STEVEN PIENAAR will play in tomorrow night's Carling Cup semi-final after all following a dramatic late intervention on Everton's behalf.
Blues boss David Moyes has invoked FIFA's 14-day rule, which means that South Africa have no right take Pienaar away from Goodison Park now.
Even though Southy Africa have friendlies scheduled against Mozambique on 13 January and Botswana three days later, their first game in the African Cup of Nations against Angola in Tamale is not scheduled until January 23.
That has enabled Moyes to tell South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira he will not relase Pienaar until after tomorrow's tie at Stamford Bridge.
South Africa had expected Pienaar to be on a plane to Pretoria yesterday afternoon but Moyes said: "We have asked for a little but of common sense.
"We pay Steven Pienaar's wages and we are standing up for what is right for Everton. He plays against Chelsea and we will need him.
"South Africa are unhappy, I have spoken with Carlos Alberto Parreira and I understand his argument fully but I have to fight for Everton."
Moyes is expected to recall Tim Cahill and Tim Howard to his starting line-up as they have recovered from injuries that kept them out of Saturday's FA Cup defeat against Oldham.
Skipper Phil Neville also returns to the squad after he was rested at the weekend.
No comments:
Post a Comment