Crouch criticises Skrtel tackle

By PA Sport  March 29, 2009
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Crouch criticises Skrtel tackle (©PAphotos)
Crouch criticises Skrtel tackle (©PAphotos)


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I went up with Skrtel...
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Peter Crouch has accused former Liverpool team-mate Martin Skrtel of deliberately kicking him and adding to England's striker crisis.

Crouch was forced off with a dead leg towards the end of the friendly win over Slovakia, having already seen Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole limp off in the first half at Wembley.

"I went up with Skrtel. I thought he was my mate to be honest, but obviously not," Crouch said. "I went up with him and he kicked out and gave me a dead leg."



Skrtel was being given a torrid time by Wayne Rooney, which may have contributed to the centre-back's frustration during the 4-0 defeat to Fabio Capello's men.

"It was a little bit (out of order)," Crouch added. "It's for other people to discuss if he didn't have the best of days."

Capello has drafted in Tottenham striker Darren Bent as cover, with Crouch desperate to be fit for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.

The 28-year-old sees Capello's injury problems as a real opportunity to seize his chance to impress.

"I was gutted to come off, I just wanted to carry on running around but having both our other strikers come off the manager wanted to take me off," he said.

"I've always felt that when I play I score goals. There is an opening now, a couple of injuries and I can prove myself.

"When I've played I've done well and hopefully, given the chances, I will continue to do well. I've scored goals for England and when called upon will score goals. Hopefully that will be the case."

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