davieG Posted 21 February 2012 Posted 21 February 2012 Merc Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson said nobody's place in his side is guaranteed after he dropped captain Matt Mills for the FA Cup victory at Norwich. Mills was replaced at the heart of the defence by Wes Morgan, with Richie Wellens taking over the captain's armband. Paul Konchesky, who has failed to start only three previous games for City this season, was also replaced by Tom Kennedy at left-back. Like Morgan, winger Ben Marshall made his full debut as Pearson "freshened up" his side following last Tuesday's disappointing league defeat at Watford. Pearson said there was no harm in shaking things up and keeping his players on their toes. "I decided to freshen things up and I don't think that is a bad thing for the squad," he said. "Places are up for grabs and I decided to make one or two changes. "I think it is important players get opportunities to show what they can do, and Wes had a good game. "It was a good game for them to come into. The whole of the back four were very busy because of the way Norwich play, but they coped very well. "Ben showed some early positive flashes of what he can do and I am pleased he has been able to get his first start." David Nugent grabbed the winner for City, which booked a quarter-final tie away at either Birmingham or Chelsea, who replay at St Andrew's on March 6. It was Nugent's third goal in two games and his 13th of the season, and striker partner Jermaine Beckford has already scored five goals in the FA Cup this season. Pearson said it was important to have his strikers in goalscoring form. "David is confident at the moment and he plays with a smile on his face," said Pearson. "He is a very positive influence for our team. Whether he is scoring or not, his work-rate is exceptional. "I thought Beckford caused them all sorts of problems, as did Lloyd Dyer, and for Ben Marshall to make his first start and play as positively as he did bodes well for the future."
Simo86 Posted 21 February 2012 Posted 21 February 2012 That's how it always should be, we don't want players getting complacent because they think they're in the starting XI week in week out.
foxfanazer Posted 21 February 2012 Posted 21 February 2012 That's how it always should be, we don't want players getting complacent because they think they're in the starting XI week in week out. Exactly what I was going to say
jonlcfc1990 Posted 21 February 2012 Posted 21 February 2012 Wow is this shocking? The man doesn't have favourites full stop and although results have been consistent we have 2 good players in nearly every position. Fingers crossed we seem to be hitting form at the right time and the FA Cup will help the confidence grow
Happy Fox Posted 21 February 2012 Posted 21 February 2012 If we are still in the championship next season we don't need a lot of changes just maybe 4 players : LW, target man striker, defensive midfielder and a Back up goalie, then our squad should be good enough to compete for automatic promotion.
Fox92 Posted 21 February 2012 Posted 21 February 2012 Nigel always speaks sense, and here he is spot on again. No player should think he has a right to start.
Mark 'expert' Lawrenson Posted 21 February 2012 Posted 21 February 2012 Cannot see him leaving Kasper out though!
evs_the_fox Posted 21 February 2012 Posted 21 February 2012 If we are still in the championship next season we don't need a lot of changes just maybe 4 players : LW, target man striker, defensive midfielder and a Back up goalie, then our squad should be good enough to compete for automatic promotion. Exactly. This is what the owners need to realise, give the manager time to build and develop the squad. Constant overhauls do nothing for continuity or consistency. Evolution not revolution
bluesbrothers Posted 21 February 2012 Posted 21 February 2012 Keep Becks and Nuge, since theyre finally clicking, that is vital. Maybe strengthen in midfield with one or two, but other than that i honestly dont think we need anything else beyond making sure everybody can play effectively together. We have defensive cover coming out our ears - Mills, Kennedy, St. Ledger, Morgan, Tunchev, Bamba, Konchesky, Moore, Peltier and Pantsil - so no need for additions. As some people have hinted, we might even shave a few names off the payroll in summer.
Rocky Dennis Posted 21 February 2012 Posted 21 February 2012 Cannot see him leaving Kasper out though! When Stringer reads out the team before a match he always says "Kasper Schmeichel keeps his place in goal" ! Like it was ever in doubt!!!
burni Posted 21 February 2012 Posted 21 February 2012 I love it how the media picks at his interviews, actually i dont love it at all. However I think the point made is valid, regardless if your the captain and a record breaking transfer fee it does not make a difference to your chances of starting. I think Mills is a good defender although we might of overpaid, but so is morgan, so is ledger, so in bamba and so is tunch. If theres someone who can do a better job they come in regardless if it upsets someone else, simply the way it has to be. The squads starting to shape up despite alot of injuries and I think in the summer a little trickle of quality will be all we need to get the right balance and gain some consistancy we have so badly lacked. Like someone said i think about 4 signings in the right places would be all we need and I cant see Nigel spending more than 10mill although he knows he has to get promotion so he may approach differently and go mad! would be good if we pushed the boat out for someone like snodgrass and forked out 5m
Simo86 Posted 21 February 2012 Posted 21 February 2012 I love it how the media picks at his interviews, actually i dont love it at all. However I think the point made is valid, regardless if your the captain and a record breaking transfer fee it does not make a difference to your chances of starting. I think Mills is a good defender although we might of overpaid, but so is morgan, so is ledger, so in bamba and so is tunch. If theres someone who can do a better job they come in regardless if it upsets someone else, simply the way it has to be. The squads starting to shape up despite alot of injuries and I think in the summer a little trickle of quality will be all we need to get the right balance and gain some consistancy we have so badly lacked. Like someone said i think about 4 signings in the right places would be all we need and I cant see Nigel spending more than 10mill although he knows he has to get promotion so he may approach differently and go mad! would be good if we pushed the boat out for someone like snodgrass and forked out 5m The only problem with that is the fans getting on his back early on if he doesn't perform because of his price tag, a la Mills
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