Match Day Thread The designated NCFC present players on International duty thread

Scotland made 3 changes on 70 minutes. That is when things changed. It had nothing to do with McLean

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68544498

 

Nunez came off injured around the 70th minute in Chile’s match. Hopefully nothing serious

 

Interesting look at McLean's future development with Wagner "indicating recently he could see the 32-year-old extending his career by a positional switch" to CB.

“I'm not quite there yet. Obviously I've spoken to the manager about that and he is saying that he sees me there long term. Possibly, but right now I think I think I'm still at my best when I'm in the middle. But if I'm asked to do a job, whether it be for certain games, or injuries, or whatever it is, then no problem. We looked at the way we had been playing with me there and we kind of took more risks, but injuries played a part in that as well. If the manager asked me to do a job, I'll do whatever I can for this football club, I always have and that's just the way it will always be."

https://www.pinkun.com/sport/norwic...city-mclean-long-term-centre-back-conversion/

 

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This guy was at the game. Has there been any further news?

 

It was a friendly and Chile was well on top throughout (Albania failed to get any of their 7 shots on target). Coming off after 72 minutes allowed another player valuable game time.

 

I don't think that's the kind of further news he's asking about.

 

If Núñez is injured (there have been descriptions of him 'limping off the field') it does point out the risks Knapper has taken by shrinking the squad in January. If he is out now, it would greatly limit Wagner's options tactically. Sara would have to return to CM as would McLean. We may get lucky with Duffy and Rowe said to be returning to fitness but with games against Leicester and Ipswich following Plymouth this Friday, our push for promotion could be seriously threatened by any further injuries. It helps that Sørensen is fit again and there is another option in Gibbs, but after that things look thin indeed.

 

No mention of the injuries on canaries.co.uk international roundup or on the PinkUn report as I could see it. Fingers crossed it was just cramp or something.

Wouldnt Wagner try to put Gibbs in as a like for like don’t you think? Rather than changing the system again

 

Yes, that's another option, or Gibbs could play on the flank as he has done as a sub and Sørensen can play at either DM or CB. Two games in 4 days is a further challenge though, if we're short of players.

 

Gibbs needs a loan, I’m not sure I’d want to see him in the team at the moment, I don’t know if it’s just because he hasn’t had many minutes which has meant he’s lacked sharpness but I can’t see him having a positive influence in games at the moment. I’d rather see Lima come in if needs be or preferably keep Sara at RW and bring Sorensen into midfield until Nunez returns (if indeed he is actually injured, let’s hope not)

 

So Núñez starts for Chile tonight against France

 

And scores!

 

Excellent move and great finish by Marcelino!

 

International roundup:

https://www.canaries.co.uk/content/international-round-up-mar-25

 

Idah scored for Ireland 2-1 against Hungary

 

Good to see Hanley working his way back to fitness with Scotland. 60+ mins in each of their friendlies. Hopefully he can impression in the tournament, and show he can be close to his best for us next season.

 

Kellen Fisher, Abu Kamara and Brad Hills all featured in the England U20s 2:1 win against Sweden U20s yesterday. Fisher and Kamara started, Brad Hills was a 2nd half substitute. The U20s have another game on Tuesday, this time v Ireland. Our three lads are again expected to play some part

 

That's pretty impressive for little old Norwich to have three players playing internationally at that level, hopefully they kick on

 

Kellen Fisher's breakthrough is quite amazing. In the 2022/23 season he was sent out on loan by non-league Bromley to the 6th tier club Welling. Months later he displaced Bali Mumba to become our number two RB and now he's playing for the England U20s. He takes it all so calmly.