Cisse - set to join Birmingham (Allsport)

By David Anderson, PA Sport, Suwon

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Senegal coach Bruno Metsu is predicting a bright future for the country's new band of Premiership players.

Midfielder Salif Diao and striker El Hadji Diouf have just signed for Liverpool, while Birmingham want skipper Aliou Cisse.

The Premiership new boys have agreed a fee for Cisse and are now waiting to speak to the centre-half.

Metsu feels it is great news for Senegalese football that three of their finest players are moving to one of the best leagues in the world and he feels they will do well.

"I think it will be profitable for Senegalese football that they are going to England because most of our players play in France," he said.

"The fact that they will be members of English teams will boost the Senegal team.

"I'm sure it will be good for the English teams as well!

"I think they will do well and it will be no problem for them moving to England."

Diao, Diouf and Cisse have been three of the stars of Senegal's marvellous World Cup run.

Diao scored the equaliser against Denmark, although he is suspended for tomorrow's final Group A game against Uruguay.

Diouf has been impressive in both games, while Cisse was hoping to recover from a calf injury to face Uruguay.

Several of the Senegalese players have put themselves in the shop window during the World Cup and goalkeeper Tony Sylva hopes his performances will earn him a move from Monaco.

Sylva did not play a single game for Monaco last season and he is anxious to leave after five disappointing seasons with the French First Division side.

"At the minute I'm just concentrated on doing well for Senegal, but I hope after the World Cup that I will find another club and be able to leave Monaco," he said.

Senegal, who famously beat France in the opening game of the World Cup, need just a draw against Uruguay to qualify for the second round in their first tournament.

Metsu did not need telling how important a game it is and he said: "For us this is the match of truth.

"Before this World Cup, Senegal had not played in the World Cup. We came as a small team and what we have done has been wonderful and we have beaten France and drawn with Denmark.

"But we have to appreciate that we don't want to stop there. We want to go forward and qualify for the second round, which would be a great deed for Senegal and all its players."