Philippe Clement admitted he was ready to raise a rare tipple after avoiding a potential club versus country conflict over Norwich City striker Mo Toure’s new year availability.
Toure is back in Australia as he embarks on the early stages of his recovery from shoulder surgery that halted his blistering Championship start with five goals in his opening seven games.
The 22-year-old led the line for the Socceroos at the World Cup, and was targeting a return to action ahead of the Asian Cup in February 2027 in Saudi Arabia.
But that tournament has now been postponed until the end of next year amid security fears due to the unstable political situation in the Middle East.
“I don't drink too much alcohol, but it was a moment that I wanted to open a bottle of champagne or something,” said Clement. “I didn't do it, but, no, I was really happy with that announcement because otherwise we would have had a lot of tough talks probably with the Australian federation.
"It would have been not a good idea for Mo to go to the tournament, but I know also he's important for the national team, so that would have been a difficult situation for sure. We're really pleased that he can come back and that we can work with him in January.”
Clement has had to contend with long term injuries to a number of his young attacking talent since he arrived at Carrow Road.
Ante Crnac was out for 10 months with a cruciate knee ligament injury, but continued his recovery with a second half cameo in the midweek win at Derby, on the ground where he suffered a season-ending injury last season.
“He's still not up to speed like he was before, but he's taking steps,” said the City chief. “That's why I wanted to reward him also in this last game that he could come on the pitch and get some rhythm with the boys together, but he still needs a lot of work to become the player that he can be.
“I think he can play on the sides, and he can play central. I have the feeling now what is his best position. But we need to look also towards the team and what the team needs in moments.
"So I'm not going to say which one I think is the best because otherwise you're going to say the next time, ‘Ah but he's not playing in his position or he should play in that position’. I'm not going do that. But I have a better view about Ante, but it’s still not a full Ante. It's normal after he was out for so long.”
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