Ludo: Vladimir Found It Tough

Ludek Miklosko is backing England to beat Slovakia on Wednesday night.

"I hope it will be an easy game for England," says Ludo, currently in the Czech Republic.

The Hammers' on-loan Vladimir Labant may feature in the game, but Ludo has been unable to chat to him about it.

"Me and Tomas tried to call him but he is not picking up the phone, I don't know if he is still celebrating the championship win with Sparta Prague," he says.

"Hopefully he will play on Wednesday because I believe he is not fully fit for the international - he is definitely in the squad but I don't know if he will play or not.

"It would be nice for him to play in England, though."

Ludo admits Vladimir had a tough time of it after signing from Sparta Prague for £900,000 over a year ago.

In effect, he was unable to dislodge Nigel Winterburn or Scott Minto from the team and the loan back to Sparta was seen as the best move for all parties.

"It was difficult for him and I think maybe he couldn't settle down; maybe also his family weren't too happy here and it was too much for them," says Ludo.

"We know a few English players who move and can't settle as well and for him I think it was a big move from Slovakia.

"I tried to help him as did Tomas but I don't know, it didn't work for him and then he lost confidence so he wanted to go back.

"I think he will stay in the Czech Republic or Slovakia somewhere because he doesn't want to return here."