John Giles was in studio as always for Thursday Night Football and while he gave his take on tonight's match between Ireland and Sweden.

But he also addressed the midfield situation at Manchester United. John believes Wayne Rooney - currently sidelined with a head wound - should be utilized in midfield.

"I think they're short in the middle of the field. Carrick and Cleverly are limited in the centre of the field in terms of what needs to be done. Fabregas would have been a big signing because he's a player that can control the game and make chances. You're looking for midfield players to open things up. Fellaini is not the answer. 

"I would play Rooney in midfield - as a geunine midfield player. He had a little spell last year and I thought he was outstanding. If you look at what Manchester United have overall, they're not very well catered for in the middle of the field."

On the theme of midfielders, John believes it is time for James McCarthy to take games by the scruff of the neck for Ireland, to complement his ability.

"He's a good passer of the ball, good on both feet and well balanced. That's your ammunition as a midfield player. Next thing then is your mind. He has to have the mind to be dominating. Trapattoni is right about that but he's not doing anything about it. There's no good having ability if you don't get on the ball. You have to demand it. I've seen him where the full-back's on the ball and he's in a very good position but the full-back doesn't give it to him. When you're in that position and you really want the ball, you shout so loud that it actually frightens the full-back."

With the news that Alan Hansen is leaving Match of the Day, John also spoke to Joe about the art of punditry.

Listen to Thursday Night Football with John below or download the podcast on iTunes: