Actually, the match I saw live was broadcasted with a 2hr delay on Canal+.

How was it live when it was broadcast with a delay?!

Interesting that you get ART Sports up in Norway!!!

He seems to have some directness in his play which is very much lacking in Gallagher. He has won me over with his impact-making off the bench. I think he needs time but he should definitely be in or around the first team.

I dont know why he was even risked today when he pulled something in the groin area in the warm-up and then got subbed out at half time.

I thought he basically gave himself the 2nd half off with his rather rash play in the first, which resulted in him being one away from the red. Overall, Ive thought he has been rather below par during the last few games, and thats basically due to the exceptional standards he has set himself.

I reckon he should be judged on the second half of the season. Lets give the guy a fair chance. Yes, he has started most games since he was here but factor in the fact that we were in poor form overall, not creating too many chances and struggling. His movement and overall contribution has improved during the last 3 games, especially in the last one. He looks stronger even though he is an awkward runner largely due to the after-effects of his injury.

I feel he can still make an impact here.

Actually with his versatility, I AM SURE that he is on Chelsea's shortlist alongside Richards, and Upson.

Fitness is a big question mark and I wouldnt even pay 750k when his contract runs out in the summer. I think 500k would be fair and if we hit 7 figures then I will just feel sorry why we havent been pushing the bank slightly elsewhere till now.

Latest on the captain situation according to Sparky:

"Certain individuals in the crowd made their feelings known.

"But if I feel that Lucas being the captain is an issue, I'll look at it."

Okkas is coming in early January.

Yes that goal was worth 3 points but he has played about 15 other games and can you confidently predict that if any of our other strikers was given his run-out they would not have scored a single goal that would have gotten us 3 points? Its the law of averages and I stand by it that his contribution has been minimal, especially when you look at Kuqi's from last season!

Well even though we are pratting with relegation, I seriously dont think if we played Jeffers, Gally or Derbyshire alongside Benni we would not notice Nonda isnt playing. All in all, lets be frank Nonda's contribution has been minimal and anyone playing up there could have done the same, other than that perfect header for his first goal, mind you!

I dont think he will ever be a top scoring striker and thats why Hughes has pushed him back into midfield where he might have a chance, but with that said, he isnt strong enough, not fast enough, not the most skillful so he in essence he is just an average player that offers nothing really special.

However, his best chance of success in my eyes is still up front and I wouldnt mind seeing him get a chance or two up there.

But the fact that Derbyshire has dislodged him off the bench tells me that Gally time will not happen ever again...

Its peculiar but respectable that Lucas is still not coming out to say Im not leaving the club or I want to leave now. He has been respectful towards Blackburn Rovers in my opinion. Lets be honest, if a player wants to leave he could throw all his toys out of the pram a la Gallas, Savage, Anelka, etc...

But some of his weird language gets me confused. Why does he say unless he signs a contract rather than Im not signing a new one.

Im not saying Neill played badly on purpose nor that he even was the worst player on our side cause I thought Emerton wasnt that good, BUT LUCAS NEILL wasnt himself yesterday. He didnt have that fire in his eyes which he always does when playing for us.

He was very subdued today and I wouldnt say crap but lets just say he wasnt himself at all.

Ive changed my mind on the topic now. Although Im not doubting Neills game to game commitment, I am starting to think his uncertain future and the fact that he is captain may be one question mark too many for the dressing room. But I cant see how Hughes will take it off him other than by selling him.

I say get rid now, and lets move on quickly and minimize any more damage to morale that this MAY be causing. Lets be honest speculation does affect teams and players.

Oops by next week I meant the one next Saturday not the Pool game.

He will miss next weeks game.

Let him play.

Didnt Henry play against the side that had supposedly already signed him in the final of the CL last season and it was during that match that he changed his mind?

Let him play again before you start blasting those cynics!

With that said 6 weeks is an awfully long time to wait for him again but it would mean that we have our most important and influential player back for the UEFA Cup campaign.

Poor first half performance. Full control of the game by Reading.

We mustered one shot on goal by Pedersen which was blocked and Benni put it in from an offside position. Overall no fluidity, seemingly uninterested or maybe downhearted performance by most of the players.

Neill has been poor but then again so has Ooijer, Gray and Bentley among others.

Pedersen has been our most lively player from central midfield.

Our side is headed for relegation unless some changes are made, including some scoring potential. I watch Doyle for Reading and the way he is physically tormenting our back four even though he doesnt look like a strong player and I look at our strikers and see no real pressure on opposition defenders. Benni looks exhausted he isnt leading the line. With that said he isnt receiving any service unlike earlier in the season.

We need signings and whoever thinks otherwise is kidding themselves. And Hughes' excuses are becoming too regular now, just like Souness' lady luck speeches in the past and although Im not suggesting anything drastic, I firmly believe we need changes in the playing staff, a couple of good signings.

Pana are very difficult but I think its still do-able for us.

Overall, difficult route for us with Bayer then two of the more stronger teams in the draw.

Newcastle with arguably the easiest tie in Belgium.