Fulham - What Do We Expect From Barnes?

Some Fulham supporters were puzzled by the signing of Giles Barnes whilst others were excited.

I guess it depends on whether you believe that Barnes can overcome his perennial injury problems to show us the great talent he possesses.

Speaking to the media it`s something that Roy Hodgson is acutely aware of when he remarks,

'Giles is a gamble on the basis that he was out for a long time with his patella injury. He's got back in the last couple of months and got back into the Derby side and has actually done quite well, often as a substitute, but he's done well.'

'I remember watching him play two years ago, before the injury and he stuck me as being a very exciting talent. I don't think he's as fully fit as he could be at the moment but that's our job to help him work on that. In Giles we've got a very exciting player because he's got skill which maybe the other players don't have. He's a good runner with the ball, he's very much and offensive midfield player.'

'So bringing him into the Club was a very simple decision to make. We really don't have very much to lose by bringing him here and we do have a lot to gain. It's the same for him as well, he doesn't have a lot to lose by coming to join us but he does have a lot to gain. It's a nice situation to be in because we're motivated to getting him going and he's very interested to show what he can do in the Premiership.'

Earlier I mentioned the split in the two camps regarding Barnes, I have to admit I`m in the second camp, his presence excites me and if he only gets to play half a dozen games between now and the end of the season I`m convinced he`ll make a difference.

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