Slav’s “I’ll play Zaza” shout raises a smile

Slaven Bilic’s comments that Simone Zaza’ appearance clause – 14 and we are forced to buy him – won’t affect his decision to play him raised a smile eh?

I remember him also announcing after the Stoke game that Adrian remained his number one and that you didn’t rest a keeper on one mistake or performance given his past heroics.

The following week the Spanish stopper was dropped and Darren Randolph was between he sticks for the game at White Hart Lane.

There was also the announcement that the investigation into the players’ night out and Andy Carroll’s part in it would be thoroughly investigated and punishments handed out if there had been any wrongdoing.

Nothing’s been heard since with seemingly last bit of that little affair disappearing under the carpet.

Thus I’m afraid I find it very hard to treat seriously the manager’s comments about Zaza  way seriously – not when there is £20m – £25 million at stake for a bloke who can’t hit a barn door.

In fairness nor can any of the others – we are still waiting for a goal from any of them – but the very idea that the manager will be ready to risk £20m of the club’s money on the strength of what he has seen so far is just too far fetched to believe.

Some things have to be said publicly for decency’s sake  – as was the case with Adrian – but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a realistic. Things aren’t always as they seem.

The idea that Slav could allow the Italian to hit the 14 match mark is scarier than Manchester United (twice) Arsenal at home and Liverpool (away).

I admire Slav’s determination to protect his players in the face of difficult media questions but Zaza? Permanently? Nah – never in a million years.

And by the way Slav, there’s a bloke called Fletcher on the books!