Jonny Howson has few complaints at top class Wes Hoolahan keeping him out
Jonny Howson rues his late miss against Manchester United. Picture: Paul Chesterton / Focus Images
Michael Bailey
Friday, December 7, 2012
12:26 PM
Jonny Howson admits he has no complaints at missing out on a starting berth in recent weeks because of the form of Wes Hoolahan.
The former Leeds skipper readily acknowledges his preferred position is playing just off a striker, but it is a role Hoolahan has made his own since being given a regular role by City boss Chris Hughton in October.
Since then Howson has had to be happy with only a handful of late minutes, but understands the current lie of the land.
“I’ve always said I’m not fussy about where I play as long as I’m playing – and I’m not even doing that at the moment,” smiled Howson.
“So yes if I could choose a position myself and I think it’s my strongest position, I would pick that one.
“It’s been nice coming off the bench and getting on for the last few minutes recently but it’s obviously going to be very difficult because of the way Wes has been playing. He has been first-class, his retention of the ball and the things he creates – he is up there with one of the best I’ve ever played with in my career.
“You can see no matter what teams we have come up against, he has always caused them problems. So it would be very difficult to take Wes out of there. It’s all about the team and the lads are doing terrifically well.”
The Canaries head to Swansea currently on a record equalling eight-game Premier League unbeaten run. Howson added: “It is difficult when you’re not playing, and it’s the same as all the lads – you want to play.
“But I can’t have any complaints because of the way the lads have been playing and, rightly so, when you’re playing well and the team is winning you keep your place.
“It’s my job now especially on the training pitch to keep pushing those lads to show that I’m ready if there are injuries or suspensions. But the lads have been terrific so they fully deserve to keep their places.”
Norwich took six points of the Swans last season, including a memorable 3-2 victory at the Liberty Stadium – something Howson believes City can repeat if they continue their good form.
“We are playing well at the minute but so are they, so it’s going to be a good game I think,” he told City’s website. “But it’s about what we do. We got a terrific win there last year so I don’t see why we can’t do that again.
“That was a great performance, especially in the second half, but they’ve got a different manager now and so have we. They’ve got new players, and so have we.
“So it’ll be a different game to last season but the way we have been playing I don’t see why we can’t take something from the game.”
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18 comments
I`ve just had a patch where only postings with all content removed get thro`. Must be on auto-moderation for the weekend? The Grosskontrolleren will be back at the office (Woolpack) Monday.
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Mad Brewer
Sunday, December 9, 2012
nice one Baguio, in the Philippines i presume. lived in Bauang in the past.
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goldeneadie
Saturday, December 8, 2012
As has been said with the number of mid-fielders you would have thought Holt would have a better service. Some of the best crosses have come from Garrido and Whittaker. The way CH has the team performing I would be reluctant to have things changed but we do need to get better service into Holt. how many times do we see him foraging on the wing. Some changes earlier may give a chance to experiment...but again let's see how CH moves forward. OTBC
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Singapore Canary
Saturday, December 8, 2012
It's about time that moderator machine was set up to cut out these duplications! It keeps b*ggering around with my single contributions!
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Pa Snipps
Saturday, December 8, 2012
For the thousandth time, go off the site after posting and then come back in again and you will not duplicate your postings!
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baguio
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Sorry for triple posting....not sure what happened there.
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CanaryWest
Friday, December 7, 2012
Sorry for triple posting....not sure what happened there.
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CanaryWest
Friday, December 7, 2012
Sorry for triple posting....not sure what happened there.
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CanaryWest
Friday, December 7, 2012
Sorry for triple posting....not sure what happened there.
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CanaryWest
Friday, December 7, 2012
Sorry for triple posting....not sure what happened there.
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CanaryWest
Friday, December 7, 2012
Sorry for triple posting....not sure what happened there.
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CanaryWest
Friday, December 7, 2012
You are right Pa. Despite having effectively 5 in midfield, we simply do not get behind teams at all. Must be very difficult for Holt. Perhaps I am the only one who thinks this (as Wes IS bit of a cult hero) but for my liking Hoolahan gives the ball away far too much and too cheaply at times. To be honest I cant remember the last time he even managed a shot. I'd like to see Howson given a chance. I am not trying to knock Wes, I am just saying other options might do as well or better. We always seem to make subs 87th minute or later which is far too late. Like to see subs on from 70-75th minute at latest.
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CanaryWest
Friday, December 7, 2012
You are right Pa. Despite having effectively 5 in midfield, we simply do not get behind teams at all. Must be very difficult for Holt. Perhaps I am the only one who thinks this (as Wes IS bit of a cult hero) but for my liking Hoolahan gives the ball away far too much and too cheaply at times. To be honest I cant remember the last time he even managed a shot. I'd like to see Howson given a chance. I am not trying to knock Wes, I am just saying other options might do as well or better. We always seem to make subs 87th minute or later which is far too late. Like to see subs on from 70-75th minute at latest.
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CanaryWest
Friday, December 7, 2012
You are right Pa. Despite having effectively 5 in midfield, we simply do not get behind teams at all. Must be very difficult for Holt. Perhaps I am the only one who thinks this (as Wes IS bit of a cult hero) but for my liking Hoolahan gives the ball away far too much and too cheaply at times. To be honest I cant remember the last time he even managed a shot. I'd like to see Howson given a chance. I am not trying to knock Wes, I am just saying other options might do as well or better. We always seem to make subs 87th minute or later which is far too late. Like to see subs on from 70-75th minute at latest.
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CanaryWest
Friday, December 7, 2012
I think both Ted McDougall & Phil Bowyer both received better service from the wings than Grant Holt is getting. Service like that seems to be a thing of the past with the current set up!
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Pa Snipps
Friday, December 7, 2012
Forwards lacking a bit to be desired, Pa Snipps? Perhaps only in that we lack a natural finisher of the quality of Ted MacDougall, or Phil Boywer. (in response to earlier posting)
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Soglio Star
Friday, December 7, 2012
Mr Bailey,I tried to comment on this story at 2pm
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Pa Snipps
Friday, December 7, 2012
There is no doubt that you are being kept out of the team by the brilliant form of Hoolahan. Don't despair! There is just a possibility that your manager could slot you in somewhere else. You may find it difficult to give of your best in an unfamiliar position. How do you fancy Left Back, or Centre forward? Snodgrass, a natural left winger, is going through this at the moment, with Pilkington being preferred in the left wing position. Mr Hughton may have sorted his defence out, but his attack leaves a bit to be desired.
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Pa Snipps
Friday, December 7, 2012