Football: BORO TOP ENGLAND SAYS INCE.
ENGLAND midfielder Paul Ince's loyalty to Middlesbrough is jeopardising his chances of figuring in the play-offs against Scotland.Ince revealed yesterday that he is taking a massive gamble by continuing to play for Boro while troubled by a groin strain that needs an operation. He risks aggravating the injury before the Euro 2000 decider, but said: "If it goes and I miss the play-offs, so be it."
With David Batty ruled out of the Battle of Britain showdown, an injury to Ince would be a major setback for coach Kevin Keegan. But Ince insisted: "I feel the most important thing for me at the moment is Middlesbrough Football Club.
"People keep saying I might miss the play-offs, but my main objective is to do well for Boro."
Ince, 31, is already paying a painful price for his decision to delay surgery.
"The injury is all right when I'm playing, but it stiffens up after games," he said. "It restricts me a bit at times, but I need to keep playing."
Ince admitted he felt under pressure before winning his 46th cap on Sunday against Belgium, as it was the first time Keegan had picked him. But Keegan said: "I thought he was terrific."
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| Title Annotation: | Sport |
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| Publication: | The Mirror (London, England) |
| Date: | Oct 15, 1999 |
| Words: | 203 |
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