Robert Earnshaw keen to remain in plans of Wales boss Chris Coleman
Oct 10 2012
Robert Earnshaw
Former Cardiff City star Robert Earnshaw has urged Wales boss Chris Coleman not to forget him during his exile in Israel.
Earnshaw is out of sight of the Welsh boss, but fired the winning goal for his new club Maccabi Tel Aviv as they went joint top of the Israel League.
The ex-Nottingham Forest and West Brom star's strike secured a 2-1 win which ended the 100% record of title rivals Ashdod.
Wales have yet to score a goal from open play in five matches since Coleman took charge at the start of the year, but Earnshaw has been overlooked for Friday night’s game against Scotland and Croatia away next week.
He was an unused substitutes for the matches against Serbia and Belgium, but Earnshaw makes it clear he is ready to fly in to aid the cause whenever Coleman needs him.
He is still fired up with ambition as he reflects on his football, sitting on the balcony of his beachside hotel in Tel Aviv overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
“Tel Aviv are top of the table – and so are Cardiff City,” Earnshaw said.
“It would be fantastic if each could do it.
“Double celebrations ... that would be special.”
Earnshaw signed for Tel Aviv on loan until the end of this season.
There is, though, a clause in the contract which means he could return to the Bluebirds in January if manager Malky Mackay needs him – and he also makes it absolutely clear the ambition to earn more Welsh caps is still burning fiercely.
“I am totally committed to Tel Aviv and want to help them win the title here in Israel,” he says.
“But I also want to play for Wales again.
“I just need a call.
“It’s a lot more miles to fly in from, given I am in Israel these days, a lot more time on a plane.
“But that doesn’t matter because I would know what is at the end of that journey.
“I still want to play for Wales and that drives me on.
“The Bluebirds, too, mean such a lot to me.
“The club has been a huge part of my career.
“Personally, I still hope and believe I might play for City again.
“That would be great, but right at the moment my dream is a title double.
“I will do everything I can to help Tel Aviv win the championship in Israel – and I will be cheering on City from afar.”
“I’d want the two clubs to finish champions.”
This is the second loan spell of Earnshaw’s career.
It was former City manager Frank Burrows who sent the then teenage goal ace out on loan to Scottish League Morton when he was learning his football trade.
Back then Earnie resided in a small flat.
Today, at the age of 32, he is in a plush hotel apartment block overlooking the beach and sea.
“Greenock Morton seems a world away and I wasn’t initially keen on a move to Scotland back then, but Frank was right and the experience proved invaluable to me,” reflects Earnshaw.
“This time, of course, it’s far different – particularly the weather!
“Jordi Cruyff is director of football at the Tel Aviv club and he explained everything about the club, told me about the things they want to do, before I made my decision.
“The coach, Oscar Garcia, and Jordi are former Barcelona players.
“That factor was a major plus in my decision to play for Tel Aviv.
“This is a beautiful area and my hotel is right next to the beach.
“You never know what might happen in the future, but I am certainly happy here.
“Maybe I will yet be given another chance with Cardiff City.
“No matter what happens, though, I wish Malky Mackay and the players the best.
“They stand top of the Championship and I so want them to go on and finish the job by earning promotion.
“It’s good to see Tel Aviv and Cardiff at the top of their tables.
“I came to Israel to play regular first team football and for a whole new career experience.
“In the end to came down to playing football.
“I enjoyed my time at City.
“They were my club from a young age, it’s where I grew up and learned about football.
“The Bluebirds will always have a place in me.
“This season at Cardiff was only frustrating because I wasn’t playing. Training and being around the club was great, but I wanted to play.
“I would look at matches and believe I could have made a difference.
“There were so many times when I thought I could have helped the team.
“There were no doubts about my fitness and I was sharp.
“I didn’t enjoy not being involved on match days.
“In the end I had to go out on loan and play football.
“Tel Aviv was the right club for me and I’m having a great time.
“But I don’t believe this is the end for me with City.
“ My strong belief is that I will one day play for my club again.
“I would want to do that.
“I’d hate it if Bluebirds fans forget me.
“When I think back to where the club was when I started as a teenager and compare it to the current situation the difference is unbelievable.
“Cardiff will be promoted this season.
“Malky is the man to lead this squad into the Premier League.
“I truly believe that.”
Earnshaw signed for Tel Aviv on the last day of Israel’s transfer window and committed to Israel’s most successful club – 18-times League winners – for a year.
Read More
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballna ... z29B3tYkdo