The Woes Of Jlloyd Samuel.

In a report in The Mirror online, it is being claimed that Jlloyd Samuel is furious at being made the 'scapegoat' for the mistake at Man City that led to the first goal in our 3-1 defeat. The report says that he feels he was singled out by O'Leary when he was taken off at half time after a balls up between the left back and stand in keeper Stuart Taylor.

For all the players faults, it is my understanding that he has been playing with a shoulder injury to help the cause because there are no back ups for him position with Bouma out injured. Barry can play left back but in recent reports the suggestion has been that he doesn't like playing in defence.

To add to Jlloyd's woes, it appears that, due to a FIFA ruling, he won't be legible to play for Trinidad and Tobaga, despite thinking he was going to play a part in their World Cup qualifying campaign.

The ruling says he is now too old to switch countries having represented England at U18 and U21 level. Heinz Tannler Director Legal Division for FIFA, explained: 'We have noted that the player has not performed for the A-representative team of the English FA. We understood however, that the player was born on 29 Match 1981. In principle, a player may only once request changing the Association for which he is eligible to play international matches, but only up to his 21st birthday (article 15 3 A). Regulations governing the application of the FIFA Statutes). For this reason, the 24-year-old Samuel is not entitled to this decision anymore. In accordance with this provision a player who has already acquired eligibility to play for one association but has another nationality imposed upon him by a government authority, is entitled to change associations.'

So the players only hope of International action is to get his promising career back on track, knuckle down and provide his good friend Ashley Cole with some competition.