Stephen Ireland - Still has future.

[TheSandman]

I'd think about playing them either side of a four (with two from Herd, Petrov and Jenas in between)  but that lacks natural width and if they are forced wide that may restrict Ireland and Barry from playing to their best. I just don't see how the two of them could work in a three without leaving us too open defensively. As you say it would be a shame to waste the best footballers at the club on the bench.

I do think if Ireland is given a chance he might justify some of our faith. However, I also thought if Luke Moore was given a chance he could be our twenty goal a season man.

[KevinGage]

I'm not even sure what the formation was second half v QPR.

I think Bent was out, so it was Gabby up top with Bannan behind and maybe SI coming from wide and drifting in.

Craig Bellamy - that well known tactical genius- said that during his time at Citeh Ireland's best form was on the left of a central three.

In all honesty, unless Gabby or Bent get injured, I'm not sure how we could make it work either.  But I'd like to try- and maybe look for one of those mythical Defensive Midfielders in Jan- ideally someone about 6ft4- 6ft-7 and built like a brick outhouse to do all the donkeywork, a bloke so imposing that opposition players just bounce off him.