FIFA postpone tie in Tel Aviv

GROUP 7: Israel v Austria

FIFA have postponed this qualifier which was scheduled for tomorrow in Tel Aviv.

The tie had been in some doubt after nine Austrian players refused to travel to Israel for the game after voicing concern over travelling to the Middle East in the aftermath of the September 11th tragedy in America.

It has been reported that the decision to postpone was taken as a result of yesterday's incident in which a Russian airliner crashed into the Black Sea en route from Israel.

GROUP 3: Malta v Northern Ireland

David Healy is not just a goal taker, but a goal maker in the eyes of Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy.

Ahead of tomorrow's World Cup Group Three game against Malta in Valletta, McIlroy said he was delighted with the 22 year old's strike record of seven goals in 14 internationals and he has often said that it is only a matter of time before he breaks Colin Clarke's record of 13.

McIlroy also feels he is now a better all-round player. He has only managed one goal in 10 games for Preston this season, but he created three in their 4-0 win over Norwich the other week in front of the watching McIlroy.

"What has really impressed me about Healy is his all-round play, said McIlroy. "He's not just about scoring goals now and he's involved in the link-up play and setting up goals as well."

GROUP 5: Wales v Belarus

Injury jinxed Mark Pembridge will finally claim his 40th Wales cap in a week that started with him producing a fine performance as Paul Gascoigne's stand-in.

His starring role in Everton's 5-0 win over West Ham proved his fitness ahead of tomorrow's World Cup Group Five qualifier against Belarus in Cardiff.

Nathan Blake is now almost certainly ruled out of the game. The Wolves striker reported for international duty on Tuesday, but was sent straight back to his club to carry out further treatment for his shin and Achilles injuries.

Wales and Wolves have kept in contact all week, but Blake has still to reappear in the squad's Cardiff team hotel and his lack of involvement in training sessions seems certain to rule him out.

Wales have also lost Tranmere midfielder Jason Koumas, who had been given permission to play in the midweek home game with Blackpool before joining up, but he has been struggling with a calf injury which could keep him out of action for three weeks.

Wales boss Mark Hughes will resist calling anyone else into his squad, but could well utilise some of the under-21 team who play Belarus at Ninian Park 24 hours before the seniors are in action at the Millennium Stadium.

Injuries have restricted Pembridge to playing in only half of Wales' 14 games under Mark Hughes in two years.

"It's been a very stop-start time for me with seemingly constant problems to get over. I've missed so many Wales matches in the last year or so, it's been very frustrating.

"The 40th cap has been a very long time coming for me, I seem to have been stuck in the late 30s for months.

"And considering I have been playing for my country now for 10 years, there should have been a lot more caps. It shows just how many injuries I have had over the years."

GROUP 6: Scotland v Latvia

The Scots must beat Latvia by a healthy margin tomorrow to have any chance of pipping Croatia for the group's play-off place.

For that to happen Belgium must also win in Zagreb, with both games kicking-off at 5 p.m., and Scotland boss Craig Brown will make sure he is kept fully informed of events in the Croatian capital.

He said: "It could be an extra motivation both to ourselves and to the crowd."

Steven Pressley and Gary Naysmith are on the brink of being ruled out through injury and Scott Booth is doubtful. Crystal Palace striker Dougie Freedman stands by for his first cap and a chance to show what he can do at international level.