Collymore ready to fill Shearer's England role By Ray Matts

Not so long ago there was a general belief that Collymore could hardly help himself. Now he would love the chance to help Kevin Keegan secure England's qualification for the 2002 World Cup finals in Japan.

It may raise eyebrows around the country that a 29-year-old with a chequered past, and only three international caps, should still possess such lofty ambitions. Yet, it shows a positive new streak in the man who has the natural talent to grace the highest stage.

Collymore said: 'I watched all the England games at Euro 2000 and, like everyone else, I was disappointed the way things went.

'But now Kevin Keegan has to take another look and new faces have to come in. Purely ability-wise, I know what I can do. I can run at defenders, take players on, cross a ball and score goals. England don't have anyone like that at the moment so, hopefully, if I can play well and knock in a few goals, I will get considered.

'With Shearer's retirement, the opportunity for any in-form striker has improved. There are five currently in the England set-up - Michael Owen, Emile Heskey, Robbie Fowler, Kevin Phillips and Andy Cole.

'I've already partnered three of them - Fowler, Owen and Heskey - pretty successfully at club level and it would be nice to do it for England.

'I've never given up hope of playing for England and if I can produce my best form there's no reason why it shouldn't happen.'

-- Anonymous, August 16, 2000

Answers

Too much of a headcase. He's had all the talent and could have been one of the great English centre forwards. He's got everything, such a waste(r).

-- Anonymous, August 16, 2000

It's never too late for the guy to reform and Gazza has had many chances. Colly should be judged on his current form and behaviour. If he is good enough then pick him.

-- Anonymous, August 16, 2000

Potentially, a better striker than any of the five mentioned. I'd love to see him get his head down and do it, but I'd be amazed if he did.

He seems to me to be part of a growing band of English football players who have achieved total financial security (ie. genuine wealth) way too early in their careers, and because of this have lost the desire and the motivation to work hard and be the best they possibly can be. Matt Le Tissier is another who springs to mind - he hasn't been in good physical condition for years.

Gazza is a slightly different case, wherein he simply lacked the dedication and self-discipline not to use his wealth to abuse his body, rather than any inherent lack of motivation. George Best's demise was based on a combination of these effects.

This phemomena has already afflicted US sports with talented College kids joining pro teams, in the so-called "draft" system, on $25-30 million, 10 year contracts. In this situation many of them have lost the motivation to train hard and improve their skills and physical conditioning before they've even played a single game.

This is one of the reason why the game of golf doesn't produce more genuine super-stars like Jack Niclaus - guys can get to the top and bank $20-30million in 2 or 3 seasons, at which point very, very few still have the internal motivation to continue working as hard as they need to to maintain their status. In pro golf, of course, these guys can then continue for many years making very heathly sums of money in pro-ams, and via appearance money, without the hassle of trying to win major tournaments.

Despite what they may say, most people these days are attracted to pro sport because of the wealth they can accumulate in a relatively short period of time. Many of those will find it very difficult then to maintain or improve their level of performance once the pure financial incentive is removed, and when winning trophies and pride of performance become the major driving forces.

With particular regard to pro football, I feel this has become a major problem.

-- Anonymous, August 16, 2000