Midfielder Ray Parlour was yesterday ruled out of the first leg of England's Euro 2000 play-off game against Scotland as he returned to Arsenal for treatment on a hamstring injury.
But Kevin Keegan hopes that Parlour, who had not been expected to be involved at Hampden, will be able to return to the squad on Sunday night with a view to being available for selection for the return encounter at Wembley next Wednesday.
There was more positive news on Andy Cole's calf injury as the striker came through a light work-out yesterday and is expected to take part in the full training session today along with the rest of the squad.
With Alan Shearer, Martin Keown and Tony Adams also involved in yesterday's session after missing all or part of training on Tuesday, Keegan will then be looking to narrow his options. Michael Owen must prove his match-fitness to the England coach if he is to partner Shearer, while Steve McManaman will also have to assure Keegan that he is injury-free if he is to be considered for a left-sided role.
Meanwhile, Scotland manager Craig Brown yesterday began the task of trying to nullify the threat of dead-ball specialist David Beckham. Brown has already admitted that the Manchester United star could win a game on his own.
Brown said: "We are going to be working on set-pieces and our ability to defend as best we know how. We all know England's capability and are very conscious the damage someone like Beckham can do from free-kicks and corners."
Regarding discipline, Brown said: "Beckham has to be very careful in this game, I think the referee will be very strict from the start.
"All the players have to be very responsible. Anything that resembles dissent will be stamped on - and rightly so. I will tell my players to tread carefully. But I do that before every match, not because we are playing England."
Brown expects his full squad to be given a clean bill of health within the next 24 hours - including captain Colin Hendry.
After losing Celtic's Paul Lambert because of concussion, Brown had feared Rangers duo Hendry and Barry Ferguson as well as Hearts striker Gary McSwegan would also be missing.
Hendry's knee problem has sidelined him since last month's international with Bosnia at Ibrox, meaning he has been without competitive action in the lead-up to Saturday's game.
Ferguson has needed pain-killing injections to ease a rib problem in the past fortnight, while McSwegan limped out of Hearts' 1-1 draw with Motherwell on Saturday with a hamstring strain.
Brown said: "Our injury problems are clearing up rapidly. Gary McSwegan is taking a full part in training, as are Colin Hendry and Callum Davidson, who also had a slight hamstring problem.
"Hopefully we will see everyone declared fit at the end of the session today. The pressure training on Colin's injury starts today because we're very anxious to confirm his fitness."
Brown will, however, keep the details of his team for this weekend to himself. "I don't have the side I will play in my mind yet, there are still one or two question marks in certain positions, but like Kevin I think it will be unwise to disclose my side too early," said Brown.
Keegan wary of hutch threat
Keegan has singled out Don Hutchison as the man his side must be wary of. The Everton midfielder is set to play a pivotal role, and Keegan remains cautious that the former Liverpool and West Ham man will take his club form into the match at the weekend.
"He can do the unusual, make things happen, and he is playing as well as he has ever played at club level," said Keegan.
