Brian Clough was threatening to block England captain Stuart Pearce’s call up for England’s vital world cup qualifier against San Marino. Clough was ready to lay down the law to the Nottingham Forest full-back, who had missed his fourth successive match at Liverpool that day with a groin strain.
Brian Clough said “Stuart knows the rule: if players are not fit for their club, they are not fit for their country.”
Pearce must declare himself fit and play against FA cup fifth-round clash at Arsenal to stand any chance of selection for England’s Wembley match.
