Liked him as a player and has certainly played a part in getting us up the divisions. Remember when he came on at Oldham, he was absolutely superb, and had some brilliant link up play with Lambert/Lallana/Guly at the start of last season when we were steamrolling teams.
I think TCM has summed it up however. If money is tight, then why would clubs risk paying him money when the liklihood is he'll be injured for atleast half the season. Would be a good acquisition for someone like Bournemouth.