End of the line for Zaki?

Many fans thought that Mido was causing trouble when he made comments about Zaki earlier this week but now Steve Bruce has stepped in to show the fans what Zaki is really like. Respectful? It seems not having been late four times this season returning to Wigan after international duty without. The Egyptian apparently picked up a hamstring injury on Sunday and was being treated by the Egyptian national team but no proof has yet been sent to Latics to back up the claims. He could well be injured but please, have a bit of respect to the club who currently pays your wages, took a gamble to bring you to the Premier League and have fans singing your name every week.

Bruce seems to have finally lost patience with Zaki and it now seems certain that the striker will only have one season at the club. In an official club statement, Bruce said 'I am really at the end of my tether with him. Before this latest incident, Zaki had already been fined considerably more than the average person in Britain earns in a year and he will now face another hefty fine.

'I just feel it's time we went public on just what a nightmare he has been to deal with because I can honestly say that in all my time in football I have never worked with someone as unprofessional.

'This is the fourth time he has not reported back on time from international training.

I have already fined him the maximum amount allowed but this just seems to have no effect. I am now fearful that if I don't take firm action, it will disrupt the rest of my squad who - to a man - behave totally professionally.

'I am right behind my players representing their countries, it is a tremendous honour for the club, this is not the issue here.

'But my South American players for instance, have to go much longer distances but I have never had a problem with any of them.

'In Zaki's case, it really defies belief from a player who is on loan and trying to earn himself a long-term contract.

'When his daughter was ill before Christmas, I gave him extra time off, while I know my staff have worked very hard to help him settle in England.

'I'm sick of answering questions about Zaki's whereabouts and I don't want anything to distract the players from preparing for another massive game for us on Sunday against Everton.

'Zaki's behaviour has shown total disrespect to the club who pays him a very good wage and equally as importantly, to the fans who sing his names from the stands. I think it's time for them to know the truth about the man.

'The situation needs to be resolved as soon as possible and I don't feel it's appropriate to say anything more at this stage, apart from how let down I feel, personally and professionally.'

For Bruce to speak so strongly about the issue shows how upset he is and wants Wigan fans to know how professional the striker really is. Expect Zaki to return to Egypt at the end of the season and at least two new strikers to arrive in the summer.