Craig Gardner is asking Martin O’Neill to give the squad players who failed to get a result at home against Zilina another chance in the final game of the UEFA Cup group stage in Hamburg on Wednesday.

O’Neill is thought to be taking the game seriously enough to throw a few of the bigger guns back in to action – were Ash and Gabby pulled off early against Bolton to get a round of applause, or maybe it was for a little extra rest before Wednesday??

As Group F stands, Hamburg sit top with Villa second and Ajax claiming the third qualifying spot. If it closes out that way it means that we will face one of the 8 teams dropping in from the Champions League. Personally I don’t see a huge gulf in quality between these teams and the other potential opponents occupying 1st and 3rd positions in the other groups. In short, it will be tough whoever we face.

So does it really matter how we do in Hamburg?? Yes and no. In terms of opposition I’d say no. In terms of maintaining confidence in the team I’d say a result would be very useful. As I mentioned in my Bolton review, and you’ll probably read again a many times in the future; winning is a habit. Let’s hope we can continue our current run and then take that form to Upton Park next weekend.