Joao Carvalho

[Alf]

Chuffed to bits for him & us today, but at 13m he should be doing the same week in, week out.

I'm pleased with the way he's taken it & is now responding, by his own admission he was struggling (Martin's just talked about this to the press), he was taken out of the firing line (pre-Martin), they've worked hard on him, he is responding & to keep him grounded Martin pointed out there's a lot more to do & to come.

I won't gloat, but that is what I've been saying for 2 months to counter the "the dinosaurs to stupid to see it & hates skilful players" nonsense.

Mind you it took some until February to catch on that Grabban has had an Achilles problem.

To many listen to idiot conspiracy theories & not enough listen to facts.

That's why some think Martin's a negative dinosaur, just because "Barry from Lenton" said so on Twitter.

Amen.

He's a super talented player, but hasn't been anywhere near ready for the more crunch games yet. He was one of the worst players on the pitch against Leeds, and in a few games I've seen him start OK, get an early kicking, then disappear.

If anyone can get the best from him though MON can. I used to be a big fan of Raddy & McGugan, but both needed dropping now & then for various reasons. If MON has to do that with Carva to get the best from him so be it.