Indecisiveness and an overall lack of action.

There is no such thing as patience when it comes to the transfer market – at least that’s the way it should be. I’ve written that before. I’ve also said that Arsenal don’t quite know how much of a good opportunity they have this summer to really make up ground on the top teams in England and around Europe. The fans aren’t stupid, as much as Arsene Wenger may want to think they are. So booing at the Emirates Cup is warranted, and it has little to do with “Wenger out” or not being a real supporter.

It is worth pointing out that the booing of Gonzalo Higuain was ridiculous, almost as if to say he snubbed Arsenal. The deal was on the table and even Napoli didn’t believe they had a chance of snapping him up due to the continued links with Arsenal. It’s far, far from the player’s fault, and any vitriol aimed at him was beyond childish.

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But fans don’t want to go through the pain of the struggle for fourth when the resources are quite clearly available to strengthen beyond that. I still maintain that Ivan Gazidis was intent on the club spending big this summer, but the indecision and lack of communication from the manager has left the club in this position. Yes, there probably will be signings – the club numerically can’t go without any. But are they the top targets? Will it be too late? Is the squad, as it is, good enough through the qualifying round of the Champions League?

Wenger offered up a few gems prior to the Emirates Cup on the weekend, namely by asking whether anyone could name a player who was better than what the club currently had, once again assuming that the media and supporters are oblivious to good footballers outside their own club. As I wrote last week, sometimes someone just needs to have a quiet word and tell Wenger that he should avoid ruffling the feathers in the way he does. It makes him look foolish, as well as the rest of the board.

Even with all the money in the world – because let’s be honest, £100 million is still a lot of money to use in a strengthening project over a summer – Wenger appears to be remaining true to his form, that being a lack of clear options. And here’s the thing: I don’t see Wayne Rooney or Luis Suarez as options, because if the whole summer is being wasted to only get them in during the last half hour of the window, then can they really be considered options? Not if you’re out of the Champions League and a handful of points adrift from the top spot in the league.

I also wasn’t too keen on Mikel Arteta’s summation of the current situation when he said the best players move at the end of the window. Far from the truth, as Edinson Cavani has already moved, Higuain has gone, Mario Gomez, Stevan Jovetic, Mario Goetze, James Rodriguez, Radamel Falcao, Isco… I could go on forever.

Not only is there indecisiveness but there is also a lack of planning. Where is the concrete evidence to support that? Well you don’t really need any, do you? Arsenal are unbelievably easy to read when it comes to transfer dealings. They speak in riddles, but really it’s just a song and dance to tell you that nothing is actually happening – and sometimes they flat out tell you that.

Prior to this summer Arsenal fans didn’t really know what the situation was at the club. Through the media they were constantly fed contrasting stories about funds be available or the need to balance the books and stay afloat. For that it wasn’t always easy to condone the rising tide of anger at the Emirates. But now it’s different. The public has had the CEO of the club lay it out in the simplest of terms that money is available, that the struggles of the past few years have been building towards this summer. The boos at the Emirates Cup, fully warranted, were a ripple of what’s the come if the club continue on the same path. Signing will be made, but without the world-class players who can genuinely turn this team around, the growing boos will very much carry plenty of weight.

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Do supporters have a right to be angered by the inaction of Arsenal?

Join the debate below

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AC Milan and Inter Milan have both set their sights on former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song, according to talkSPORT.

The Cameroon international may be on the move in January, after struggling to establish himself at Barcelona since his move in the summer of 2012.

He had been strongly linked with a possible return to Arsenal, although Arsene Wenger does not appear interested after signing Mathieu Flamini on a free in the summer.

The Frenchman has excelled in the holding midfield position, meaning Wenger does not need to spend money to re-sign Song.

However, San Siro giants AC Milan and Inter Milan have both made enquiries about the 26-year-old’s availability, and could be set for a January battle for his services.

Song is under contract at the Nou Camp until 2017, and has made just 22 league starts since arriving at the Nou Camp almost 18 months ago.

A brief stint at centre half did not have the same impact as Javier Mascherano’s positional change, and the Catalan club are thought to be ready to listen to offers in January.

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Song made close to 150 league appearances for the Gunners, after joining as a youngster in 2005. His final season at the Emirates saw him produce arguably his best form, as he struck a devastating understanding with Robin van Persie, although both were to leave the club the following summer.

