'Carry on Dion' plea

Dion Dublin could find himself a wanted man at Norwich City next season - at the age of 39. City boss Glenn Roeder says there is life in a player who is still going strong in what he says will be his 22nd and final season as a pro before hanging up his boots.

By CHRIS LAKEY

Dion Dublin could find himself a wanted man at Norwich City next season - at the age of 39.

The veteran striker played an influential part in City's comeback win at Barnsley on Saturday, and City boss Glenn Roeder says there is life in a player who is still going strong in what he says will be his 22nd and final season as a pro before hanging up his boots.

“I haven't asked him that question,” said Roeder. “I wouldn't be against him carrying on at all, with what he is producing at the moment.

“It is all about retaining your enthusiasm when you wake up in the morning you look forward to going training, but I think at the moment he is looking towards improving his saxophone skills rather than carrying on another year.

“But I certainly wouldn't be pushing him to retire myself personally because I think he can be a valuable member of the squad even next year.”

Roeder worked with Dublin in the build-up to the France 98 World Cup, when the City boss was part of the England coaching set-up under Glen Hoddle - and his admiration hasn't waned since then.

“He's a role model,” said Roeder. “Football gets a lot of bad publicity and it is a shame that there is a small minority that give the players a bad name and that makes more news than the good stories, the nice stories, of players that are role models - and Dion Dublin is a fantastic role model and hugely important to me when he is out on the pitch.

“He is a very important member of the squad and the team at the moment because he is versatile as well.”