No Automatic Place For Sutton

Martin O’Neill has challenged Chris Sutton and Didier Agathe to impress him and force their way into his plans.

O’Neill told the official site: ‘The team’s been doing OK at the moment (8 unbeaten!) and I’m getting back to my point about players being fit enough to play in the team and not wanting to disrupt things at this moment. It’s up to everyone to try to get in the side.’

‘Taking Chris Sutton on doesn’t mean he’ll step straight in the side. I know Chris Sutton will come here thinking he’ll step straight in the team. He’ll say ‘I’ll bide my time’ or whatever, but they all want to play and if he’s fit enough, he’ll want to be in the team.’

Adding: ‘Agathe’s the same in a quieter manner. But it’s really up to them, and if they’re ready to take their chance when it comes. That’s all I can ask.’