With Saints suffering a crisis in the centre of defence Nigel Adkins might just think outside of the box in replacing the injured Jose Fonte.

With Saints looking highly unlikely to bring in a new centre half to replace Jose Fonte ahead of the vital relegation six pointer at Aston Villa, Nigel Adkins has some tough thinking to be done, the obvious answer would be to slot in Jos Hooiveld into centre half, however after conceding three goals at Stoke and Hooivelds appearances this season seeing goals leaked in great numbers the manager might just be considering something different.

If Nathaniel Clyne is fit to resume his right back role it could free Jack ork up to be used where he is more needed, again the obvious choice would be midfield, but Adkins has a plethora of options he could use centrally in midfield but not many in the centre of defence and playing Cork there might offer a lot more than playing Hooiveld ther, mobility for a start, Villas front line is fast, Cork would be far better suited to battling them for pace than Hooiveld who to be frank has struggled to adjust to the pace of the premiership both physically and mentally.

In his first spell at Saints Cork did play in the centre of defence and its a position that he has also played at some of his other clubs, but in his current spell he has only featured there once, in the league cup defeat at Palace last season, however desperate times need desperate measures and this could be a real option for Adkins who having see Cork play so well at right back might ask him to transfer his versatility to the centre of defence.

Personally if we havent signed a centre half I would go with it, in short we have nothing to lose and having seen the results when Hooiveld has played and the goals leaked, 20 goals in six starts plus two as sub, I think Cork offers a real quality option at centre half. 

Photo: Action Images

ericofarabia added 17:58 - Jan 10 Please put Cork back in midfield where he belongs. If we can contain Villa early on then they will resort to long balls which would be more suited to Jos. I would love him to get a good game under his belt. His enthusiasm is great and I just love seeing his beaming smile and raised fist to the fans at the end of the game. Step up to the plate Jos and let Corky shut down Villas midfield.

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richardmdcooper added 18:20 - Jan 10 I wouldn't be upset with if adkins went with that plan. Interesting that at the start of the season, Fonte and Hooiveld were considered neck and neck - I'm surprised hooiveld's struggled the way he has
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Zambucco added 18:44 - Jan 10 I agree with Nick, in fact suggested it in an earlier post. Yes he's been brilliant in midfield since his return and our form has improved. But his sheer playing ability has to be utilised at Villa. If they do play balls over the top, it's his pace that will keep him in front. Plus we have succumbed to high balls with Jos and Jose playing. If not give Martin a go.
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L1minus10 added 20:02 - Jan 10 Will be absolutely staggered if Cork plays in defence unless either Yoshida or Hooiveld are injured. Jos will play because they have a 6ft 5 centre forward in Benteke and at the other end of the pitch (as seen in Bradford game) Villa can't defend corners. Boruc; Clyne, Yoshida, Hooiveld, Shaw; Cork, Morgan; Punch, Gaston, Guly; SRL
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StSaint added 08:16 - Jan 11 I agree - this makes a lot of sense. It would have been interesting to see if he tried this out at the beginning of the season had Cork not been injured. He fits the mould of the ball playing CB that Adkins likes and I think we would be stronger with him there than Hooiveld as Davis or W-P will do a good enough job in midfield.
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tiptop added 08:33 - Jan 11 Agree with L1minus10 %100. Not for me. It will def be Jos. They played at Stoke. etc etc
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SaintNick added 09:57 - Jan 11 Villa might have a 6ft 5 centre forward, but his strength is getting on the end of through balls and running channels, lets be frank, Jos isnt mobile enough or deft enough to contain him
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tiptop added 12:56 - Jan 11 Jack the answer against the power and running of Benteke? I think not. If NA puts Jack in the centre of defence and gets smashed people might just be saying '...another strange decision from NA has cost us' Go with what we have in that position and win the game from midfield and up front.
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REEDYREEDOREEDZ added 13:27 - Jan 11 Playing Jack Cork at centre back is an absolutely ridiculous idea! Benteke has won the most aerial duels in the entire Premiership this season! We need Hooivled there to compete with him. Hooiveld did really well against Stoke, he defended resolutely and won a lot in the air. He’s the automatic pick to play next to Yosh. Cork is has been brilliant in centre midfield and that is definitely where he should be playing. A lot of our turnaround in form can be put down to having Cork in the middle of the park, protecting the defence. He’s excellent on and off the ball.

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Whatsforpud added 17:26 - Jan 11 What's the point of having a reserve centre back (or a reserve right back, come to that) if you feel that Cork should do the honours.
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SaintJez added 09:53 - Jan 12 I feel that Cork was a bit exposed against Chelsea for not being a natural right back (not his fault, it's not his position) and it will be more difficult again for him at centre back. Hooiveld has to play there (and I'm sure he will) and he needs to play well! If Clyne is fit then there's a midfield selection dilemma. Davis has been tidy in recent weeks but Cork and Spider are our best centre mid pairing and I don't think Davis really fits in the wide areas or the hole behind lambert.

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