Finnan's goal versus Cyprus (video)

It's about 50 seconds into this analysis clip of Ireland's woeful 1-1 result versus Cyprus. He now has twice as many goals for his country than his club with two.

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.

LFC Tea Time: Torres Injured, Gerrard trains, Finnan ruled out, Fagan denies stamping & Benayoun praises Stevie-G

- A pretty busy day for knocks and minor bruises on the Liverpool scene, speaking of which, Fernando Torres apparently slightly injured himself in training with Spain today on a challenge from David Abelda. It doesn't appear to be serious, but the 23-year-old striker said that it began to hurt more and more as the day wore on. He is still expected to play for his country in their upcoming Euro-qualifiers against Iceland and Latvia.

- Steven Gerrard participated more in training today for England as they prepare for their Euro-qualifiers against Israel and Russia. Apparently Stevie-G told McClaren that he would be fit for the first match against Israel at Wembley on Saturday. No word on whether he will receive an injection or not.

- With Finnan yet to show at Ireland's training in Malahide, Irish boss Steve Staunton has concluded that the right-back will not be available for his side's upcoming Euro-qualifiers against Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Finnan remained in Liverpool for treatment and assessment from club physicians.

- 25-year-old Derby County striker Craig Fagan has denied charges from the FA that he intentionally stamped on Alvaro Arbeloa's calf in last Saturday's match. He has appealed the decision and the case will now be heard by a regulatory commission tomorrow. Like I've said before, he may have not done it with the appearance of malice, but it looks very intentional.

- Yossi Benayoun has named Steven Gerrard as the best midfielder in the world and believes the Liverpool skipper will do all he can to play for England on Saturday. Not a bad compliment from a guy who has played multiple seasons in La Liga and now the Premiership. I have a feeling he just wants Gerrard to play, hoping he'll re-aggravate his injury, and bettering Benayoun's chances to get pitch time with the club. Just kidding. Cheers.