2nd January 2005: Junichi Inamoto
impressed in his second start for Cardiff City on New Year's Day leading
Lenny Lawrence to suggest that he would like to take the Japanese
international to Ninian Park permanently.
Firstly, I believe that Robson has allowed Ina to go to Cardiff purely
to get some games under his belt and improve his match fitness so
I think Mr Lawrence maybe disappointed. Secondly, I'd be surprised
if Ina would agree to such a move - he is definitely a Premiership
quality player that would be likely to get a place in the squad of
a good 60% of Premiership clubs. Fulham were keen to re-sign him in
the summer, but were unwilling to pay a £2.5 million for what was
then damaged goods. Albion did well to pick him up for a song a month
later, and I am keen to see him get into the Albion side.
In my opinion, Ina is a better player than the two central midfield
players that started at the Reebok, Johnson and Wallwork, and depending
on who else arrives during January, he should be a first choice once
he is match fit. He has clocked up a half century of appearances for
his country scoring four times, and played 58 times for Fulham scoring
on nine occasions. He has two good feet, is clever with the ball and
would certainly add a lot to the current Baggies midfield. Cardiff
can enjoy his services for a month, but I'd like to see him back at
the Hawthorns in February.
Obviously, Robson wasn't involved in bring Ina to the club and he
may have other ideas, but it would be a great shame if Ina failed
to make a first team appearance for the Baggies.
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