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Many anticipated the Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace at Villa Park would be a relatively drab affair, and managers Paul Lambert and Tony Pulis did little to challenge expectations.

The visitors sat back to wait for opportunities on the break, whilst the Villians failed to capitalise on a wealth of possession – 80% after the first twenty minutes, and 65% at the final whistle.

The game struggled to inspire and was mainly lost to long-ball football, which proved incredibly unproductive for both sides with Palace’s Marouane Chamakh and Villa’s Christian Benteke both absent through injury.

The only significant chance of the first half went to Libor Kozak, who had an injury time header from a corner blocked by Adrian Mariappa.

After the break however both sides upped the ante, with Yanik Bolasie and Jason Puncheon causing headaches for the Villa defence. Brad Guzan managed to beat away a Puncheon toe-poke in the 48th minute.

A quick end-to-end flurry in the 54th minute saw a decent effort from Andreas Weimann held by Julian Speroni after an excellent ball from Fabian Delph, followed by the visitors countering down the other end and former Villain Barry Bannan hitting the woodwork.

The intensity grew as the final whistle drew closer. Bolasie and Puncheon  both remained considerable threats, whilst Dwight Gayle came off the bench for Cameron Jerome. Jordan Bowrey then entered the fray for the Birmingham outfit, and forced Julian Speroni into an acrobatic save from a header in the 89th minute.

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It was the Palace sub who proved to be the deciding factor however, netting an unbelievable stoppage time curler that saw the visitors go back to South-East London with all three points. It puts Crystal Palace out of the relegation zone and Aston Villa just three points above it.

A vital win for Tony Pulis, but Paul Lambert will be concerned with the groans of discontent at Villa Park after the final whistle.

Forget the players. Forget Alan Pardew. Even forget  Mike Ashley’s debilitating lack of investment. The real reason behind Newcastle United’s slump in form was revealed over the weekend.

After Pardew’s comments blaming the local media for Newcastle’s latest troubles on the pitch, regional newspaper the Sunday Sun decided to issue an apology to their readership. Accepting full responsibility for the club’s horrendous recent run of results, the newspaper also held themselves accountable for “headbutting David Meyler too.”

The Toon Army on Twitter have reacted positively to the sarcastic headline.

Fans of the Magpies have grown tired of Pardew consistently blaming anything other than himself for the club’s troubles, with the Newcastle Evening Chronicle even producing a random excuse generator to aid the manager in future interviews and press conferences.

The “apology” came after the Toon Army publicly expressed their anger with Pardew at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, with the latest defeat hardly strengthening the manager’s case.

However, Newcastle fans can now relax their campaign. The Sunday Sun have finally accepted responsibility for the club’s troubles this season.

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Former Liverpool hero Dietmar Hamann believes that his old club will rue missing out on the Premier League title this season.

The Reds had played themselves into pole position for English football’s top prize a few weeks ago, but a 2-0 home loss to Chelsea and a dramatic late collapse which led to a 3-3 draw at Crystal Palace allied to Manchester City’s results have left them hoping for a minor miracle on the final day of the season.

Liverpool’s rise has been somewhat of a surprise, with Brendan Rodgers’ men having finished seventh last season and missed out on Europa League qualification.

In respect of that this season has been a massive success on Merseyside, but Hamann – a part of the iconic 2005 Champions League-winning team – feels that they will look back on 2013/14 as a missed chance:

“If Liverpool don’t win the title, it will be a huge missed opportunity. In football you have to take your chances when you get them.” He told the Liverpool Echo.

“Even though nobody expected them to be in this position, they are there on merit.

“It’s not as if they have punched above their weight. They won 11 games on the spin and you only do that if you are a top team.

“They deserved a shot at the title and it would be a huge opportunity missed.”

Despite the feeling of negativity at Anfield, Liverpool can still win a first ever Premier League crown by taking three points from Newcastle on Sunday as long as City slip to defeat at the hands of West Ham.

And Hamann – who also played for the Sky Blues – feels that the pressure is on Manuel Pellegrini’s side:

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“The title isn’t gone, City will still need something on the final day to be champions.

“It’s far from over.”

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With Manchester United’s midfield in desperate need of some fresh blood, the Old Trafford side have been linked with Roma star Kevin Strootman.

