Raoul Duke
Gordon Durie
If it goes wrong, and he fails to perform when faced with one of the best midfields in world football, would he have the confidence to boss a game again? Would he perform in a top-level premier league game, after nothing but lower league and reserve football for the most part of his career? Would we be patient and not immediately expect him to replace Dembele's impact on the game? And would we have confidence in his abilities to the extent where we continue to encourage him from the stands? Considering the reaction some of our players get after a bad game, I doubt it.
So, while it's a decent idea in theory, I wouldn't really want his career to be permanently damaged because we thrust him in at the deep end against Chelsea.
Well, what other options are there? Livermore and Parker are injured, Hudd, while one of my favourite players, is far too slow against a team with players like Hazard, Mata, Ramires and Oscar. I think we need someone agile and good with the ball at his feet who also covers a lot of ground.
Carroll far exceeded my expectations in the Europa League last season and has the potential to become a very good deep lying playmaker. I don't buy into your theory about him being permanently damaged if he doesn't perform, also doubt our fans would suddenly turn against one of our best talents (from our own academy) after one bad game.
Anyway, here's hoping Mousa is fit to play.