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Football: Murphy in the mire

PAUL BROWN

DANNY MURPHY reckons signing for Charlton has wrecked his England career.

The former Liverpool midfielder's EUR4million summer transfer to The Valley quickly turned into a nightmare when Addicks fans started booing him.

And Murphy, who has not played for his country in almost a year, reckons his chances of a recall have nosedived with his form.

He said: "I played at Liverpool at the top level for such a long time and England came with that.

"But I'm a realist. Unless I was playing above expectations at Charlton, I don't think I'd get back in. I haven't reached the peaks I can."

Murphy last played for England in a 3-2 friendly defeat to Denmark last November, but it has all been downhill since then.

Back at Anfield, Liverpool striker Neil Mellor admits he is not doing enough to force his way into Rafa Benitez's plans.

The 21-year-old made six appearances for the Reds two seasons ago, and scored a goal in the League Cup defeat of Sheffield United.

But he endured a troubled loan spell at West Ham last season and saw his early hopes this term ruined by injury to his knees.

He said: "The manager has been fairly positive but I haven't played well this season.

"Whether it's my knees or what I don't know, but I have to improve if I want to get a chance."