McCall sees these players every day in training and knows who is up to the task physically. I cant believe that a manager wouldnt pen someone in for a first team place if they were performing well. From what we saw of Topp last year he shows clear natural ability. When you couple this with the fact that he is a ‘foreigner’ and a player who plies his trade at the bussiness end of the park you can guarantee that its someone that the fans are eager to perform well. However, we have to stem this enthusiasm with a bit of realism If Topp were to get a start he would no doubt produce the odd moment of magic but I fear his shortcomings would leave us completely toothless up front. Unless he is massively improved in the fitness stakes, I believe he would be on the periphary and by November we would still be talking about his potential - this is of course unless he gets himself lean and mean. Sadly at6 this level physical prowess counts for bucket loads more than talent - look at Colbeck for example.

It leaves a sour taste in my mouth that Topp isnt prepared to fight for his place and sulk instead when he isnt getting picked. No one is entitled to a god given place in the starting XI. Topp would curry a lot more favour with me if he concentrated more effort into getting fit for league 2 football. I understand it must be frustrating but I would prefer a player to adopt the ‘I’ll do whatever it takes to get my place’ position rather than taking his bat and ball home. That doesnt sit to well with me…