Republic of Ireland full-back Stephen Carr has declared himself fit and ready for Sunday's vital FA Cup semi-final between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. The Dublin-born footballer has not started for Spurs since December because of a troublesome groin injury but has put himself into contention for Sunday's clash and is hoping new boss Glenn Hoddle will seriously consider giving him a spot in the starting eleven.
"Any derby is always frantic. This one will be no different but I think adrenaline will get me through. I'm fit to start, if selected. I had a goal that I would try to get fit for this match. I had the operation five weeks ago and knew I would have time to recover. It's gone quite well over the past week and I feel really good," he explained.
Meanwhile, Spurs could be without influential captain Sol Campbell as the centre-back picked up an ankle injury while on international duty with England a fortnight ago. A decision on his fitness will be left until the last minute. However, star striker Sergei Rebrov has recovered from the knock he picked up while playing for the Ukraine recently. Also likely to return to the Spurs squad after missing the 2-0 Premiership defeat at Arsenal last weekend are Ledley King, Stephen Clemence, Tim Sherwood and Oyvind Leonhardsen.
Arsenal are without injured striker Dennis Bergkamp but have an idea replacement in Sylvain Wiltord who has scored in every round of the FA Cup so far this season. However, Kanu could also take the place of the injured Dutch international. Gilles Grimandi will miss the clash in Old Trafford as he is suspended.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
