Kisnorbo puts City cause first

Centre-back Patrick Kisnorbo has made a major sacrifice for Leicester City by withdrawing from Australia's Asian Cup qualifying match against Bahrain on February 22.

The game was earmarked as Kisnorbo's potential passport to the World Cup after falling out of favour with former Australia manager Frank Farina in June 2004.

Kisnorbo has not played for his country since but the Bahrain game was considered the ideal opportunity to impress new manager Guus Hiddink.

However it comes only three days before City's vital Championship fixture against Ipswich at Portman Road on February 25.

Leicester caretaker manager Rob Kelly has therefore acted as honest broker for Kisnorbo by withdrawing him from the squad but trying to protect his future international opportunities.

Kelly told the Official Leicester City website that he has spoken to Grahan Arnold the Australia Assistant Coach to explain that Kisnorbo is 'keen to play for Australia' but accepts that 'the need here is greater at the moment'

Arnold was 'disappointed' about Kisnorbo's withdrawal but, said Kelly, 'he does understand the bigger picture and has agreed to monitor the players progress'.

Kisnorbo, 24, and a free transfer from Hearts, was Man of the Match against Wolves on Saturday and seems to be forming an excellent centre-back partnership with Paddy McCarthy.

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