Charlton Athletic's manager Alan Curbishley has conceded that Shaun Bartlett may have to travel to the African Nations Cup in Mali next month if he is named in the final South African squad.

Bartlett has been named in the preliminary squad for the tournament in Mali, despite previous insistence he would not be taking part even if this threatened his World Cup place.

Although the competition does not kick-off until January 19, it has been suggested that Bafana Bafana's leading scorer and captain would be expected to travel earlier, for matches scheduled against Burkina Faso on January 20, Ghana on January 24 and Morocco on January 30. South Africa are one of the tournament favourites and could go all the way to the final, scheduled for February 10.

Curbishley reiterated that Bartlett had said he did not want to go, but added that the club had no discretion in the matter.

Meanwhile, Scott Parker misses Saturday's FA Cup tie with Blackpool through suspension. Tickets are on general sale priced just £15 for adults in all stands, with tickets for over 60s and under18s at £10 and all under-16s admitted for £5.

Blackburn have allocated 4,000 tickets for the trip to Ewood Park on Saturday, January 12, and these are also on general sale, priced £20 adults, £12 seniors and £8 juniors. Tickets should also be available on the day.

December 31, 2001 10:30