Nicholas set for dramatic reappearance

Press, 12 June 1986, Page 29

Nicholas set for dramatic reappearance

NZPA-AFP Nezahualcoyotl Charlie Nicholas, seemingly ruled out of the World Cup after being carried off the pitch against Denmark, is set to return in Scotland’s decisive match with Uruguay on Friday. After that 1-0 defeat, the Scottish manager, Alex Ferguson, said the ankle injury meant the 24-year-old striker would be unable to play again in Mexico. But after doing some light training on Monday, Nicholas said today: “I will be fit for Friday. I have been able to do some running without actually kicking the ball. I am confident that, at worst, I will be available as a substitute,” he said.

“I am desperate to play, as I believe we can still beat the Uruguayans and qualify for the next stage of the tournament.” Ferguson welcomed the news of Nicholas’ swift progress, but warned: “A lot depends on the sort of progress he makes over the next few days. It is great news that he is back in training again and if he can get fit in time he must be considered for the Uruguay game.” If Nicholas can prove his fitness before the match, it will give Ferguson a full complement of five from which to pick his strike force for Scotland’s most crucial game of the cup.

Other news from the Scottish camp was not so encouraging. The wing,

Davie Cooper, who came on as a substitute against Germany, picked up an ankle injury and is likely to be ruled out. But while Ferguson took a dim view of Cooper’s prospects, the Rangers winger insisted: “I still think I can make it. “I went over on my left ankle trying to ride two tackles almost as soon as I went on. It was frustrating to be injured before I had time to make an impact.” Defeats for Hungary and Canada on Tuesday left Scotland with an outside chance of qualifying for the last 16 as one of the four third-best teams. Uruguay, notoriously hard on the field, yesterday indulged in some tough talking in an attempt to retrieve lost pride after the 6-1 thrashing by Denmark. Its leading striker, Enzo Francescoli, said: “Our pride is hurt. Nobody likes to lose as badly as we did against Denmark, but luckily in soccer you get a chance of revenge. The Scotland game is our big chance. “We must forget the Danish match and concentrate completely on Scotland. Our only option is to win.”

With a midfielder, Jorge Barrios, still doubtful and a defender, Miguel Bossio, ruled out following his dismissal against Denmark, Uruguay is also beset with problems. Even the manager, Omar Borras, fell victim to a virus and was confined to bed for the second day.