ROBBIE FOWLER and Steve McManaman have been ruled out of England's World Cup trip to Moldova. But new coach Glenn Hoddle, reduced to just 20 players and still concerned over the fitness of stars like David Batty, Paul Gascoigne and Les Ferdinand, is reluctant to call on further reinforcements.
Gascoigne, who underwent a scan on his troublesome Achilles yesterday, played in Hoddle's first practice match against England's under 21s at Wycombe yesterday and now the camp, awaits any reaction.
Batty (ankle) and Ferdinand (foot) undertook a light training session later - their first spell of the week. "The injuries are improving, which is a good sign for us," said Hoddle.
But the Liverpool pair, both suffering from back injuries, travelled south at lunchtime to meet Hoddle and it was immediately, apparent they have no chance of making the flight to Kishinev tomorrow.
He had already lost Darren Anderton and Steve Howey from his original 22 and has only called in Everton's Andy Hinchcliffe - now looking more and more likely to make his debut - and Aston Villa's Mark Draper.
But he will not finalise his team until he has the verdict on the doubtful men.
. Barry Hunter will visit a specialist tomorrow to learn the extent of a knee injury that has forced him out of Northern Ireland's opening World Cup qualifying game with Ukraine on Saturday.
Reading's new skipper, following a £400,000 move from Wrexham, returns to Elm Park distraught after a freak training accident near his parent's home in Coleraine on Monday night. Arsenal's Steve Morrow flies in tonight to replace him.
