Midfielder's fears of World Cup dreams 'turning sour'

Dec 9 2009 By Yann Tear, London Informer

FRUSTRATED Kagisho Dikgacoi has asked to go out on loan to prevent his World Cup dreams from turning sour.

The South African is tipped to be a star player for the host nation in next year's finals - as he was in this year's Confederations Cup - and aims to be in tip-top condition by the time his country begins the tournament against Mexico on June 11.

But the Fulham midfielder knows he will be in no state to shine if he is left out in the cold at Craven Cottage.

With Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu recently sidelined, it had looked like his time had come.

But he has now found himself behind Jonathan Greening and Chris Baird - a defender - in the Whites' pecking order.

He came off the bench for the last five minutes of Sunday's 1-0 win over Sunderland - only his third league appearance.

He got sent off at West Ham in his only league start.

"It's a big worry that I haven't been playing and I believe I should be a regular player," said Dikgacoi.

"I was unfortunate to get a red card in my first game and now Jonathan and Chris have been doing well, I have to fight to get my place back.

"It's up to me to push myself. The manager can see in training I'm working very hard, but I need some action.

"Even games for the reserves would benefit me a lot, but if there is a loan possibility, then I hope the club will let me go - just so I can prepare myself for the World Cup.

"The [South Africa] coach Carlos Parreira is expecting me to play in my team. But I think the manager here believes in me.

"I was supposed to join last season but couldn't because of the work permit problems, but they still followed my progress and wanted me to come."