St Johnstone forward Uche Ikpeazu could join the Uganda Cranes earlier than expected for their AFCON preparations, with manager Simo Valakari saying he will not stand in the striker’s way if he wants to report to camp as soon as possible.
Fifa rules allow clubs to keep AFCON bound players until December 15, meaning Ikpeazu is eligible for St Johnstone’s next three fixtures.
Uganda’s camp in Morocco begins on December 8, and Valakari confirmed the club will decide when he travels, but the player’s wishes will be central to that call.
“Their training camp starts on the 8th,” Valakari said. “That’s what they have requested. I spoke with Uche. It will be a club decision. He’s our player. As always, though, I do not keep anyone who doesn’t want to be here. That’s the same with every player. There are no grey areas.”
Ikpeazu may leave Scotland after Saturday’s match against Raith Rovers.
His situation in pre season affected his league involvement, with the 30 year old yet to start a Premiership game this campaign. Valakari said that uncertainty shaped early team selections.
“All circumstances affect everything,” he said. “Uche is a good example. His situation during the pre season impacted my team selection at the start. Uche is a fantastic player, a wonderful guy, a proper centre forward. But what we did, because we didn’t know what was going to happen, was build up our team and our way of playing around the players I knew would be here.
“I won’t keep anyone here who doesn’t want to be here and give everything. It’s not fair always just being about Uche, his playing time and his performances on the field. Because it was by his choice that he missed the start of the season. Everything affects everything.
“At the same time, I have been a player, and I understand the player’s thinking. And a player will always think what is the best for them. We talk a lot about I’m there for the team. But if Uche sees he’s not getting game time here then he may see he uses this pre camp as his opportunity. I don’t keep a player here who doesn’t want to be here 100 percent.”
