BARDSLEY FAILS TO PLAY BALL

Last updated : 19 October 2006 By Editor

He's supposed to be at Ibrox to get games under his belt, from the MEN:

Phil Bardsley has been axed from the squad for the UEFA Cup trip to Livorno after a row with manager Paul Le Guen.

The on-loan Manchester United full-back did not check in with the rest of the players as they headed out to Italy for tomorrow's group stage tie.

Reports claimed the 21-year-old had been unhappy to be dropped from the side before being told to leave the Murray Park training ground yesterday after a heavy tackle on Belgian forward Thomas Buffel.

Le Guen:

“We will see what happens next. It depends more on him. What was said is between us. I know what happened and the decision I made is what I think is the best for the squad. He is not selected for the game and was not involved with the 18 who travelled.

“He was sent back from the training session and sent off the field but he is still part of the team. I decided to send him off and it was my decision. I am the boss. I did what I thought was the best for the team.

“There was not a fight between players, I just decided to send him off. I do what I think is the best for my team. It's my responsibility to take such a decision. The spirit in the squad is good and we trained well today.”