ABUNDANCE OF ABILITY

`It is going to be a great learning process for the younger players at the back, in terms of concentration, awareness of people around and awareness of movement. It is a big challenge for them. Brown and O'Shea have the ability. What they don't have is great experience of European football.What we have to rely on is their ability and that's why I am confident they can do a job.'

He seems chuffed with the way Brown has performed since his return from injury.

`I don't know how you can heap more praise on the boy, he has been out for three months and gives two performances like he did in the last week. He's been fantastic. I just hope and pray the boy is clear of injury. That's the one thing he needs. His career has been blighted by an assortment of injuries but ability-wise he has great potential.'