Jonny Evans Doubtful For Northern Ireland's World Cup Qualifier

Jonny Evans is doubtful for Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifying game against Slovenia on Saturday.
The Manchester United defender is suffering from a virus and did not travel with the squad on Wednesday.

Evans may yet join up with the rest of the panel and manager Nigel Worthington is monitoring his situation.Goalkeeper Maik Taylor has a bout of flu and has not trained with the squad but did travel to Slovenia and is confident that he will be fit to play.

"Maik has had the flu for a few days now but should be ok," said the Northern Ireland manager."I spoke to Jonny on Wednesday morning and he still doesn't feel great but I'm hoping he will fly out and join us before Saturday's game. In an ideal world, we would like him to be out with us on Wednesday night but we will have to see how he feels."

Evans' absence would be a huge blow to Northern Ireland as he has earned rave reviews for his recent performances in an international shirt, most particularly against the Czech Republic last month.....Back To Home Page

Van der Sar Insists After Norway Game "It Really Is All Over"

Holland goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has reiterated that his decision to come out of international retirement is a 'one-off'. The Manchester United player had called an end to representing his nation following their quarter-final exit at Euro 2008.

However, with Holland suffering a major crisis with injuries to both their first and second keeper, Van der Sar answered manager Bert van Marwijk's call for help.

At the age of 37 Van der Sar, who has 128 caps to his name, is now poised to represent The Netherlands in their back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against Iceland and Norway.

He said on Uefa.com: "It was hard to say no. I have been part of this team for a long time. I have always had a sense of responsibility. I do not only think about my own interest, but always have an eye on the team's interest. I was surprised. I had not expected to be back, though I did not want to desert the team. But that does not mean I will do the same again next time. Bert said it would be a one-off. Two matches, and that's it. After Norway it really is over."

Well, until they have another crisis I think. He's too kind for his own good I think. If you make a decision it's much better to stick to it. Having said that, showing allegiance to your country like he has is a good thing.....Back To Home Page

Van Der Sar Answers Dutch Call For Help

The KNVB (Dutch FA) had a slight technical hitchfor their upcoming games against Iceland and Norway in the World Cup qualifiers, no goalkeeper available. I guess they didn't fancy the prospect of Klaas Van Huntelaar or Ruud van Nistelrooy guarding their goal. So they approached Edwin van der Sar who quit international football after last summers European Championships in Austria/Switzerland.

The new number one choice Maarten Stekelenburg has picked up a shoulder injury which has left coach Bert van Marwijk with few options. Now van der Saar has agreed to come back for the qualifiers against Iceland and Norway. Utrecht goalkeeper Michael Vorm has also been called up with Henk Timmer of Feyenoord also a doubt - meaning van der Sar is likely to play and add to his 128 cap tally.

Along with Vorm, PSV Eindhoven's Dirk Marcellis has also received his first call-up to the senior set-up. Along with van der Sar there are a further five British-based players included in the shape of Andre Ooijer, Ryan Babel, Dirk Kuyt, Robin van Persie and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.