Ben Haim's Israel issue

Bolton Wanderers defender Tal Ben Haim will be less than impressed to read comments in the Ha'aretz newspaper on Friday.

FOOTBALL Tal Ben Haim

Image credit: Imago

The highly-rated Trotters stopper was part of the side beaten 4-3 by Croatia in a thrilling Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday.

The rare home defeat for the Israelis attracted criticism of coach Dror Kashtan's tactics in the press.

The Ha'aretz report includes comments from a source close to the coach claiming: "It's strange that, in England, Ben Haim excels at the highest level but, with Israel, his form is pitiful to say the least.

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"He looks like he is doing [us] a favour when he plays.

"His behaviour isn't professional."

Although the statements are not directly from Kashtan himself they must lead to question marks being raised over Ben Haim's place in the side.

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