Chopra on the road to Cardiff?

Last updated : 23 March 2003 By Martyn Elliott

The 19-year-old, who has scored 11 times for the reserves this season, still appears to be some way from becoming a regular in the first team squad and Sir Bobby may decide that he would benefit from getting some first team experience elsewhere.

"A number of clubs are interested in taking Michael on loan and Watford are one of them," Sir Bobby told The Journal.

"We have a few days to consider what to do for the best and we do not feel under pressure to make a decision just yet. We will wait until next week."

The Hornets face Southampton in the semi-final of the FA Cup next month and with Chopra not featuring in the 16 that lost at Wolves he would have a great chance of playing, particularly when Ray Lewington’s other options are Toon fan Tommy Smith, Heidar Helguson and Gifton Noel Williams.