Bob Moncur believes that Joe Kinnear has unearthed a superb defensive partnership in Sebastien Bassong and Fabricio Coloccini ... but will he recall the fit-again Steven Taylor?
Bob Moncur (talking to the Chronicle): "They were outstanding. Coloccini is a class act, and Bassong got on with it quietly and efficiently and did a great job.
Kinnear Can Expect A Bang On His Door!
By Nu Mad
Updated Thursday, 27th November 2008
"Bassong has shown a real level of maturity, while Coloccini is clearly an accomplished performer.
"He's played on one of the biggest stages in the world and knows the game inside out.
"And I've never seen Bassong do anything wrong in the games he has played, even at left-back when he was supposedly out of position.
"It's a great problem for Joe to have. He might go along the lines of 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'. Or he might show the ultimate faith in Steven Taylor and restore him.
"It's a huge decision, but one he will be happy to make.
"Put it this way, somebody will be upset before the big game with Boro.
"Steven Taylor, I am sure, will be desperate to be part of the game as the local lad.
"But Bassong would be bitterly disappointed not to be involved.
"Joe could even find that Bassong is hammering down his door asking for an explanation. I wouldn't be surprised if he was, after he helped to keep Chelsea out.
"I've been through it myself and I know what the score is. When I was a player of similar age to Bassong at Newcastle we had John McGrath, Jim Iley and Stan Anderson all vying for defensive places.
"As a youngster I would often come in and deputise. Then I would find I was dropped and back on the sidelines. And it used to really upset me. I would be banging the manager's door down to find out what I had done wrong.
"But it all boils down to experience.
"In time you understand it, but I was always told my day would come, and it was true in the end."
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