UEFA Progress,

Some observations from last nights game. This is not intended to be a match report as these are plentiful elsewhere.

Harper, whilst obviously injured he was not tested and should now get a rest on Sunday to make way for an adopted Geordie.

Carr - Improvement from last couple of games but not up to the expected standard.

Duff - Given the sponsors MOM for his efforts, as you would expect good going forward, comfortable on the ball but wasn't really tested. Certainly worth another try at full back.

Taylor/Ramage - Showed signs of a good partnership. Taylor is still short of top form and was caught out a couple of times but like a good partner Ramage was always there to tidy up. The fact that the turks never threatened (i can only remember 1 shot on target and that was tame) must be credited in no small part to these two. Ramage was my MOM. Shame they will be split on Sunday.

Milner - Worked hard as ever, never let the defence settle but needs to work on his final ball. Encouraging.

N'Zogbia - See Milner but less involved.

Parker/Emre - a big night for these 2 against quality opposition. Parker was no-nonsense and Emre looked desperate to impress against his countrymen. A good midfield battle probably drawn, no disgrace against classy opposition.

Sibierski - Good touches, good link up, in the right place at the right time. Deserves a chance to form a partnership with Martins. Unless he catches someone’s hip in training he is likely to be harshly dropped on Sunday.

Martins - Getting batter. His touch is improving and he has started to harry the opposition. Needs a settled partner and run of games.
Roeder Watch - A good brave selection, although he could have possibly shown more faith in Krul instead of risking Harps. Late substitution of Martins for Shola was disappointing. Shola is not the answer, when we scored he was no where near being involved like any decent striker would be. If he wanted to change the team, Luque was on the bench and even his usual lacklustre efforts would have been better than Sholas.