John Hendrie column: Sir Alex Ferguson was saying the other week that every player needs a bit of luck. I think that counts for managers as well.

Centre back has been a jinxed position for City this year. Phil couldn’t possibly have imagined that he would suffer three serious injuries there.

He’s been really unlucky to lose Oliver and Davies and now young John Egan, who had come in and done ever so well. As a result, Phil’s had to go back in the market to look for other centre halves just to keep it ticking over.

Now that money he’s getting for loan players he could have saved for other areas if Oliver and Davies had been okay.

He may have felt the cash would be better spent on attacking, creative players – somebody a wee bit different who can win you games.

It’s a sickener for the boy Egan, who’s just starting out. He looked the part in the first few games and sprayed the ball around.

I spoke to Mick Martin, who does some scouting for Ireland, and they really rate him. It’s a big blow and we wish him well in his recovery because it won’t be easy.

It’s the same with the other injured boys and I include left winger Kyel Reid in that as well. On his day, he’s as good as anybody in that division and we’ve certainly missed him.

People say footballers are this and that but being out for a long time can put you on a major low.

If they’re not strong psychologically, it’s a long road back for them. But they have to make use of their time and ensure they are super fit by using the weights on the upper body or whatever.