FINNAN'S WAIT GOES ON

LIVERPOOL new boy Steve Finnan has been ruled out of the Far East tour of Bangkok and Hong Kong.

Gerard Houllier has decided it's better for the £4m signing (left) to stay on Merseyside to recover from the hernia surgery he underwent during the summer.

Finnan will also be missing from tomorrow's second pre-season friendly against Crewe, although French duo Anthony Le Tallec and Florent Sinama Pongolle are in line to make their Liverpool debuts.

Irish international Finnan will instead be targeting the four team Amsterdam tournament which starts on August 1 for his first appearance for his new club.

"Steve will probably be the only senior player who won't join us on the tour," manager Houllier confirmed.

"He underwent the same operation which Steven Gerrard had last season. Because he won't be able to play, I think it's better for him not to travel. It will help his recovery to have treat-ment here instead."