Bridges still waiting for start

Mick McCarthy has confirmed that Michael Bridges can't earn a place in his side's starting eleven, simply because he's a crowd favourite - he has to earn his starts.

Stephen Elliott and Marcus Stewart have been named as McCarthy's preferred forwards for this weekend's game against Brighton & Hove Albion, and the gaffer told SAFC.com this morning, "I know people were hailing Michael's signing as the return of the conquering hero - but the two lads up front who are playing at the minute have been different class.

"He has done well but Stephen Elliott got the man of the match against Rotherham, and I thought Marcus was terrific. Between the two of them, they have been looking good and scoring goals. I have no reason to hide that from anybody. The pair have been terrific and they full deserve to be playing.

"It is up to Bridges, or whoever else, to dislodge them, by playing playing well and scoring or maybe if one of them picks up an injury or suspension."

'Stickman' scored after only fifteen minutes of the reserves' match against Wolves this week, and had chances later in the game, and McCarthy said the players efforts there hadn't gone unnoticed.

"We knew he could play - it wasn't as if I signed him, put him in the reserves and then realised what a good player he is.

"I was pleased with Michael the other night. It was good to see him score and his overall play was good. His fitness levels looked good on Wednesday. In the second half he looked good and had three or four good atttempts. He's gone a long way to convincing me that he is the right man for me."