International news: FRANCE: New captain Patrick Vieira has declared himself physically and mentally ready to start the 2006 World Cup qualifier against Israel at the Stade de France on Saturday. Both sides are in Group four with Ireland, Switzerland, Cyprus and the Faroe Islands.
The 28-year-old Arsenal midfielder, who has not played with France or his club since the Euro 2004 match against Switzerland on June 21st, claimed he is finally rid of a lingering thigh injury and that recent medical tests have confirmed he can appear in his side's tie this weekend.
"I have not played since the Switzerland game, I lack match activity but I am confident about my form because I have been training with both Arsenal and the French team and things went well," said Vieira yesterday. "I feel fine and I am ready for Saturday."
NORTHERN IRELAND: Northern Ireland yesterday suffered a double blow to their preparations for the opening round of World Cup 2006 qualifiers with the withdrawal of Philip Mulryne and Chris Baird from the squad to face Poland and Wales.
Southampton defender Baird has been forced out with an ankle injury, while Norwich City midfielder Mulryne has a groin problem.
Most of the other players met up in Belfast, but manager Lawrie Sanchez was waiting on Hull striker Stuart Elliott and Sunderland pair George McCartney and Jeff Whitley, who were in action for their English clubs yesterday.
Northern Ireland, who have not won at home since 2001, face Poland in Belfast on Saturday and Wales in Cardiff on September 8th. They also face England, Austria and Azerbaijan in their Group Six campaign.
ENGLAND: Nicky Butt has been ruled out of England's World Cup qualifier in Austria on Saturday and is doubtful for the fixture in Poland four days later.
Butt missed training yesterday with a hamstring injury and the England medical staff were last night deciding whether he should return to Newcastle for treatment.
Either way, Sven-Goran Eriksson is already planning without him for Saturday's game in Vienna, with Steven Gerrard set to return to central midfield.
Eriksson revealed: "We have one problem with Nicky Butt. He is almost for sure out of Saturday's game and is doubtful for next Wednesday.
"We must take a decision whether he stays with us or goes back to Newcastle for treatment."
Eriksson confirmed that Shaun Wright-Phillips's back injury had cleared up and that a twisted ankle should not prevent him training today.
Eriksson had been fretting over the fitness of Manchester City winger Wright-Phillips, but his back injury was not as bad as first feared. Wright-Phillips took part in England's first training session at Arsenal's training ground near St Albans yesterday.
Eriksson has a number of midfield alternatives to Butt, including Owen Hargreaves, Joe Cole and Kieron Dyer, as well as Wright-Phillips and Jermaine Jenas.
Manchester United duo Gary Neville and Alan Smith also took no part in the session as they had played in their side's Premiership draw against Everton on Monday.
Eriksson was still awaiting the arrivals of David Beckham and Michael Owen, who were due to take part in a friendly for Real Madrid last night.
Eriksson is already without Wayne Rooney, Sol Campbell and Jonathan Woodgate through injury, while Rio Ferdinand is suspended and Paul Scholes has retired from international football.
WALES: Wales have assembled in Cardiff for a double header which sees them playing Northern Ireland next Wednesday after the long haul to Baku, Azerbaijan, this weekend.
Mark Hughes has a fully fit squad and no withdrawals, which after they lost a total of 30 players from their last two friendlies, is something of a minor miracle for the Wales manager.
