International Reds' Round-Up

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt warmed up for Saturday's 204th Merseyside derby by getting on the scoresheet for their respective countries in Wednesday night's European Championship qualifiers.

On a night when eight Reds were away on international duty Crouch continued his impressive run of form in front of goal with the match-winner for England in their 1-0 victory over Macedonia.

Crouch played 87 minutes in Skopje and picked up a yellow card, while his Anfield team-mate Steven Gerrard won his 50th cap by completing the 90 minutes but was also booked.

Kuyt rounded off Holland's emphatic win against Belarus with a powerful 90th minute header in Eindhoven's Phillips Stadium, a venue where he'll be hoping to score again for Liverpool in next week's Champions League clash with PSV.

Young centre-back Daniel Agger was also celebrating after he helped Denmark to a 2-0 triumph away in Iceland.

There was disappointment, however, for Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia in Belfast, as Spain crashed to a shock 3-2 defeat to Northern Ireland. Alonso played the full match and Garcia came off the bench in the 63rd minute to replace Fernando Torres.

Sami Hyypia was also in action as Finland were held to a 1-1 draw by Portugal in Helsinki, while Jerzy Dudek was an unused substitute in Poland's 1-1 draw with Serbia in Warsaw.

Source: http://www.liverpoolfc.tv

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Scott Carson did also play international yesterday for England U-21.England beat Switzerland 3-2.

It seems all players who have been on international duty all have get through the matches without picking up any injuries.

Meanwhile Momo Sissoko have got fit and has been training normally at Melwood.Jamie Carragher and John Arne Riise are struggling to get fit for Merseyside derby on saturday.It's 50-50 for both players to get recover in time.
Robbie Fowler could be set up for start because he's the only striker which have not play international match this week and should be in physical shape.

Everton's James McFadden suffered a pulled hamstring while playing for Scotland yesterday and will be out for the Merseyside derby.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Carragher admits place fear

Jamie Carragher has conceded he is not guaranteed a starting spot at Liverpool such has been the form of Daniel Agger in his absence.

The Liverpool centre back has been forced to the sidelines since the opening day clash with Sheffield United, after hobbling out of Bramall Lane with an ankle injury.

Carragher will have also rued the missed opportunity to represent his country given injury to Gary Neville for both of England's recent European Championship qualifiers, with Rio Ferdinand also absent from Saturday's defeat of Andorra.
Despite being an integral part of Liverpool's success in recent seasons, Carragher insists he takes nothing for granted at Anfield and while he is battling to be fit for Saturday's Merseyside derby, the form of Agger could mean a place on the bench beckons.

"I've always been concerned about my place and have learnt never to take anything for granted," he told the Daily Express.

"Gerard Houllier would always bring players in for my position so I've always been prepared for a fight.

"I'll battle with anyone. This is one of the reasons I don't like getting injured because it gives someone else a chance to do well.

"Daniel has done very well alongside Sami (Hyypia), particularly if you consider he is still finding his feet.

"People might assume me and Sami will play because we're the experienced ones, but I have to be honest and say that if Daniel or Gabriel Paletta come in and do well, then they should play."

Source: http://home.skysports.com

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Reds boss facing derby poser

Rafa Benitez admits he'll be inflicting derby heartbreak on many of his biggest stars this weekend as he'll be forced to ignore several pleas for selection.

The Liverpool boss says his players have been reminding the him how anxious they are to play at Goodison Park.

But as Benitez prepared to welcome back the international contingent to Melwood this afternoon, he says it's inevitable some of those who returnhoping to feature against the Blues will be disappointed.

The most difficult dilemma, Benitez says, is in attack where even the in-form Peter Crouch can't be guaranteed a starting place as Robbie Fowler, Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy also have strong claims.

Source: http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk

Anyone which have a clue about who will play up front for Liverpool against Everton?