Earnie is staying with Cardiff City.

Last updated : 22 May 2002 By Michael Morris
Robert Earnshaw made an explosive entrance onto the international scene when his blistering left foot shot smacked into the back of Oliver Kahn's net only 13 seconds into the second half of what turned out to be a historic victory for Wales at the Millennium Stadium. How fitting for Cardiff City's young striker to make his full international debut in his home City and score the winner against the former World Champions Germany.

Immediately speculation started about Earnie's future, Liverpool the early favourite from the bookies to pick up the players signature. Earnie is well tied in with Cardiff City. He has recently signed a 4 year extention to his contract and he told the Echo

"I'm already in talks over a new, improved deal.

"I'm happy with Cardiff City, I don't want to go anywhere. Unless Sam Hammam and Lennie Lawrence say they want me to go, I'm staying at Ninian Park.

"Cardiff City is the club to be at right now and, after missing out this time, we are all intent on earning automatic promotion next season."

Great news for Cardiff City. Boss Lennie Lawrence reiterated that Earnie is a Cardiff City player and is going nowhere.

Earnie has been looking back at last Tuesday's game.

"I'm still in shock, the response to my goal has been incredible. I didn't go out after the game. I stayed at the team hotel and met up with my mother and my agent, while I also spoke to my brothers and sister.

"For some reason I just didn't feel nervous when ran out at the Millennium Stadium. It was my international debut against Germany, but after the first couple of touches I felt great.

"That surprised me because normally I do have pre-match nerves, but somehow it seemed natural to be out there."

Earnie is looking forward to getting another chance at international glory. The European championships are coming up and Earnie says

"I loved the whole experience and I can't wait for the European Championship qualifying games to start. There are no guarantees, of course, and there are good players to come back in, but I just hope I am in the squad to play Finland later this year."