Newcastle 4 AZ Alkmaar 2

Glenn Roeder has selected Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff on the left wing after recovering from a virus as he looked to take a step towards the UEFA Cup semi-finals today.

ENGLAND boss Steve McClaren was thrilled by his team’s performance despite a late goal denying them victory over Holland in Amsterdam.

Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton named his strongest possible line-up for the Lansdowne Road friendly against Holland.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been omitted by Holland coach Marco van Basten from his squad for next Wednesday’s friendly with the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

Argentina 0 Holland 0

NICOLAS ANELKA has missed the World Cup cut for a third time as France coach Raymond Domenech named his 23-man squad for this summer’s tournament in Germany.

AZ Alkmaar 0 Middlesbrough 0

AZ: Timmer, Jaliens, Mathijsen, De Cler, Landzaat, Arveladze, Van Galen, Perez, Sektioui, Steinsson, Schaars. Subs: Buskermolen, Huysegems, Vlaar, Zwarthoed, Meerdink, Ramzi, Koevermans.