MONK CLARIFIES KEEPER KEIREN’S POSITION
SHEFFIELD Wednesday boss Garry Monk has revealed goalkeeper Keiren Westwood is not playing because he is injured.
Westwood posted on Twitter to urge fans to end online abuse and denied there had been a bust-up between himself and Monk.
The 35-year-old started the season as first choice stopper, but has not played since the 2-1 defeat by West Brom at the end of November.
“Keiren is injured,” Monk said. “He’s injured now and the way I look at all those things, I don’t judge people on what they’ve done in the past.
“The past is the past. We’re in the here and now. We can all do a CV and write down what we think they can and can’t do on what he’s done in the past.
“He’s had quite a few injuries in my period here. I’ve had no continuity with him and that’s what we’re searching for, especially in that position. We need continuity and availability. In terms of the conversations I’ve had with him personally, there’s been no fall-out, I’ve told him where he stands and the reasons behind what I think should be done.
“It’s got nothing to do what what’s been done in the past, it’s not about your entitlement or right. I’m not saying Keiren thinks that, but as a principle your right to what’s coming is in the here and now and what you do going forward.
“As I said, he’s injured now again and that’s been the case quite a few times in my period here.
“Previously, I don’t know if that’s been the same or not, that’s not my concern. But I need someone who’s available. Those are the reasons why.”
In his statement on Twitter, Westwood said: “With all the rumours, lies and accusations being said about me online, I feel obliged to clear my name and defend myself.
“The manager and I have not fallen out. We had a conversation man to man and it was fine.”