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Hodgson praises Kirby and reveals pre-game chat with Sakho

Related Topics: Roy Hodgson, Mamadou Sakho, Nya Kirby

Despite the cup exit, Roy Hodgson saw plenty of bonuses in tonight's clean sheet performance.

First Team

Nya Kirby was one of those, with the midfielder being handed his first-team debut on the right-hand side of midfield. "He did quite well," Hodgson said. "He has waited a long time. And he’s another one who hasn’t really played any first-team football; I’m not certain he has ever appeared in a competitive match during my time. So another bonus."

In fact, Hodgson was pleased with the everyone who played a role at the Vitality stadium: "There were lots of bonuses for me tonight," he added.