Milan Baros Is Low On Confidence

Martin O’Neill is hoping that Milan Baros will get some match time on international duty tonight having been benched at Villa for the last few games.

‘Milan is away with the Czech Republic, so hopefully he’ll play in the game. I want another two months of football before I make a genuine and concerted judgement on the players here – and that’s on players who have played pretty well often. You can imagine how less informed I’d be on those who would have played less. Once I make my mind up I may stick with it but at the moment, I’m deliberating. So I’m not going to be making big rash judgements here for another couple of months when I will have definitely known the strengths and weaknesses of everybody in the squad.’

‘There’s no doubt that if Milan can get back, he should be a big asset for us. Eventually, it’s up to the player. We have a new fitness scheme but no matter what you do, it is down to the player eventually. You can encourage, you can cajole but eventually the player is going to have to perform on the pitch. He’s obviously cost the club a sizeable amount of money, come with a biggish reputation and has scored goals in international football. Maybe he thought it’d be easier for him to adapt.’

Adding, ‘Football is not like that, it’s difficult. It’s not as difficult if you’ve got loads of ability, you’re fit and fresh and raring to go and have confidence but Milan’s confidence isn’t as great as he’d want at the moment. I’m going to reserve judgment on a few things for a bit longer.’

Reading between the lines, I don’t think he is very impressed thus far is he?