Football: ROBBO: I'LL GET GAZ READY FOR ENGLAND.
BRYAN Robson will answer a call to help rescue England's Euro 2000 hopes by boldly linking former England buddies Paul Gascoigne and Paul Ince in Middlesbrough's midfield this week.It could turn out to be crucial for Kevin Keegan and England's chances of survival in Euro 2000.
Just 20 months ago Gazza and The Guv'nor steered England into the World Cup finals from the engine room of the team that achieved a magnificent draw in Rome.
Now both have become fringe figures, Gascoigne struggling with personal problems, Ince an unwanted figure at the club he has captained for two years.
But, if Robson puts them together successfully, it could revive England's fading hopes of qualifying for the finals.
The Boro boss believes in big personalities and strong characters and is not afraid of going for talent - like these two - who have given headaches to a few managers. They can be trouble but they can also restore authority to England's pale imitation of a midfield.
"It's none of my business why Liverpool are selling Paul Ince, all I want to do is make him a Middlesbrough player," said Robson yesterday. "I'm hopeful it will happen this week and he will be an excellent signing for us.
"He's a top player, an international - and I'd like 11 of them in my side. It would make the team and the club stronger."
Robson knows Ince from their days together in the Manchester United midfield and has no problems with the 'Big-time Charlie' label the 31-year-old acquired there.
Robson was also the only English manager to bid for Gascoigne last year - and he knew what he was buying after their England days together. Now he believes patience is about to pay with the pounds 3.45m Geordie maverick, who looked slimmer, fitter and sharp in the 2-0 friendly win at Hartlepool.
Just a small step against the Third Division side, but in time it could become a giant stride for England. A health farm holiday and two weeks of graft at Boro's pounds 7m training complex have left the 32-year-old in good shape and Robson was pleased with the performance.
"If Kevin gives me a call I'll be happy to help. If he wants to come and see Gazza, fine.
"Gazza has been going very well and his fitness is looking really good. I've been pleased with him in training since we came back and so have all the staff."
And the former England captain added: "Gazza could be in the next England squad and that's a great incentive for him. "It's also good for Middlesbrough that Kevin is saying the door is open.
"The fact is that a fit Gazza is the only English player who can do what he does."
Gascoigne set up Boro's 20th-minute opener for Dean Gordon. Phil Stamp headed the second.
 Printer friendly
 Cite/link
 Email
 Feedback
| |
| Title Annotation: | Sport |
|---|---|
| Author: | HOWEY, Martin |
| Publication: | The Mirror (London, England) |
| Date: | Jul 19, 1999 |
| Words: | 472 |
| Previous Article: | Football: KITSON: I'M READY FOR WANCHOPE. |
| Next Article: | Rugby Union: Geoff fears for Bedford. |