Rich

How are you finding all of this out!? I've been searching for about 20 minutes!

If any of our foreign posters know anything about the Edgar, Emre and Geremi situations post-game then this is the place to let us know and I'll update the opening post accordingly.

Japan 2-0 Cameroon Geremi missed the trip because of the Home Office having his passport while he applies for British Citizenship, leaving him unable to leave the country. He will lead us out against Middlesbrough, apparently. Tulio Tanaka and Koji Yamase scored the goals for the hosts. Macedonia 0-0 Nigeria Obafemi Martins didn't travel to Macedonia due to the slight injury he picked up against Aston Villa, he was spotted in Jesmond today. Austria 1-1 Czech Republic David Rozehnal played the full 90 minutes (not great news) and was involved in a "collision" that broke Andreas Ibertsberger's "zygomatic bone". Rozey must be okay if he lasted the duration, though. Jan Koller scored for Wor David's side, while debutant Martin Harnik equalised for Austria with twelve minutes left. Romania 2-0 Turkey Emre was captain for 42 minutes of this one for Turkey and apparently limped off the field injured () as they went down to goals from Adrian Mutu and Nicolae Dica. Denmark 0-4 Republic of Ireland Stephen Carr played the full 90 minutes (not great news) but apparently didn't have any major contributions, Robbie Keane and Shane Long scored two-apiece for the Irishmen. Iceland 1-1 Canada David Edgar was not included in the Canada squad in a game that saw Olivier Occean (remember him?) equalise Emil Hallfredsson's opening goal for the North Americans.

That average technique that saw him do a number of quality dribbles/barely misplace a pass/hold onto the ball? Aye, I saw that as well. Thought he looked a natural, personally. Always known he was a quality player though.

My immediate thought, an' all.

The Robben thing will have gone through on the understanding that Real stand aside on Alves, I'd guess. With those two being in for him the price keeps going up, if Real drop out then the ball is back in Chelsea's court - at the minute, it's an auction.

For the coming qualifiers? Or generally?

Surely they'll still get Alves, though? Especially with £24M quid extra in their pockets?

Definitely. No idea what McLaren will do with the midfield, I bet he's the same.

Howay man, Carrick was fucking toss, again. We looked miles better with Barry in there and individually he was a massive step-up from MC. I thought Lampard was quality tonight, an' all. I'd prefer Hargreaves if I'm being honest. Undoubtedly the first-choice, aye, was just making the point that Carrick should be about 5th in the queue for a CM spot.

Howay man, Carrick was fucking toss, again. We looked miles better with Barry in there and individually he was a massive step-up from MC. I thought Lampard was quality tonight, an' all.

I've never heard of a flick been described as world class before. I know you're not exactly regular, but that was very tongue-in-cheek.

Agreed. Very sad.

far from ideal. owen in the past was at his best when with a partner who does all his running for him, goes out wide and makes space with his runs, a la heskey and anelka. this is only going to be more true after his bad injuries, and viduka doesn't fit the criteria. still a very good partnership as viduka drops deep and threads passes through, but not an ideal one. for owen smith might be a better bet as his movement across the pitch is better, while Viduka is perhaps better suited to exploiting Martins' qualities. Owen did alright alongside Shearer, didn't he? I'd say current Viduka > the Shearer that Owen played with in the season they were together. I went for Viduka/Owen as well, mostly agreeing with Dave's reasoning on it as well.

None of your Tartan Army rubbish in here, thanks.

Does Michael Carrick do anything, btw? Seems to swan around doing fuck all whenever I see him. HOW THE FUCK DID HE MISS THAT!? Smith does brilliantly, again. He's shite.

Great ball from Smith there, fantastic. Unlucky for Owen. Lovely stuff. Nice to see. Great hold up play there by Smith as well, marvelous.

Fantastic flick by Smith, world class. Nice little pass there, an' all. Talentless indeed.

Of course, I understand that. If he had have stayed/wanted to stay he would have deserved a chance with his detractors was all I was getting at. Not that you would have given it him, mind, because it's more important that you're "right".

PAUL ROBINSON DOES IT AGAIN! (Fat Cunt)

And my sort as you put it were right about Parker, and I will be again about Smith, I have no doubts whatsoever about that. Not necessarily right about him, if you ask me. Would have deserved a Nicky Butt-esque second chance under Allardyce, I reckon. Not many played brilliantly last season. I'll remember Parker for his debut campaign more than anything. I can live with that as long as you support Smith when he's on the park our colours, though. Which I'm sure you will do.

Bloody great stuff, that. Love seeing fullbacks doing that sort of thing. Joe Cole has started like a firecracker as well, very nice to see.

precisely. Thirded. When was the last time we could say this? 96? Useless buggers... yes, it was against Poland in 1996 apparently (Ferdinand/Shearer). Thanks.

Will he get a game, Brum? Not until ML gets injured?

Aye, Villa have obviously doubled Spurs' offer and have held the lad's family hostage until the contract is signed.