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Forgotten man Real's McManaman still hoping for England recallPosted: Saturday November 30, 2002 10:10 AMKAWASAKI, Japan (Reuters) -- Real Madrid midfielder Steve McManaman is determined to force his way back into the England reckoning after being discarded by coach Sven-Goran Eriksson before this year's World Cup. The 30-year-old, who will be hoping for a rare start when the European champion takes on its South American counterpart Olimpia in the World Club Cup on Tuesday, said he was at the best place possible to earn an international recall. "Missing out on the World Cup was a huge disappointment. I played in the majority of qualifiers but since the last qualifying match against Greece over a year ago I haven't been involved," McManaman told Reuters on Saturday. "But of course you're always optimistic and playing for the best club in the world certainly won't hurt my chances." McManaman, who has 18 months to run on a five-year contract, has been the subject of persistent transfer speculation since joining Real from Liverpool in 1999. But despite the arrival of Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo over the past three seasons, McManaman has made a significant number of first-team appearances and scored some vital goals for the Spanish giants. "We go out and try to sign the best players and the best players cost a lot of money. Personally, the only rumors I've heard are from the newspapers," said McManaman, who was recently linked with a move to Inter Milan. "From within the club, there haven't been any rumors. Until you hear something from the club, I think that's when you start worrying. But I haven't really heard anything new for years." Walking wounded McManaman played when Real were beaten 2-1 by Boca Juniors of Argentina in the World Club Cup two years ago but he warned that nothing short of victory would do against Olimpia in Yokohama. "It's a big game, of course, because we haven't been playing well lately. But we're still in all competitions, which is a good sign," he said after a two-hour training session at Todoroki Stadium, near Yokohama. "There are still a few walking wounded and a few players training here with the flu but we lost a couple of years ago and it's very important for us that we come and win this time." Concerns over the fitness of Brazil striker Ronaldo (flu) and captain Fernando Hierro (ankle) have been played down by Real manager Vicente Del Bosque. Neither player showed any ill-effects during practice Saturday. But with French midfielder Claude Makelele and forward Guti both doubtful, McManaman could make his second straight start in this competition after lining up against Boca in Tokyo. "God knows," said McManaman when asked if he expected to start. "We'll sort of know the team the day before and two days before the shape of the team. Of course I hope to play but if not, I'll still play some part." Although a firm favorite at the Bernabeu these days, McManaman admitted he had more than a passing interest in the big English Premier League clash Sunday between Liverpool and Manchester United. "They both had good results away from home in Europe during the week. Liverpool versus Manchester United are normally great games, aren't they? It's a pity I won't be able to watch it, that's the only thing," he said. Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. |
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