Lawrence Worried by Jamaica Fixtures

Fake Injuries?
By Chris O'Brien
July 11 2004

Lennie Lawrence is likely to restrict Richard Langley's participation for Jamaica, as upcoming friendly matches could see the midfielder miss several matches for the Bluebirds. The Cardiff City boss has announced that he will monitor the Reggaeboyz fixtures very carefully next season.

Cardiff City boss Lennie Lawrence has voiced concerns over midfielder Richard Langley's participation in international games for Jamaica. The London-born winger is set to miss one of City's opening Football League games due to commitments abroad, and Lawrence could try and limit the number of international appearances the former QPR playmaker makes.

"I have no problems with World Cup games because they are set on international dates," said the City manager.

"We will swallow the travelling because we support our players turning up for their countries.

"But Concacaf Cup fixtures may pose a problem and we will look in to exactly when these matches will take place."

The Bluebirds lost Irish duo Graham Kavanagh and Alan Lee for parts of last season due to injuries they picked up for their country, and Lawrence doesn't want friendly fixtures to hamper his teams chances in the First Division next term. A build up of friendly fixtures and minor tournaments will leave Lennie Lawrence looking very closely at Jamaica's up and coming fixtures.

When Langley first arrived at Ninian Park, City owner Sam Hammam forced the player into announcing his retirement from international football so that the club would not face such problems. However, the club swiftly relaxed the stance and were fair to the player allowing him to represent Jamaica, who he qualifies for via parenthood.