Owen Hargreaves has ruled out playing
any part in England's friendly with Spain.
The Bayern Munich midfielder has only recently recovered from a
broken leg he suffered in September.
Hargreaves made his comeback in last Friday's defeat to Nurnberg,
but he will not take any risks with his fitness in Wednesday's
clash with Spain at Old Trafford.
"I won't be taking part in the match," Hargreaves told Bayern
Munich's official website.
"I just want to show my face and take part in one or two training
sessions."
Meanwhile, Hargreaves has jumped to the defence of England boss
Steve McClaren after he came in for criticism from former
Middlesbrough stars Danny Mills and Massimo Maccarone last
week.
Hargreaves believes the former Middlesbrough boss is one of the
best managers he has worked with.
"I think he's one of the best managers I've ever had," Hargreaves
told Radio Five Live.
"The amount of effort he puts into the training sessions, you can
really see that we're extremely well-prepared whenever we go to
games.
"The amount of time we spend on the opponents and on ourselves, the
combinations and tactics - set-pieces - I think is something I've
never experienced under any other manager.
"I think he does a fantastic job."
Hargreaves also believes there will be no problem in the England
camp following Joey Barton's call-up.
It has been suggested Barton's inclusion could cause friction after
his criticism of some players for their World Cup
performances.
But Hargreaves insists Manchester City ace Barton will be welcomed
into the fold.
"I think everything is forgotten when you go on the pitch," noted
Hargreaves.
"We're a team and everybody wants to do well.
"It should be a great moment for him. Hopefully, he can adapt to
the squad and prove a player to help us in the
future."
Oh man, he will be out of action sia..
