Possible reasons for Niculae's slow progress ??
"His injury problems began with reconstructive surgery to his left knee, and he still has two pins in his right foot after a Wayne Rooney-esque fracture of his fifth metatarsal. "
"No7 has been far from lucky for Niculae. Since joining Sporting, he has been bedeviled by injuries. On 22 December 2001, he received a knock to his left knee which was only resolved after surgery and seven months on the sidelines. Then he began to pick up injuries in his right foot, missing several months of last season. He was sent back home to recuperate this summer, but the injuries persist."
From Sporting Lisbon fans - Soccerpulse.com:
Hmm it's been a while now since he was in Portugal...he came in under Laszlo Boloni. He was a good finisher, powerful. I think he would suit the Scottish game, put it that way. He didn't always look technically adept enough in the Portuguese league but he was respected.
He was a nice player but failed to live up to expectations.... He is VERY injury prone and failed to stay healthy for any long period of time.... If he has fond a way to stay on the field he could do well for you but if he has not expect him to look nice on the bench lol
Yeah I remember him being at Sporting but sadly for the wrong reasons. He was always injured...