Jody & Seth Set For The Middle

Last updated : 08 September 2003 By Kevin Markey

In the matches so far, Jody Morris and Seth Johnson have combined to form a menacing partnership in the middle of the park.

Cameroon international Salomon Olembe has lately joined the club on loan from Marseille and David Batty is also eager to regain his spot in the centre of midfield.

But the current United pairing of Morris and Johnson have no intention of letting anyone through the door to take their positions and are enjoying the challenge of fighting for their midfield places under Reid.

Johnson told the club's official website: "We've both really stuck to the task and it's looking good at the moment. Long passing is a big part of my game and Jody is really good with his short passing, excellent on the ball, has great feet and is good in tight areas, so we can mix it up together.

"I think it's a partnership that complements each other quite well, and long may it continue. We need to keep working hard and picking up the results, although Middlesbrough was probably our quietest game. We have to maintain that form throughout the season now. That will be the real challenge."

Morris added: "We're winning all our tackles, passing it well and getting around the pitch well, and when you play like that, you just want to keep playing in the team."

The Whites have seen significant changes to their midfield in the summer, as Lee Bowyer, Harry Kewell and Olivier Dacourt have all left, but their departure has opened the door for others.

"Olly was a great player and did really well here and he'll be sorely missed, but when people leave the club it's an opportunity for others," Morris declared. "We're not off to a bad start so we just have to try and stay there."