We Should Keep Joey

With the January transfer market quickly approaching, its expected that a few of the lesser used players will be moved on, or at least, attempted.

One of the names put into that category is versatile left back/right back Joey O'Brien. Joey has been a prominent name on the team sheet since joining back in the summer of 2011 on a free transfer.

Being one of Sam's ex players at Bolton, it looked as-if Big Sam was doing Joey More of a favour than our club. But over the last couple of seasons, O'Brien has proven to be a sturdy and reliable performer.

With the loan signing of Carl Jenkinson and fellow right back Guy Demel, some may say that we could afford to lose the Republic of Ireland international - but I think that it would a mistake to lose him at this moment in time.

Since joining on loan from Arsenal, Jenkinson (when fit) has played well and his ability to get forward and deliver accurate balls into the area has been pleasing - but his recent injury troubles and the fact that parent club Arsenal are going through an injury crisis of their own, you'd think that they would be wanting Jenko back. This would suggest that Mr Wenger will not be keen on the idea of losing him on a permanent transfer.

So should O'Brien be sacrificed in January, I believe that it would be a big mistake. As I've said with injuries coming in thick and fast at the moment we need to be cautious of the fact that we need players who can fill the void should one get injured - and with O'Brien being able to play on the right and left he is still a valuable member of the squad.