Grant cautious on radical overseas plan

CHELSEA manager Avram Grant has warned Premier League bosses to think carefully about taking the English game across the globe.

The Premier League announced on Thursday they are to examine a proposal to introduce an ‘international round’ into the domestic fixture list from 2010-11.

Five major cities across the world would host 10 extra Premier League games but the plan has met with a mixed reaction from managers and players. The 20 clubs gave the radical proposal their backing at a meeting in London but Grant thinks the Premier League must take extra care over the planning.

“I think it is an interesting idea,” he said. “Everybody likes the Premier League, including many places in the world. I need to think about this. It is interesting. On one hand I think the Premier League has to be played in England but on the other so many people around the world like it.

“I can see why people are concerned but many people are happy about it too. I am a big fan of the NBA and they decided to play in Europe. That had positive and not so positive signs.

“One part of this is the travelling but I don’t have a clear answer about this. I have not spoken to (chief executive) Peter Kenyon about it but I am sure I will. I am sure if the Premier League decide to play these games, they will fix it so that it is not a big problem and they will think about it. It will not be easy. We have to think in the long term whether it will be good or not.”

Grant welcomes back England midfielder Frank Lampard from a thigh injury for the match against Liverpool on Sunday and will be boosted by Mikel John Obi’s return from the African Nations Cup.

However, he has no plans to recall Michael Essien, Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou.

They will be taking part in a third/fourth-place play-off between Ghana and Ivory Coast tomorrow and Grant accepts they should stay in Accra.

“I would be more than happy if we could get them for this game but I cannot fight with something I cannot win. I think they have to stay for tomorrow.

“Frank trained today and yesterday, he is better. He will be available for the weekend. It is good news.”

If Chelsea avoid defeat against Liverpool they will make it 76 games unbeaten at home in the league during a period spanning four years.

Their last defeat at home in the top flight came against Arsenal in February 2004.