2 Jan 2005(Sun)

December 28--At long last, Junichi Inamoto is getting some attention, and some action, in England.

All because of his move to Wales!

As you all know, Ina has joined Cardiff City on a month's loan from West Bromwich Albion.

Although this is a step down from Premier League to Coca-Cola Championship (formerly the first division and long before that the second division), it is still a good move for Ina.

At least he will get some playing time, and the tempo of the game will not be quite as fast.

So these factors will help him build up his match fitness after his painful injury against England in Manchester last summer.

Looking at the plight of West Brom, Ina would appear to be better off where he is, as new 'Baggies' manager Bryan Robson struggles to turn around the fortunes of a club he represented with such distinction as a swashbuckling midfielder.

I was a huge fan of Robson the player, and thought he was an ideal England captain. He was brave, never gave up and at times was simply irresistible in his pursuit of goals as he drove forward from midfield.

But as a manager?

I am not the only one who is far from sure, and his recent decision to sign the Argentine journeyman Almeyda is a puzzling one.

I watched Almeyda a lot when I was following the progress of Hidetoshi Nakata at Parma, and thought Almeyda rarely looked ready to fight. He looked to be going through the motions, taking his massive pay check and then moving on to another club.

Robson expects him to bring some organisation and experience to his midfield, but Almeyda will have to show far more commitment than he did at Parma if he is going to make an impact. The fans will quickly let him know if he is trying as hard as he can!

In the meantime, Ina can concentrate on his own form and fitness with Cardiff City, away from the Premiership madness.

Zico will be hoping he regains full fitness in time for next year's World Cup qualifiers, as it looks like the Brazilian will be without Shinji Ono for the first Group B game, at home to North Korea on February 9.

ends