Boruc still in Polish plans

Keeper could force his way back in

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 27th August 2008

Artur Boruc Poland

Boruc: Broke curfew

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Poland boss Leo Beenhakker has refused to close the door on Artur Boruc's international career.

The Celtic goalkeeper was recently dropped from his country's squad for the upcoming 2010 World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and San Marino.

That decision was taken after it emerged Boruc, along with team-mates Dariusz Dudka and Radoslaw Majewski, had broken a team curfew following last week's friendly against Ukraine.

At the time, Beenhakker compared the actions of the 28-yar-old to that of 'an unruly child', but revealed he has been in contact with the shot-stopper since to explain his decision.

Mistakes

"I phoned Artur on Monday to tell him before it was made public. I wanted him to hear first and get a full explanation for my decision," Beenhakker said.

"I wanted to stress that his Poland career is not over. Artur made a mistake. In life, we all make them."

Beenhakker added: "It was a very difficult decision to drop them - one of the hardest I've ever taken.

"I spent the whole weekend thinking about it and struggled to get my head round it. It still hurts to think about what I am doing but I have no option.

Disappointed

"I've the same sort of feeling I have had in the past many times as a father. Sometimes, your kids do things that disappoint you.

"When that happens, you have to punish them and show them the right way - but you still love them.

"I cannot explain the decision because I would need to raise a number of details of that evening. That's something I won't do. I'm a coach, I'm not in the business of destroying reputations.

"What happened will remain within the team.

"I know there are different versions and speculation, but that's fine by me. I won't add fuel to the fire."

Opportunity

The absence of Boruc could benefit Dundee United keeper Lukasz Zaluska.

Beenhakker admits the 26-year-old is in his plans and could be in contention for a starting role as the road to South Africa gets underway.

"Our goalkeeping coach thinks very highly of Zaluska," he said.

"He watched him against Motherwell in the SPL on Saturday and was impressed, so he now has a chance to show me what he can do."