SOCCER: Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, will delay his team selection until close to kick-off against Blackburn at Old Trafford today (12.30 p.m., live on Premiership Plus) as most of the squad played for their countries in midweek and Ferguson has to gauge their physical fitness and mental well-being.
"I think it will be a problem for Diego (Forlan) and (Eric) Djemba-Djemba as one was in Japan and one was in Brazil," Ferguson said yesterday.
"And also for Ryan (Giggs) with the intensity of their match and having the disappointment," he added, referring to Wales's play-off defeat by Russia.
"(Scotland winger) Darren Fletcher will maybe find it difficult, but (Dutch striker) Ruud (van Nistelrooy) is flying. He scored his hat-trick and he's delighted."
Forlan was not due to report back to United until late yesterday evening after playing for Uruguay. "That's a worry, but he's flying and scored two goals again on Wednesday. His contribution in terms of how he feels and how he's travelled and slept will be important," added Ferguson.
Forlan's double-strike in the drawn World Cup qualifier in Brazil and van Nistelrooy's hat-trick for The Netherlands against Scotland means United's recent strike pairing will face Blackburn on top of their game.
Blackburn, 16th in the table, are missing a number of players but should have striker Dwight Yorke fit to face his former club following a thigh injury sustained after scoring one of the goals that beat Everton two weeks ago to end a five-game losing streak. Graeme Souness has hinted he may throw teenage striker Paul Gallagher into the fray at Old Trafford.
The 19-year-old Scot has been a shining light in an under-performing Blackburn side this season but has so far been restricted to cameo appearances as a substitute.
Souness insists he has no fears about starting with Gallagher at Old Trafford despite his tender years - in fact, the striker would be in good company if 19-year-old Fletcher and 18-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo both play for United.
Gallagher's chances of starting are increased by Andy Cole being suspended, as is Lucas Neill, while David Thompson is out for the rest of the season following a knee operation. Souness added: "Thommo's absolutely shattered by the news, he has been kicked where he hurts but he's got to get over that and he's the type of character who will get over that." The Blackburn manager also made it clear he expects Barry Ferguson and Tugay to put their disastrous games for Scotland and Turkey in midweek behind them.
United will wear black armbands today as a mark of respect for Roland Smith, the club's former plc chairman who died on Thursday at the age of 75.
Meanwhile, caretaker boss Eddie Gray believes he is not the only manager who would love to be in charge of Leeds. The manager's job is hardly an attractive proposition with the club bottom of the Premiership, £78 million in debt.
"I believe there'll be a lot of people who'll love this job because it is a great club and still an attraction, even for the position they're in," said Gray.
Southampton manager Gordon Strachan is favourite to take over and likely to be installed next week if the speculation is to be believed.
Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe yesterday insisted there had still been no approach for Strachan, whose current contract expires in the summer. "We have not had any formal approach. My views have not altered. Gordon will be in charge for tomorrow's game against Chelsea. We love him and we want him to stay."