The 24 year-old missed the World Cup through injury, and will remain sidelined until November at the earliest. But that doesn’t appear to have deterred Louis van Gaal’s interest, having hinted earlier this week Strootman is on his radar.

Of course, the Dutch duo know each other well. The tough-tackling midfielder has been an integral part of the Netherlands first team over the last few years and is currently their official vice-captain.

Roma apparently want £79million for Strootman, who only joined the Stadio Olympico ranks last summer.

But regardless, we think the Oranje international would be perfect for Manchester United and resultantly have conjured up FIVE reasons the Red Devils must sign him…

[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON STROOTMAN TO REVEAL

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THE DUTCH ROY KEANE

As mentioned on his Wikipedia page and in any article ever suggesting a move to Manchester United…

Kevin Strootman is often referred to as ‘The Dutch Roy Keane’. So what better home for him than Old Trafford?

Indeed, like the former Red Devils skipper, the 24 year-old is tenacious and tough-tackling. He came 13th in Serie A’s challenges-per-match table last season, as detailed below:

United’s midfield has lacked that energy and bite for some time, especially amid Darren Fletcher’s long-term illness. Here’s Strootman putting his boot in (amongst other things) against Ajax during his PSV days:

//www.youtube.com/embed/Ku7kIDIVos8?rel=0

FUTURE CAPTAIN MATERIAL

And thus, sharing the undying determination of Roy Keane, Kevin Strootman is undoubtedly future captain material.

He’s already taken skipper duties on a permanent basis for former club PSV, despite being just 23 years of age, and Louis van Gaal has even issued him the armband for the Netherlands on occasion too.

Interestingly enough, following the departure of Nemanja Vidic, Manchester United are on the prowl for a new captain.

Despite his freshness to the Carrington scene, I’m sure the Old Trafford faithful would much prefer Strootman donning the armband next season than Tom Cleverley, who was met with a tirade of social media abuse after being named skipper by van Gaal during United’s pre-season friendly against Roma:

CONTRIBUTION GOING FORWARD

//www.youtube.com/embed/Knpb22QSfEQ?rel=0

Despite what my adoration for Kevin Strootman’s tackling ability might initially suggest, the Oranje international is by no means a one-trick pony.

In truth, he comes with an excellent all-round game and his contribution going forward was vital for Roma last season as they staged a surprise runner up finish in Serie A. Here’s his attacking vitals for the campaign:

And a look at his equally impressive passing statistics:

As the stats suggest, the 24 year-old is a lot more than your generic holding midfielder. He’s competent on the ball and efficient in the final third, making him an ideal box-to-boxer from Manchester United’s point of view. Take this piledriver from last season for example:

That should see him fit into Louis van Gaal’s attacking philosophy perfectly as the deepest-lying midfielder.

POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH VAN GAAL

Louis van Gaal doesn’t have a positive relationship with every player he works with. Just as Rivaldo:

But the United gaffer is known to have a strong bond with Kevin Strootman, having made him a central figure in the Netherlands team and issued him 15 caps since taking the Oranje reins in summer 2012.

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And as previously stated, LVG has even handed the 24 year-old the armband on occasion, officially making him vice-captain for Holland. And as the Manchester United gaffer has continually stated in regards to the Red Devils’ vacant captaincy, that basically means you’re the son he’s never had:

VAN GAAL ACTUALLY WANTS HIM

Louis van Gaal’s transfer targets have surprised many this summer, the most notable example being the Dutchman’s apparent reluctance to sign World Cup winner Toni Kroos for an incredibly cheap £20million fee, despite Manchester United’s obvious need for greater talent in central midfield and the potential move already set up by predecessor David Moyes:

But the Red Devils gaffer has confirmed in the last few days that Kevin Strootman, despite being injured, remains on his radar:

Understandably so; LVG is planning major philosophical changes at Old Trafford and the Roma midfielder would be an ideal on-pitch general to help implement them.

Of course, the main issue – apart from Strootman’s fitness issues which will see him out until at least November – is price-tag, with the Serie A runners-up reluctant to cash-in on a player they signed only twelve months ago.

Rather ridiculously, they’ve reportedly placed a £79million valuation on Strootman:

With the summer transfer window now slammed shut, many Southampton fans are glad to see that there will be no more departures from St.Mary’s for at least another four months.

