Anderton still full of hope

Darren Anderton is refusing to rule himself out of England's plans for next summer's European Championship finals.

The 23-year-old Tottenham winger made an impressive start to his international career and looked set to become a central part of Terry Venables' build- up for Euro '96. However, Anderton has not featured for England since the Umbro Cup game against Brazil last summer after suffering a groin injury which has also ruled him out of most of this season.

Anderton is planning a return over the Christmas period and has recently been contacted by the England coach, who underlined he was still in his plans.

"Terry has told me to take my time and make sure I have recovered fully before I start playing again," Anderton said.

"With the European Championships being in England I am desperate to be involved in the squad - and me being injured for the beginning of this season could be a blessing in disguise because I would be fitter and fresher come June."

Anderton has played just four games in six months after having an operation to remove a cyst from his groin muscle - but he has dismissed rumours that a pelvic problem was threatening his career.

"There was a problem with my pelvis being out of line, but a bone scan showed there was no real trouble," he insisted. "My big worry was missing the European Championships, and if the bones had been out of line like some suggested, it would have ruled me out for a year. The worst part is sitting there watching the games.

"I'm doing some gentle running now, and I've just got to build up the strength in my groin. The operation was four weeks ago, and they said it would be six to eight weeks before I could play again, so that means around Boxing Day."

Another international hoping for a festive comeback is Ian Rush, the Liverpool and Wales striker, who has undergone cartilage surgery on his right knee.

Rush has pencilled in Boxing Day for his return to first-team football. "Hopefully I can get some sort of game with the kids next week," he said. "I'd say the latest I will be fit is Boxing Day against Aston Villa."