Press article:

Luque in the mirror - 31/05/2006

John Beresford has told £9.5m forward Albert Luque to look in the mirror if he wants to find out the real reason why he isn't going to the World Cup.

Bez has hit back at Luque over the Spaniard's claim that Glenn Roeder and Newcastle United cost him his place in Spain's squad.

The former United full-back says that the player's form for United left coach Luis Aragones with no choice but to omit him from his plans.

Luque had not appeared for Spain since last September, and although he lost his place long before Roeder was installed as caretaker manager, he still claimed "problems" with his manager led to him not going to the World Cup.

Now Beresford feels that ex-Real Mallorca and Deportivo la Coruna striker Luque needs to take a reality check.

He said today: "The only reason he is not going to Germany is because he has not been performing and because of it, he has not been in the team as much.

"Spain is not a million miles away from England and the Premiership is the most watched League in Europe and across the world, so if he had been performing he would have been in.

"I know he has had a few problems with injury and settling in but one goal in 18 appearances says it all - and that's why he isn't going to the World Cup.

"It's got nothing to do with Glenn Roeder or anybody else - it is down to the player."

Beresford is certainly no stranger to overseas stars in black-and-white shirts after working successfully with Phillipe Albert, Tino Asprilla, David Ginola and Temuri Ketsbaia during his time on Tyneside.

He added: "Overseas players can certainly be a little more temperamental but most of the lads I worked with all put in some good performances and realised it all comes with a bit of hard work.

"I've worked with skilled players like Peter Beardsley and Matt Le Tissier and they all still knew that you need the hard work to go with that - it's quite simple.

"Look at Scott Parker - he isn't going to the World Cup but he isn't moaning.

"I think Luque has a lot to prove next year if he comes back."

Beresford is certainly not against the idea of Luque helping to fill the void left by Alan Shearer and was encouraged to see the Spaniard net in the Toon legend's testimonial against Celtic, to go with his first strike in England against Sunderland.

Beresford says: "I remember when we first signed Albert from Depor last summer and I spoke to Gerry Armstrong, who covers Spanish football on TV.

"He told me he has stacks of ability and a real eye for goal.

"He also told me he is a good lad and there is no reason why that has changed.

"However, in England you need to show appetite for the game and once Albert appreciates that he will see why he has struggled.

"You have to get on with the fight.

"Albert is a lucky guy, he has a great chance to shine with Newcastle and he should take it.

"I know Glenn is an open and honest man and I am told from the inside he will be prepared to sit down and talk about things with any player.

"It really is up to Albert to make things work at Newcastle United."

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