Crouch halts robotic celebrations ;D


Peter Crouch says his robotic dancing career is over - and will only be revived if England win the World Cup.
Liverpool striker Crouch has become a cult figure among England fans because of his eccentric goal celebration, but now he feels it is time to get serious.

He explained: "It's not about robotic dancing. It is about scoring goals and winning matches. It's an important time for everyone now.

"It's serious business, though we might all do it if we win the World Cup."

He added: "If you can enjoy yourself, all well and good, but the first thing we must concentrate on winning football matches.

"The lads are keen for me to keep it going, but I'm not sure about that. I hope to get as many goals as I can, but I'm not sure about that celebration."

Crouch is certain Michael Owen, his strike partner in Saturday's 1-0 win against Paraguay, will soon be indulging in goal celebrations of his own, despite being substituted early in the second half.

He said: "Over the years Michael has been playing, he has always scored goals and I believe he will always score goals.

"He is a goalscorer and a finisher and when he is given chances he will score.

"Michael is one of our main threats, so there is no problem with him."

Meanwhile, Crouch admits he may have to adapt his game to avoid falling foul of World Cup referees.

He was booked against Paraguay after being penalised several times by referee Marco Rodriguez for aerial challenges.

Crouch said: "It was very frustrating. I was getting pulled up for things that wouldn't be a foul in the Premiership.

"It was a worry to pick up a booking, but I'm not going to change my game, although I may have to adapt it a bit."

He added: "I felt the referee was overly-fussy at times, but I'm not going to blame referees. This is international football and maybe I have to adapt my game a touch."

The Liverpool star, meanwhile, will be happy to welcome Wayne Rooney back into the England side, even though it could put his place under threat.

Rooney could see some action in England's next group game against Trinidad and Tobago in Nuremberg on Thursday.

He said: "It's important we have him back. The fact that the manager named him in the squad showed he was always confident he would be fit, and in training he is looking fit.

"He's a top player and we need everyone fit if we are going to do well in the World Cup."