Hello everyone,
Writing this column during the international break has given me an opportunity to reflect on our great start to the season.
The break gives us time to get some of our injured players back fit. We've got over a week till our game away at Burnley, so we should have a strong squad available for that match.
In terms of our good form, it would have been nice to keep on playing, we've done well since the Southampton game. That was a very long two weeks afterwards and everyone was itching to play again. Similarly, everyone is looking forward to the next game with Burnley.
In pre-season we spoke about the importance of getting the season off to a good start and I think we've done that well.
Another positive is the effect the new players have had. They've all settled really quickly which has helped us a lot as last year we had a lot of injuries. The manager did very well to get them in early, and the benefits are clear to see out on the pitch.
With five goals in five games Diafra Sakho has deservedly taken the plaudits for his performances so far. Diafra is a very quick, powerful striker and he'll only get better as the season progresses.
I think the biggest positive is that every time we go forward we look like we're going to score. We have scored quite a few goals already and we need to continue that form. While Diafra has scored four of our twelve league goals, we've had eight different scorers so that's very pleasing.
As for my form, I'm feeling good at the moment and it's always nice to have your efforts acknowledged.
The system we're playing has helped a lot as it creates more options for me. Enner and Diafra both like to run a lot and their movement stretches defences, which helps me find the right passes. They know where the net is, so they can put it away.
I played a similar role at Middlesbrough when we played a 4-4-1-1 formation, however I think this system is even better as I have three lads in behind me. As a result I receive the ball a lot higher up the field.
I'm certainly enjoying my new position and it's something I spoke about when I signed here. The manager didn't have that luxury last year with the injuries we had to deal with. This season you can see the strength in depth, we can mix it up which has worked well for us. He's got options to change it when he needs it.
That was what was most pleasing about the QPR result. We had about seven or eight players out but still managed to field a strong eleven. I thought we played QPR off the park. Despite the injuries we didn't need to change the system too much. To get that continuity is a big plus for us.
As for the calls about an England call up, obviously I'd love to be involved again. It's the pinnacle of every player's career to represent their country so to have won 34 caps is something I'm very proud of.
Realistically I don't think I'll get picked at the moment. Roy Hodgson is going for younger players which is fair enough, that's his decision. All I can do is try my best, keep playing well and we'll see what happens from there.
Enjoy the break and see you soon!
COYI
Stewart