Source: Daily_Mail
Bridge will be back for England, says Man City team-mate Kolo Toure
Manchester City defender Kolo Toure last night claimed heartbroken Wayne Bridge will play for England again.[LNB]Bridge stunned Three Lions boss Fabio Capello last week after ruling himself out of representing his country over former Chelsea team-mate John Terry's affair with ex-partner Vanessa Perroncel.[LNB] Down but not out: Wayne Bridge will return to the England set-up, insists his Manchester City colleague Kolo Toure[LNB]The left-back's decision has left Capello with a major headache ahead of tonight's clash against Egypt and the World Cup with first-choice Ashley Cole sweating on his fitness for the summer after undergoing ankle surgery.[LNB]But Bridge's Eastlands team-mate Toure is sure the defender will change his mind - maybe even in time for South Africa.[LNB]Toure, who is currently nursing a knee injury, said: 'You are proud to play for your country, but it's been a difficult situation for him. [LNB]'Family life is so important, and if you are happy in your family life you can play better in your football. [LNB]Struggling: Man City's Toure[LNB]'He is honest - when you do something you need to do it with your heart. If your heart isn't there you need to think about it.[LNB]'I think in a few months he will come back, definitely. I think first he just needs some time to forget about this whole difficult time.'[LNB]Meanwhile, Toure admits he has struggled for fitness since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.[LNB]The Ivory Coast international will miss this afternoon's clash against Korea at Loftus Road due to a niggling knee injury that has dogged him since his return from Angola.[LNB]Toure spent the majority of the Ivorians training session yesterday running laps of the Loftus Road pitch alone before receiving treatment on the injury.[LNB]And the former Arsenal star said: 'It's been injured for a while and I came back from Africa injured. [LNB]'I've only been playing at 60 or 70 percent but I kept on playing because I wanted to help team. [LNB]'I've been feeling the injury more and more over - but the next few days will help me get over the injury which will help my club.'[LNB]Toure's selfless attitude will please Eastlands boss Roberto Mancini whose future at the club has been under scrutiny in recent weeks amidst claims of discontent within the City camp.[LNB]But Toure reckons all is rosy in the City camp and insists the Italian boss has adapted well to life in the Premier League. [LNB]He added: 'I think the manager has been good because the results have been there.[LNB]'We've played some tough games and played every two or three days which we're not used to but we are still in the race for the top four which is our most important target.'[LNB] WORLD FOOTBALL BLOG: Higuain's a Real sharp shooter, Franck Ribery's on fire, no Saints in Paris - and moreMARTIN SAMUEL: It's time the boo boys stopped hanging John Terry out to dry...DES KELLY: Now will England fans turn on Terry after Bridge withdrawal?PATRICK COLLINS: Football does not deserve a decent man like BridgeBridge controversy will not wreck England's World Cup bid, says FA chiefEverton star Baines eager to make the most of Bridge's England snub[LNB][LNB][LNB] [LNB]
