Furlong does indeed divide opinions and after being a key player for us in the 2023/24 season, his performances after Corberan's exit last season certainly died off. That said, he wasn't the only one!

Against Blackburn, however, he was back at it and tbh I felt that all the back four did a sterling job. It is no secret that both he and Styles are better going forward than defending but then the role of left or right back is more of a hybrid one now and is as much about playing as a wing back as a defender. Maybe difficult to be good at both?

Yes, Furlong lacks pace against quicker opposition and I'm sure this is behind his use of the "dark arts" at times but -as I'm sure Boingy would point out-the stats can't be ignored either. In addition to his prowess with the long throw, he is also instrumental in many of our attacking movements.

Provided he re-discovers his previous form and attitude, I'm not too unhappy with him starting -not that we have too much choice as neither Caleb nor Campbell are Championship proven yet.