YOURI Djorkaeff might be exciting the Wanderers' fans but he isn't doing much to help ease Dean Holdsworth's mounting frustrations.
Every impressive performance just adds to Deano's misery.
"Youri's come back and been exceptional" says the Londoner in awe of the mercurial Frenchman who signed a two year contract in the summer. "He was superb on Sunday against Villa and against Charlton in the previous game.
"I just can't wait to be part of the team with him in it. But I know I'm probably going to have to wait a while longer."
Holdsworth laughs at the suggestion that Djorkaeff, having played an inspirational role in keeping Wanderers in the Premiership last season, might be lacking motivation now that he is no longer pressing for a place in France's World Cup squad.
"Youri doesn't need any motivation," he insists. "He's a quality player and he's got that name on his back - it speaks for itself. He's a World Cup winner and a European Championship winner ... people like that don't need motivating."
Despite his delight in seeing Wanderers record their first win of the season against Villa, Holdsworth knew the result had effectively cost him his place in the starting line-up at Old Trafford.
"I was so pleased we got the result," he explains, "but I was dying to get on the pitch when I saw all the chances being created.
"I just want to be part of it. It's all right saying you're on the subs' bench and in the squad but you still want to walk away from the ground feeling you've played your part.
"We're three games into the season and I've only played 15 minutes. Now it looks like I'll have to wait a while longer because the boys got the win on Sunday and the manager's not likely to change things for the United game."
Everyone appears to be enjoying the Djorkaeff experience.
Kevin Nolan, who admits he is learning with every game he plays, says the former Monaco and Inter Milan star is an inspiration - on and off the field.
"Youri's a great lad, great round the dressing room as well as a pleasure to play with," says the talented 20-year-old.
"We've learned a lot from him and, hopefully, we'll learn a lot more.
"Sometimes it's just the little things people wouldn't necessarily think of ... how he relaxes. I've learned so much from being around so many great professionals and Youri is just another I'm learning from."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article