Smicer on track for Portugal

Czech star Vladimir Smicer has not been ruled out of Euro 2004 as first feared following his latest injury blow.

The midfielder suffered a knee injury during Sunday's 2-0 win over Middlesbrough at Anfield, and it was thought his season could be over, which would have put his participation in the Portugal finals in doubt.

But Smicer, who has only just returned to the Liverpool side following a lengthy spell out with an Achilles problem, has only so far been ruled out of Saturday's crunch trip to Birmingham.

A club spokesman said: "Vladimir will not be fit to play at Birmingham, but we will have to wait and see how he responds to treatment next week before making any further decisions."

Smicer could well have recovered for the last game of the season at home to Newcastle, and even if he is not, there are six weeks to go before the Czech's start their programme in the European Championships.

Liverpool also expect to have defender Stephane Henchoz fit for the Birmingham game, the Swiss star suffering a groin injury that forced him off at half time against Boro'.

Meanwhile, the club have denied they have had any contact with Leeds over Alan Smith's future, or that chief executive Rick Parry has had informal discussions with the players' agent.