Evans wants to replace Rufer

Press, 23 February 1989, Page 44

Evans wants to replace Rufer

PA London Ceri Evans said yesterday that he was "ready and willing” to step out for the All Whites in next week’s World Cup qualifying match against Israel in Tel Aviv.

The towering centre half has been mentioned by the All Whites coach, John Adshead, as a possible replacement for Shane Rufer who earlier dropped a bombshell by announcing his Swiss club, Bellinzona, was reluctant to grant his release for the March 5 encounter.

Many people were surprised when Evans, who recently signed as part-time, professional for an English second division side, Oxford United, was left out of Mr. Adshead’s original squad“I was ,certainly disappointed because I am playing better than ever since I arrived at Oxford,” said Evans, capped 48;.. times for his country. “But I do not know the circumstances why I was not in the squad so I am not really in a position to comment "However, if. I am

selected now I would be delighted. Who wouldn’t be?” Mr Adshead said yesterday that he would not make any decision about replacing Shane Rufer for a couple of days. “I will be double checking with Bellinzona to make sure that Shane is not available,” he said. “I wijLJhen decide whether we stay with what we have got or whether we bring somebody in.” Evans said that he would have to get clearance from the Oxford manager, Brian

Horton, to go to Tel Aviv. “But I don’t- anticipate there will bejaiiy problems, on that score,” he said.

Shane Rufer and his brother, Wynton, were fined after defying their Swiss club, FC Zurich, to play for the All Whites in the last World Cup tournament They have now joined different clubs. But Mi* Adshead said he did not expect any problems over centre forward Wynton being available for the Tel Aviv match. “I understand that he is ■V-.' . ■

touring with his club Grasshoppers v ; in Zimbabwe at the moment but I am certain thit he Will be on the plane for Tel Aviv.” i :>S '

Mr Adshead said he could have insisted that Bellinzona release Shane for the World Cup match. “But he ,1s a professional footballer and don’t; want to. do anything that will jeopardise his future career.” Mr Adshead was due to be reunited with the All Whites squad when they flew into London later yesterday. .