The uncapped, Part Twelve

1- Simo Nikolic

Yugoslav striker Simo Nikolic played for Partizan Belgrade and Galenika Zemun in the 70s. He was transferred to French club Olympique Lyonnais in 1980 and remained there for five seasons.

Despite scoring almost a 100 goals for Lyon, he was never selected by the Yugoslav National Team. Perhaps, the fact that Lyon were relegated after a few seasons and that he was playing in the second division hurt his chances.

Photo From: Onze, Issue 61, January 1981

(Olympique Lyonnais’ Simo Nikolic)

2- Luc Ernes

Belgian forward Luc Ernes performed for RFC Liege for a decade (1983/93). His most productive years were under Manager Robert Waseige, however, National Team Manager Guy Thys always overlooked him.

Photo From: Sport 80, Volume 19, Issue 44, October 30-November 5, 1985

(Luc Ernes)

3- ‘Emerson’ Moises Cota

Brazilian midfielder Emerson started out in the arly 90s in Flamengo and then found his way to Europe via Portugal. First at Belenensses and then Porto, where he was at his best (1994/96). His displays at Porto even earned him a move  to the English Premier League and Middlesbrough in 1996. However, National Team Manager Mario Zagalo never selected him.

Photo From: World Soccer, March 1995

(Emerson at Porto)

4- Adrian Heath

English midfielder Adrian Heath was part of Howard Kendall’s successful Everton side of the 80s. He had already been capped at Under-21 level and many were tipping him for a full cap during the early stages of the glorious 1984/85 season. However, a midseason injury hampered his chances and afterwards he was out of National Team Manager Bobby Robson’s future plans.

Photo From: Onze, Issue 108, December 1984

(Adrian Heath at Everton)

5- Jurgen Weggmann

West German striker Jurgen Weggmann made his name at Schalke and had already been capped at under-21 level. He joined Bayern Munich in 1987 to replace the retiring Dieter Hoeness. Despite a more than adequate record he was not seen as International material by National Team Manager Franz Beckenbauer.

Photo From: Fussball Magazin, December 1988

(Bayern Munich’s Jurgen Weggmann)