Djemba Twins and Berger Return

Well, it looks like being a night of returns, both Djemba twins will feature for the reserves trip to Sunderland and Patrik Berger is also set to return from his four month lay off.

Betcha can’t wait?!

Djemba-Djemba was fined following his late return from the African Cup of Nations, but has remained in O’Leary’s plans due to the size of the squad.

O’Leary said: ‘We have done what we feel is the maximum for what feel was something totally stupid on his part. Hopefully he will learn from it, and play a part from our run in to the end of the season. He came back in last week, and the matter is now closed. We have told him about our displeasure and he knows he let himself and everybody else down. He has been fined for it, and in the last few days he has trained very well and he has to knuckle down to win a place in the team.’

Adding:

‘There was only going to be one winner in this. We pay his wages, hold his registration and for me, he was cutting his own throat and it has cost him a lot of money.’

As for Patrick Berger, he is set to return following his long term knee problem. He is hoping to make an impression and quickly return to the first team squad:

Tonight’s appearance will end a four-month injury lay-off and Berger is confident his knee injury will no longer be a problem.

He told the official site: ‘I’ve been out for a while but things are looking good. I started training a week last Monday with the first team and the injury’s behind me now. Since I stepped up my workload, I haven’t felt anything, so hopefully it will stay fine and I’ll be able to challenge for a first team place soon. Starting tonight, hopefully I’ll be able to a play a few reserve games and then be ready for the first team because I’ve had a good week’s training.’

Adding: ‘I’m excited to be honest.’

We all are Patrick, we all are. Such a massive investment by the club, we can’t wait to see you play. (And not a trace of sarcasm or bitterness!)