The Goalie has go at Burley for having gathering - 'ridiculous'

[Boab]

With the third Old Firm derby of the season just days away, former Rangers goalkeeper Andy Goram has slammed the decision by George Burley to hold an international gathering of players in St Andrews this week.

The outcome of the game, which is live on Setanta Sports this Sunday, could have a major bearing on the destiny of the SPL title and the former Scotland keeper finds it ‘ridiculous’ that key players in both teams have been called up for such a gathering and would refuse to attend.

Nine players from the two sides will attend and Goram said he would not have any worries about staying with his club to prepare for the clash.

“Worried, I wouldn’t go,” said Goram. “I find it ridiculous.

“Scotland are expecting players to turn up and go and train – which is fine, it’s their prerogative – but certainly we’ve got a game that could possibly the way the league is going, have a big bearing on the deciding factor in the league, then I would want to go there and do as little as possible.

“Your club pays your wages, that’s just my feelings.

“That’s the way I think about it, the club pay your wages.

“Ally McCoist went away with Scotland and broke his leg against Portugal in season 92-93 and was then out for a full season.

“Rangers don’t get compensated off Scotland, the fans and the club missed out on 40 goals a season from Ally McCoist.

“It’s a hard one when the club pay your wages and pay your mortgage to go away with the national team and get injured and come back – it’s a difficult one for the manager.

“I can understand managers being annoyed and frustrated that they have to let players go.

“Fergie [sir Alex Ferguson] is the same down at Manchester United.

“We lost Brian Laudrup when he went to Denmark and did his ankle in, we lost him for several games.

“It’s a difficult one, we need these players especially in a big game such as the Old Firm game because you can’t carry anybody there.

“You need your best team to turn up.”

http://www.setanta.com//uk/Articles/Footba...and/gnid-39369/

[GeneralCartmanLee]

I wouldn’t expect the goalie to have anything positive to say about international football……

[Jelle1880]

I wouldn’t expect the goalie to have anything positive to say about international football……

Doesn't change the fact he's right.

[papaguy51]

Are you not just as likely to get injured training with Rangers though?

[Boab]

Are you not just as likely to get injured training with Rangers though?

Fair point.

[GeneralCartmanLee]

I wouldn’t expect the goalie to have anything positive to say about international football……

Doesn't change the fact he's right.

Burely could have played a friendly this midweek, I am glad it’s just a training session……

[Muff]

I just don't like International football, fullstop - unless it's a World Cup or European Championships and doesn't involve Scotland.

I'd rather not have an International week before an Old Firm.

[Briton]

Not a difficult one at all. You do your duty and represent your country as Rangers players have done for 130 years.

[slimjim1690]

Used to be it was an honour to play for your country, not so sure anymore what with the money the top players are earning, and the way the SFA have treated clubs {Rangers esp.I don't think I'm being paranoid here] add to that, Scotland haven't qualified for a major tournament for how long? and it's understandable why there is a general malaise with regards to the national team.

In saying that I can understand the other side of the coin,it's Burley's job to do his best for his team and if he thinks it's a good idea for the players to have a get together then that's his perogative, and he would pobabaly have got a reprimand from the SFA if he didn't take advantage of a free week for this get together, still dosn't make it right though as it's a crucial part of the season and not just for the old firm players. But then that's the SFA for you, they pay lip service to the clubs then do whatever they like.