As we know ten or so of our players are heading off for the numerous International games over the next 10 days. However, news of two others concerns me - Duff the Republic of Ireland are apparently trying to get him to change his mind about retiring from Internationals. Having had a rest after the Euros he's looking fit and up for our games and his selection for our first two games, confirms Jol's confidence. Hopefully Duff will stick to his decision. Diarra I believe he has intimated that he will come out of retirement for Internationals. I know it's a way off but that could mean us losing him for January to play in Mali ANC games. Needless to say a tricky transfer window then would become doubly critical.
I saw the news on Duff today. I guess the good news is at present is only Geo Trap saying he would like him to reconsider it’s not Duff saying he is considering it. At 33 I think it will be unlikely he will go back. If Ireland qualify for the World Cup he will be 35 will he still be getting into their squad then? If he does go back I hope he does well but think it will be our loss. Good luck to him what ever he decides. With Diarra it would be more of a blow as we would loose him for around 4 weeks for the African Cup of Nation's end of the year. With our light with midfield we really can’t afford to loose him.
It's confirmed that Diarra has come out if International retirement (as mentioned in the earlier post this is really bad news come January and ANC games) and also Mr Berbatov. In all we have 18 players away - 10 from the main squad including Bryan ! http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/september/05/international-whites
I've just realised that Aaron Hughes is in the NI team to play Russia in Moscow tomorrow. Has he come out of International retirement as well?
Mark Schwarzer becomes our third centurian, keeping a clean sheet as he earns his 100th cap - http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1119597/Socceroos-ease-to-victory-in-Lebanon Well done him !!
Just for the record JAR was the first centurian of the current squad and gains his 105th cap tomorrow become the most capped player in Norwegian history. Well done him as well !!
Here's a round up from the Club on how our players have fared so far - http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/september/08/international-action
Good news for us from the Republic of Ireland camp ahead of their match tonight at Craven Cottage - Damien Duff isn't being tempted back to International football. It looks as though Mr Kelly will be playing in the game v Oman. http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2012/0911/337146-doyle-duff-wont-reverse-international-retirement/
Mixed night for our lads : J A Riise scored a last minute penalty as Norway beat Slovenia 2-1. [Brede survived the game] Mark Schwarzer let in two, one a penalty, as Australia lost 2-1 to Jordan Aaron Hughes comes through unscathed but N Ireland had a disappointing 1-1 draw with Luxemburg Stephen Kelly played at centre half in Republic of Ireland's 4-1 win over Oman at Craven Cottage
