Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Midfield Roched
Is there ever going to be a week without some bad news this season? George and Franck are back, and that is a welcome blessing, but first we heard news that James Morrison - who has had an outstanding season - was out long term with a hip injury, and now we hear that Summer signing Fabio Rochemback is out for eight weeks with ankle ligament damage! With our midfield possibly our weakest area this is tragic news, especially as Fab had only just found his scoring boots with the opener against Chelsea. It means that Doriva will almost definitely keep his place, but pressure on the likes on Mendieta and Ray Parlour to stay fit has never been bigger. If either of these can't make the grade on matchday we may have to resort once more to our youth stock.Lee Catermole has played several times recently and performed extremely well, with more commitment than some of the more seasoned players at times. He has proved himself a tough competitor and the Boro faithful would certainly have no nightmares about playing him from the start. Next on the list is Jason Kennedy, who has had a few run outs from the bench this season, and although showing promise for the future has not yet had the opportunity to shine at the standard demanded by premiership games. One thing is for sure - nothing is going to be easy in our run in to the end of the season. With 13 more league games and two cup fronts still to fight for there is still a big hill in front of us, despite four wins on the trot. Manager's tactics are surely going to prove all important, so let's hope the boss gets more right than wrong and our rich vein of form can continue without too many more setbacks. In this game of two halves there are 60 minutes on the clock and we are 2-1 down with 10 men on the pitch - we have to keep the fighting spirit or defeat is right around the corner. Come on Boro!
