Gibson won't face USA on Tuesday

Play Besic with Hibbert/ Osman there. I like to see just one fully defensive midfielder with an attack minded partner. Most other teams at the top play with just one holding midfielder.

In January, I would like us to go for Delph as I see him as the perfect partner for McCarthy. We cannot just rely on older players much longer in midfield. That particular position needs stamina and although Barry has been really good he needs to be rotated as he is not young anymore.

If a player can't bring anything to the team, then get him tae fuck out the door — save the med bills, save the wages, make space for someone who can play.

A minor knock that will probably become a two month injury again.

You just can't rely on Gibson to ever play 10 games on the spin anymore.

There's a reason why top clubs allow their players to leave, United knew what they were doing when they allowed Gibson to go for so cheap, likewise Howard, players with problems or aren't good enough to win you trophies.

I just wonder sometimes how we acquired him and rejected Fer on fitness issues. Don’t get me wrong, I do not think Fer would have been a good signing as he is not impressing me so far.

Delph on the other hand would be a tremendous signing if we can get him in January. I also fancy a punt on Campbell from Arsenal, he looked brilliant for Costa Rica and he is very adaptable, skillful and hard working. I am sure that us having Oviedo may help to attract him. If we could add those two in January it would lower the age of the squad and bring more options.

I am not so keen on paying for youngsters as we already seem to have some good one’s on the books. For example, Garbutt, Stones, Browning, Galloway and Ledson. I am not so enamoured about the strikers we have coming through though and I really rate the Arsenal Costa Rican. Wenger has more than enough of players in his position so we should grab him or loan him in asap.

Howard's a raving lunatic.

As for only Martyn being better?
Yes true but there's only been Paul Gerrard, Steve Simonsen and Richard Wright, so it's hardly like he's had to fill impossible boots.

I'd put Howard as slightly better than Wright, not much though, both good shot stoppers, both prone to ridiculous gaffs and comical decision making.

This got me thinking whether we could change our formation to 4-1-4-1. Normal back 4, Besic as DM, McGeady on the right, Barkley & Naismith in the centre, Pienaar on the Left and Rom up front.

We have a other options up front with Osman, Oviedo, Eto'o etc but the main point is whether 4-1-4-1 would work for us?

Oh ye of short memories (or good therapy programmes)...

I'd be more inclined to revert to a 4-4-2 and play Besic and Barkley in the middle of midfield. Tell Besic to sit and Barkley to be more advanced, with Pienaar left and McGeady right. Play two upfront with a choice between either Lukaku, Eto'o or Naismith (probably Lukaku and Eto'o as they should fresh).

If my failing memory serves me, not one point gained with those two duffers in goal.

Why did we go through with the Gibbo signing but not Fer?

The fee.