Albion boss Sami Hyypia believes Paddy McCourt could play for anyone – if he defended better.
Fans are calling in increasing numbers for McCourt to be awarded his first Championship start for the Seagulls.
Hyypia says the mercurial Northern Ireland playmaker must be disciplined with the defensive side of his game as he weighs up his selection options for Middlesbrough’s visit today.
Hyypia told The Argus: “With Paddy if he could defend he can play for any team but we all have our strengths and weaknesses. He is a very good player, I like him very much, but he needs to be concentrated on his defensive side.
“Every player has to do their defensive duties as well. In the past with Paddy, and now as well, he knows himself the defensive side is not his strength.
McCourt and O'Grady shoot down Boro last term
“I have told him every day in training to pay attention on the defensive side.
“When he gets that to a level that every manager likes then he is a very valuable player for any team but it’s up to him to step up in the defensive side of a game, then we’ll see.”
McCourt was on the pitch together with fellow defence unlockers Joao Teixeira and Kazenga LuaLua for the first time following his second half introduction as Albion retrieved a 1-1 draw at Watford in their last outing.
Hyypia said: “We need to think if it’s reasonable to start with all three.”
Original article
Fans are calling in increasing numbers for McCourt to be awarded his first Championship start for the Seagulls.
Hyypia says the mercurial Northern Ireland playmaker must be disciplined with the defensive side of his game as he weighs up his selection options for Middlesbrough’s visit today.
Hyypia told The Argus: “With Paddy if he could defend he can play for any team but we all have our strengths and weaknesses. He is a very good player, I like him very much, but he needs to be concentrated on his defensive side.
“Every player has to do their defensive duties as well. In the past with Paddy, and now as well, he knows himself the defensive side is not his strength.
McCourt and O'Grady shoot down Boro last term
“I have told him every day in training to pay attention on the defensive side.
“When he gets that to a level that every manager likes then he is a very valuable player for any team but it’s up to him to step up in the defensive side of a game, then we’ll see.”
McCourt was on the pitch together with fellow defence unlockers Joao Teixeira and Kazenga LuaLua for the first time following his second half introduction as Albion retrieved a 1-1 draw at Watford in their last outing.
Hyypia said: “We need to think if it’s reasonable to start with all three.”
- No Crofts but Forster-Caskey, Calderon and Baldock are back - so who plays?
- McCourt told how he can improve (plus a video reminder of what he did to Boro last season)
- Albion glad to have Calderon back
- Reds play it safe with Simpson
- Talking Point: Albion have chance to improve Amex form
Original article
