With midfield lynch-pin Cheick Tiote absent for the trip to Everton, Alan Pardew insists he has no qualms in playing youngster Gael Bigirimana.
Pardew discussed Tiote’s injury with The Chronicle, “He won’t play on Monday night. But he’s a lot better and he’s got a good chance for Norwich we think.”
The Ivory Coast international’s injury opens the door for summer signing from Coventry, Gael Bigirimana who impressed in his Premier League debut against Aston Villa. Pardew added: “I wouldn’t say it’s too early for him.
“I think he proved that against Aston Villa and he made the difference for us. He put himself in contention for Monday night.”
While praising his young star, the ex Southampton boss was also keen to add just how important he feels Tiote’s presence is to United, “You are talking about one of the top Premier League players in my opinion.
“In my view he is one of the top ten Premier League midfielders. It’s a big hole for us. But we have a lot of good footballers who still haven’t been seen at this football club yet.”
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