I would certainly start him in all of our remaining away fixtures (sadly this does mean Basham on the bench).
At home - I’m torn. I’m leaning towards saying we should start Basham in all of our home fixtures due to his superior attacking prowess and bring Cranie on with 20 to go - if we have a lead. But then part of me also wonders whether we would be better served starting Cranie, staying ultra-solid at the back and trusting that our attackers are good enough to nick a goal (or two) at the other end of the field (as we have been doing).
What an important part he’s played this year. Superb.
There were times yesterday too, that David McGoldrick was running around on the edge of our own box, chasing and harassing Leeds players. His defensive work rate has been phenomenal and something I really did not expect from him. For all the talk of Leeds’ fitness levels and incredible press, there was our ageing, supposedly injury prone playmaker putting in one of the biggest shifts on the field.
I never saw this side of his game in the numerous times he played against us. He always struck me as a languid, skilful type but without the work rate to play at a higher level. It’s really hard to believe he had so many injury issues at Ipswich when you see how hard he works for us.
He’s been another incredible addition.
