George McCartney move won't be blocked
Sep 23 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal
GEORGE McCartney will still be allowed to join Leeds United despite Sunderland’s injury problems in defence and the accusations surrounding Titus Bramble.
Bramble is expected to play at Liverpool on Saturday despite the furore surrounding him after a night out in Newcastle on Tuesday, although he will be read the riot act by Bruce, who is furious about the unwanted publicity it has attracted.
The 29-year-old, who was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday morning on suspicion of rape, will have a meeting with his manager later today, in which his frame of mind will be assessed, but The Journal understands he is keen to play despite the distractions in the build-up to the trip to Anfield.
The incident could not have come at a worse time for the Black Cats manager as he is already struggling with an injury crisis in defence.
Anton Ferdinand, John Mensah and Michael Turner are all injured, which means Bramble – who was sorely missed in the 2-1 home Carling Cup defeat by West Ham – is likely to be asked to play on Merseyside.
The worries about Kieran Richardson’s hamstring will also be causing a restless night for Bruce as he does not have another specialist left-back at the club other than McCartney. However, having given permission for the 29-year-old to sign a short-term at Elland Road, Bruce has decided not to call off the move.
