A Rod: An attractively painted length of fiberglass that keeps an angler from ever getting too close to a fish.

We have a great sense of togetherness. It is our team spirit that has taken us to this World Cup.

I know it will take a little time to adapt to a different team and a different league.

I had expected to be playing in the reserves and, all going well, that I might get a chance in the first team towards the end of the season. But it has all happened much faster than I could ever have thought.

I'm not saying it wouldn't have happened if I'd come to Anfield then (1997), but I always held out hope that I'd come back and this is a real dream come true for me.

Qualifying for the second stage would be a successful World Cup for us. I think we can do it.

A lot of players might be tired, but I feel nice and sharp.