8/3/2019 1Chopra Smashes Sunderland

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Darren Witcoop

THOMMO OUT

FTER INJURY 

Hensonpledges

to deliverfor WaleGAVIN Henson has vowed to justifhis Wales recall when he returns tthe international fold againstAustralia at the Millennium Stadiu

The Ospreys star ended a lengthspell on the international sidelinewhen he was named in GarethJenkins’ side to face the WallabiesSatur day.

Despite playing most of his regiorugby this season at outside-half,Henson has kept out rookie duoJames Hook and Gavin Evans torevive his Grand Slam midfieldpartnership with Tom Shanklin.

And Henson has vowed toreproduce his form of two seasonsago when he was an integral part the Mike Ruddock side who produa Six Nations clean sweep.

“The big games bring the best ome,” said the 24-year-old.

“With the injury and suspensionwasn’t physically or mentally righlast season.

“But I’m feeling pretty good nowthat I’ve had game time under mybelt and I’m looking to get back toform I showed two seasons ago.”

And with Hook and Evans snappat his heels, Henson has revealed current side under Gareth Jenkinstronger than the one which swepits Grand Slam triumph last year.

“I think this is a stronger squadthan before,” he said.

“There’s competition for every

position and whoever comes in it  just as strong.“It’s great from a Wales point of

view ahead and great for autumninternationals and the season ahe

“It’s up to the individual now toa marker down and put your handup to play.”■ Centre of attention: Pages 46-

4 4

9 7 7 1 4 7 9 2 3 0 3 3 5

SWE NExtra Nov 1 06 40p

Operation for striker:he’ll miss three games

F City striker Steveson is set to miss athree games when heto hospital for surgerychilles injury later this

sh internationalson will miss the visithester United on Sat-plus Burnley andPark Rangers at home

ould be rated doubtfule following gamesSheffield Wednesday

ke City at home.er Rangers striker

Thompson has been playingon with the Achilles problem,but had to go off at half-timeduring last night's outstanding2-1 win at Sunderland's Sta-dium of Light.

“We've known about this forsome time, but Steve hasplayed on to help the team,”said manager Dave Jones.

“We decided he would havethe operation after this match

and he will now go in forsurger y.

“Steve has helped usthrough the last five gameswhen he had this problem, buthe is now out for a minimum ofthree matches.

“We will try to sign a loanstriker, but nobody will do usany favours, particularly clubsin the Championship.”

Kevin Campbell took over

from Thompson in attack lastnight, but looked rusty.

He has played only a bit partin Cardiff City matchesthis season and couldtake time to get into hisstride.

Luigi Glombard, whodisappointed on his fulldebut at Norwich Cityand Andrea Ferretti arenot ready for Cham-pionship foot-ball, whichleavesCardiff withno back-upto Camp-bell and

Michael Chopra apart frommoving Paul Parry from thewing to a more central role.

Glenn Loovens made asurprise appearance forthe Bluebirds at Sun-derland last night, hav-ing made a remarkablerecovery from a facial

injury sustained againstDerby County last Sat-

u rd a y.

Phillipsports Writer

Keane –

C h o p r a ’ssimply 

the best

Keane –

C h o p r a ’ssimply 

the bestLegend backs promotion bidLegend backs promotion bid

ROY Keane hailed MichaelChopra after watching the CardiffCity striker shoot down his Sun-derland side – and declared hecan lead the Bluebirds to theP re m i e r s h i p .

City are still four points clear atthe top of the table with their

goals difference of plus 16 theleading in the division. And Keanebelieves Dave Jones’ men canstay there.

And it was a special night forGeordie Chopra who engin-eered the defeat of hisNorth-East rivals.

Chopra took hisgoals tally to the

season to 10 in 14 appearanceswith a first-half brace in the 2-1victory at the Stadium of Light,taking him to the top of the Cham-pionship scoring table.

“Cardiff City are top on meritand they have a team who couldtake them all the way to the

Premiership,” said Keane, whowon eight Premiership titles withManchester United.

“In Chopra they have a playerwho makes great runs and hescores goals.

“He has done that for years andI watched him play for

Newcastle manytimes.”

Keane, who has now seen hisSunderland team lose four timesin 10 games since he took chargeat the Stadium of Light, alsoblasted his own players.

“We were poor," said Keane.“Everything about us waswrong and it was a very, very

bad night. There were noplusses whatsoever.“What do I do now?

Chuck it in? Of coursenot. I expect a big re-action from my playersat Norwich City on Sat-u rd a y. "■ Full match report:Pages 50-51

FEELING GOOD Gavin Henson.