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Leeds United to make decision on Haber



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Published Date: 23 July 2008
Leeds United are set to rule on the future of trialist striker Marcus Haber after tonight's pre-season friendly against Shelbourne.
The Canadian under-23 international is expected to be given a final run-out as United's pre-season tour of southern Ireland reaches a conclusion at Tolka Park tonight.

* Click here for Shelbourne v Leeds United preview.

Haber has played in both of United's previous matches in Eire and scored in their 3-2 victory over Bray Wanderers on Sunday, and McAllister confirmed that a decision will be made on whether to extend the forward's trial or offer him a contract before Saturday's friendly against Barnet.

McAllister said: "He's done fine so far and he got himself a goal against Bray.

"We've got one game to go in Ireland and we'll make a decision on him after that."

Haber linked up with McAllister's squad last week in time to fly to Galway for the first game of Leeds' summer tour, and he was given a half-hour run-out against Galway United at Terryland Park.

The young striker was then named in the starting line-up ahead of Sunday's clash with Bray Wanderers at Carlisle Grounds, and he converted a second half opportunity to help Leeds claim a 3-2 win.

Haber is available to sign on a free transfer from Dutch Eredivisie club FC Groningen, who he joined from Vancouver in 2006.

His form for Groningen's under-19 side earned him a place in Canada's squad for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup last summer, and he has represented his country three times at under-23 level.

McAllister said: "He's fitted in well over here and the other players have made him feel very welcome. That's been important.

"It's never easy for trialists coming into a club like this and it's a big ask for a player of his age to join up on a tour abroad and make an impact. But he's worked hard all week."

Haber had expected to rise from Groningen's under-19 squad and join their reserves this summer, but the Dutch club allowed him to reach the end of his contract and take up the offer of a trial with Leeds.

McAllister may decide to take Haber to Underhill on Saturday if the forward impresses at Tolka Park, and the striker is likely to be enthusiastic about an extended chance to win himself a deal at Elland Road.

Speaking ahead of his trial last week, Haber said: "Leeds were interested so I'm happy to be here at a club with so much history.

"I think everyone knows about the history of Leeds. They were in the Champions League not so long ago, and the Premiership. I know the club had financial problems but I would love to be a part in helping them get back up there."

McAllister will have a second trialist in his ranks this evening after Argentinian forward Luciano Becchio travelled to Dublin to join up with United's squad.

Becchio, 24, is a former Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Mallorca player, and he scored 28 goals in 50 appearances for Spanish club Merida UD last season. Merida play in Segunda Division B, Spain's third tier, two levels below La Liga.

The striker has received permission to play against Shelbourne and is also available for Saturday's clash with Barnet should McAllister wish to field him at Underhill.

Tonight's clash with Shelbourne, meanwhile, is expected to draw a large crowd, and the eircom first division club are hoping to avoid a repeat of the racist chanting heard during their friendly against Millwall last week.

Shelbourne have banned two of their supporters from Tolka Park indefinitely as a result of the chanting, and they have warned the club's fans against similar behaviour tonight.

A statement released by Shelbourne's event controller, Joe O'Reilly, said: "Any repetition of the conduct witnessed at the Millwall game will be dealt with by the stewards and the Gardai, and individuals identified as taking part will be banned from future games at Tolka Park."

Meanwhile, Tomi Ameobi has left Leeds United to join Yorkshire rivals Doncaster Rovers.

The 19-year-old forward has signed a one-year deal at the Keepmoat Stadium. Leeds agreed an appearance-related fee with Rovers for Ameobi, who made just two senior appearances for United and declined their offer of a new 12-month deal this summer.

Ameobi was missing from a strong Leeds reserve squad which lost 1-0 to Farsley Celtic at Throstle Nest last night.

Ends

The full article contains 761 words and appears in EP Leeds First & County newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 23 July 2008 11:04 AM
  • Source: EP Leeds First & County
  • Location: Leeds
 
 
  

 
 


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