I criticise all players, when IMO, I think their performances warrant it, as a team the core of our players Noble, Nolan Song could not cope with Hull's midfield and as such our engine room did not perform well in the first half, having Downing on the flank did not work either, so to target Nolan for a poor performance is not warranted, he and several others were poor first half.

But Sam changed things and Nolan, Song and Downing played better, so give credit where it is due, I think we are all agreed Noble had a mare from minute 1.

I have knocked Nolan where I think the way we play does not warrant his inclusion, but I've noticed recently and stated it also that he has risen to the challlenge of playing with better players and his performances are getting better, he may not have the legs, but when it comes to experience, positioal sense and communication with players he is top drawer and we need that in the team, I saw him constantly encouraging Song, when his passes were going astray, he did this with Cresswell too, and more importantly he covered for Noble and considering how much ground Noble covers and tackling he does, Nolan had a lot to do.

Although Valencia was outstanding how good is it to know that if we have Nolan on the pitch we have another goal threat that the opposition have to worry about. So for me if he continues in this form then he should start in the midfield, he deserves his place because of this, not because of his history with Sam.