As well as many players leaving the Saints, including Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren, manager Mauricio Pochettino also left for pastures new, moving to north London with Tottenham Hotspur. However, Ronald Koeman has come onto the south coast and has steadied a very rocky ship. As well as bringing in new blood to replace the departures, on the basis of their promising and surprising start to the season, Koeman has got them playing in exactly the same way as Pochettino did, exciting.

Having a prestigious playing career, the Dutchman played for clubs including Ajax, Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord and was considered one of the best midfielders in the world in 1980-1997. With a stunning playing career to be proud of, Koeman also boasts being a fantastic manager, and has taken charge of clubs such as his old teams Ajax, PSV and Feynoord, as well as Spanish side Valencia and Portuguese giants Benfica. Making the immediate move from playing to managing can become a struggle for most, but Koeman has taken it like a duck to water.

Now that Southampton are experiencing their first mountain to climb since being promoted back into England’s top flight in 2012, Koeman has started as Pochettino left off. After their first game away at Liverpool, many thought before the game that Liverpool would produce a goal spree, but it wasn’t the case. If it wasn’t for the added quality and potent attack for the Reds, the Merseysiders may not have come away with a victory. A draw at home to West Brom could be classed as disappointing for the Saints as their flowing football caused the Baggies all sorts of problems. Finally, away at West Ham, they got what they finally deserved, completely outplaying the Hammers and leaving with a well deserved 3-1 victory.

QUIZ: Can you name the top 50 Premier League goal scorers of all time?

The new signings have already proved that they can cut it in England’s top flight. Dusan Tadic and Graziano Pelle are two of many arrivals that have impressed early doors. Tadic, a Serbian international, has the same qualities and attributes as Lallana, while Pelle has proven to be a straight replacement for Lambert and a strong presence who can bully his way through the opposition defence. With questions being asked of Joe Hart, Fraser Forster is the ideal shot stopper to replace him as England’s number one.

With three games in, Hart’s England understudy has only conceded three goals in three games since his arrival from Scottish champions Celtic, and has produced some impressive saves. With the recent arrivals of Toby Alderweireld and Sadio Mane from Atletico Madrid and Red Bull Salzburg respectively, Southampton are slowly looking a threat.

Despite signing a plethora of new plaers, Southampton have managed to keep hold of some talented youngsters aswell. James Ward-Prowse has had to make the step up and is doing so with style so far. Southampton’s famed academy has produced some magnificent talent, and Ward-Prowse is no exception. With vision and flair aswell as being an expert from dead ball situations, Ward-Prowse could have a few of the big guns sniffing around for his signature. Another is Nathanial Clyne, a free transfer from Crystal Palace two years ago, Clyne is another player who should be recognised as an England international by Roy Hodgson, having had problems in the right back position in the past.

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With Koeman’s experience, man management and tactical expertise, the Saints have what it takes to finish another season in the top half of the table.

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It has been a turbulent few years for Blackburn Rovers. The one-time Premier League champions have experienced relegation to the Championship as well as a takeover by Indian company Venky’s who specialise in chicken meat processing and pharmaceutical products for the use of both poultry and human. This is a prime example of foreign owners, knowing nothing about football, taking over a special and traditional club. Sacking Sam Allardyce whilst the Lancashire club were sitting pretty in mid-table and replacing him with Steve Kean is just one of many mistakes by the Indian owners.

On the other end of the scale, the Venky’s did break the Ewood Park’s transfer record in 2012, signing striker Jordan Rhodes for £8m. This has proved a shrewd and sensible investment for one of the most prolific forward’s in the second tier of English football. Sitting in 12th position in the table, but just four points off a Play-Off spot, Rhodes is the player most will turn to if he is to score goals. His goalscoring record for other clubs speaks for itself, and it’s no wonder Premier League clubs are keeping a close eye on the Scottish international. Hull City were the most notable top flight side interested in acquiring the services of Rhodes after the departure of Shane Long to fellow Premier League side Southampton, making three bids for him in the summer, all of which were turned down. It would be better for Rhodes to gain promotion to the Premier League with his current club, rather than force through a transfer.

