The Missing Link?

In the wake of back-to-back away draws at Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday, the most promising aspect to be derived from either game has been the performance of the returning David Norris. After such a long wait, Mike L feels that Norris is showing exactly why he commanded such a big fee and why he could be key to our promotion chances.

Well he couldn't resist could he. Having beaten Reading on the Saturday, manager Jim Magilton still felt the need to tinker with his starting line-up. This time it was the unlucky Pablo Counago making way for midfielder David Norris against Southampton at St Mary's Stadium four days later.

On the evidence of the 74 minutes Norris completed he showed enough to suggest that the gaffer was right to bring in the dynamic little midfielder at the earliest possible opportunity. In his first league start for six months, due to injury, Norris showed, in glimpses, the reasons why Plymouth Argyle where so desperate to keep hold of their captain during last seasons January transfer window.

Norris looked exceedingly rusty at times, struggling with his first touch and the general frenetic nature of Championship football, though you would excuse even the Worlds best players displaying these shortcomings after such a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

However, what was evident, especially throughout the first half, was his versatility. Norris started on the right side of midfield, played in centre midfield alongside Tommy Miller and was even asked to play just behind Jon Stead - all in the space of 45 minutes. The fact that he looked equally as comfortable in all three roles demonstrates the precise reason why Magilton paid £2m to prize him away from Home Park.

Although we have an abundance of midfield players in the current squad, are any capable of making an impact playing anywhere across the middle of the park? The answer is no.

Norris is a box to box combative midfielder who has the rare talent of being able to play in varying positions. He is a gem of a player who gives our manager far more tactical choices during a match, highlighted by Magilton against Southampton.

Town started with a 4-4-2 formation against the Saints, but were quickly on the back foot and fell behind during a 14 minute spell that saw the home side dominate the midfield area. Magilton was quick to counter the threat by pushing Norris infield, moving Walters back into his more familiar right midfield position while playing Owen Garven in the hole behind lone striker Stead in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

It immediately paid off with Garven restoring parity after 20 minutes. The question is without Norris in the side would Jim have been given the same amount of flexibility tactically in which to change the flow of a football match in his favour? What was also apparent on the night was that with Miller as the anchorman this allowed Norris and Garven shared responsibility in linking midfield with attack. Further evidence of the player's positive influence on the team.

Although comparisons with Steven Gerrard may seem a little wide of the mark, Norris shares the qualities that make him such an integral part of any football team. He is an all round 'Action Man' type of midfielder, someone who has the attributes to score at least 7 out of 10 in all areas of his game. And like Stevie G will always, above all else, give his sides 110% commitment and honesty.

Norris was described as a legend during his time at Plymouth and could hold the key to our hopes of Premiership football next season.