Edu could be an international
by Steve Murphy
Brazil manager Carlos Alberto Parreira has admitted that Arsenal midfielder Edu has not been picked because he is lacking first team football.
The former Corinthians star has been in excellent form this season, but he has started just seven Premiership games.
Skysports.com report that Parreira and his assistant Mario Zagallo have been in England watching Arsenal's Gilberto and Middlesboro's Juninho, who both are in squad to face Ireland on Wednesday.
"It's because Edu is not a regular player at Arsenal," he said.
"The only exception we have made to that rule was Rivaldo.
"He was not a regular player when he was at Milan but he was still chosen because he already had two wonderful World Cups behind him. Edu does not.
"How can we bring in a player who is not a regular in the team he plays for? We came to the Southampton match to see Edu. Unfortunately, that day the coach did not pick him.
"It doesn't mean to say we have to see him play before we bring him, but it does make it easier for us to see the kind of player he is.
"We hear lots of reports and read articles in Brazil about many players, but when you actually go to the ground it is not always the same."
Parreira admitted that he believe Edu will get his chance in the future.
"Edu's time will come. He is playing better and better for Arsenal," he said.
"I think that if he keeps going the same way then he will get his chance really soon."
Parreira admitted that he wished there were more Brazilians playing in England.
"It is a very strong barrier," he said.
"Players in England must have an EU passport or play 70 per cent of games for Brazil.
"That's why it is easier for them to go to Spain, Germany or Italy."
Reyes would come of the bench for bergy with reyes starting in our CL away legs.
