06/06/2003

Sinclair losses out on England fitness battle

West Ham winger Trevor Sinclair has been ruled out of England's Euro 2004 qualifier against Slovakia next Wednesday.

Sinclair is suffering from a dead leg which he picked up during England's La Manga training camp last week. The injury forced him to miss out on Tuesday's 2-1 friendly win over Serbia and Montenegro.

The good news for England, however, is that Matthew Upson is likely to be fit for Wednesday's game at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium.

He too suffered a leg injury last week but returns for Wednesday's game. He is set to partner Gareth Southgate at the heart of England's defence.

Scotland, meanwhile, are set to start Saturday's home fixture against Germany without striker James McFadden and midfielder Don Hutchison.

McFadden has not recovered from a foot injury while Hutchison is still not fully fit.

Saturday's Euro 2004 tie should be an interesting occasion with Scottish manager Bertie Vogts facing his home nation for the first time.

Elsewhere, the Republic of Ireland are looking to maintain a 100% unbeaten record for boss Brian Kerr against Albania at Lansdowne Road, tomorrow.

Kerr took over Irish reins following the departure of Mick McCarthy last year. At that point the Republic had lost their first two qualifying games, both away to Russia and at home to Switzerland.

Since then however Ireland have beaten Georgia and already drawn away with Albania to help them claw off the bottom of the group table.

A win at home on Saturday is a must if the Irish are to keep up with group leaders Switzerland.

The Irish side's only injury problem is that of striker Glen Crowe who has been ruled out with a knee problem.

(MB)

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