Dwight's Right Down The Pecking Order

Last updated : 18 July 2004 By Colin Rae
The 32-year-old former Manchester Utd and Aston Villa striker was not even included in the Rovers managers party that travelled out to Germany for their pre-season tour.

"His social life has taken over from the business side," Souness told the Sunday People.

"Dwight is fit but I have not brought him to Germany. What's the point?

"I have Jon Stead, Andy Cole, Matt Jansen, Paul Dickov and Paul Gallagher - that's five strikers.

"Unfortunately, although the lad might not see it now, he will be 40 one day and he will be unhappy with himself because he did not give it everything he should have done.

"Once that time has gone, it has gone forever and, take it from one who knows, the best days of any footballer's life are when you are playing.

"He will regret it one day, and he will have to live with that.

"When we do fitness tests on him he is up there with the best. But sadly, there is no test you can do on his head to make him fully focused.

"I have been around long enough to never say never, but he is now sixth choice as we stand today - and that's the reality of the situation."

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