WHILE crawling round my home with a bout of sciatica, something to be avoided if at all possible, my eye was caught by the Confederations Cup.

In particular by Benny Feilhaber, who was a member of the United States squad that reached the final and at one stage were 2-0 up against Brazil.

Although lacking the magic of their great sides, Brazil found enough to win the trophy but the United States deserve to be taken seriously.

Feilhaber was good enough to start the final but, in an unproductive spell with Derby County, was a substitute in nine of his 10 appearances.

It was, therefore, hard to come to firm conclusions. In glimpses, the midfield player was tidy and able to pass to somebody in the same coloured shirt.

He appeared to be worth more of a chance but the Rams were eager to move him on to Denmark.

Feilhaber was signed from Hamburg, so was not a novice. Presumably, he was watched by scouts and recommended but it was a period at Derby when some players were not even given the opportunity to fail.

Robert Earnshaw springs to mind, as does Liam Dickinson. They cost significant fees but were never allowed to settle.

It is one thing to sign Ben Pringle from Ilkeston Town. If he makes it through to the Championship, great. If he is not quite good enough, no harm is done.

But to lob out fees for players who promptly disappear calls into question the judgement of scouts and managers. There is not that amount of money to waste at Pride Park.