Kisnorbo plays a key role in City's improved shows

[Leicester Rule!]

Defender Patrik Gerrbrand has proved a success at Leicester City but, according to his back-four partner Paddy McCarthy, the key to their recent good form is midfielder Patrick Kisnorbo.

Australian midfielder Kisnorbo sits in front of them, easing the pressure and turning defence into attack.

And, if he continues doing so well, he might sneak into Australia's World Cup squad for Germany in the summer.

But it is a long shot. He has not been called up for any of the recent squads and, although he has not given up on his chances of adding to his nine full caps, his withdrawal from the last Olympic squad did not do him any favours.

Nevertheless team-mate Danny Tiatto has been pushing his cause back home.

Kisnorbo said: "My main priority is to do well for Leicester and get them as high as possible.

"I have no idea if Guus Hijdink has seen me play, so all I can do is work hard here.''

He added: "I have had nine caps under Frank Farina and I was picked to go to the Athens Olympics. But I decided not to go and stayed at Hearts to earn a contract. If I had gone to Athens, I would have missed a month's play at Tynecastle and who knows if I would have got a place.

"I don't think I would be in the position I am in now. I don't know if that is counting against me, but it was the right decision. If I had gone to the Olympics and missed all that football with Hearts, I wouldn't be here today.''

When Kisnorbo was first signed, City manager Craig Levein did not tie him down to any position.

Kisnorbo's versatility meant he was used in both full-back positions before he slotted into the midfield.

But, although he is capable of a variety of roles, he is in no doubt as to where his qualities lead him.

He said: "I am more of a defender because I played as a centre-back as a kid.

"But I will do anything to help the team. I'll get forward at set-pieces if I can.

"My main role is to keep it simple. If Paddy (McCarthy) says I am helping the defence, I will keep doing it.

"The team is more settled and coming together nicely. Even at the start of the season things looked fine, then a lack of concentration cost us.''

With the speedy Ryan Smith, Iain Hume and Elvis Hammond as outlets, Kisnorbo finds his job a bit easier.

He said: "They make the midfielders' job simpler. It is good to have people up there with pace''

[breadandcheese]

I agree with Paddy Mac's sentiments. Our improvement recently has been partly down to having someone to protect the back four. We haven't had a player to do that for years, which has been a major part of our downfall (Joey Gudjonsson cannot play this role as people suggest).

Whilst Kisnorbo has his shortcomings (of which I am sure he would be the first to admit his range of passing is not the best), he is the best protector of the backfour we currently have at the club.

Maybe Wesolowski is being blooded to play this role, I don't know (I've never seen him play) but would still like Craig to bring in another player for this position. Kisnorbo is ok for this league and does not get the recognition he deserves, but ideally would prefer someone with a few more skills in the locker.

[Cal]

Lets just get Makelele then

[Durnerz]

Kisnorbo's been responsible for a lot of giving the ball away and the sight of him putting in a tackle or intercepting is a rareity that i've seen, all he seems to be able to do is run and head. Ah well, if they feel good with him there then fair play.

[The People's Hero]

Perhaps he harries and pressures players and makes sure to always give the defence an outlet?

[Milky]

McCarthy is probably just a fan of having someone in front of the back four, so he's saying that about kisnorbo to keep someone in that position. i don't think he would give to shits if it was another player in that postition

[lcfcking]

Kisornbo had a dreadful game today, he must have had an off day if he's the key to our improvement, but we were a quality team today.

[FNQ]

Kisornbo had a dreadful game today, he must have had an off day if he's the key to our improvement, but we were a quality team today.

By no means did he have a dreadful game. Yet again he did his job well.

[Babylon]

Although I was "slightly" drunk, our main problem seemed to be the lack of a midfielder supporting the front two. ie. How Izzet use to break into the box.

I thought joey was awsome today.

[Muz]

Although I was "slightly" drunk, our main problem seemed to be the lack of a midfielder supporting the front two. ie. How Izzet use to break into the box.

I thought joey was awsome today.

Totally agree Babs

When the ball drops in and around the box , there's nobody there ready to pounce.

[cisono]

McCarthy is probably just a fan of having someone in front of the back four, so he's saying that about kisnorbo to keep someone in that position. i don't think he would give to shits if it was another player in that postition

I don't know... the two Patricks looked pretty cozy in training last time I saw them

[davieG]

Although I was "slightly" drunk, our main problem seemed to be the lack of a midfielder supporting the front two. ie. How Izzet use to break into the box.

I thought joey was awsome today.

But isn't that Joey's job?

[Babylon]

But isn't that Joey's job?

In the setup we are playing I suppose he is the more attacking of the two... BUT... is he that type of player?

[davieG]

In the setup we are playing I suppose he is the more attacking of the two... BUT... is he that type of player?

Well I guess that's debateble, but you could say that about our current left backs, the bottom line is that CL has picked him to do that role so he needs to get in the box more which he did against Sheff Utd, personnally I think he's better in that role than the defensive mid-field role, not saying he's the solution but still better than Williams & Hughes at this time.

[Jimmy]

Kisornbo had a dreadful game today, he must have had an off day if he's the key to our improvement, but we were a quality team today.

no he had an off day againts shef u when he looked half decent

[holly]

i think joey has been awesome aswell, i think he plays well gettin back and coming forward, no-one can say he aint really!

[Jimmy]

joey has become a good box to box player