I think Mr Defoe was as equally sad to see Robbie come on in the second half!! I don't think he'll start against the bar codes, but another blank from Defoe might see him starting the next 5-6 games.

Be a shame if that is the case, think Defoe has shown enough to warrant an extended run in the side. I always think Keane is much better coming off the bench then Defoe. Defoe seems to need to start games to get his rhythm whereas keane can pick it up from the bench. So i would keep him on it for a little longer.

Keano on the left with Defoe and Berby up top. Just a suggestion to give us attacking options rather than Murphy!

Keano on the left with Defoe and Berby in front. Interesting especially if Mido "can't get in the team" and we don't pick up a lefty for midfield. However, it looks like Keano will only be fit enough for a bit part for a while yet. Would that work - i'm not sure.

Probably start with Defoe. He plays better at home also, as gets more service. When we are away form home we struggle to get service to him. It's unfortunate but true. While Defoe has improved his wider game this year, he still doesn't offer near as much as Robbie in situations where we can't get the ball to him up front.

I wasn't suggesting that I agrree with replacing Defoe with Keane if he draws another blank, quite the opposite. I agree Defoe should get an extended run given his proformances of the last 2 months, but I think Jol will opt to have Robbie starting before too long if he fails to score in the next match.

we'll stick with Berbs and Defoe, Defoe waited and when he got a run of games the goals started comming. Robbie will have to wait for his chance, when it comes he needs to take it, to be honest ive been disapointed with Robbies contribution this season.

He has indeed been a bit off form. Especially infront of goal. Still his performances have picked up from the start of the season, but yes I agree not up to the standards he set last season.

Left

Am I the only person who believes we should be using him on the left right now?

The guy is a smart player, he should be able to adapt - plus didn't he play on the left (for some part of the game) in our win against chelski? From what I read he causesd them a lot of trouble down the flank.

There's no doubt it's not ideal, we should have a world class left midfielder/winger, END OF; but we don't and Keano has all the right attributes.

Except the ability to defend. A left sided midfielder has to be able to tackle and track back. Lennon is learning, but he's always been a midfielder. Keane has always been a striker and has never showed real defensive ability when I've seen him play.

i do agree with you in principle, but from i what saw before he got injured, i thought he was showing an increasing tendency to track back - not necessarily tackling but certainly harrying opposing players.
i reckon he would be useful on the left as a back up or when chasing a game, like against chelsea (although certainly not starting in games such as newcastle with parker etc. in the middle)
keane is too good a player to be ineffective in any position he plays in, but how can we use him to his best potential?

(and please don't say super-sub! i hate that term, and think it's demeaning especially to a player of keane's calibre)

Did you not see the game against chelsea, when we were under pressure near the end robbie done a great job of defending in the left back position.

Yes he did, you're right.

Malbranque or Murphy spend the entire game in-field behind the front two, coming in from the left. I think Jol prefers this especially at home and IMO Robbie has the intelligence and ability to play this position perfectly.

It seemed to work pre season and it would keep all three happy.