LFC Tea Time: Finnan still not fit, Torres unhappy with Aragones, Hobbs gets extension, & more

- Steven Finnan will not be available for Steve Staunton and the Irish for their crucial clash with the Czech Republic on Wednesday. Ireland pretty much have to win the match to have any chance of qualifying for next year's European Championship. A loss or draw would be devastating. No word on whether Finney will be available Saturday for Portsmouth, but it would be tremendous if he was.

- Apparently Fernando Torres was visibly upset over being taken out in Spain's Euro-qualifying match with Iceland on Saturday. Spain was down to ten men thanks to Xabi Alonso who received a straight red card for a stamping incident. Torres, who's been a staple on Aragones' side since the 69-year-old took over the squad, did not speak to reporters following the match. Being a Liverpool fan, I could care less whether or not he plays against Latvia on Wednesday, though if it means he'll be fresh for Saturday's match than I'm for leaving him out.

- 19-year-old defender/defensive midfielder Jack Hobbs was awarded a one-year contract extension that will keep him at the club through next season. I haven't really seen much of Hobbs, but what I have has not impressed me. Obviously though, Rafa thinks something of him.

- Jermaine Pennant feels he's playing the best football of his career and will try to continue to improve to better his chances of getting an England call-up. He has shown some flashes of improvement over his play from last year, but I think he was more consistent last season. I think he still needs to put together a solid string of five or six starts before I believe he's having a better season than last.

- Steven Gerrard has declared himself fit for England's match with Russia and has warned against his Three Lions teammates of being complacent. Just don't get injured, Stevie, any think else is a plus.

Today's Banter: Gerrard & the needle debate, Micah Richards' thoughts on that subject, Jimmy Ryan would rather play for Shrewsbury Town, & more

- The big debate in the British papers today seems to be whether or not Steven Gerrard should receive a painkiller injection in his injured toe if it allows him to play for England on Saturday versus Israel at Wembley. It is no secret that Rafa thinks if Stevie-G needs an injection, he is still not fit, and no risk should be taken to further aggravate that injury. Steve McClaren sees no problem in it. The problem is Stevie wants to play, almost at all costs. I understand him wanting to play for his country, wanting to be the hero that helps them qualify for Euro 2008, but with our start in the league and our tendency over the last couple of years to get better as the season progresses, we have the best chance at winning the EPL for the first time in 17 years. McClaren dug this hole himself and I say let him make the sacrifice to get England out of it.

- For some reason, Micah Richards has offered his two cents on the Gerrard-needle debate, saying that he would gladly take the needle to play for his country. Oh the ignorant optimism of youth, it's what keeps the body bag industry in business during time of war. If anyone gives a rat's ass what a 19-year-old with a total of 5 international caps has to say, then you're an idiot. Leave it up to the big boys, son.

- On-loan Jimmy Ryan has revealed that he'd rather stay at Shrewsbury Town than return to Liverpool to fight for a spot. I say give the player his wish because if he'd be happy just to play instead of playing for a top club, he has no place on our squad.

- Finally, Fernando Torres has vowed to bring the title back to Anfield while Jamie Carragher has expressed his desperate desire to bring number 19 to his club before he retires. Maybe Carra can have a sit down with Gerrard.