Villa are sixth, five points behind the leading pair after four matches but have won both home games.

The midfielder told some of his France team mates after their World Cup qualifier on the Faroe Islands that he was quitting international football.

An ankle injury will keep the veteran goalkeeper out of the matches against Israel and the Faroe Islands.

Striker David Trezeguet and midfielder Alou Diarra have pulled out of France's World Cup qualifiers next month because of injury.

The duo return to the squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers against Israel and the Faroe Islands.

The Irish are preparing for the European qualifying tournament for the 2006 World Cup finals.

India have been drawn in along with Japan, Oman and Singapore in the Asian qualifying group for the 2006 World Cup football finals.\n\n

Germany beat the Faroe Islands 2-0 with two desperately late goals while Spain drew with N. Ireland in the Euro 2004 qualifiers.

The ace midfielder has been in Germany's squad for the Euro 2004 qualifier against Scotland.