I was at the Niall Quinn testimonial the other day where Andy O Brien came on in the second half and gave a flawless performance.

Sunderland were as boring as ever so I found myself simply watching O'Brien. I saw him make some excellent challenges but also out-muscle the Sunderland attack and always did enough against the pacier players.

Anyway, this is the first time I have watched 1 single player only through 45 minutes and from it I realised how good he is.

BR is talking of world class defenders for next season.

I would be very happy with O Brien being one of them and love Distin to be the other.

Instead of buying a center back how about puttin Distin permanently at center back and buy a world class left back. Some one like Riise.

And then have the option of someone like Emerton at right back?

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2002

Answers

He was outstanding last season until the March mini-slump. All our defenders suffered a dip in confidence after that and we found ourselves losing two goals to the like of Derby and Ipswich. I think we still need another CB even if Distin stays and I reckon Keown would be a great aquisition as both O'Brien and Distin could learn alot from him over the next 2 years or so.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002

Jim, what did you do when the ball was at the other end of the pitch? Did you still stare at O`Brien? He probably thinks he`s got a stalker.....

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002

I hope you were singing the Andy O'Brien/Any old iron song ;-)

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2002