FA plans hit snag

Soccer Shorts: The English Football Association may have to change their original plans if they really want Luiz Felipe Scolari as the next England manager. The FA have always insisted they want to unveil the new manager before England go to Germany for the tournament.

But Portuguese football chief Gilberto Madail says Scolari has a "gentleman's agreement" and he does not expect the Brazilian to break it by committing himself to England before the World Cup.

Madail insists Scolari will not make a call on his future until his contract runs out in July. Madail said: "I do not believe the reports running in the British press. We have got a gentleman's agreement and it will not be broken. I've got his word and that's it. But he is a professional like any other."

Fowler left in limbo

Rafael Benitez admits he has made up his mind about whether Robbie Fowler will remain at Anfield. But the Liverpool manager is keeping his thoughts to himself and the supporters guessing.

Fowler (31) has found his scoring touch since arriving back at his beloved Anfield in January on a short-term contract.

His stock has risen and Benitez said: "If he can keep scoring it will be easier for me.

"We cannot expect to see the best of him now. Perhaps in pre-season we will see him progress but we need to decide on his future first."

Fitness fears for Cahill

Australia midfielder Tim Cahill's faces a battle to be fit for the start of the World Cup finals after a scan confirmed that a knee injury will sideline him for six weeks, his club Everton said yesterday.

Cahill (26) suffered ligament damage to his left knee after colliding with Birmingham City's Damien Johnson in Saturday's Premier League game.

Fans salute Doyle

Reading's Kevin Doyle has claimed the PFA Fans' Player of the Year award in the English Championship following an impressive first season playing in England.

The striker, who was also rewarded with his first cap for the Republic of Ireland against Sweden, has netted 18 league goals since his transfer from Cork City last summer as the Steve Coppell-managed side have run away with the title.

Reflecting on a memorable debut campaign the 22-year-old, recently voted the FAI Under-21 Player of the Year said: "I could never have dreamed all this happening to me a few months ago. The season has gone 100 times better than I had expected.

"If next season goes just 10 per cent as well as this one, I will be happy. Now we want to survive in the Premiership. It can be done. Finishing above the bottom three will be a success. But who knows, we could even get into Europe."

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney scooped the PFA Fans' Premiership Player of the Year award.

Young set for return

Luke Young is set to return to action for Charlton against Manchester United on the final day of the Premiership season - just in time to prove his fitness for the England World Cup squad.

Young is continuing his rehabilitation from the ankle injury suffered at the start of April. If all goes well, the 26-year-old right back is expected to feature at Old Trafford, a match which comes 24 hours before England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson names his provisional 27-man party for Germany.

Pires opens talks

Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires has confirmed he is weighing up a move to Villarreal. Pires, who played a part in the Gunners' victory over the Spanish club in the Champions League, admitted talks have taken place between his agent and Villarreal.

The 32-year-old's contract at Arsenal expires in the summer and he has previously claimed he has been offered a two-year deal by the Spaniards. The north London club have only offered him a one-year deal.

"It's true that there have been contacts between Villarreal and my agent," the Frenchman said. "I haven't made a decision yet. it's a difficult decision to make. I will have to decide soon."

In brief . . .

Charlton's on-loan defender Jonathan Spector (20) has returned to Manchester United for surgery on his dislocated shoulder . . . The agent of Rodolph Douala, who was a target for Middlesbrough last summer, claims the Sporting Lisbon star is likely to move to England this summer.