There is no easy answer to dealing with calls on players time by their club and their country.
| The age old debate about club v country does not just affect players. Fans also get drawn into this with allegiances tested when club fortunes depend on players who are fit and ready for league or cup action. However, key players could get injured when on duty for the national side which will impact on their form on their return to their home club. Can fans forgive this inconvenience to their ambitions for their own side if it is for the greater good of the national side? Not many it would appear as they spend their hard earned on the club of their choice on a regular basis hoping that the support they provide will allow the club to purchase better players and progress as far as possible in any competition they enter. SPL managers met this week to discuss the fixtures for next season and when that season would start with the words of national coach George Burley firmly in their minds. He wants to gather his squad at least six days ahead of vital World Cup game against Norway. However, this creates difficulties for clubs that will be playing in the UEFA competitions. The majority of managers were right behind the national coach but would they have been so supportive if their players were in line to be involved in key European games early in the season? I know lots of clubs have internationalists who head off from time to time to play for their respective countries with good grace (most of the time). However, if the clubs have an important league game coming up there appears to be an extra worry line on the managers forehead as he bids them Bon Voyage. There is no easy answer to the dilemma and players want to be playing and are keen to represent their countries. Not just for the honour but, realistically, as they are looking to increase their value to their current or next club. However, they are also under pressure not to get injured -ever. With more international games - including friendlies -on the horizon there will always be a doubt over anybodies commitment to the cause. There is no right answer to the problem - just more arguments over the rights and wrongs of individual players or clubs decisions and stances when the next fixture clash occurs. | |
| Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba net) Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba net) This is ScottishFitba Net |
