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 Monday, 20 January, 2003, 13:36 GMT
Udeze puts West Brom first
Ifeanyi Udeze battles with David Beckham during the World Cup
Udeze (left) was spotted at the World Cup
Nigeria defender Ifeanyi Udeze has told his family to return home while he tries to adjust to life in the Premiership.

Udeze, who is on loan from Greek side PAOK Salonika for the rest of the season, has a wife and two children but has asked them to go back to Nigeria rather than have them accompany him to England.

"I have told them to travel back to Nigeria from Greece," Udeze confirmed.

I need to be alone

Ifeanyi Udeze
"The reason for that is that I want to concentrate on what I am doing over here.

"I need to be alone. I have told them what is happening and why.

"It is a big sacrifice for me but one that I think is worth it.

And Udeze added that, despite an initial reluctance to move, he would now be attempting to make the best possible use of his chance in England.

"I'm going to miss them but coming to Albion is very important for me," he said.

"I'm going to do my best to see what comes out of this move."

Gary Megson
Megson admits Udeze will need time to settle in
Albion boss Gary Megson has admitted he will not be able to give Udeze the amount of time he would like to adjust to the Premiership.

"He has played the World Cup, the biggest occasion you can get in football, but the problem a player has when he comes from Europe or other countries to England is that the football is completely different," Megson said.

"The football we play is a lot faster than anywhere else, it is a lot more aggressive and most of the great players are here.

"It's a great place to be but it does take some adapting to. Ifeanyi needs to be given time but we haven't really got that time. He's got to adapt quickly."

Udeze was a non-playing substitute for the Baggies in Saturday's goalless draw with Leeds at Elland Road.


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