Hargreaves Will Be Fit to Play, Says Mcclaren

Steve McClaren remains optimistic that Owen Hargreaves will be fit enough to feature in tomorrow's critical Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel at Wembley, despite a scan on the midfielder's thigh confirming he is suffering from a "small problem".

Hargreaves has been hampered all week with the injury, which limited him to gym work on Tuesday and a minor involvement in yesterday's training sessions. The squad was allowed a day off yesterday with the medical staff continuing to monitor the fitness of Hargreaves and Steven Gerrard.

"Owen's thigh felt tight after we started training on Wednesday, so he sat out most of the session," said McClaren. "As a precaution he was sent for a scan. Thankfully, the scan only revealed a small problem and we are hoping it will clear. The thigh problem is not related to the tendinitis Owen has been suffering with in his knee. We're still hoping he will be available for Saturday and he is definitely not ruled out. We'll give Owen as much time as we can before making a decision. Naturally, we won't take any unnecessary risks with him though."

The news on Gerrard has been more positive, with the midfielder hopeful he will be able to play against Israel without needing a pain-killing injection in the fractured toe on his right foot. He has been able to take part in training this week and has told the management he will be fit.

"Steven Gerrard played a part in training without any problems on Wednesday," added McClaren. "We will continue to assess him closely and stay in regular contact with the medical staff at Liverpool, before making any decision as to whether he will play. As I've said, regardless of who is injured, we are looking forward to Saturday with confidence. I've told the players we have enough ability in the dressing room and it's up to us to go out and the get result. We're good enough to do so."