Yorke tussles with divided loyalties

The pressure of trying to satisfy the needs of club and country is taking its toll on Dwight Yorke. He salvaged his place in Trinidad and Tobago's World Cup team by apologising for missing a friendly match but is looking increasingly likely to fall from favour with Manchester United.

In his apology to the Trinidad and Tobago federation (TTFF), which earned reinstatement in the side for yesterday's World Cup qualifier against Honduras, Yorke stressed his commitment to the national team but said it "has caused me great difficulty to maintain my position with Manchester United, while I strive to give my all to World Cup qualifying. I believe my game on the field in qualifying over the last 16 months attests to my commitment in spite of the sacrifices I have made".

Yorke had an indifferent season for United and was offered to Newcastle as part of an attempt to sign Kieron Dyer. Worries about Yorke's determination to do his best at Old Trafford were revealed in reported comments by their former player and current director, Sir Bobby Charlton. According to the head of the TTFF, Jack Warner, Yorke's behaviour is worrying the champions. He said: "Sir Bobby has asked me twice in the past week for Dwight Yorke to call him. He felt Dwight was making it difficult for Alex Ferguson to use his services and, in this process, is ruining his career."