Andy O`Brien Fesses Up - Sort Of

Bolton defender Andy O`Brien has been reflecting on his side`s defeat at Newcastle on Saturday and his part in it.

Speaking of the deciding goal he said: 'It was a good ball in and it grounded me and Owen got a header. It was a great header but that's what he's paid to do.

'You don't get it right every week. He has that ability to ghost into positions at the last minute. The ball has grounded me but he still has a lot to do to score a goal, but that's why he played for Real Madrid and is worth £20million.`

From that statement, we can confidently assume that the former Newcastle defender was indeed grounded, although it doesn`t seem to be in reality. Whilst Owen should be given credit for his movement, allowing him that sort of space isn`t acceptable, especially as the same mistake had been made moments earlier.

O`Brien was deservedly awarded Bolton`s player of the year last season, after replacing the disastrous Gerald Cid, but his form this time round is troubling. He struggled to contain Dave Kitson in the game against Stoke and looked out of sorts against his former team. A fully functioning centre-back partnership is essential if the Wanderers are to stay out of trouble. Judging on performances so far, there`s work to be done in that department.

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