Someone on the Guardian football podcast (lots of positive stuff aboout Villa, credit-seekers) pointed out that in his nine-and-a-half seasons as a professional (going back to Exeter), he's been unavailable for only 13 games, and that must be something that managers really value. It butters no parsnips with me, and I'll keep moaning at him, but it's a great way to explain how he's come so far.
'There might be more talented, more exciting centre forwards out there but to be available and always willing and then to score an average of 14.5 goals a season and provide goals I think is magnificent'.
You probably didn't agree with the magnificent part! You're right, being available for that long is some going, bit like Fernandes at Man Utd.
Not JJB, Monty. Even if he is warming to us, he's still a terrible pundit.