Just wondering, where is Lua Lua hoping to ply his trade on the international scene (assuming he makes it)?

He is eligible for Congo, France and England I think, so would England be his preference?

How far away from an U21 call up for England do you think he is?

I honestly think he is unlucky not to be in the team the way Shola has been playing recently. Shola seems to fail to contribute for a large part of the game - first 60 minutes against Troyes at home - whereas Lua Lua is someone the other team are going to be kept on their feet by.

Middlesbrough aren't exactly the strongest defensively (or up front or in midfield for that matter) Could the game at the land of smog be a good one to throw Lua Lua into, maybe a longer substitute appearance than normal, rather than the customary 8 minute spell.

Shearer clearly wasn't match fit against the Mackems - obvious as he's been out for months. Why not bring Lua Lua on after an hour and stir the game up a bit? I just think he would be a better option than Ameobi - faster, much better first touch and seems to have a better shot on him as well.

What does everyone think? Do you rate Lua Lua at all? The Colchester fans adored him and though he was destined for great things at Newcastle. Do you agree?

-- Anonymous, September 01, 2001

Answers

African Player

-- Anonymous, September 01, 2001

Not up to scratch yet, imho. His speed of thought isn't fast enough, which is why he runs with the ball till it's taken off him. The leap from div 2 looks too big for him - loan him out to div 1 for six months I reckon...mind you we'd be recalling him every five minutes thx to injuries.

-- Anonymous, September 02, 2001

Luax2 ripped the smoggies apart when he came on as sub last season at the Riversludge. IMO he looked comfortable playing more centrally (possibly for 1st and only time last season?). His vision for the knock-down for Dyer`s volleyed goal was superb. I`m right with you Paul, see how the pace of Bellamy and Luax2 stirs up their backline - though having said that I`d also like to see Shola start putting together a full 90 mins too

-- Anonymous, September 02, 2001

Reading BR's latest comments on Solano, it seems as though the right wing position will be open on Saturday - so either Gavilan or Luax2 may get a start.

Personally, I think Luey's better on the wing where he get's a little time to look up and spot colleagues rather than just running into blind alleys with his head down.

-- Anonymous, September 02, 2001

Agreed Clarky. At least based on what I`ve read time and again on here. It`s just that I was privileged to watch us live at the Boro last year and I saw real glimpses of talent and footwork. I mean Luax2 playing in a roving role of course, not Rik finally managing to extricate his trapped boot from the turnstile ;O))))

-- Anonymous, September 02, 2001

I wouldn't mind seeing Gavilan start a game, Clarky.

He is very highly rated in Paraguay and from the reserve games it seems he has a very canny right foot on him.

-- Anonymous, September 02, 2001

Bobby bought these lads, I can't understand why they don't get a go. Bassedas was increasngly more confident in the inter toto yet got dropped for an ineffective Rob Lee.

Shola needs resting for now, he's not up to it yet, time will tell if he ever is.

-- Anonymous, September 02, 2001

I've got this strange feeling that Bobby will always have someone that he didn't sign in the team - just so there is someone for the fans to blame - ie if it's one of Bobby's signings then he is to blame for it.

Fine by me if we stay unbeaten all season (although 38 1-1 results would see us relegated)

-- Anonymous, September 02, 2001

I thought most of our signings were Wadsworth inspired (I use the word advisedly).

Luax2 is crap and will remain so until I see something significant to change my mind. Dan's right in that he doesn't have much of a footballing brain in him, but I also feel he's Ketsy Mk2 - this time he's got hair...and a bit of pace.

If he spent more time latching on to chip and chase balls, or feeding off the target man he might be more successful. His occasional trickery looks very nice, but achieve SFA on the halfway line. If he can do all that, under pressure in the penalty box then maybe. Until then he has as more a chance of San Marino U-21. And then with stiff competition.

-- Anonymous, September 03, 2001

Lua Lua is the most talented player on our books: if he can harness that talent, he would be awesome. Remember he came to football very late...

-- Anonymous, September 03, 2001

talent isn't all about being able to dance with the ball, surely?

i do like him though, tackles back(when he loses it) and has a good attitude. No reason why he shouldn't progress. But, like Ameobi, i can't see it.

-- Anonymous, September 03, 2001

Early doors for predictions mebbe Swift?? I suspect the coaching both receive in the next year or two will be crucial.

Well thatīs their careers stuffed then ;O))

BTW are you based in Barca at present?

-- Anonymous, September 03, 2001

All our young forwards are just going to be Peter Beardsley clones, it'll be a real bummer

-- Anonymous, September 03, 2001