Sidders Determined To Bounce Back

After hearing from Laursen and Shorey yesterday about how down Steve Sidwell was after his error, the midfielder today has spoken about his disappointment.

Speaking to the official site, Sidwell is determined to bounce back from his Boro error and is out to prove a point in our next match against Arsenal.

Stating that the error had ruined what had been a good week for him, he used words like 'unbelievable and inexcusable' to describe the moment of madness.

'I have looked back at it about 20 times now and I still can't believe what I did. It's one of those things - it's unbelievable and inexcusable.

'I let down thousands of fans who pay good money to come and watch their team and also the rest of the lads in the dressing room who are sweating and working hard throughout the game.

'It was a lapse of concentration. It was a freak moment and 99 times out of 100 it wouldn't have happened. Unfortunately for me, it did.

'It was really surreal because I had experienced the jubilation before with my goal - that was a great feeling. And then that elation was taken away.

'It was the classic rollercoaster of emotions and it was a terrible moment to finish on.'

Sidwell continues to state that he is a strong character, and after the lull and disappointment he will bounce back and he won't let it affect him in any way other than to ensure his future performances contain more of the jubilation he felt from scoring and less of the annoyance of such basic errors.

'Now it's important for me to get that out of my system by getting out on the training pitch and working hard.

'It's not going to be a problem for me - it won't affect my confidence - I am a strong character and I will get on with it.

'I am already looking forward to the game on Saturday and hopefully I will be in the side. I am sure I will bounce back from it.

'It's important to face things full on. It would have been easy for me to go home after the game, switch off the TV, go to bed and then not read the papers in the morning. But I did. You have to take the criticism. You have to take the rough with the smooth.

'The good thing is I'm not the sort of person who needs an arm around the shoulder or a geeing up. I don't mind a rollicking from the gaffer when I've made a mistake.

'When you play well you should accept the plaudits and when you've made an error, you have to take the criticism.'

Sensible words from Sidwell, again too many players would just ignore it and put it down to one of those things, and decide it wasn't really their fault anyway and spend the night counting the zeros in their bank account.

You certainly have to admire the attitude and honesty of the players O'Neill is surrounding himself with.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.