Murty healthy enough to play...but?

[mschofield]

Okay, the captain's top of the calf, bottom of the hamstring injury will not stop him from playing Sunday against West Ham., according to this article: http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10306~903036,00.html
However, this is his second decent knock in recent weeks, and I'm wondering what folks think about Bikey. He didn't have enough time against ManU to guage much, had one really nice play, and looked out of position once. He's looked good in reserve matches, not sure what to make of the Darlington game (on the highlights, he looked decent enough...). Still, I think he's clearly the sub for murts right now, and I'm wondering if folks think he's ready. Better pace, it looks like, better footskill. Not as cagey, and certainly not as controlled (the headbutt, the yellow). I don't see him as a full time replacement, but can he offer an interesting element already in spot starts?
So, what do we think?

[prvev]

I think he's clearly the option behind Murty now, evidenced by him being included in the roster for the United match (and playing, if only for a very short time). He seems like he's ready to me, he's been with the club a decent amount of time and he seems to have a good amount of skill. If he can keep control, I think he should be able to do well against West Ham. Give Murty a rest in this game unless he's absolutely ready, and then let him get fully fit over the international brake (unless he plays for Scotland, I guess).

[Pablo Chicago]

What of Mate? Has anyone seen him play for the reserves? And what of de la cruz?

[mschofield]

What of Mate? Has anyone seen him play for the reserves? And what of de la cruz?
I would love to hear from anyone who's been out to see the reserves play. I think it's pretty clear that Bikey is ahead of both in the pecking order. I've seen Mate make a couple decent enough plays in reserve highlights, but he looks like he'll need time. But that's from highlights, and he's a defender, so it's a bad way to judge. De la Cruz should be ready to play, i mean he's done it for years. but again, anyone seen the reserve games?

[prvev]

In the reserves' game against Chelsea Monday (a 2-1 win, with Long scoring both), Mate apparently made a mistake on Chelsea's goal. From what I've read, I don't think he's ready. But I'd also definatey like to hear from someone who has been to the reserve games.

[mschofield]

In the reserves' game against Chelsea Monday (a 2-1 win, with Long scoring both), Mate apparently made a mistake on Chelsea's goal. From what I've read, I don't think he's ready. But I'd also definatey like to hear from someone who has been to the reserve games.
Watched the reserves highlights (10 minutes, not bad, but not enough). Mate was knocked off the ball by a player he had six inches and 50 pounds advantage over. he was not only knocked off the ball, but tossed to the ground. Now, Mate claimed it was a foul, and maybe it was. But if that happens in a reserves match, the big boys would have a field day. He's learning, and he has to learn to use his very large frame.

[Pablo Chicago]

Mate apparently tore some knee ligaments in Monday's reserve match.

[rms5555]

Thankfully Murty isn't foolish enough to push his fitness. It has to be tough to pass on a call up from your country, but I'm sure that Scotland will not hesitate to call on him again when he is fully fit.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=383039&cc=5901

[mschofield]

Thankfully Murty isn't foolish enough to push his fitness. It has to be tough to pass on a call up from your country, but I'm sure that Scotland will not hesitate to call on him again when he is fully fit.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=383039&cc=5901
Sonko also refusing a callup because of injury, though it looks pretty clear from his constant refusal, and Coppell's comments that sonko is holding out for France, and stringin senegal along.

[JJxvi]

Sonko is 25 and has played at the youth level for Senegal, correct? How can he play for France?

[rms5555]

Sonko is 25 and has played at the youth level for Senegal, correct? How can he play for France?
From what I have gathered on this subject from other threads here on BS I think he needs to be capped at the senior lever before being restricted from playing for another country. And even then I guess you can appeal to FIFA. But this is what I have gathered from reading BS, take it with a grain of salt.

[JJxvi]

You can only switch before your 21st birthday if you have played at the youth level for one country.

I guess its a possibility that he only played in friendlies on the youth level for Senegal which leaves him eleigible for both countries. If you play in an official youth competition for a country and you are over 21, my understanding is that you are tied to that country. If you play in a Senior game before your are 21 (in addition to an offical youth competition) then you are also cap-tied.

[mschofield]

Sonko is 25 and has played at the youth level for Senegal, correct? How can he play for France?
I thought he was tied to Senegal, but Coppell last week was talking up his France chances, so maybe he hasn't played tied himself to anyone yet (because he is past the cutoff).

[rms5555]

He is gonna need a pretty good reason to want to make the switch to France then. I don't think FIFA will accept "I want to play for France" as a good reason. Senegal can't be that bad. FIFA has them ranked 33rd which is 8th in their region. They should have a reasonable chance at some hardware in the future, especially if Sonko plays for them.

[JJxvi]

I can only guesss that he's only played in youth friendlies and not youth official competitions for Senegal. Only playing in those would leave him as if he's never played for any country at this point.

[mschofield]

I can only guesss that he's only played in youth friendlies and not youth official competitions for Senegal. Only playing in those would leave him as if he's never played for any country at this point.
At this point in the season, he's probably been the standout performer for Reading. heard him mentioned as among the best the prem in several different places. I would think if it's not clear cut, Senegal might raise a ruckus (and, must admit, he is not sneaking up on them. he's now turned down four calls, and they keep calling).

edit to add:

btw, from the reading site (http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Squad/ProfilesDetail/0,,10306~22520,00.html):[/url]
"Ibrahima has captained the Senegal under 23s, and also played for their full national side in an unofficial friendly, but is still eligible to play for France in the future."

[JJxvi]

Sonko has probably deliberately avoided tying himself to Senegal.