In years gone by, many players have set the Championship alight, but failed at the top level, and as a result, their careers have dramatically stalled. Jermaine Beckford is a prime example. Now at Bolton Wanderers, Beckford’s best spell came when he was at Leeds United between 2006-2010. In 126 appearances, the striker managed an impressive 72 goals, including that famous strike against Manchester United at Old Trafford that was enough to knock the Red Devils out of the FA Cup. As a result, he moved to Everton where in 34 games for the Toffees, could only manage eight goals, and was shipped out to Leicester City after just one season.

Prior to Rhodes moving to Blackburn, the 24-year-old started his career at Ipswich Town, but was surplus to requirements by manager Roy Keane, and in 2009 moved to Huddersfield Town where Keane was left red faced. 124 games and 73 goals later, Rhodes proved Keane and any doubters wrong that he is capable of performing at the very top. Last season was also another fabulous season for Rhodes. In 45 games in all competitions, Rhodes scored 25 goals and made four assists.

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Good at finishing, deadly in the penalty area, strong hold up play and magnificent in aerial duels, these are the main reason why he is turning heads all over the country. Like many players wishing to play in the Premier League, many that have had the pleasure to do so have ended up back where they started. For a talent like Rhodes, to see his career ruined in a season is something the neutral fan, and especially Blackburn, never wants to see.

As if every Geordie had wished it for Christmas, Alan Pardew’s controversial reign as Newcastle manager came to an end last week, with the 53 year-old accepting the role of Neil Warnock’s replacement at Crystal Palace.

Music to ears for a large segment of the Toon army then, but the Magpies are now faced with the not-so-small issue of finding a successor to the much-maligned Eagles gaffer.

As expected with a Mike Ashley appointment, the list of candidates ranges sparsely in its blend of obscurity, controversy and comedy value. But it appears the options have been whittled down to the more sizable number of five, so with that in mind, here’s a list of the men currently leading the race.

JOHN CARVER

John Carver may have felt ‘deeply embarrassed’ by supporters’ reactions to Newcastle’s 1-0 defeat to Leicester City in the FA Cup’s third round, with fans reportedly chanting ‘We’re s**t and we’re sick of it’ as he commanded the dugout in his second fixture as Magpies caretaker boss, but one should never rule out the powers of incumbency.

Not only will the 49 year-old be luxury to further opportunities to impress Mike Ashley whilst the Toon owner mulls over the other candidates, but he also offers unique continuity, having served as Alan Pardew’s second-in-command since 2011 – in addition to a prior five-year stretch as Magpies assistant from 1999-2004.

Despite his synonymy with the Tyneside club, Carver’s unlikely to be a popular appointment with the fanbase, having infamously clashed with anti-Pardew protestors ahead of a 4-0 defeat to Southampton in September.

REMI GARDE

With Newcastle’s transfer policy becoming increasingly Ligue 1-centric throughout Mike Ashley’s ownership, there’s certainly some logic behind the suggestion of a French replacement for Alan Pardew. According to Mirror Football, the Magpies are already considering former France international Remi Garde.

The 48 year-old won a Premier League title with Arsenal (who else!) during his playing days and until last summer was the head coach at Lyon, leading them to a Coupe de France in 2012. He recorded a 51% win rate with Les Gones and, rather refreshingly amid the modern vogue of hire and fire, left Stade de Gerland on his own terms, citing personal reasons upon the expiration of his three-term contract.

It’s believed the former defender wanted to take a break away from the beautiful game, but he’ll unlikely refuse the opportunity to manage in the Premier League. Furthermore, the appointment of Garde could bring Newcastle closer to the signature of well-known transfer target and current Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette.

DICK ADVOCAAT

Another name in the hat, according to Mirror Football, is former Rangers and Netherlands boss Dick Advocaat, who boasts the most well-rounded CV on this list by quite some way.

Some of the 67 year-old’s prior posts include PSV, Borussia Monchengladbach and Zenit, where he won the Russian Premier League in 2007 and the UEFA Cup in 2008, in addition to the UAE, South Korean, Belgian, Russian, Serbian and Netherlands (twice) national teams.

Of course, it’s worth reminding that despite Advocaat’s experience and credentials, boasting 15 trophies in total, in addition to becoming the first foreign honorary citizen of St. Petersburg since 1866, the majority of his tenures have lasted less than a year – albeit, usually with win rates around the 50% mark.

That being said, he’s widely respected throughout the footballing world and will offer an eclectic knowledge of cheap, young players from abroad. SkyBet place him at 12/1.

