Fiery,
Like Robbie said - you asked my opinion, you got it, you disagree
Reasons why:
1) Monty is always the 1st in line for Captaincy when morgs is out - why? because he can lead. We have nobody else in the SQUAD that can do this.
2) Consistency, reliability, respected by the players are all other great reasons to keep him in.
3) Height, presuming Monty will play alongside Britton, he is better in the air than other central midfield options.
4) Engine - of all the players he has the engine (fitness) on them.
5) Considering Monty plays through the middle, I'll comment on the others which "must be picked before Monty"
Ward - Not a central midfielder, a winger and an inconsistent one at that
Yeates - See Ward
Williamson - Not seen enough of him as he's never been fit for long enough. But potentially could keep Monty out of the attacking midfielder role.
Ertl - Not seen enough of him, but of Monty and Ertl, Monty would be a better choice. Ertl would be a good back up for the 2nd man in the middle if Britton wasn't fit or was off form.
Britton - He'd be my first choice along side Monty, but sits very deep. very good on the ball, but NEEDS a ball winner like Monty or Ertl alongside in a more advanced position
Quinn - Proven to get lost in the middle, too small to be the ball winner in the air, too poor in the tackle, chases the ref instead of his man. Better on the left. But debateable if he's even good enough
Halmosi? - He doesn't play for us, you said current squad.
However, I've said a few times since Preston, we need an attacking ball playing/ shooting midfielder. Unless Britton can become that man, Monty will have to play this role.
The only other option of the current squad who could (possibly) play the advanced/attacking midfielder role is Ched (good touch, vision etc). Perhaps we should give him a go there (but we'd still need a "Monty" behind him to break up play/ win the ball)?