HULL CITY: Altidore faces race to earn his Spurs
JOZY Altidore was today hoping to finally be granted international clearance to begin his Premier League career with Hull City.
But with the Tigers working to a "very tight schedule" it means tomorrow night's game with Tottenham is likely to come too soon.
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Tigers striker Jozy Altidore
Despite receiving a work permit eight days ago to rubber stamp his move to the KC Stadium, Altidore's arrival back in England has been held up in bizarre circumstances.
As part of the USA side that travelled to Mexico for last Wednesday's World Cup qualifying defeat, the 19-year-old striker was in contact with suspected swine flu victim Landon Donovan.
Like all of his international team-mates, Altidore has since found himself the subject of precautionary tests, delaying the international clearance needed to head to England.
City hope that will finally be given to him this morning but the set-backs should rule him out of Spurs' visit.
Instead, Altidore will target a home clash with Bolton on Saturday for a belated Premier League bow.
"Unfortunately, there's been a scare in the American camp that's caused a set-back," Brown told the Mail.
"They've had a concern over contamination and they do not want to put their players in jeopardy.
"Hopefully, it will finally be done first thing, but we're working to a very tight schedule for tomorrow night.
"It's out of our hands but I'd be 95 per cent certain for Bolton on Saturday."
According to reports from across the Atlantic, national body US Soccer have asked players and team administrators to take a course of the preventative drug Tamiflu.
Donovan's illness is not thought to be serious but team-mates have come under scrutiny from cautious health officials.
Altidore has since spoken of his frustrations via his Twitter site, but should be given the green light to head for England inside the next 24 hours.
13 Comments
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by Texas Tiger, rain at last!, Texas
Wednesday, August 19 2009, 12:10AM
“Altidore is filling in time shooting a TV commercial for a US sports channel at approx. midnight Tuesday 18th UK time. He states that he is "waiting patiently for the UK permit to be finalized". No mention of swine flu, or of when he may fly out to the UK. At this rate he may not be available for Saturday never mind the Spurs game. Time someone extracted the digit I think!”
by Brian, NYC
Tuesday, August 18 2009, 1:01PM
“Word has it on various boards that Dempsey and Howard headed back to the UK, and were already there when it was announced Donovon had H1N1. It is suspected that Altidore was still in the US, and not wanting to expose British citizens to any more risk, Altidore's situation was put on hold until further tests were done.”
by MB, Hull
Tuesday, August 18 2009, 12:38PM
“If Dempsey and Howard played for the US why were they not quarentined?????”
by t-bag the clown, the honest clown
Tuesday, August 18 2009, 9:17AM
“International clearance. yer right. why didnt he just go to calais and jump on the back of a lorry. that way he wouldnt need clearance and would be in citys line on wed. simple innit”
by DaDiDi, Beyond the Great Big Firewall, Middle Kingdom PRC
Tuesday, August 18 2009, 8:41AM
“Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard played for the US in Mexico City, then returned to England. Last weekend, they played for their respective Fulham and Everton clubs (arguably Dempsey a tad bit better than Howard).”
by Rich, East Yorkshire
Tuesday, August 18 2009, 8:38AM
“Kemptonken, yes Clint Dempsey did play, he wore the number 8 shirt in USA's 2-1 defeat to Mexico.”
by Alan, Washington
Tuesday, August 18 2009, 8:35AM
“I am looking forward to getting this guy on board. He is a very exciting prospect and all of the potential to be that 'fox in the box' we so desperately need.”
by Steve H, Kuwait
Tuesday, August 18 2009, 8:11AM
“Can anyone tell me if Newsnow has locked up, no news on Newsnow lol”
by Andy, Derby
Tuesday, August 18 2009, 7:32AM
“I like Jozy's attitude... In all the reported stories, on his twitter and in interview he just seems really keen to start playing for City.. a sharp contrast the FC.
Let's hope his enthusiasm translates to performances and more importantly goals on the pitch.”
by KemptonKen, Hull
Tuesday, August 18 2009, 7:13AM
“Can someone tell me if the Fulham player Dempsey played for the USA last week because if he did he was playing for Fulham on Saturday.”