Bridgeing loan gives Wayne boost

CHELSEA full-back Wayne Bridge’s hopes of making England’s World Cup squad have been boosted after he completed a loan move to Fulham.

Bridge, a £7million signing from Southampton in July 2003, has fallen behind Asier Del Horno and William Gallas in the pecking order for the left-back spot after spending eight months out with a broken ankle last year.

The 25-year-old was conscious his inactivity at Stamford Bridge was harming his chances of making Sven-Goran Eriksson’s final squad.

“I’m really happy to join Fulham for the remainder of the season,” Bridge said.

“The next few months is an incredibly important period for me to be playing regular football, as I would obviously love to be part of the manager’s (Eriksson’s) plans for the World Cup.

“Fulham is a nice club with a great atmosphere, but most importantly they play good football under Chris Coleman and although I had other choices, this seemed to be the best option for me at this time.”

Bridge has suffered from a sustained period on the sidelines after breaking his ankle last February.

He made his comeback in the Carling Cup defeat to Charlton in October, played the first half of England’s 3-2 friendly victory over Argentina in Geneva, and also featured in the FA Cup third round win against Huddersfield earlier this month.