Nigerian winger Finidi George could miss a number of Town games in January while on African Nations Cup duty. The tournament kicks off on January 19th with the final on February 10th.

Waffiboy from Nigeria supporting site www.cybereagles.com told TWTD: "Two weeks is usually required for preparation but clubs only release players just before the tournament begins. I see some more developments on this front if the COPA America events are anything to go by. Nigeria has many players playing for top clubs in Europe, it is bound to cause an uproar."

George Burley, however seems philiosophical about the situation: "It is something we just have to accept. We knew he would be involved with Nigeria's international matches before we signed him."

Finidi could miss more than half of January and, depending on how Nigeria do, a couple of games in February.

The African Nations Cup is in Mali and has 16 teams competing. Finidi has played in three previous Nations Cups.

Town are still waiting on Marcus Stewart's fitness ahead of Thursday's UEFA Cup game with Torpedo Moscow. It has now also emerged that Martijn Reuser is also a minor concern.

George Burley said: "Marcus was not too bad when he reported in on Monday but must still be a doubt. Martijn picked up a knock on Saturday but we expect him to be fine for Thursday."

Thomas Gaardsoe met up with his new team-mates for the first time yesteray. The new signing had been away with the Danish U21 squad for the period since he joined Town.

Town have again watched Icelandic international midfielder Johannes Gudjonsson. At the end of July Town saw the 21-year-old in a friendly for his Dutch club RKC Waalwijk. Town representatives were amongst a number of scouts as he played for his national side last week.

Gudjonsson said: "[Real] Betis is still the only club that has shown some concrete interest. In Iceland there were also scouts from Parma, Sunderland and Ipswich Town in the stands. Because Betis and RKC have not resolved the differences yet, they have now had more time to do their homework. This is not too bad for me as I would prefer a move to England."

Previously he played in Belgium with Genk and Maastricht, and in Iceland with IA Akranes.

He is contracted with RKC until 2005 and last season scored two goals in 18 games.

George Burley says he has not made an enquiry for Gudjonsson who seems certain to leave RKC. Despite his preference for England his move to Spain is reported as still being likely to go through.

Gudjonsson is the son of Stoke City manager Gudjon Thordarson.

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