Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr will have to wait to find out if his team will face a French side that will include Zinedine Zidane and Bixente Lizarazu when the teams meet in Paris for their Group Four World Cup qualifier on October 9th.
Both Zidane, the Real Madrid playmaker, and Marseille left back Lizarazu hinted that they would retire from international soccer after France suffered a shock elimination by Greece in the quarter-finals of Euro 2004.
But the players discussed the situation with new French coach Raymond Domenech this week and have said they needed more time to think about whether to play on or not. They said they will make a decision before France's opening World Cup qualifier against Israel on September 4th.
Derry hope for better
Derry City will look to bounce back from last week's 4-0 hammering at United Park this evening when they take on Bohemians at the Brandywell (kick-off 7.45), writes Emmet Malone.
Peter Hutton has four players - Clive Delaney, Ciaran Martyn, Eamon Doherty and Michael Holt - back from suspension for the visit of the Dubliners but the club's interim manager must again cope without the injured Paddy McLaughlin (knee), Gareth McGlynn (toe), Mark Farren (hamstring) and Kevin Deery (back).
Bohemians, who like Derry are without a permanent manager at present, will be close to full strength for the journey north, although right back Damien Lynch is out with an ankle problem and is likely to be replaced by Thomas Heary.
Stephen Kenny's former assistant, Gary Howlett, is waiting on Dominic Foley's international clearance and if it comes through before this evening's kick-off then the former Braga striker may play some part in the game.
Gerrard's fighting fit
Steven Gerrard flew back from New York yesterday insisting he would be fit to lead Liverpool in their Champions League qualifier next week.
The 24-year-old midfielder limped out of Tuesday night's 2-1 win over Roma in New Jersey, suffering a thigh injury in the first half.
Liverpool do not have another game until next Tuesday's third-round qualifier, first-leg, away to AK Graz in Austria and their captain is desperate to play.
Gerrard said: "I came off as a precaution, and I am sure I will be fit for the game in Austria."
Gerrard will have treatment for the injury at Liverpool's Melwood training ground and manager Rafael Benitez will be hoping the successful trip Stateside does not have a bitter ending.
Liverpool have also confirmed the loan move of Anthony Le Tallec to St Etienne has been completed.
Carrick bid rejected
Portsmouth have been told their £2.5million club record bid for midfielder Michael Carrick is unacceptable - but West Ham made it clear the door is not closed on negotiations.
West Ham have maintained they would not take less than £3 million for the 23-year-old, who can leave the club on a Bosman free transfer at the end of the season.
Portsmouth have also confirmed their interest in Blackburn striker Dwight Yorke.
Anderton turned down
Rangers have passed up the chance to sign Darren Anderton.
The 31-year-old former England international struggled with a series of injuries during his time at Tottenham and was released by the North London club in the summer.
But Rangers manager Alex McLeish has decided not to pursue the move.
An Ibrox spokesperson said yesterday: "Rangers can confirm that Darren Anderton and his representatives have been in discussions with director of football business Martin Bain.
"However, at this stage both parties have decided not to take the matter any further."
Everton add to defence
Everton have completed their third signing of the summer with Australian defender Eddy Bosnar joining the club on a one-year deal from Austrian side Sturm Graz.
The Merseyside club had hoped Bosnar would make his Everton debut in Tuesday night's 6-3 friendly victory at Sheffield Wednesday, but his international clearance did not arrive in time.
He should be able to make his debut in Saturday's home friendly with Real Sociedad.
The 24 year-old does not qualify for a work permit and will be playing in the UK on a Commonwealth working holiday visa.
In brief . . .
Henrik Larsson scored two first-half goals for Barcelona as the Spanish side beat Jubilo Iwata 3-0 in the second game of their tour of Japan . . . Wigan Athletic have signed Emerson Thome after the 32-year-old Brazilian defender failed to agree a new contract with Bolton Wanderers . . . Birmingham City's Senegalese midfielder Aliou Cisse is expected to complete a loan deal with Crystal Palace today . . . Manchester United have signed 15-year-old Ron-Robert Zieler from FC Cologne on a three-year contract after the 15-year-old goalkeeper impressed at this week's Nike Cup . . . Wolves manager Dave Jones expects to sign former Sunderland and Sweden international defender Joachim Bjorklund before the end of the week.
