Injury Update: Beye

Having seen the odious Lee Cattermole clatter him during the Boxing Day battle against Pancake Face`s Wigan side, Habib Beye hasn`t had the best of starts to the New Year. This hasn`t been improved by the fact he has now had a 3rd opinion on his injured ankle and the spectre of a season ending operation is quickly emerging. Kinnear whipped out the world`s smallest violin whilst saying:

'It would be a nightmare if Habib was out for the rest of the season, but we'll just have to wait and see. Habib is like a captain in many ways. He's an automatic choice when fit, not just because he's a great player, but also because he is a good organiser at the back.

You knew we were missing an organisational player like Habib in the Liverpool game, when we got cut to ribbons. He's also great in the dressing room, and we're missing him right now. People talk about the need for getting a replacement, but it's difficult to replace quality players just like that.

I'd love to sign big stars, but we aren't in a position to do that. The credit crunch has hit Mike Ashley pretty hard, and we are identifying players who we can get. At the moment I just wish I could, because progress is so slow in the transfer window. It's not the most positive message I can send out to the fans, but it's the truth. It's a severe test for me, but you're put on the planet to be tested, and although it's not very nice getting all these injuries, you just have to get on with it.'

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