Monday, October 03, 2011

Capello To Speak To Gerrard

England coach Fabio Capello is ready to call up Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard for the Montenegro clash if he is deemed fit enough.

The Italian tactician spoke out after watching Gerrard come off the bench in the second half of the Reds' 2-0 derby win against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime.

The midfielder, who has now played just 45 minutes of first-team football this season due to a six-month groin injury lay-off, revealed earlier this weekend that he did not feel fit enough to feature in this coming Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier, while Reds boss Kenny Dalglish does not want him rushed back too soon.

However, Capello, whose side need a draw in Montenegro to finish top of their group and qualify for next summer's European Championships, wants Gerrard in his squad, but will ultimately let the player decide.

"I want to speak with Steve," Capello said.

"If he decides: 'Yes, I can', he will be with us. If he says he can't, he will stay at home."

Capello is keen for Gerrard to travel as he is already without the likes of Jack Wilshere, Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick.

"We have big problems with the midfielders," he added.

"Some players can stay on the bench, or come on at half-time, but not play all the game. For this reason we need to be careful in every moment."

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