Tugay Set For Turkey Comeback

Blackburn Rovers midfielder Tugay has amazingly been called out of International retirement by Turkey; Mark Hughes now fears the maestro could face "burn out" in the latter part of the season.

Even though Tugay officially retired from the International scene more than three-years ago, November 2003 to be exact after Turkey had failed to come through their European Championship play off's for the Finals in 2004, he has been named in their squad for next weeks match with Georgia.

"It's a big ask for him because he's got a lot of games coming up and we've protected him somewhat.

"Three games in a week is a big ask for Tugay and the extra travelling won't help either.

"But I think they've had a change of manager and the new guy is quite adamant that he wants him to go."

I don't know how things work on the International stage, but Chelsea's Claude Makelele, who also announced his retirement from International football with France (again) after the World Cup has been forced to play on this season despite appeals to FIFA. Hughes added:

"He's very proud of his country, obviously, and he'll go and do his best.

"But our concern is he's got lots of games coming up and he will need protecting."

Meanwhile on the subject of International call up's, or lack of Hughes was surprised that David Bentley was overlooked by Steve McClaren on Friday when he announced his 28 man squad for the friendly with Spain next week.

"I'm a little bit surprised I suppose. I think Bentley had a decent enough chance for the full squad", said Hughes.

"Being in the Under 21s is an honour, but I thought maybe, given the manner of his performances over the last couple of months, he possibly warranted a call-up to the senior side.

"I'm not sure what options Steve McClaren has on that right-hand side, but David has been playing exceptionally well.

"He played really well in midweek against Frank Lampard and I just thought that might have tipped the selection in his favour at senior level."

You are always proud to play for your country but if you call time on an International career surely this should be respected shouldn't it? If Tugay is in a similar position to Makelele how either can be forced to play is beyond me. Can anyone be forced out of retirement if asked to by their country, could this happen to Brad Friedel? If anyone knows the full story, and why players HAVE to play for their country when they've announced their retirement please do share...

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