benarbia is a class player. madar was dodgy for everton, but...

PSG consider second chance for rejected pair

PARIS, Jan 3 (Reuters) - Paris St Germain coach Luis Fernandez is considering reviving the careers of midfielder Ali Benarbia and striker Mickael Madar, two players the club axed last year.

Algerian international playmaker Benarbia was told to look for a new club two months ago after a series of clashes with the club's directors and former coach Philippe Bergeroo, while Madar's contract was not renewed at the end of last season.

Both players, however, are training with PSG at their camp at Capbreton and Benarbia is under consideration for the club's first round League Cup match away to second division Nancy on Sunday.

'Ali is a professional - and he could very well play for us at the weekend,' said Fernandez.

'Mickael asked to continue training with us and I know him and appreciate his qualities. If he gets back to full fitness he is a player with a lot of potential.

'He is training with us at the moment and is working hard, finding a good rhythm.'

Madar, who won three caps for France, has been without a club since the end of last season but had been scheduled to join relegation strugglers Strasbourg after the winter break.

Instead, he has apparently opted to take his chances with PSG.

For Benarbia to get another chance with the club would take a change of attitude by club president Laurent Perpere, who has said the midfielder will never play for PSG again, despite still being under contract.

-- Anonymous, January 03, 2001