Newcastle To Be 'Robbed' Of International Players?
Last updated : 09 August 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
... other players skipping Toon duty to play in internationals.
Striker Mark Viduka says he still hasn't decided if he wants to continue international duty with Australia, even though allegedly Big Sam has put him under pressure to make a decision.
He has every right to play for his country, and all that "decision" will do is let Sam know the games the Socceroo won't be available for. And that would include two trips Down Under in the space of a month - and just weeks into the new Premiership season.
In the build-up to the World Cup qualifiers in February, the Socceroos have announced high-profile friendlies on home soil against Argentina on September 11 and China on October 13.
The Toon star returned to the UK from Asian Cup duty in Bangkok, but instead of taking a break he showed commitment to Newcastle and was quickly accelerated into Big Sam's first-team picture.
Australia want to extend Viduka's national team career and coach Graham Arnold wants the striker to lead his nation into the 2010 World Cup finals.
Allardyce already has concerns about losing players at the start of the new year because of the African Cup of Nations in Ghana. That would mean losing top stars Geremi and Oba Martins, plus possibly Matty Pattison and Celestine Babayaro.