Trying the youngsters...

[kenny7]

If we have secured a champions league spot, by the time we near the end of the season, is there any chance Benitez may try one or two of our youngsters ? Substitute appearances maybe?

 

I wouldn't mind seeing either Hammil or Anderson and possibly one or two of our many defenders, given some playing time, with the opportunity to stake a claim in the first team. A bit of a throw back to how we used to do it.

 

Admitidly I haven't seen the reserves play, and am clutching at straws in the hope of seeing a success story come from the reserve, but just wondering if someone like Anderson or Hammil could be a surprise player for next season.

[Falconhoof]

we'll only 'secure' a champions league place if we finish 2nd. Its likely to be a fight to the wire for 2nd with the Mancs. So i can't see us having the luxury of a few meaningless games at the en of the season.

 

having said that, if they are ready they will play. Rafa has been generous to the youngsters....Potter, Whitbread had chances. i just don't think its the right time for them yet.

[kenny7]

we'll only 'secure' a champions league place if we finish 2nd. Its likely to be a fight to the wire for 2nd with the Mancs. So i can't see us having the luxury of a few meaningless games at the en of the season.

 

having said that, if they are ready they will play. Rafa has been generous to the youngsters....Potter, Whitbread had chances. i just don't think its the right time for them yet.

 

Ok actally meant Champions league / Qualifiers, secure 3rd.

[Buzz]

People talk of Hammil and Anderson, but what about Antonio Barragan?. There where a few people on here with connections to the club saying how impressed they were with him, players and coachies' a like and that he will probably be with the first team very soon, then nothing, rarely gets a mention now.

So, anyone know how he is doing?.

[Falconhoof]

He was on the bench against Benfica. Says a lot for how highly rated he is. But it will take something special for him to get past Finnan and Kromkamp for RB. If one of them gets injured he's very capable backup for now.

[Ronnie Whelan]

Barragan had to get surgery on a knee problem late last year. Made his come back earlier in the year. Certainly could be an option at LB for nexr season but with Fabio Aurelio reputedly on his way maybe he is not ready for the step up just yet.

[dorgie]

IF we (at least) draw today and beat Fulham on Wednesday, then next Sunday at Newcastle will be an ideal game to give 4 or 5 youngsters a start. It's just 2 days before the Brum cup game, so it would benefit most of the 'regular' first teamers not to have a game next weekend.

 

Getting 4 points over the next two games would lessen the consequences of such a risk at Newcastle as a top 4 place would then be very likely anyway.

[sbaros]

IF we (at least) draw today and beat Fulham on Wednesday, then next Sunday at Newcastle will be an ideal game to give 4 or 5 youngsters a start. It's just 2 days before the Brum cup game, so it would benefit most of the 'regular' first teamers not to have a game next weekend.

 

Getting 4 points over the next two games would lessen the consequences of such a risk at Newcastle as a top 4 place would then be very likely anyway.

 

Please tell me you are joking?

 

Of course maybe we could rest, but putting 4-5 youngsters, 16-17 years old with no real footy experience against Newcastle which have been on great form recently would just be plain nuts, maybe Anderson and 1-2 on the bench but starting 4 is just insane, and even if we were secure with the top spot, almost none of the youngsters are ready.. only about 3-4 possibly good enough

[Falconhoof]

IF we (at least) draw today and beat Fulham on Wednesday, then next Sunday at Newcastle will be an ideal game to give 4 or 5 youngsters a start. It's just 2 days before the Brum cup game, so it would benefit most of the 'regular' first teamers not to have a game next weekend.

 

Getting 4 points over the next two games would lessen the consequences of such a risk at Newcastle as a top 4 place would then be very likely anyway.

 

 

Maddest idea since Riise as centre midfielder.

[Clay Davis]

Maddest idea since Riise as centre midfielder.

 

and Riise at centre back? Was that against Chelsea when they beat us 4-1 he moved to centre back for a short period... then Joe Cole scored.

[RedLars]

IF we (at least) draw today and beat Fulham on Wednesday, then next Sunday at Newcastle will be an ideal game to give 4 or 5 youngsters a start. It's just 2 days before the Brum cup game, so it would benefit most of the 'regular' first teamers not to have a game next weekend.

 

Getting 4 points over the next two games would lessen the consequences of such a risk at Newcastle as a top 4 place would then be very likely anyway.

 

I would not use 4-5 youngsters in an early cup game against the likes of Hull let alone away to Newcastle in the league. It?s much better value for one kid to play in well balanced and experienced first team compare to a semi-reserve team with little experience and a high chance of getting overrun by Newcastle.

[Maldini]

Maddest idea since Riise as centre midfielder.

Don't see how that's a mad idea, he played there for Monaco

[crisps]

would like to see Anderson get a start with a gerrard xabi and harry sort of midfield