Savage in club v country dilemna

Last updated : 28 October 2002 By Brian Cartlidge
The Welsh FA has invoked the four-day Fifa rule before their European Championship qualifier in Azerbaijan on 20th November and they have said they want all their players to report by 3pm on Sunday, 17th November - the same time as Blues are scheduled to play at home in the Premiership game with Fulham.

But Bruce is looking for the Welsh authorities to allow Savage to play against Fulham because Wales are not scheduled to fly out for their Euro qualifier until Monday morning.

Blues are already in negotiations with Fulham - who have Welsh defender Andy Melville in their side - about the possibility of bringing the kick-off time forward to 12 midday.

Savage could then be flown by helicopter down to Cardiff just in time to meet the Welsh deadline, although it is understood even that idea is not being viewed with the greatest of sympathy by the Wales national team bosses.

Bruce said: "We haven't heard anything yet, but what we need is a bit of dialogue and common sense with the whole situation.

"We can get Robbie to the hotel, and the reason that we've had to change the game to the Sunday is because Fulham are playing in the UEFA Cup on the previous Thursday.

"We need a bit of common sense from both parties. But it's ludicrous to take Robbie off us when we can get him to the hotel and I do believe that Wales are not flying out until the Monday morning."



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