IZZET OPTS FOR TURKEY
The 25-year-old Leicester midfielder has mulled over whether to play for the land of his father, or wait to see if Kevin Keegan would give him a chance for England, since hearing that he wouldn`t have to serve national service to play for Turkey.
Izzet gave a huge hint that he would opt to play for Turkey when he took it`s national flag on a lap of honour after The Foxes` Worthington Cup semi final victory over Aston Villa last month.
"It was a great honour in the first place to be asked to play for Turkey and I was very flattered," Izzet admitted.
"I obviously had to sit down and do some hard thinking because I was born in England and was thinking I might have a chance of being called up by them.
"But I have decided to take up Turkey`s offer to play for them and I know that one person who is delighted for me is my father.
"It is a fantastic opportunity for me and I`m looking forward to the challenge of playing in Euro 2000.
"It`s a dream of every player to play in the best tournaments against the top players and now it looks like it is going to happen for me.
"But before that my first target is the game against the Czech Republic in April. I aim first of all to be involved in that game and will be looking to make a good impression."
Ciaran Baynes
