And striker talks of immense training-ground battles with Uruguay skipper
VICTOR Anichebe has backed Diego Lugano or Craig Dawson to fill the boots of Jonas Olsson in Saturday’s home clash with Norwich (ko 3pm).
The Sweden international will miss the visit of the Canaries as he serves a one-match ban after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in last night’s 3-2 defeat by Manchester City.
Neither Lugano nor Dawson have made a Barclays Premier League start this term due to the form on Gareth McAuley and Olsson at the heart of defence - but Anichebe has no doubt they are both ready for the challenge.
“It’s going to be a really big loss but we’ve got two really good players in Diego and Craig,” he said.
“We mix it around in training and whoever plays will be ready.
“Daws will definitely be ready because he works so hard on and off the field and so does Diego.
“He’s the first in and the last out and they are always in the gym, working hard to make themselves better.
“If they get their chance I have no doubt they will do well.”
Anichebe also offered an insight into how tough World Cup-bound Uruguay captain Lugano is to play against, having gone head to head with him on a regular basis in training.
“He is so strong,” the giant striker added.
“The coaches always put me against him, I don’t know why?!
“It’s always like a gym session because I’m always trying to fight him.
“He’s an incredibly strong guy and very experienced.
“He’s captain of his country.
“But whoever comes in will do well.”