Berkovic (left) - out of World Cup qualifier.
ISRAEL DROP BERKOVIC
Portsmouth midfielder Eyal Berkovic could have represented his country for the
last time after being dropped by Israel coach Avraham Grant for the upcoming
World Cup qualifying campaign.
Grant claims he could not justify including the 32-year-old in his squad and
instead opted for the uncapped Manor Hassan.
"The time has come for a changing of the guard, and this team will combine
veteran and young players," Grant told Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
"There is no justification, however, for more than one or two veterans in the
squad. Berkovic is a great player, but his time is over.
"I spoke with him and explained the situation to him. Eyal has a certain
status and I couldn't keep him on as just another member of the squad."
However, former Israel coach Shlomo Scharf was stunned at the decision to
leave out the former Manchester City man.
He said: "I'm shocked. I don't believe Grant has done such a thing. It is a
sporting crime."
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