Morning morning, from a despicably rainy Dublin.
Some bits and pieces to go on with this morning, starting with the promotion of Jack Wilshere from number 55 to number 19 for the season ahead. It shows that what the boss said yesterday was true, it’s about what he’s doing on the pitch and with 7 subs allowed this season he’s got a good chance of being involved from time to time. He’s named in our first team squad so it’s a real measure of his talent that he’s there at his age. But let’s not forget his age and while it’s great to enjoy his pre-season performances let’s not expect the sun, moon and stars just yet.
Eduardo, who got a great reception when he appeared on the pitch before the Real Madrid game says he hopes to be playing again before Christmas. There were reports that he might be back in time for the start of the season but given the severity of his injury I think that was a bit optimistic. And there is no point rushing back before everything is 100% ready, physically and mentally.
In the meantime the bulk of the striking responsibility will fall to Robin van Persie and that Adebayor fella. The Dutchman says:
We showed that Ade and I have a few nice combinations together. That is really important for two strikers, you always have to work together, you always have to look for each other. Hopefully this is a good start.
I have to say I was a bit surprised at how well they linked up. One move in the first half saw them cut through the Madrid defence with a series of one-touch passes and if they can work on that understanding as the season goes on then they could be a very good combination indeed.
The Telegraph links us with a move for Real Madrid midfielder Ruben de la Red. He is a good player and would slot into that Flamini role very well. Madrid value him at around £9.5m apparently. With the Spaniards having just been in town who knows what kind of post-match discussion went on. I can’t find anything in the Spanish press about it but with Real about to sign van der Vaart they may well be disposed to letting de la Red go. We’ll see.
Armand Traore has signed a new long term deal with the club. I’ll be interested to see what happens with him this season. I think he needs a loan move. He’s certainly very quick but he’s got an awful lot to learn still. The best way to do that is play a season somewhere, perhaps in the Championship, then we can see what he’s really made of.
And that’s about that. I’m off to stare at the rain all day.
