Amr Zaki's in Trouble

Egyptian striker Amr Zaki was the revelation of the English Premier League a few months ago.

With 10 goals through October for club team Wigan Athletic, Zaki was the leading scorer in England and being hotly pursued by clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United.

Now? He's in the dog house. And not likely to get out any time soon.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce is set to hold talks with Zaki about his future on Friday.

The on-loan striker, who flew back to England on Thursday, had been expected back at Wigan last Tuesday following international duty on March 29th.

"I find it very difficult to contemplate where his future is at the moment, bearing in mind how I feel on the situation," said an irate Bruce.

"It's probably the fifth time (it has happened) and that cannot be the case."

Zaki is on loan at Wigan from Egyptian side El Zamalek until the end of the season.

Speaking ahead of his side's Premier League game against Arsenal on Saturday, Bruce was still clearly angry when he spoke about Zaki's behavior.

"Whether he has a problem at home, or he is missing home, then we will have to wait and see what his view of the situation is," he said.

"But my job is to manage the team, the club, and if everybody took his stance then we would be in a sorry mess.

"To not show up and show a lack of respect is unacceptable and as I've said, it's not the first time. It has been a recurring thing. In my opinion it's totally shocking. If you have an employee who does what he wants to do, then of course you're going to be upset and disappointed.

"For me, it's been a ridiculous challenge, particularly when you consider it wasn't so long ago he was everybody's cup of tea and playing well."

The striker's agent, Nader Shawky, told BBC Sport he could "fully understand" Bruce's anger.

"Amr was wrong not to return to Wigan on time," he said. "Now he is keen to discuss everything with the manager and hopefully move on.

"We have to remember that without Zaki, Wigan wouldn't be in the position they are now. Similarly, without Wigan, Zaki wouldn't be as highly regarded as he is."

Shawky said Zaki was keen to continue playing in England next season and that "several" clubs had made inquiries about him.

MY POV: If you were a club like Chelsea or Man U, would you want this guy on your team?

He's a malcontent. He does what he wants, when he wants and doesn't seem to respect the team or his manager, according to his actions. Maybe there's more to this than meets the eye. If so, I'm sure we'll find out when Wigan manager Bruce does.

Still, talk about devaluing yourself. Zaki better shape up or he's not going to stick around for long. He may have set England ablaze his first few months, but defenses have figured him out. He hasn't scored in open play since October 18th.

Shape up, Mr. Zaki!