ROVERS: Berkovic saga says much about the player

THE drama at Ewood Park provided a revealing insight into one particular footballer's character.

Not Colin Hendry, again bravely putting his head above the parapet when others scuttle into shadows.

But the sulky and spoilt antics of Eyal Berkovic.

His reaction to being substituted for Samassi Abou was typical of the Israeli's selfish and peevish attitude.

Berkovic stomped off, hurling abuse at manager Harry Redknapp and Frank Lampard.

It wasn't as though he had set the game alight.

And the balance of the game changed with the substitution, West Ham immediately more threatening on the break with Abou supporting John Hartson.

Berkovic, though, is one of those luxury players that English clubs can ill-afford to accommodate, such as a Sasa Curcic or a Jordi Cruyff. He is not well-liked at Upton Park and received precious little sympathy on the pitch from colleagues following the 'clash' with Kevin Gallacher.

The impression is that he will not remain a Premiership player for much longer.

Berkovic was also unpopular at The Dell during his brief spell at Southampton.

The feeling was that his English was perfect when the boss offered the team a day off but faltering when extra training was demanded.

And the bad feeling created before this clash was entirely of Berkovic's making.

Whatever was, or was not said, on the park at Upton Park will probably never be clear.

What is evident, though, is that in any such situation, the interests of Eyal Berkovic come before the best interests of football.

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