Keegan tips Emre to shine

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan believes that Turkish midfielder Emre will be a shining light in Euro 2008, despite the fact that he has fallen out of favour at the Toon. Keegan let Emre leave early to go to Euro 2008.

“I just felt that for Emre to play one game for us, at that intensity in The Premier League, and risk getting injured before Euro 2008, wouldn’t be right,” said Keegan.

“Turkey have a training camp and it was my decision, not his, to let him go off and join them.

“When I was aware the other Turkish players were meeting, I said: ‘If I don’t use you in the game before – which was Chelsea – in any way, then you can go’.

“I’ve kept my promise to him, and I think that’s right.

“Had he gone to Everton and pulled a hamstring, or whatever, and been robbed of playing for his country in Euro 2008, I think that would have been wrong, bearing in mind he hadn’t been in the side.”