New Nigeria coach Christian Chukwu says he could turn to retired and ostracised former internationals like Town's Finidi George and ex-skipper Sunday Oliseh.

Finidi and Oliseh were left out of the World Cup by then manager Adegboye Onigbinde after he labelled them troublemakers for their role in a succession of rows at the African Nations' Cup last January when the side was managed by yet another manager, Shaibu Amodu.

However, as these incidents happened prior to him taking over as boss, Chukwu is ignoring them: "I was in contact with most players in Europe, including those that have been branded rebels [Finidi and Oliseh] and they say they are happy that I have returned and are prepared to work with me.

"With such enthusiasm, I think it's about time Nigerians bury the past and let the nation's football move on because even if we don't need most of them we will need their advice for the younger ones coming up.

"I have seen all the big players and they want to work with me, What I need is the support of all and sundry."

Already this seems a vain hope with the likes of Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha and other European stars not travelling for the African Nations' Cup qualifier in Angola last weekend which ended in a 0-0 draw.

Chukwu has managed Nigeria on two previous occasions and has also had a spell as boss of Kenya.

Finidi had decided to retire from international football after the 2002 World Cup even before he joined Town. After Onigbinde left him out of the 23 which travelled to the Far East he kept to his word and hung up his international boots, although he was far from happy about the way he had been treated.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls