Coyle could have defensive options for Wigan showdown
5:30pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in Sport
OWEN Coyle could have a range of choices available to him if he opts for a defensive shake-up for Saturday’s vital relegation derby with Wigan Athletic.
The Wanderers boss was scathing in his criticism of his team’s performance in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Norwich and was particularly critical of the defensive display.
His blunt “I will not stand for that!” declaration suggested he will have changes in mind as he prepares for a Reebok duel that could have a major bearing on his hopes of Premiership survival.
So he will have been pleased yesterday to start what could be a defining week with some good news on the defensive front.
United States international centre-back Tim Ream will be available for selection after completing the necessary formalities of his £2.5million January transfer from New York Red Bulls, while right-backs Gretar Steinsson (hamstring) and Joe Riley (groin), who both missed the Norwich game because of injury, could be back in the reckoning.
Ironically, the right-back berth may be the least of Coyle’s concerns since Tyrone Mears, who made his belated Wanderers debut when he was pressed into service – six months after his transfer from Burnley – came through the difficult Carrow Road test to prove he has fully recovered from the broken leg he suffered in pre-season training ground accident.
The 28-year-old, who arrived at the Reebok in the £3million combined deal that also saw Coyle reunited with another former Turf Moor charge, Chris Eagles, had a tough baptism against a pacy Norwich attack but his fitness levels impressed both his manager and his team-mates.
Sam Ricketts, who recently returned from an 11-month lay-off with an Achilles tendon injury, said: “I thought Tyrone played really well in what was a difficult first game back because of the way Norwich set themselves up at home.
“There is a lot of movement up front but I thought he stood up well.”
Mears, who was a member of the Burnley side relegated from the Premier League two seasons ago, is determined not to suffer the same fate.
“It’s hard to predict how many points we will need to stay up,” he said. “Relegation isn’t nice. It’s not something you want to experience as a player.
“But at Burnley we were punching above our weight.
“We are in a difficult position. I don’t think anyone expected us to be where we are in the league. But we are where we are, we have to accept it and put it right.”
Now the Stockport-born defender is aiming to make up for lost time.
“It sounds obvious but to break your leg within a few days of signing for a new club isn’t the best way to start,” he said.
“I’ve just had to keep my head down and work hard. All my recovery was more about time, waiting for the bone to heal.
“Now, I want to show the consistency I showed the last time I was in the Premier League.”
Wanderers, who dropped back into the bottom three following the defeat at Norwich, go into Saturday’s Reebok derby with a four-point lead over Wigan, whose manager Roberto Martinez was in upbeat mood for the first time in weeks after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Everton.
It was Wigan’s first point in six games, and Martinez was pleased with the performance for the first time during that spell, believing his side could be turning the corner.
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