Dons may lose Aluko for month

vidal also likely to be missed if england go all the way in egypt

By Michael Gannon

 

Published: 16/05/2009

 

 

FORWARD THINKING: Sone Aluko could be used in a more advanced position against Rangers at Ibrox today

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Aberdeen could be without influential attacker Sone Aluko for up to a month next season.

 

The 20-year-old forward has been notified he is likely to be selected for England for the under-20 World Cup in Egypt in September.

 

England have been drawn in Group D alongside Uruguay, Ghana and Uzbekistan and are fancied to reach the latter stages.

 

The Dons would be powerless to prevent one of their top performers taking part, which could see him away from SPL duty for up to four weeks. On-loan Manchester City defender Javan Vidal is also likely to be included in the squad and, with the Dons hopeful of extending the 20-year-old’s stay at Pittodrie into next season, he too would be unavailable.

 

Vidal has seen his opportunities limited at Aberdeen but played in his favoured right-back role against Hearts where he formed an impressive partnership with Aluko.

 

Manager Jimmy Calderwood said: “It looks like Sone will be in the England squad for the World Cup so that could rule him out for a month.

 

“I am not sure yet if we have got to let him go but I noticed Arsene Wenger complaining about Theo Walcott being in the squad. Javal Vidal is in there as well so if we managed to get him back it could also be a problem.

 

“We have looked at a few of those players but the last thing you want is to lose players for a month because England have a chance to win it.

 

“That will be something to worry about next season. We are still hoping to get Javan back but understandably Manchester City want to put him through pre-season.â€

 

Vidal and Aluko could be utilised again at Ibrox against Rangers today, although Calderwood may opt to field Aluko in a more advanced position – which caused problems for the Light Blues in Aberdeen’s last trip to Glasgow.

 

He said: “Sone played a central role last time and it worked very well.

 

“We will have to see what personnel we have available before deciding this time.

 

“Pace is going to be important if we want to get them turning.

 

Meanwhile, Aberdeen attacker Jamie Smith is set to hold talks with American MLS side Toronto, who are managed by former Celtic and Rangers forward Mo Johnstone.

 

Aberdeen defender Lee Mair is also out of contract but could be offered new terms depending on Calderwood’s budget for next season.

 

The centre back has intimated he wishes to remain at Pittodrie, despite interest from SPL side St Mirren.

 

As much of an annoyance that this is, it is good to have someone who is getting games for England at an international level, despite it only being the under 20's. Just means the rest of the team need to get our season off to a flying start without 

 

 

Also, I read, Powlett is English, he's not eligible to play for Scotland, even though he's been in Aberdeen since he was 5, sad times (potentially)

 

Surely that would qualify him on the basis of being 'naturalised'?

Surely that would qualify him on the basis of being 'naturalised'?

Nope.

 

Great news for Sone but now it means I can't wait for the African Cup of Nations

Surely that would qualify him on the basis of being 'naturalised'?

 

You'd think, but no!

I think that would be the case if he came to Scotland from outside Britain but not from another British country

Its good in a way, we dont want International football to become any more of a farce, the guy is born in England to English parents and English grandparents hence he shouldn't be playing for Scotland

I think that would be the case if he came to Scotland from outside Britain but not from another British country

Its good in a way, we dont want International football to become any more of a farce, the guy is born in England to English parents and English grandparents hence he shouldn't be playing for Scotland

 

So, but he considers himself to be Scottish, he's lived here his whole life? Much better than Brazilians playing for any nation that'll take them.

 

Also, S(ky)SN reporting all the British based players called up to the Nigeria squad, except a certain Sone Aluko...

So, but he considers himself to be Scottish, he's lived here his whole life? Much better than Brazilians playing for any nation that'll take them.

 

Also, S(ky)SN reporting all the British based players called up to the Nigeria squad, except a certain Sone Aluko...

 

Good. Keep him under the radar. We are going to struggle to keep this guy beyond next season if not even sooner.

So, but he considers himself to be Scottish, he's lived here his whole life? Much better than Brazilians playing for any nation that'll take them.

 

Also, S(ky)SN reporting all the British based players called up to the Nigeria squad, except a certain Sone Aluko...

 

Thats why I said that we (or maybe just me) dont want International football to become any more of a farce. Its all bollocks. Everyone generally has one nationality, that is who you should be playing for, if you're good enough.

Yeah its better that Brazilians popping up everywhere but its still not what International football should be about

probably a good decision from Sone, in the long run. Will he ever be good enough to play for England? I doubt it. However, were we to keep him for a few years, it means he'll have a fair bit of travelling to do in international weeks (as well as a month off in the middle of the season every 2 years for the ANC, including next season.)

P&J were reporting this morning that he's chosen to play for Nigeria.

P&J were reporting this morning that he's chosen to play for Nigeria.

Hes been called up by the full Nigerian squad

 

http://www.afc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/clubNewsDetail/0,,10284~1667288,00.html

 

I'd be happy to sacrafice a month every 2 seasons to keep a budding young Nigerian internationalist in our team.

I'd be happy to sacrafice a month every 2 seasons to keep a budding young Nigerian internationalist in our team.

 

Of course. It enhances his reputation (and price!) It's just a situation we haven't been in very often in the past few years - having a full international, let alone a Nigerian one.

See, this is the thing, and the point I think I was trying to get at either in this thread or another, having an internationalist in our squad, not only enhances his profile, but surely that of the clubs surely? Maybe I read too much thought into this, but surely it shows the calibre of the club (he hopes)?

You're right MD.

 

Willie Miller should maybe look into a system where some of Africa's top young talent are given the opportunity to come to Aberdeen, thereby enhancing their and our reputation. What? Oh.

You're right MD.

 

Willie Miller should maybe look into a system where some of Africa's top young talent are given the opportunity to come to Aberdeen, thereby enhancing their and our reputation. What? Oh.