O'Neill: Meyler Will Return For Festive Period

Having been on loan at Hull City for a month or so, David Meyler will be returning to the club this week it has been confirmed by Martin O'Neill.

Speaking today to various press outlets, O'Neill told reporters;

They play tonight and he would be recalled for the Christmas period, which we will have to do.

It's something that many fans had expected to happen sooner rather than later. Ever since Lee Cattermole went out with injury we've looked incredibly poor in central midfield, lacking any power or anyone to simply sit and hold.

All too often Jack Colback has begun to look a little out-muscled, while it isn't Craig Gardner's nature to sit there as he'd much rather be going forward. Seb Larsson has filled in to the best of his ability, but we've missed out on his superb crossing ability having him stuck in the middle.

Personally, I'm not overly high on Meyler as a player, but we are in a bit of a bind at the moment and he can't do much worse than what we have available to us at the moment so I'm more than happy to see him return to the side until Cattermole can get himself fully fit. As yet there's not a timetable on his return.

It also represents a big chance for Meyler, who has enjoyed a fruitful loan at Hull City which yielded two goals in seven impressive outings. He's very much on the fringes of the squad, and if he applies himself and grows into the role, he could save us a pretty penny in January, as well as proving to O'Neill that he's worth keeping around in the long-term.