Carra confirmes his decision

Jamie Carragher goes into Liverpool's latest European campaign having re-iterated to Steve McClaren that he does not want to be play for England again.

McClaren made a personal visit to Liverpool's training ground on Monday to meet Carragher but the Reds defender politely declined the England coach's request to change his mind.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez said: "I was aware that Steve McClaren has spoken to Carra again, and I was not made aware of the outcome but it is something for the player to decide.

"In such situations, you always have to support your player and respect his decision. He is a great player and has never let his country down, but if this now means that I can use him more for Liverpool then I am obviously pleased."

Nix's comments: Awfully pleased, of course.

McClaren plans Carragher crisis talks

England head coach Steve McClaren is planning emergency talks with Liverpool central defender Jamie Carragher to discuss his decision to retire from international football.

The Reds stopper announced his decision to quit England last month following years of being snubbed by successive national coaches in favour of other options in the back four. But following injuries to fellow internationals, including Ledley King and captain John Terry, McClaren hopes to persuade Carragher to rethink his decision and return to the fold.

Read the rest of the article here

My comments:
Carra has been one of the top 3 CBs in England but he has been regularly ignored and snubbed by England. He has been played in the RB position as well. Now that England is having a injury crisis, they want 'bottler' now. I am disgusted.

I hope that Carra will be firm and stick with his original decision. England does not deserve Carragher

Champions League 3rd Round qualifying draw - Toulouse

We drew Toulouse, or rather Toulouse drew us. Toulouse is the French club which finished third in their domestic league last season to qualify for Europe's premier competition for the first time.

Five years ago they were in the third division. Fabian Barthez used to play for Toulouse.

Look at what Soccernet says about the draw. Link to report

Liverpool face tough trip to Toulouse

Liverpool must overcome a tricky trip to Toulouse if they are to reach the Champions League group stage.

With due respect to Toulouse, if Liverpool are not able to get past this "tough trip", we don't deserve to be taking part in the Champions League this season. No?

Leto clear to make debut

Sebastian Leto has been given permission to make his Liverpool debut during this weekend's Port of Rotterdam tournament.

The Official Site

Nix:
Leto is new to many of us. Liverpool signed the 20 year old youngster for £1.85 million.

He is described as "a fast paced left winger". At 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in), this seems a bit unimaginable. I am not expecting a silky smooth skilled and quick player running down the flank for sure. I hope he makes his debut over this weekend so that we can get a glimpse of what he can offer.