We ran a quick question yesterday simply asking which strikers name should be the first name down on the team sheet and nearly 90% picked John Carew.
It wasn't a surprise that Carew won, I was surprised by the return though. I fancied Gabby would get a few more votes, but it appears the general feeling is he does need a break.
The next question, which I'm not going to put up as a new one is just up, is should Carew start as a lone striker or with a partner. I'll let you comment on that below, but you all know my preferred formation, although I have to admit that I though Gabby was excellent in that role earlier this season.
It's good news for Carew too, as Martin O'Neill is happy that Carew is back to full fitness.
The great thing about it is that John Carew now is getting really properly fit. He played nearly a full game up at Everton. Now, in the little training sessions that he has been doing recently, he has been really sharp. He is really raring to go, which is great.
The two goals he has got after coming on as a substitute will also have given him a big boost of confidence. It is great to see him back when, in actual fact, you probably thought that it might have been really hard work coming back from the injury.
John coming back and firing and going well with confidence high is great. I think that will be a major boost to us.Martin O'Neill, March 19th 2009
There you go. I think it a fair bet that Carew will start on Sunday and I fancy it might also be five in midfield, although you can never predict what Martin O'Neill will pick.