Several On International Duty

Last updated : 18 February 2004 By Brian Cartlidge

Kenny Cunningham and Clinton Morrison are in the Republic of Ireland squad that face World Champions Brazil at Landsdowne Road while Damien Johnson and goalkeeper Maik Taylor will be in action the other side of the Irish border when Northern Ireland take on Norway in Belfast.

Elsewhere Robbie Savage looks like playing for Wales in their friendly against Scotland at The Millenium Stadium in Cardiff despite struggling with a sore calf for the past week. Savs joined in training with his Welsh team-mates for the fiirst time on Tuesday and manager Mark Hughes has said he expects the Blues midfielder to play some part in the game.

Winger Stan Lazaridis is included in the Australia squad for their game against Venezuala in Caracas and Stern John is with the Trinidad and Tobago squad for their game against Bermuda.

Lets hope they all return to Wast Hills injury free as Blues have a big week ahead of them with the small matter of a local derby against the Villa on Sunday followed by a FA Cup 5th Round replay against Sunderland next Wednesday.