Jake Livermore brings midfield presence, Howson suffers ten day injury

Simon Grayson looks to have added at long last that much sought after midfield key, in the strong and combative role. Bradley Johnson has shone this season in his deeper lying role, using his undoubted physical attributes to carve himself a nook in the Leeds United starting eleven. However a side lacking Johnson had been lacking someone who was able to fulfill the role of breaking up opposition plays and often left the midfield prone to being over run, so Jake Livermore's loan - until the end of the season including any possible playoff campaign, is a necessity.
 

Livermore scores the equaliser in Wembley Cup friendly against Barcelona

Spurs' website touts him as a "strong, combative midfielder" and at 6ft 2" he certainly has the potential to be that midfielder we've lacked at times this season. This might not be all the central midfielder can bring to the side however. Here's a few Ipswich Town opinions:

"His work off the ball is immense and he has decent composure on it as well. He played a sublime ball through for the first goal after beating a couple of players in the middle. Also looks to have a bit of pace about him and he always shows for the ball which is nice to see for a central player."

"Impressed me today. Looked strong on the ball. Made some tackles. Good passes. Think he will become a permanent fixture in the midfield."

"Livermore was excellent. Always looking for the ball and showed a good work rate as well as creating the chance for the first goal."

His apparent all round game and work rate are most certainly encouraging traits.

Further to covering for a lack of Johnson (who is one yellow card away from having to serve a two game ban), Livermore's addition could also give Simon a more substantial midfield able of coping with the 4-4-2 formation better than previous personnel have managed so far this season. Grayson also has the option of using both Livermore and Johnson in a holding role, which would on paper seem the pairing most able athletically to play shield to the back four - and with the above reviews on Livermore's all round game, competition is sure to be rife in Kilkenny's starting berth in addition to Bannan's presence in the squad.

After the abject Sheffield United performance, it also gives Simon the option of completely shaking things up. With Howson and Johnson in particular failing to impress (albeit with Howson out wide right for a fair portion) a Kilkenny, Livermore coalition infront of the defence with Bannan in behind Becchio might not be as unlikely as we'd expect, even given Simon's steadfast trust in his players ability to bounce back. What would be most likely I'd suggest could be a Livermore-in-for-Johnson swap with Howson holding onto his position "in the hole" and Bannan retaining his Kilkenny ousting role - after he managed to be the only outfield player to come out of the Blades game with any credit. Then again, Simon will no doubt do something completely different, he's a challenging manager to second guess.

Whatever happens to our lineup in the upcoming Forest clash, Leeds fans must surely be encouraged by this addition for the remainder of the run in and what it has done is ensured we're catered for in the midfield, and throughout the squad as a whole should the worst happen regards possible injuries and suspensions.

Howson's Hamstring

The above paragraph is immediately noteworthy following news of a "could be ten days" injury to Jonny's hamstring, preventing him linking up with the England U21's for a game against Iceland this weekend. Obviously, that ten day period would mean a race is on for fitness before nest weekends Forest fixture. Grayson's recent additions look ever more timely.