Training Saturday 26/9

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Almost everybody out today , the exceptions being Ireland ,Kompany ( doing 1 to 1 again) and Robinho. Overall it was quite a low key session with plenty of warm up in 2 groups followed by some attacking work. The aim being slick fast passing and moving with the end product a shot on goal. Some of it worked but far too often the final ball wasn't too good. Best finishers I saw were Johnson and Petrov. Before anything like real football took place the majority of the squad finished!

It looked like the main players for monday were the ones who left and the rest took part in a 6 or 7 a side game and were joined by 7 reserve players.Best player on show in the match was probably Stu Taylor who made a couple of great saves before David Ball did score. ( Adebayor did have a laugh in goal before this game and being the positive that I am I will say he was average )

Nothing definite re Ireland who had his problems in midweek. I think he had a bit of a virus and although much better isn't 100% over it. Impossible to know if he will be ok for Monday . When the main training ended a few stayed for a bit extra and the most notables here were Petrov and Weiss who were putting in a great stint.

The news broke that we had got Scunthorpe in the cup which seemed to go down well. I think the days are gone where that would have been a worry!

[The Man In Blue]

cheers doug.

how did RSC look?

[Douglas Higginbottom]

cheers doug.

how did RSC look?

Looks good to me. Won't be long before he is involved and Monday must be a possible.

[Mark Garrett]

What about Johnson mate? Is he looking sharp enough to be involved on Monday night?

Options for Monday if Ireland aint available, either play Weiss on right and put Shauny in middle or put Johnson in for Ireland from the start - which is probably the less likely option

[Douglas Higginbottom]

What about Johnson mate? Is he looking sharp enough to be involved on Monday night?

Options for Monday if Ireland aint available, either play Weiss on right and put Shauny in middle or put Johnson in for Ireland from the start - which is probably the less likely option

I wouldn't have thought Johnson is ready yet to start a prem match ( but what do I know?) In the reserve game arranged in mid week he looked good receiving and playing the ball around but he needs more match time to get sharpness back so maybe the bench is as good as he can expect. Good to see him finsih well though today to show another part of his game we remember well. I just think it's great to see him on the way back and not getting pain as had been the problem before when he was getting back.

[10.Goater_Legend]

Nice one Doug, looking forward to seeing RSC.

[Mark (Blue Army)]

Cheers Doug top report as always

[john@staustell]

cheers doug.

how did RSC look?

Looks good to me. Won't be long before he is involved and Monday must be a possible.

Bit cagey there Doug. Did he leave early with the first team or not?

Still going by Mr Bellamy's advice then?

Good man, thanks.

[craigmcfc]

Thanks Doug, really does sound now like Johnno has cracked this injury and what a massive plus it will be to have him available for selection. If he could get back to the form that he showed before the injury then it would be fantastic to have another Academy lad as a permanent fixture in the team

[Biamp]

Cheers Doug, another great report.