Bruce reluctant to sign Zaki

05 April 2009 17:37
Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce has hinted that he would opt against signing Amr Zaki permanently after the striker went AWOL. Zaki has yet to return from international duty with Egypt and Bruce has confirmed he has not had any contact with the forward, who claims to have a hamstring injury. The 26-year-old impressed earlier in the season after joining the Latics from El Zamalek on loan, but his form has since dipped and he has not scored since December. Bruce has slammed Zaki's latest actions, labelling them 'ridiculous', and admitted he would think twice about securing his signature permanently. He told Sky Sports: "We've heard from his agent, but we haven't heard from him. It is a huge disappointment. But we will deal with that if or when we can make contact with him. "I find it quite incredible, the lack of respect. We pay him. We don't know how bad his hamstring is. Could be really bad, could be just a strain. "I find it ridiculous. We need to see where his mind is and what is up with him. "Certainly, if I was thinking of making it [the move] permanent, there would be a big question mark over it at the moment." Bruce was speaking after Sunday's 4-0 Premier League defeat against Everton and admitted the Toffees were deserved winners at Goodison Park. He said: "Sometimes you have to give a bit of credit to the opposition. Everton were very, very good today and we struggled against them. "Certainly defensively we found it a struggle against a very good Everton team. Our performance was very disappointing. "I have to pay a big compliment to Everton. Sometimes you get your backsides kicked. And that certainly happened today."

Source: SKY_Sports