Steve Bruce opens his heart on Amr Zaki's absence after Egypt game

Latics manager STEVE BRUCE has revealed how disappointed and frustrated he is with striker Amr Zaki after the Egypt international has failed to return from international duty on time for the FOURTH TIME this season.

Zaki was due back for training last Tuesday, 31 March, well over 36 hours after Egypt's game against Zambia, which he played in full.

However, despite his club and international team mate Mido reporting for training on time, Zaki failed to show.

The club has revealed that it did receive a faxed report from the Egyptian National Team Doctor to the effect that the player had damaged a hamstring and needed rest, but received no scan to back this up, which is normal practice in these situations.

The player himself did not turn up for the club's medical team to carry out their own independent medical investigation.

There has been no other direct contact with Zaki, despite repeated efforts from the club to do so.

Under FA doping control regulations, players are also under obligation to state their whereabouts for one hour each day, which in this instance has not been complied with.

He therefore risks severe action being taken against him, which could threaten both his career and the reputation of the club.

Bruce said: "I really am 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 heavy fine."

Bruce added: "I just feel it's time that 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 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."

Bruce added that he feels personally let down after the effort that he made to clinch his signature in the first place, and for the way the club has behaved towards him.

"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 name from the stands. I think it's time for them to know the truth about the man.

"This 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."