GRADI DELIGHTED AT MURPHY CALL-UP

CREWE ALEXANDRA boss Dario Gradi has spoken of his delight at seeing former ace danny Murphy being called into the England set-up.

The Liverpool midfielder, who learnt his trade at Crewe before moving to Anfield in the summer of 1997, received his first call-up to the England squad last Sunday for the crucial World Cup qualifier with Germany.

" I'm delighted for Danny," said Gradi. "He has certainly improved as a player since joining Liverpool, but we tell all our players who move on that they must go on to improving.

"David Platt is a great example of a player who improved and improved until he became one of the best players in the world - but David certainly wasn't the best when he left Crewe.

"Danny is making good progress and seems to be getting on with his improvement as a player, but he has Platt to emulate if he is truly going to make the most of his talents.

Gradi also admitted Crewe would receive a payment if Murphy did play for England, but not until he makes a few appearances and that he was not thinking of the money.

Danny's got a few games to play for England before we get excited about the money. Besides, we are more excited about him playing for England - we can think about the money when we get used to him playing for his country."

Meanwhile, Liverpool defender Djimi Traore is being linked with a loan move to Lens, after The Reds reportedly rejected Blackburn Rovers new £4 million bid for the player.

Rovers are very keen to sign the Frenchman, but Liverpool would like to keep him as he is very highly-rated at Anfield.

Former Liverpool first team coach Patrice Bergues is now in charge at Lens and Liverpool would be willing to let the player go on loan for the season to get regular first team action and keep him on the books at the club.