EXCLUSIVE: Nigel Martyn has dealt a major blow to England's Euro 2000 preparations after failing to shake off a persistent knee problem.
Fears are growing that doctors will order the 33-year-old Leeds keeper to spend the summer resting rather than challenging England rival David Seaman for the No.1 jersey in Holland and Belgium.
'Time is running out for Nigel to convince Kevin Keegan that he will be 100 per cent fit,' said an Elland Road insider.
Keegan had intended to take Seaman, Martyn and Ipswich prospect Richard Wright to the Championships, but if the two senior men were to break down, he would be reluctant to blood the 22-year-old in so demanding a situation - which could well open the door for Aston Villa's in-form David James.