WHILE impressed with Gifton Noel-Williams' display against Bradford, Luca Vialli hesitated when asked if the player would have been selected had the squad been fully fit.

"That is a difficult question," he admitted. "He hasn't had that many chances to show how well he can play but he took the chance very well. I keep saying to players, especially the players who are not starting matches, they have to work hard in training to keep their fitness levels up so when their chance comes they have to be ready to take it.

"Sincerely, Gifton has been training very well, and he knows there is always a chance for him to be involved, if not from the beginning, then later on in the match."

*Filippo Galli (hamstring) is still undergoing treatment, but hopes to be back running by the end of the week.

*Nick Wright is training with the squad a couple of days a week, and Nigel Gibbs will be running and undertaking ball work.

*Paolo Vernazza is off crutches and is improving, but remains on schedule for a return in three to four weeks.

*Lee Cook is running as he recovers from a knee ligament injury.

*Allan Nielsen is still continuing treatment.

October 13, 2001 0:28