Agree there's no point rushing Bellamy back. Last Saturday showed we have other options. It's not like we're playing anyone else in the top 6 this season, we're in the UEFA cup at the very least, so if he's not fully fit, better to give the other lads a chance and Bellamy a full rest.

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2002

Shearer shouldn't play. If he mis-times a header or gets clipped by a defender when jumping (both real possibilities) he'll be back to square one. Also, hard as nails or not, it MUST affect his concentration. This isn't a kick-about, it's a bloody European qualifier. LLL has to start and, err...

Cort? Is he better on current form than a wounded Shearer? I'm unsure of my own arguments now.

I'll just have to trust Bobby :)

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2002

don't fret mate, i'm taking my boots...

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2002

Steve...what is this, a game for girls? shearer's hard as fuck....get him on there! he'll be fine....agree with playing LLL instead of claire short...

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2002

Apparently Shearer trained yesterday and will be playing.

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2002