Claims JFF used Austin injured ... says booking player economy flight back to England "scandalous"

Leeds United manager Neil Warnock has lashed out at the Jamaican Football Federation amid claims Reggae Boy Rodolph Austin was used despite being injured in Tuesday's crunch World Cup qualifier against Antigua, and branded as "scandalous" a decision to fly the player back to England in economy class.

Austin was a key cog in the Jamaican team's machinery, in a crucial 4-1 win over their Caribbean neighbours, which ensured the team advanced to the final round of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers. The workmanlike central midfielder, better known for his no-nonsense approach to tackling in the middle of the park, turned provider for striker Dane Richard's important third goal, after an intuitive drive to the by-line and a pinpoint cutback.

The player was, however, unable to play any part in the country's previous qualifier, a 2-1 loss to Guatemala, after sustaining an injury. Warnock does not believe the player had enough time to heal sufficiently.

"Rudy has an ankle injury which he was carrying when Jamaica asked him to play. Because he is a big-hearted lad, he will have said 'yes'.

"If he is not 100 per cent fit, then he shouldn't play. But the pressure these people put on him must be horrendous," Warnock told UK-based publication the Daily Star (www.dailystar.co.uk).

"You don't want to let your country down."

Austin, who returned late ahead of the team's fixture against Sheffield Wednesday last night, was substituted at half-time.

The coach was not only displeased with the time of the player's travel, but also the mode of travel.

"The Jamaican FA gave him an economy flight home and that's scandalous. We have been trying to get him upgraded, but I don't know if that happened."

Austin has been a revelation for The Whites since signing from Norwegian outfit SK Brann two months ago.