Thommo still has chance, says Sven

Sven-Goran Eriksson has told Celtic’s Alan Thompson he could still make the squad for the Euro 2004 finals.

The Swede will be at Parkhead on Sunday to watch the third Old Firm derby of the season – a Tennent’s Scottish Cup quarter-final clash.

Thompson, who has so far been overlooked for England squads by Eriksson, is expected to start despite a groin problem.

But Eriksson made it clear Sunday was a huge window of opportunity for the Geordie.

He said: “Alan Thompson should be playing for Celtic and it will be interesting to see how he does.

“We have one more match against Sweden before I name my squad and I can say again that the door is not closed for him or any player.”

Hoops boss Martin O’Neill has long since insisted the left-footer is good enough to add senior caps to the Under-21 honours he picked up while at Bolton.

O’Neill feels the same about striker Chris Sutton but the ex-Blackburn man is a severe doubt because of an ankle injury and with Barcelona due in Glasgow on Thursday for a UEFA Cup tie is unlikely to be risked.

Rangers could have an Englishman in their side in the shape of left back Michael Ball.

Eriksson has already capped him once, in a 3-0 win over Spain at Villa Park in February 2001 before he came to Ibrox, but the ex-Evertonian’s form has dipped since an excellent start to the season.

It will be Eriksson’s 72nd match of the season as he continues his preparations for the European Championship in the summer.

He told www.theFA.com: “I am very much looking forward to attending this game.

“I have been to Celtic Park once this season when they played Bayern Munich.

“There was a vibrant atmosphere that night but, from what people tell me, it is going to be a big, big atmosphere on Sunday too.

“Of course I have experienced derbies as a manager myself in Rome but I have to say that I am looking forward to being in the crowd for this one.”

Assistant Tord Grip will be going to the FA Cup quarter-final between Manchester United and Fulham.