Bolton want extra time with Okocha
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Bolton want extra time with Okocha
Thursday, January 8, 2004
Bolton want extra time with Okocha
Bolton are aiming to extend the deadline when captain Jay-Jay Okocha reports to Nigeria's training camp ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Manager Sam Allardyce first thought he would lose his playmaker at the end of this week.
But Nigeria coach Christian Chukwu then appeared to find some middle ground and said Okocha could remain in England until January 16.
That is when Nigeria leave their Portuguese training camp and head for their base in Tunisia.
Allardyce, however, is now hoping that Okocha will face Portsmouth a week on Saturday.
Assistant manager Phil Brown said: 'A lot of clubs seem to be in the same boat. Everyone is trying to fight to keep their players.
'If we can keep Jay-Jay for the game against Portsmouth that would be great.'
Meanwhile, Jamaica international Ricardo Gardner is being assessed by medical staff after appearing to damage knee ligaments in the defeat against Manchester United.
The full-back was carried off in the first half of last night's Barclaycard Premiership match after falling awkwardly - and he arrived at the Euxton training complex this morning on crutches.
There are fears he could be out for the season, but Brown said: 'It is far too early to say.'
Brown added: 'Ricardo has been one of the shining lights in our season. He has slotted into the left-back role like a fish to water.
'He has taken to it very easily. He is the type of guy who can play anywhere.
'Ricardo is just a genuine guy, and we all wish him a speedy recovery from his injury.'
Bolton want extra time with Okocha
Bolton are aiming to extend the deadline when captain Jay-Jay Okocha reports to Nigeria's training camp ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Manager Sam Allardyce first thought he would lose his playmaker at the end of this week.
But Nigeria coach Christian Chukwu then appeared to find some middle ground and said Okocha could remain in England until January 16.
That is when Nigeria leave their Portuguese training camp and head for their base in Tunisia.
Allardyce, however, is now hoping that Okocha will face Portsmouth a week on Saturday.
Assistant manager Phil Brown said: 'A lot of clubs seem to be in the same boat. Everyone is trying to fight to keep their players.
'If we can keep Jay-Jay for the game against Portsmouth that would be great.'
Meanwhile, Jamaica international Ricardo Gardner is being assessed by medical staff after appearing to damage knee ligaments in the defeat against Manchester United.
The full-back was carried off in the first half of last night's Barclaycard Premiership match after falling awkwardly - and he arrived at the Euxton training complex this morning on crutches.
There are fears he could be out for the season, but Brown said: 'It is far too early to say.'
Brown added: 'Ricardo has been one of the shining lights in our season. He has slotted into the left-back role like a fish to water.
'He has taken to it very easily. He is the type of guy who can play anywhere.
'Ricardo is just a genuine guy, and we all wish him a speedy recovery from his injury.'
Iku Baba Yeye; Alase Ikeji Orisa
He who has power over life and death; Second-in-Command to the gods
He who has power over life and death; Second-in-Command to the gods
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