Kuyt flies as Carr goes off the road

Not quite as dramatic as the title suggests. Stephen Carr made it through the night and Alan O'Brien came off the bench and was only denied a goal by a very good save as Republic of Ireland stumbled and lost 4-0 to visitors Holland. Kuyt played 45 minutes but didn't score. The watching Glenn Roeder will have secretly enjoyed an entertaining game but don't tell Wor Irish lads. A disgracefully Parker-less England easily beat Greece also 4-0 at Old Trafford, all the goals coming in the first half and typically all the subsitutions in the second.

No fresh rumours today. Reports saying we've made a £5million bid for talented Fulham striker Collins John appear to be unfounded.

Season Rescue: 2 days