PAUL CLEMENT

Having excelled as Carlo Ancelotti’s right-hand man at Chelsea, PSG and now Real Madrid, Paul Clement’s quickly-enhancing reputation as one of the most talented No.2s in the business has grabbed Mike Ashley’s attention, according to Mirror Football.

A real footballing man from one of England’s footballing families, the 42 year-old is the son of former England international Dave Clement and brother of ex-West Brom defender Neil Clement, and has been earning his stripes as a coach for nearly twenty years.

After consistent success with three major clubs at the pinnacle of European football – in addition to almost defying the odds to keep Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League as Steve Kean’s deputy – it’s surely now a case of when, rather than if, Clement is given the opportunity to impress as a No.1.

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He’s been fairly vocal of such ambitions in the past, but whether the Magpies are prepared to take that punt remains to be seen.

TIM SHERWOOD

The Gillet-throwing gaffer extraordinaire that just won’t go away, since his departure from Tottenham in the summer, Tim Sherwood has been linked with virtually every Premier League vacancy going.

He doesn’t offer too much in the way of experience, having overseen the Lilywhites’ first team for just six months between the tenures of Andre Villas-Boas and Mauricio Pochettino, but the 45 year-old left the Lane with a 50% win rate – rather impressively, a return higher than any Daniel Levy-appointed predecessor.

Furthermore, Sherwood’s say-it-like-it-is approach to press conferences, like a cockney Jeremy Paxman, quickly caught the attention of Premier League fans up and down the country. Unlike the rest of the mooted appointments on this list, the former England midfielder’s passionate honesty might just prevent the Magpies fanbase from perceiving him as a Mike Ashley puppet.

Then again, his emotive tone doesn’t sit well with all – and one can already envisage a resurgence of the ‘cockney mafia’ protests on Tyneside.

Kieren Westwood is proving to be one of, if not the best goalkeeper in the Championship this season. A summer signing for Sheffield Wednesday after his release from Sunderland, Westwood has been the shining light in a fairly average season so far for Wednesday.

Playing in every league fixture so far, Westwood has conceded 21 times which is the second least amount conceded in the Championship, with ten clean sheets. Not bad for a goalkeeper of a team in 13th position and no doubt would be a lot worse off if it wasn’t for Westwood nearly single handily winning points for Wednesday, at times.

The 30-year-old was plagued with injuries during his time at Sunderland from 2011 until this past summer. He only made 19 Premier League appearances but started the 2013/14 campaign as first-choice, until a shoulder injury ended his season in November.

Westwood started his career at Man City but first became a regular starter at Carlisle United who he joined in 2004. He quickly became a key player in the side that won promotion to League One in 2006. It was the key role he played in Carlisle’s League One play-off campaign in 2007/08 which brought about a move to the Championship with Coventry City. This included a magnificent display in the play-offs against Leeds.

It is a little bit of a mystery to why such a good goalkeeper is playing in the Championship. Perhaps he felt he needed to take the step down to prove himself by playing regular football again for the first time since 2011. With some of his unbelievable performances this season, surely a number of Premier League teams will have half-an-eye on him during the next couple of transfer windows.

Westwood has produced Man of the Match displays against Leeds and Norwich, and also had one of his better matches against Huddersfield. The performance against Norwich was one of the best I have seen from a goalkeeper for many years – which was also by Westwood in Coventry’s 1-0 victory over Birmingham in 2008. He made a number of top quality saves to single handily deny Norwich and win a point for Wednesday, demonstrating his excellent reflex and shot stopping abilities.

There are some quality goalkeepers in the Championship; with the likes of Carl Ikeme, John Ruddy and David Marshall to name a few. But neither of these keepers have had their team be as reliant on them as Sheffield Wednesday have been on Westwood. It was the same when Westwood was at Coventry between 2008 and 2011.

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His debut season saw him named in the Championship PFA Team of the Year, due to some memorable performances. These performances came on a week in week out basis during his stay at the Sky Blues, with his saves being one of the main reasons they stayed in the Division over this period.

After being out for so long until this season he is yet to win back the number one shirt for the Republic of Ireland. He has 17 caps for the Irish, last playing in November 2013. But that will surely change if he continues to put in the performances he has been doing on a regular basis for Sheffield Wednesday.