cambridgeshire canary 6,755 Posted March 12 (edited) Time for McCallum to step up.. Good thing we (Cursing it by saying this I know) have some seemingly easier fixtures and an international break coming up rght? Edited March 12 by cambridgeshire canary Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rock bus 854 Posted March 12 To be honest I'm glad this means we will have to give McCallum a decent spell in the team. I think he has more potential than DImi and of the two he's the one I'd be offering a new contract to (that is unless he is rubbish in the next few games!!) 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Monty13 2,235 Posted March 12 While it’s a blow, of all the areas to get an injury at least it’s the one where we have genuine competition available to step up. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matt Juler 153 Posted March 12 Two very different left backs in Dimi and Sam McCallum. Personally the heading ability and attacking intent of Sam probably suits our current style of play better, especially when we're on the front foot. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nuff Said 5,149 Posted March 12 Plus McCallum has that long throw (although Nunez does too, it’s like buses!). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Feedthewolf 4,861 Posted March 12 We know that Lungi, Kenny and possible even Fisher at a stretch could cover LB, so as long as McCallum stays fit this shouldn't derail us too much. Hamstrings are awkward sods – it's even possible that Dimi could have played his last game for us. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hairy Canary 705 Posted March 12 So no mention of Gibson on that injury update then? I was worried he might have picked up something after he went off at half time against Rotherham. Guess that was a precaution then.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWC 245 Posted March 12 (edited) I think McCallum has already stepped up compared to his performances last season - he is a far better player now. I always prefer him in the team over Dimi. Edited March 12 by NWC 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cambridgeshire canary 6,755 Posted March 12 3 minutes ago, NWC said: I think McCallum has already stepped up compared to his performances last season - he is a far better player now. I always prefer him in the team over Dimi. Did feel in pre season and earlier in the season that McCallum was a little rusty but he does seem to have shaken off, and he does feel like a rather different kind of player than Giannoulis 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shefcanary 2,435 Posted March 12 Given there is an international break coming up, Dimi might not actually miss that many games. Shame that Montoia is injured - another chance to look at another prospect, even in a short cameo, missed. As for Gibson, in comments made after Saturday, Wagner said he has had a tight calf for some time, not actually impeding him but niggling. So, yes, precautionary on Saturday and should with a lot of physio be okay for Stoke. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Feedthewolf 4,861 Posted March 12 3 minutes ago, cambridgeshire canary said: Did feel in pre season and earlier in the season that McCallum was a little rusty but he does seem to have shaken off, and he does feel like a rather different kind of player than Giannoulis Definitely offers more aerial presence; one of Farke's greatest weaknesses was the small and lightweight fullbacks (Aarons and Lewis) constantly being outmuscled and outjumped with balls to the back post. Stacey and McCallum offer us a lot more strength in that regard. McCallum needs to track back more quickly when he gets caught upfield – he was fine against Rotherham who offered practically zero threat, but that remains the greatest weakness in his game to my eyes. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Feedthewolf 4,861 Posted March 12 2 minutes ago, shefcanary said: Given there is an international break coming up, Dimi might not actually miss that many games. Shame that Montoia is injured - another chance to look at another prospect, even in a short cameo, missed. As for Gibson, in comments made after Saturday, Wagner said he has had a tight calf for some time, not actually impeding him but niggling. So, yes, precautionary on Saturday and should with a lot of physio be okay for Stoke. Damn, I didn't realise Montóia was injured. Can't find anything about it online; do you know what the injury is, and when he's expected back? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CANARYKING 642 Posted March 12 One hamstring after another, is it just us ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RobJames 883 Posted March 12 No. Various short term injuries have now become the norm. Football authorities are well aware, hence the move to five subs. How much is down to intense training is probably not known, but with Wagner boasting about 'double sessions' then there is a thought that some responsibility lies there. What impact this will have on players 40 years hence is not known. Not the legacy of dementia I should not think, but the stress put on joints and muscles cannot be of any long term benefit Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HazzaJet 256 Posted March 12 Injuries are not good news, although McCallum has massively improved from what he was like at the start of the season. However, I think it’s highly likely that Giannoulis will be departing this summer and so unless the club have plans to offer him a new contract, I would like McCallum to get priority over him in the starting XI Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RobJames 883 Posted March 12 McCallum is out of contract in June (2024) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Capt. Pants 4,262 Posted March 12 Unlikely to be available for the Ipswich game then? Sam is a more than able replacement plus Sorensen has played there so not the end of the world, but it does seem one thing after an another with our squad. