Blame me for Kieran's form - Steve Bruce
Feb 19 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal
STEVE Bruce has blamed himself for Kieran Richardson’s lack of form this season because he has failed to use him in a settled position.
Richardson could well start in his preferred position in the centre of Sunderland’s midfield against Arsenal tomorrow, although Bruce could also elect to use him on the left wing, having already asked him to regularly play at left-back this season.
It is on the left side of defence where Bruce feels Richardson’s long term future lies, although some of his lacklustre performances in that role would suggest otherwise and his manager admits he is reluctant to play there.
Richardson (pictured left) remains convinced he is best used as an attacking midfielder, but Bruce will once again urge him to sacrifice himself for the good of the team at the Emirates, particularly as few English clubs use a player in the hole behind a solitary striker as is common on the continent.
“To be fair to Kieran, he has picked up a couple of really nasty calf injuries and I’ve probably used him in five or six positions because of the injury situation,” said Bruce when asked why one of his star players has failed to ignite this season.
“He has been the one I have slotted in all over the place. Off
the top of my head, I’ve used him at left back, left-hand side of midfield, centre midfield and off the front and I think that maybe has hindered him.
“Because of the problems we have had, it is not necessarily Kieran’s fault, so it would be nice to see him fit, that’s for sure, because he can still play a big part in our season.
“With Andy Reid out, he’s got a chance on the left although I think his preferred position is in the centre to be honest. If you ask him, that’s what he enjoys the most but he has played everywhere for me. He played very well at left back too.”
Richardson has failed to perform on a consistent basis ever since he moved from Manchester United to Wearside three years ago under former Sunderland manager Roy Keane.
