Last Saturday’s match winner, Robbie Brady is the man to lead Norwich City’s Premier League survival push, manager Alex Neil has told The Pink’un.
Brady, who has proved pivotal for the Canaries at both left back and left midfield, has the quality the Norfolk side need to stay ahead of fellow relegation rivals Newcastle and Sunderland.
Neil said:
It is a mixed bag with Rob, sometimes he has played at left-back and had very good games there and the same in left-midfield and there have been other games when he has played at left-midfield and we have struggled to get him the ball. I thought in the first half (at West Brom) he got the ball on a few occasions and I would like to see him get it even more so he can influence the match a bit more because of the qualities. We know what an excellent player he is and he showed that again in the way he was there to pop up with a goal.
Brady, currently away with his national side as they prepare for the European Championships, has played further forward for his country but insists he isn’t concerned where he plays.
I don’t have a preferred position. Over the last few years, I’ve been moulded into a left-back position. I’ve enjoyed it, getting to learn a different part of the game. I felt I could always defend, but I’m tightening up on small things. Growing up as an attacking player, I love going forward, trying to score and make goals so the further up the pitch, the better for me. Whether I have to do that from left-back, left-wing or right-wing, I’m more than happy.
The Irishman, despite Norwich’s dangerous position on the brink of the relegation zone, is confident he won’t suffer two relegations in two seasons.
I’ve stayed up and been relegated. There are fine lines and you need that bit of luck. If we can put a run of games together now, which we’re capable of doing, I’m confident we’ll be fine. Many of the (Norwich) players all been through it, too, and know what it takes to survive. We were conceding goals with a few minutes left after putting in a good performance which is almost more disappointing than getting beaten four or five nil. At least it’s then in bold writing. We have defended well for the last couple of games, we seem to have tightened up. We just have to keep that ruthless streak.
