WHAT DOES HE NEED?

AT TIMES he can be pushed aside and outmuscled. The current trend of formation will consist of a forward threesome of one up the middle and two wide. But the wide men need service. No doubt the Bolton boss appreciates his discipline and work rate on the left. Sir Alex Ferguson occasionally used Wayne Rooney there to quell European quality. But it is generally to the player’s disadvantage. The player I recall was a forward irritant who could occasionally look uninterested — maybe disguising a laziness — but who would burst into life and score vital goals. He should not get frustrated as he will surely be restored to his central position in time and begin scoring again. But he faces a test of character.