Football: Robson: England get it wrong over Ince.
BRYAN ROBSON yesterday hit out at the omission of Paul Ince from the England squad.Robson blasted the decision by Kevin Keegan to overlook Middlesbrough's 45-cap former England captain for the Euro qualifiers against Luxembourg and Poland.
"It really surprised me. I don't know if it's the end of Paul's England career, you'll have to ask Kevin Keegan that," said the Boro boss.
Robson, who bought Ince for pounds 1million from Liverpool, added: "Paul has started really well and done nothing wrong in his performances so far.
"I'm just surprised he's not in for vital games like this. I haven't spoken to him about it - he's bound to be disappointed, but he's a good pro and will get on with it."
Ince last played for England in Glenn Hoddle's final game in charge - against France in February - and has been shunned by Keegan.
Fellow Boro star Paul Gascoigne was also overlooked.
And Robson said: "Gazza was left out because of match fitness, though Tony Adams hasn't played a game and Sol Campbell's had 30 minutes and they're in. That's a strange one for me. But Gazza had read the script, he realised the injury last week ended his chances. Ince, though, is a bit different."
Gascoigne and Christian Ziege, both with calf problems, are among nine players injured for the game at Aston Villa today.
"We've had 13 players out already this season, but I know the team will work hard, close Villa down and make them fight for it," added Robson.
Boro skipper Andy Townsend yesterday backed former team-mate Paul Merson to play a major part in Villa's bid for honours - and urged him not to give up on England.
Troubled Merson is back in the Villa line-up after admitting he fell off the wagon at the end of last season.
The two come face-to-face with Merson insisting his international days are over.
But Townsend, who has shaken off a midweek virus, said: "If he copes with his problems, Paul can do a job at the highest level, there is no doubting his ability.
"He is quality and, if he gets a run in the side, is as good as anything in the England set-up. He'd have to be in contention."
Townsend helped Merson in difficult times at Boro before the former Arsenal star's acrimonious exit last season.
Now he expects to see the 31-year-old in the Villa side when he returns to his former club today.
"We keep in touch, I ring him and we have a chat," he said. "Paul's done very well to try and continue his football through the problems he's had. It can't be easy, but he's playing and keeping himself right the best way he can. I'm not surprised he's back, and won't be surprised to see him start against us."
Townsend's family home is still in the Midlands - on Teesside he is a guest of bingo fan Gascoigne.
"I stay with Gazza two or three days a week and he looks after me and makes a cup of tea," he said. "Someone said it must be mayhem, but it's not like that - he's not what he appears. In fact the bingo season starts soon and he'll have me there, getting our markers down."
Townsend revealed that Gascoigne is desperate to win back his England place, despite missing out this week.
"He's still got the desire to play for England. Take it from me, I know," he added. "He's fit and playing well, he's just had this little injury this week.
"He'd produce the goods for England, just like he's always done. I don't see why he should be overlooked."
Townsend goes back to Villa expecting them to be just short of a challenge to last season's top three.
He added: "John Gregory has a very strong squad, but probably not quite enough to challenge Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.
"They've had a great start and we'll see if they can maintain it, unlike last season."
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| Title Annotation: | Sport |
|---|---|
| Author: | Alexander, Dave |
| Publication: | The Mirror (London, England) |
| Date: | Aug 28, 1999 |
| Words: | 663 |
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