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shefcanary 2,435 Posted March 12 2 hours ago, Feedthewolf said: Damn, I didn't realise Montóia was injured. Can't find anything about it online; do you know what the injury is, and when he's expected back? No, all i know is just the comment in that article. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Addick/Canary 76 Posted March 12 I like both our left backs, with the caveat that they both get outmaneouvred by the opposition at times in defence; more so than Stacey, I feel. I particularly like the way Sam is very brave in aerial duels, but am concerned he is going to come a cropper before too long, which (Sod's law) will happen sooner rather than later, given our paucity of back-up in that position (without reshuffling our other defensive / midfield positions). If we have seen the last of Dimi, it'll be a shame that he still hasn't managed to find the net, bless him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RobJames 883 Posted March 12 There is a concern that both LBs are out of contract this summer so could leave on a free if they choose. I expect Gino to leave this summer. The suggested cover Lungi is also out of contract this summer. There is no thought/indication that either want away from CR, but... I understand the club might have wanted to see how well Lungi fared after his injury, but I wonder what is the delay with them both. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daz 72 Posted March 12 5 hours ago, Feedthewolf said: Definitely offers more aerial presence; one of Farke's greatest weaknesses was the small and lightweight fullbacks (Aarons and Lewis) constantly being outmuscled and outjumped with balls to the back post. Stacey and McCallum offer us a lot more strength in that regard. McCallum needs to track back more quickly when he gets caught upfield – he was fine against Rotherham who offered practically zero threat, but that remains the greatest weakness in his game to my eyes. He loves a jog back. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Feedthewolf 4,861 Posted March 12 7 hours ago, RobJames said: There is a concern that both LBs are out of contract this summer so could leave on a free if they choose. I expect Gino to leave this summer. The suggested cover Lungi is also out of contract this summer. There is no thought/indication that either want away from CR, but... I understand the club might have wanted to see how well Lungi fared after his injury, but I wonder what is the delay with them both. We do have the option to extend Sorensen's contract by a year, and I'd expect us to exercise that option. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Newtopia 518 Posted March 13 19 hours ago, Feedthewolf said: We know that Lungi, Kenny and possible even Fisher at a stretch could cover LB, so as long as McCallum stays fit this shouldn't derail us too much. Hamstrings are awkward sods – it's even possible that Dimi could have played his last game for us. I was thinking the same about his last game. Glad he got to the century of appearances. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yobocop 1,105 Posted March 13 Giannoulis much the better left back, McCallum had maybe two decent games for us but he has an opportunity now Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nuff Said 5,149 Posted March 13 What we really need is a left-sided Stacey, he has been excellent recently. I would go so far as to say quite possibly on the POTS shortlist. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaberry2 554 Posted March 13 13 minutes ago, Nuff Said said: What we really need is a left-sided Stacey, he has been excellent recently. I would go so far as to say quite possibly on the POTS shortlist. Yes Stacey has had a good season overall and a vital part of out playoff push. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim Smith 2,325 Posted March 13 I like both of them and they both have different strengths and weaknesses but I’m not unhappy about the prospect of McCallum having a run in the side. I think he gives us added threat with his crossing and aerial ability. I also think there is potentially a really good player there so it will be a shame if we let him go in the summer as I think a bit of decent coaching could see him worth quite a lot of money. we all know his weakness is getting caught up field and being too slow to get back. That can be worked on. I like Dimi also but he has been making quite a few mistakes which have cost us in at least a couple of recent games. Blackburn’s equaliser ultimately flowed from him messing about with the ball and giving it away and I’m not sure quite what he was attempting with Boro’s first goal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim Smith 2,325 Posted March 13 Just now, jaberry2 said: Yes Stacey has had a good season overall and a vital part of out playoff push. Stacey is indeed much improved although he had such a dip in the middle of the season I can’t see him as a POTS candidate. He was really, really poor during that spell. Another one who is better attacking than defending which seems to be the way with modern full backs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaberry2 554 Posted March 13 (edited) 1 minute ago, Jim Smith said: Stacey is indeed much improved although he had such a dip in the middle of the season I can’t see him as a POTS candidate. He was really, really poor during that spell. Another one who is better attacking than defending which seems to be the way with modern full backs. Most players fall in that category including Sara who suffered a dip in form. Edited March 13 by jaberry2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GodlyOtsemobor 2,333 Posted March 13 Step forward montoia Share this post Link to post Share on other sites