Colo The Key For Pardew?

08 December 2011 12:28
The defensive crisis being faced by Alan Pardew could be eased if Fabricio Coloccini is ruled fit to play at Norwich, but ...

... if he comes back too early and pulls up, he could be out much longer with that thigh complaint.

Italian defender Davide Santon is on stand-by to play at the heart of the defence alongside James Perch at Carrow Road, which is a significant blow to a team that has fielded the same back four in every league game this season.

Alan Pardew: "It was massive for us when Colo was declared fit at Manchester United when we thought he would miss it.

"His composure, his reading of the game and his defending in general, he is a top-class player. It gives you confidence when you have him alongside you.

"We have been working as a back five in training, day in and day out, working on things. It's nice when you don't have to change things.

“We’re really hoping that Colo is fit. He’s got a 50-50 chance, we’ll have to see.

“The morale in the camp has been one of disappointment because of the way the game went against Chelsea. And on top of that we lose Steven Taylor, a major blow.

“We’re hoping we can use that to inspire us now and show Steven that we can do it without him. It’s a real shame for him.

“It’s a blow as I say, but I really can’t see him playing again this season unfortunately.

“Everybody is disappointed for him.”

Source: FOOTYMAD