theabsentee

Patterson was poor defensively the first half against Fulham tonight though a lot better the 2nd including a excellent block which denied Fulham a late winner. To no avail though as Fulham won the shoot out . He still has a lot to learn, hope he gets the first team time to improve.

I certainly hope that Darren Fletcher has enough influence over his twins to eventually make them both commit if they are good enough. Really disappointed the Gray family at Leeds haven't persuaded Archie to play for us also due to the rumour his little brother might turn out to be even better.

I'm not disagreeing with you, he has said something about how much he enjoys playing for England as they have treated him so well through all the age groups though what I haven't heard him state is his reasons are he feels English. He may well have & does but people can & do have a change of heart so until he is capped there is still a glimmer of hope for his Scottish side of his family. Our coaching staff should never give up on trying to persuade players especially the ones with a first generation qualification to represent us. This isn't grovelling to take other countries rejects this is part of their duty to try to improve the squad & hopefully results. I would say though players that qualify through grandparents such as Anderson, Barnes, Gordon etc etc should only be asked once or twice then draw the line under them unless they come back later asking to be considered.

I agree he will end up playing for England but I don't think he has been brought up as a child walking around his home with the 3 lions shirt on so it's hardly been his dream more likely just a preference.

Ryan Fraser at his best or Harvey Barnes would be a very close call, a couple of seasons ago I'd have gone with Fraser due to his pace, touch, delivery & workrate but injuries have taken there toll I reckon so he isn't the player he was. He is doing quite well at Southampton albeit often from the bench but I'm not convinced yet that he is back anywhere near the level of player he was . Think if Christie's conversion continues to go well & Barnes commits he will be on that plane to Germany.

Livramento dropped when bang average Dan Burn is fit I really can't see that. Wish what you where saying Is true that Livramento is too far down the pecking order to make the England squad for the foreseeable future but I don't agree, I reckon there's only 2 injury prone left backs & 3 to 4 right backs ahead of him. It just needs a couple of injuries & his versatility makes him a very useful edition to their squad. If he performs really well through until spring don't be surprised if southgate selects him for their friendlies as he is also very aware he could lose him if he doesn't.

Totally agree McGregor especially & McGinn play too much club football so whenever we're not playing a competitive game we should only play them one half maximum. Really hope Christie can keep this level of performance up, that'll make him at that very least a great asset for us from the bench it might also free up a place in the 23 for Doak or Barnes.

Norwich fans saying he is much better there than Shane Duffy though that's maybe not saying much🤣 Norwich played him in a 4-2-3-1, imagine Clarke tried the same formation we could potentially line up without a centre back (McLean & Tierney)

Livramento, we can dream 🤣 I agree with both of you to certain extent. Scot1 is totally right we are desperate for a quality defensive midfielder to protect our average centre backs. None of our first choice midfielders suit that role , the only squad member that does is Jack & he can't stay fit long enough to prove one way or the other if he is past his best. We are very vulnerable in this area against top opposition. You are also right though, another right back needs to emerge, maybe Ramsey or Johnston but they aren't ready yet.

Certainly not ideal being 22 & never having had more than a handful of starts in a row at club level. Not sure of the best solution, a loan in January or hang in there & try to impress enough when the chances come.

Great to hear he did well & he got nearly 30 minutes which is okay, it's the 5 to 10 minutes cameo which aren't much use to him. Like you say it seems to have taken the Ukrainian playing left back a while to win Dyche over & Patterson is 2 years younger than him so still has time. Reckon as long as Everton don't sign another right back in January or next summer then Dyche does see Patterson as the future if not exactly the present.

There's quite a few of us on here fancy trying Hickey as a holding midfielder but there's no realistic way that can happen unless he is tried there by his club & Patterson starts to get more than a few minutes cameo minutes.

😆 Yeh they say form is temporary but class is permanent so if he goes back to his more normal level he might only be on the bench in a couple of weeks . Martin Keown was waxing lyrical about him on motd last night, he was saying he is going to give Steve Clarke something to think about if he keeps up this level of performance in the deeper role. I like Christie as like a lot of it midfielders he has great work rate so it's going to be really interesting if he keeps playing deeper all season & looking so classy.

I know it won't happen but if Gordon is back playing regularly I'd like Clarke to take a chance & take only him & Gunn so to free another outfield place. Wonder when the last time a nation had to call on their third keeper during a major competition due to injury or suspension, maybe never.

Think we would agree Barnes most likely I reckon Livramento & Gordon could both be in England's next Squads if they keep up their current club form. Southgate is under pressure to call them up as he knows we're sniffing & England aren't as well stacked at left back as right. Even though it's probably not his best position I expect Livramento will make the left back position at Newcastle his own due to lack of club competition so it'll be very hard or stupid of Southgate to ignore him. Though after finding this quote from Livramento it's good to know that his dad isn't leaning on him , it's only the Scottish side of the family so suppose there's still a glimmer of hope.

Almost impossible not to get through on 4 points with 4 out of 6 3rd place teams qualifying. I'd take 4 points right now as I think we've quite a tough group.

Yeh totally agree, Southgate will call Livramento asap not only due to other countries wanting him due to the fact he is more than good enough them. Brilliant player but sadly we just have to forget about him unless his mother threatens to cut of his genitals. Barnes is definitely a upgrade on what we have English or not , get him in if he wants it.

I can't see it personally, his poor touch & limited technical ability means at best a cameo role away from home where his pace might be useful is probably his ceiling.

That'll do nicely🤣

Great news let's just hope he can go 7 months without another serious injury.

Almost forgotten man Calvin Ramsey gets his first start for Preston against QPR tonight, let's hope now he is finally fit he can seriously impress & return to Liverpool next season as a first team squad player. Dykes starts , Liam Lindsay also if anyone has time to watch & possibly confirm what many of us suspect he isn't good with the ball at his feet.

Russell Martin's the Southampton manager & he is referring to Ross Stewart very sadly having a injury set back which we hope is minor.. Just thought I'd clear that up for you😉

There was a article a couple of years ago which I posted on here. Very highly thought of with big English clubs sniffing then but he seemed to have stalled somewhat during his Partick Thistle loan, don't think he played much. MoM for QoS against Dundee United, let's hope this is only that start for him.

Reading the Southampton fans forum they are also worried as they've been given no reason why he wasn't listed. Some are saying when he came off the bench at the weekend he didn't look ready so he is probably being given a extra weeks training . Let's see if he makes the squad at the weekend. Good to see Nisbet & especially Dykes amongst the goals this week, they where both overdue a league goal .

Just been reading & watched a couple of of goals from the kid, looks a talent & quite a exciting wide player but he is playing at a low level so let's see if Blackpool extend his loan in January or bring him back where he could end up playing or competing for a place with Karamoko Dembele.