Saturday 24 January 2015 20:23, UK
Leicester manager Nigel Pearson says his club have been “totally transparent” about the situation regarding FA Cup hero Jeff Schlupp.
The utility man scored a stoppage-time winner at White Hart Lane on Saturday as Leicester came from 1-0 down with seven minutes left to claim a dramatic 2-1 FA Cup fourth round win at Tottenham.
Schlupp was originally selected for Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations squad but was ruled out of the ongoing tournament due to a knee injury.
However, he is now back in action and Ghana are reportedly unhappy about the situation.
But Pearson said: “We operated well within our rights.
“The regulations are there to protect players, clubs and national sides, and we have been totally transparent about the situation throughout.
"He did not take part in their training camp and on medical grounds was advised not to fly. The Ghana federation had an independent medical assessment done, and they came to exactly the same conclusion.
"I know it has got legs because he has scored the winner today. There will probably be more about it, but I am not concerned by any negativity.
"I am delighted he is with us and has shown what a talent he is."
He did not take part in their training camp and on medical grounds was advised not to fly. The Ghana federation had an independent medical assessment done, and they came to exactly the same conclusion.
Pearson was naturally delighted with the result and now hopes the Premier League’s bottom club can build on the victory.
"It was a really good win for us, because we need to find a way to win more games," he said.
"I know they (Spurs) made a lot of changes, but hopefully this will be a positive influence for the rest of the season.
“When you see how many of our fans made the journey down today and the rapport between the players and themselves, it’s a real boost for the players to know that the supporters are behind us. We’re going to need them from here on in.”
Leicester new boy Andrej Kamaric was booked for diving just before half-time but replays suggested it should have been a penalty for a trip by Spurs goalkeeper Michel Vorm and Pearson said such occurrences need to be prevented.
"I am big believer in the need to introduce more technology to aid the officials," he said.
"There is no point ranting and raving about it. However, these things can cost people their jobs.
"If it was a Premier League game which we lost because of a decision like that, maybe I would be talking a bit differently.
"The media have monitors to see the incidents, and I think in the Premier League there should be no issue in having another official who has the capability to see replays. Once the referee has blown the whistle, it would not take too long to refer it.
"For the supporters as well, it would clarify situations in the game and there would not be ill feeling in the ground.
"I don't see why we don't look to utilise it more."
