Real ace McManaman blasts "unprofessional" Grip

Real Madrid midfielder Steve McManaman has hit back at Tord Grip over claims he is finished as an England player.

Grip, England manager Sven Goran Eriksson's assistant, said last week: "We also don't see him very often, which makes it even harder for him. I don't see him being in any of the upcoming squads."

But McManaman hit back yesterday, telling the News of the World, "This is very disappointing. It is unprofessional on his part.

"When I have been asked about England I have always been diplomatic and positive."

He added: "There's never been a call from Sven to explain the situation.

"It was 11am one day last May and I was out training. When I got back I had a message on my answering service.

"It was Sven telling me 'I'm about to announce my World Cup squad and you're out.' That was all he's said to me over the past 15 months.

"I didn't expect to go to Japan because I hadn't been picked for six months."