Hagan unsure off availability

Press, 23 February 1988, Page 44

Hagan unsure off availability

PA Sydney The in form soccer striker, Kevin Hagan, was unsure last evening whether he would be available to play for New Zealand in the upcoming Olympic Games qualifying series.

Despite Australian reports that he would continue playing for St George in the Australian national league instead of fronting up for New Zealand, Hagan said that he hoped to clarify his position in the next couple of

days. He said he had been unable to contact the New Zealand coach, Kevin Fallon, and was hoping to discusss the matter with his club coach, Frank Arok, who is also in charge of the Australian team.

"There is just a bit of trouble to be sorted out,” Hagan said.

“Hl have to talk to the New Zealand Football Association first because my club want certain things and being guaranteed insurance for me is

one of them.”

He believed St George wanted the N.Z.F.A. to insure him for about sAust2s,ooo — the cost of a replacement player in the event of him being seriously injured while playing for New Zealand. Hagan’s other main problem was his plumbing job and lost income.

He said that if he had played for New Zealand against Young Brazil this week, he would have had to be away from work for 40 days and had been told he would not have had a

job to return to. If he plays in the Olympic series, he would still miss 28 days work and pay for that period. “I’d really like to play in the Olympics, but if it becomes too costly for me and my family I have to think again,” he said. Hagan scored both St George’s goals in its 2-0 national league victory over Footscray on Sunday evening. The crossbar and a superb save by the Footscray goalkeeper denied him a four-goal tally.