Murphy and Parker

Caz · Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 7:21 pm

Quote:

Murphy down over England call
Charlton Athletic midfielder Danny Murphy admits he is not expecting a recall to the England squad.

Murphy has not played for The Three Lions since the friendly defeat to Denmark in November 2003 but there has been a growing clamour for a recall.

The former Liverpool man has enjoyed a fantastic start to the new season, with his performances helping The Addicks into second in The Premiership.

England assistant coach Tord Grip had also hinted that Murphy's displays for Charlton could see him back in the squad for the World Cup qualifiers.

But Sven Goran Eriksson overlooked Murphy for the games against Austria and Poland, and the 28-year-old admits he is no longer anticipating another appearance for his country.

"I'm lucky because I've experienced it before a few years ago when I first started playing well for Liverpool," Murphy told Sky Sports News, with regard to the talk of a call-up.

"I never really got too engrossed in the hype this week as I never thought I'd be in the squad.

"As the week progressed a part of me thought maybe I might, so part of me will always have that little bit of hope but I'm very realistic.

"I know the midfielders in this country are really top quality and I think you could pick probably 10, 12, even 14 midfielders who are capable of playing for their country so it's difficult for the manager.

"I think if I keep performing the way I am, at the level I am, I might get another chance but I don't really think about it too much because it can affect you.

"I'd rather let other people do the talking and give me the plaudits and then, if it happens, great, if it doesn't I'll just keep doing what I'm doing because I'm not expecting it anyway."

Murphy was a late addition to the World Cup squad in 2002 and accepts lightning could strike twice, although he is focusing on success with Charlton.

He added: "If I can contribute to Charlton's success, ie getting a place in Europe or winning a cup, then that means I'm doing something right and the team is doing something right.

"I have got to remain focused on that. If I let that slip, the rest slips away anyway.

"We will just see what happens. I've seen it before in 2002. I got called up because someone got injured two days before they were set to travel.

"You never know. Part of me will hope it can still happen but the majority of my mind says it won't."

Quote:

Parker vows to fight on
Newcastle United midfielder Scott Parker admits he is disappointed not to be in the England squad but has vowed to keep fighting for a World Cup spot.

Providing Sven Goran Eriksson's men can reach Germany, the former Charlton and Chelsea ace is determined to force his way into the Swede's plans by continuing to impress on Tyneside.

"Obviously I'm playing golf today and I'm looking forward to it," he told Sky Sports News. "But I'd have loved to be in the England squad.

"It wasn't meant to be but I'll keep working hard and maybe next time.

"Obviously I was out for a long time last year and I'm just finding my feet and getting back into it. I do feel I have been performing reasonably well for Newcastle and I was hoping maybe I'd have got the shout but it wasn't to be. I'll keep working hard and see what happens."

When asked if he was buoyed by the general consensus in the media that he should be in the squad, he replied: "I think so, I've been hearing it and you see what you read.

"It is pleasing and all I can do is keep performing well for Newcastle. We're on a good run now, have come out of some good results and if we keep it going, when a team does well, individuals thrive on that, so hopefully I'll be one.

"Definitely [the World Cup is the aim]. I think when I came to Newcastle that was one of the main reasons other than playing football. I didn't get a lot of games at Chelsea so I came here to play football and obviously try and establish myself again in the Premier League and prove to everyone I can do a job here. I'm really looking forward to it."

Parker paid tribute to the signing of Michael Owen and backed the Magpies striker and his international team-mates to clinch back-to-back victories over Austria and Poland.

"As soon as you sign someone of Michael's calibre, you know what you're going to get from him," he added. "He says it himself, it's goals and he brings a threat with him.

"He's a brilliant signing and he gave everyone a lift just when we needed it. We've gone from strength to strength.

"I think we've got the quality in the squad and we're a country that should easily be winning games. There's no easy games in international football, I understand that, but I fully expect us to win both games."

It seems as though Murphy has given up some hope of playing for England again, which is a shame considering his recent form.

Parker isnt giving up hope, if he keeps up the form he is on now then it should be a matter of time before he is back in the squad.

I would of liked to see both Murphy and Parker in the England squad for the up and coming WC qualifiers.

Big Jono · Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2005 6:18 am

Well they just gotta battle on and focus on their domestic form. Thats all they can do.

The General · Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2005 9:18 am

Its is a disservice to football not putting them in the squad when the likes of Hargreaves are in there!

A joke!

Caz · Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2005 10:03 am

Yes totally.

I mean some of the players in the squad havent been playing very well . . . why doesnt Sven pick the players who are on form ?

Big Jono · Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2005 11:23 am

Yea, its not like he has to pick the team that he will take to the world cup, all he has to pick is the team to play these next two teams. Surely that should be on form.

I think hes trying to stick with the squad that he will take to the WC but that aint gonna help if they dont get there in the first place.

Murphy and Parker

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