Delap decision no downer for boss Carsley

ENGLAND Under-21s boss Lee Carsley insists he is not disappointed in Liam Delap's decision to go to the Club World Cup with Chelsea rather than the European Under-21 Championship.

- By SUNNY BADWAL

Delap made the switch to Stamford Bridge from Ipswich this week and is set to travel to the USA for the club tournament, which starts on June 14, three days after the Euros begin.

His absence from the Young Lions squad means they miss an integral part of their forward line, which could be pivotal to their success.

Carsley instead spoke of his delight for Delap moving up in his career to a “prestigious” club.

“I'm definitely not disappointed. I'm delighted for Liam and his family,” he said. “It's a brilliant thing for an English centre-forward to play in the Premier League at such a prestigious club like Chelsea.