Hughes upset by loss of Bamba

22 December 2009 17:43
Defender Sol Bamba has been ordered to link up with his country's African Nations Cup squad on the day of Hibs' game against SPL champions Rangers.[LNB]Easter Road boss Hughes is disappointed the Ivory Coast would not agree to give the 24-year-old an extra 24 hours grace but accepts FIFA's 14-day release rule for the tournament which starts on January 10.[LNB]However, he will be keeping a close eye on Monday's English top-flight games involving Chelsea, Manchester City and Portsmouth - as well as Arsenal's game on Sunday - to ensure there are no double-standards when it comes to the likes of Didier Drogba, Kolo Toure, Aruna Dindane and Emmanuel Eboue.[LNB]"If the Ivory Coast says everybody's to meet up on the 27th, fantastic," said Hughes.[LNB]"But I'd be a very, very angry man if Sol went out on the 27th and I watched the English Premier League and there are one or two players playing on the Monday who represent to Ivory Coast."[LNB]He added: "There cannot be one rule for one and other rules for others.[LNB]"As long as it's right across the board, fair enough."[LNB]Hughes said he had tried everything he could to secure Bamba's release, while the player himself also made a personal plea to Ivory Coast boss Vahid Halilhodzic.[LNB]"He certainly expressed his views to the manager that he wanted to come and play - he's desperate to play against Rangers," said Hughes, who nevertheless wished Bamba all the best in January.[LNB]"Obviously, I think they've got a real opportunity to go and win it, so he could be away as long as five, six weeks," he said.[LNB]"Every time Sol goes away with the Ivory Coast, I think having that experience and rubbing shoulders with the boys - Drogba and the other boys - who play in the English Premier League makes him a better player."[LNB]He added: "He's been pivotal to everything that we've done.[LNB]"He had to go and fill big (Rob) Jones' jersey, the skipper who was a stalwart for the club.[LNB]"I think he's done it very, very well.[LNB]"Don't forget, he's been nursing a knee problem.[LNB]"I'm just hoping he goes over there and has a real good, cracking tournament.[LNB]"I could be selfish and say, 'I hope they don't do well', but that's not my character.[LNB]"What it does is open the door for someone else.[LNB]"Big Paul Hanlon's been playing left centre-half in bounce matches, he's been working very hard in the gym.[LNB]"Also, Ian Murray can go in there, young Lewis Stevenson can play left-back, and Steven Thicot has not had an opportunity.[LNB]"Whoever goes in there is getting flung right in at the deep end.[LNB]"You're playing against the league leaders, Scottish champions, who have hit really good form.[LNB]"If you go in there and it fazes you or you're scared of it then you shouldn't be at the club.[LNB]"Because if you want to be a winner, you should be going in there and being inspired, and saying, 'Bring it on'."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk