Football: Clough steps out of the shadows

Roy Evans yesterday paid tribute to forgotten man Nigel Clough as he prepares to come out of the shadows to answer a Liverpool selection crisis.

The former England player looks certain to start against Bolton on Saturday because of international call-ups as well as injuries to Neil Ruddock and Ian Rush. Jason McAteer, Phil Babb and Mark Kennedy are all wanted by the Republic of Ireland for next week's European Championship play- off against the Netherlands at Anfield.

It gives Clough, signed from Nottingham Forest two years ago, his first start in the league since the final game of last season, as Liverpool bid to end a seven-match run without a win.

"I can't believe no one has made an offer for Nigel. He is a class player. He has never let anyone down when he has been in our team," the Liverpool manager said. "Nigel has had a bad time and it's been difficult for him, but now he has kick-started himself again and got himself back in the picture."

Evans added: "He is a very honest lad and he gets on with his job. Now we find ourselves in a position with places up for grabs. It's amazing how things can change in football."