Club versus country confrontations are usually associated with managers angered at losing star internationals while they take part in far away tournaments.

But in the case of Ipswich Town's Finidi George, the clash of interests represents more of a personal dilemma.

From January 18, the Nigerian is returning to his native continent to take part in the African Nations Cup, ruling him out of a handful of Blues fixtures.

Yet, while George is no different to any other player in wanting to represent his country, the decision to take part in the tournament is one that required careful consideration.

He said: "If it wasn't for next year's World Cup, I wouldn't be going home to take part in the competition. I would have stayed here otherwise, doing everything in my power to help Ipswich.

"We are bottom of the table right now so not doing very well. I don't like the idea of missing games, especially after being injured for the last few weeks.

"But we have new coaches in charge of Nigeria and so with the World Cup in mind it's very important I take part in the African Nations Cup.

"They are aware of the players available but want to use the tournament to get a better idea of the team they want to field next summer."

George, whose former clubs include Ajax, Real Betis and Real Menorca, is no stranger to success in either competition.

He has won close on 50 caps for Nigeria and scored the goal against Algeria in 1993 which earned his country a place in the World Cup finals for the first time.

He was then part of the side which won the African Nations Cup in 1994, playing in the World Cup that year and also in 1998.

George, a European Cup winner with Ajax in 1995, moved to Ipswich via Real Mallorca for £3.1 million on the eve of the new Premiership season.

Since then his time has seen a combination of ups and downs.

He scored twice on his home debut for Ipswich in the 3-1 triumph against Derby and was also on target in the away leg of the UEFA Cup meeting with Torpedo Moscow.

However, he suffered a fractured cheekbone in the draw at Fulham in October and has only just returned to the fold, coming back via the substitutes' bench against Arsenal.

"I'm very happy to be back," said the Puthovcourt-born winger.

"Now I just want to do my bit to help the side win more matches and climb the table.

"I saw quite a few games from the stands while I was injured and it was easy to see that we deserve more points than we've got.

"Sometimes football can be quite difficult, though. You find yourself in bad situations but it's how you handle it which counts.

"We've got to stay positive and keep believing.

"From a personal point of view, I need to work hard on my fitness. Obviously, being injured for so long has set me back.

"The irony is that just before I fractured my cheekbone I was feeling 100 per cent fit and really confident."

Aside from helping Ipswich stay in the Premiership, George could be forgiven for having another crucial footballing matter on his mind next summer's World Cup.

Nigeria have been paired with England, Argentina and Sweden in the so-called Group of Death.

But George said: "I think being in such a difficult group might work to our advantage.

"We've tended to relax in the other World Cup I've played in, having already done enough to qualify for the second round.

"This time, it's going to be different. We can't afford to switch off because we need to try and get results against every team."

George is confident of England's chances at Japan and Korea.

"I think they have a good chance, but then I think several countries can do well. It's a very open tournament which should make it very exciting.

"I expect France and Argentina to go far, along with countries like England, Spain and Portugal.

"Hopefully, Matt Holland's Ireland can get into the second round or beyond. They've got a lot of talented players."

Published Tuesday December 18, 2001