Ally Robertson: Time to bring Craig Dawson back into the fold
Considering Allan Nyom has left for sunnier climes in Spain, now is the perfect time to reintegrate Craig Dawson into the team.
Darren Moore is still trying to sign a right-back, but until one arrives, the door is open for Dawson to step into that role and show he’s still willing to fight for the team.
We all know Dawson would prefer to play centre-back, but he’s proved over the past few years that he can do more than a job at right-back.
In my opinion, this is the best way to reintroduce him into the line-up.
Rather than giving him what he wants straight away, playing Dawson at right-back will make him work for that central position and hopefully remind him that he needs to put the team first.
His presence in the side will also keep Ahmed Hegazi and Kyle Bartley on their toes, and puts pressure on their performances.
The defence has looked a little bit shaky at times so far, perhaps best epitomised by the thrilling 4-3 victory over Norwich last weekend, but those players need a bit of time to gel.
Sam Johnstone, Kyle Bartley and Conor Townsend are all new, and they’ve lost some experienced heads back there like Jonny Evans and Gareth McAuley.
It does take time to build those partnerships, it’s not going to happen overnight.
Having Dawson back in the fold and adding a new right-back to provide competition for places is only a good thing.
Myself and John Wile played a lot of games together, but when Martyn Bennett came through he put real pressure on our partnership.
He was a fantastic player, but after he got into the team he got injured and never really managed to hold down a regular place for a long time.
Competition is important. When you’ve got someone trying to steal your place you make sure you do more in training to keep it.
Moore already has plenty of competition further up the field, where Harvey Barnes has caught my eye in particular.
Two-footed, and with a turn of pace and an eye for goal, he looks like a great signing.
Back-to-back wins has changed the whole picture, but it's important to pick up three points at home to Queens Park Rangers today.
Not least because I still haven't forgiven them for the 1982 FA Cup semi-final!
