Where will Copps fit in?

[CJK]

Interested to know where people think that Copps will fit into the team at the present time? Don't get me wrong, I'm one of the bigger Coppinger fans but with Cotterill firing on all cylinders and Bennett potentially regaining some form there isn't much room for Copps. He will obviously need to regain some match fitness for starters having not played regularly for the first half of the season. I know its all about strength in depth and his return certainly gives us that. A great impact sub to have available for tomorrow. Or can we mould him into a 'quarterback' role to make the most of his distribution? A reception like Billy got returning from injury last season from the bench?

[IDM]

Central attacking midfielder?  A front 5 of Cotterill, Coppinger, Hume, Bennett and Paynter/Brown? With Harper/Keegan as a defensive midfielder.

Looks like we'll have decent squad cover for every position now (except a more experienced GK, assuming Sulli doesn't return?), especially if 2 or 3 new players come in January..

[hoolahoop]

I wouldn't bring Copps into the game until it's 3-0 to us

[Spud]

Don't think anyone is expecting him to walk back into the starting eleven but what a great addition to the squad for the remainder of the season. Imo he's quite capable of playing anywhere across the middle, in the hole behind the front men, anywhere but the back four really.
I doubt Bennett & Cotts are gonna be in form & injury free for the rest of the season. With hopefully another face or two to come it looks like we may have real options at last. Should make a good finale !!!

[mushRTID]

I think Saunders will remember when sharp came on against Palace. If it's a tight game tomorrow I expect him to bring him on to turn the atmosphere around.

[The Red Baron]

Think how much we struggled when Bennett and Cotterill were both injured. Not so much away but very much so at home. Having Coppinger means we now have much more strength in the wide positions.

[DonnyNoel]

I think his versatility will give us 2 or 3 options in one "signing". Its win-win in terms of wingers. Copps presence will provide genuine competition and hopefully re-focus Bennett and give us 3 top L1 wingers (none of whom will be in top form for 4 months solid).

Played further up the park in a central role he will give our strike force more mobility and guile. We've seen a few instances of DS wanting to play one up front but that person getting isolated. With Copps roaming he may provide the link between what has been a deep midfield and a lone striker. We've had a strong 11 in most games this season and we're now starting to get similar strength on the bench.

[andyst79]

Could be used in a free role off the striker but only off the bench.

[Rios]

Seeing as Bennett, Cotterill and Coppinger are all right wingers and Cotterill and Coppinger have never shown any liking for playing on the left wing where exactly is he going to play?  Strength in depth is all very well, but not when it's two of your top earners in the same position (Spurr and Husband is a much better example).

[Wellred]

I think he will be on the bench tomorrow and will come on after about 60 minutes for the mediocre Bennett.

[Chris Black come back]

The lad is so skilful he could start at centre back in this league. What a joy to have him back and fully focused.

[jonnydog]

Nice to have him as an option, even if it is just a bench start. He could come on at some point with a point to prove and rip it up.

Another hat-trick anyone?

[RedJ]

What does it say though that we can talk about being able to afford to have a player like Copps on the bench?

[jonnydog]

Not a lot really

[RedJ]

Well I was going for being relatively strong now compared to previous years but okay

[FuzzyDuck]

Would love to see him in the middle just behind the strikers.  He would be awesome there in this league.

[Jimmydee]

Copps should be in the first 11 without any doubt with Bennett ready on the bench to replace him or compliment Copps during the game.

[jonnydog]

It certainly a step in the right direction at solving our midfield issue.

Lets hope it starts on the morrow. Wall at the back, blitz in the middle, bullets at the front... Magic!

[Mike_F]

Whilst I agree that it may take a few weeks to get him fully match fit, the prospect of Copps coming back into the fold at L1 level has got me salivating.

Our key creative threat from midfield has come from Cotterill with many teams doubling up on him whenever possible. They can't afford to do that with Copps on the prowl. It's going to give some managers a few defensive headaches and buoyed by the support he'll get from the Rovers fans he can play a big part in our promotion push.

[MachoMadness]

In goal.

[RedJ]

Kitson wouldn't be a bad keeper.

[MachoMadness]

f**k putting Kitson in goal, he should've been in Team GB Volleyball after his amazing spike last season.

[RedJ]

Or we could have saved money on targets for the archery range..

[DonnyBazR0ver]

I don't think Saunders will put him straight back in unless he has to. Doesn't send the right message to the players who have got us this far.

The stage is set though for sub appearance on 60 mins and I'm sure we'll hear a very loud welcome.  Copps can play anywhere really and should he take up his wide berth he'll probably swap flanks with Cotts from time to time, as  they did earlier in the season.

'Cotts & Copps'. Is there a song there somewhere ?

I've a feeling we're going to see the best of Bennett tomorrow. May be long overdue but I'll take a curler in to the corner Kyle please! (Bend it like Bennett!)

In can't remember being this excited about a league game since our opener at Derby! Bring it on. 

[RobTheRover]

Agreed Baz.

I have butterflies, and I'm not a jessy.

[roversontheup]

Me too.  I feel soooo nervous and excited about this afternoon's match.
Trying very hard to dispel the thought that I have read this script a few times before ......  big local derby, big crowd, lots of expectation, and it all falls flat.  Hoping it's just a similar cover but a different script!
Come on Rovers. Set the town alive.