International stars report back for training

Graham Kavanagh

Kavanagh replaced Roy Keane for the Irish in their game with the Chinese. They won the game 1-0 and Kavanagh almost got on the scorseheet, but for a good save from the goalkeeper.

He told the club's official website: "I don't think we played overly well tonight which is disappointing, but we did win the game and that's obviously a good thing. They came here and made it hard for us and I think that we were perhaps a little bit tired physically and mentally after the trip to Israel and the upset at conceding a last minute equaliser over there. However, we managed to grind out a win and at least that has given the fans something to cheer about.

"Clinton came on and scored a really good goal which was very pleasing and to be honest I probably should have scored myself too. Unfortunately my shot was hit too straight and the 'keeper was able to turn it over the bar. It would have been nice to score but it was not to be and I'm not going to worry too much about that."

Probably the happiest of the returning players will be Le McCulloch.

He was given a starting role on the left of midfield by new Scotland boss Walter Smith.

Unfortunately the Scots lost 2-0 to the Italians in the San Siro but McCulloch was pleased with the game and told the club's official site: "It was a great experience for me and I really enjoyed it even though it was disappointing to lose. It's a great honour to play for your country and I couldn't believe it when Walter Smith announced the team on the Tuesday and I was in it. I didn't tell anyone until he told the press that I was in on Thursday and though I had been nervous before, that is when it really hit home.

"It was a big game for us and I felt that we did pretty well against one of the biggest names in world football. The game was live back home and all my family were tuned in so it was great to do OK and make them proud. The atmosphere was brilliant and even though the San Siro was only two thirds full, it was still a magnificent place to play for your country.

Lee McCulloch

"The game went quite well for us and though we defended for most of the game, they only beat us by two free kick goals in the end which can't be too bad. The manager was certainly chuffed with us and that was good seeing as though it was his first game in charge. He has got us more organised than before I think and the time away with the squad was enjoyable because we have a good set of lads.

"What was also good was the fact that Ally McCoist is on the coaching staff now and he is one of my all time heroes. I was able to talk to him about the game and stuff like that and he is the sort of person that you can learn loads of things off. All the coaching staff are good with Scotland though and I've had a really enjoyable time away.

"What I'm going to do now is focus back on my club form and try to contribute to getting this club into the Premiership. If I can do that then the international honours should look after themselves, and hopefully they will because, after the experience I've just had, I'd love to add more caps to the two that I have now got."

Leighton Baines meanwhile did not play for the English under 21's. Baines has played in most of the Wigan games this season and was in need of a rest.

Jewell told the club's official site: "'Bainesy' has had a slight knee problem and, having missed the game against Germany, Peter Taylor said he would not take any risks with him on Tuesday. It's nothing serious but I spoke to Peter and he said that if there was any doubt at all, he would leave him out. Peter knows the situation we're in here as Hull are in a similar one in their League, so he has been really fair to us.

"I appreciate that and that he has a difficult job to do, but I think he has balanced the needs of club and country very well in this case. I'm really grateful that he decided not to take any risks with one of our young players if he didn't feel that there was really any need to."