Soccer digest: Song completes move to West Ham

Cameroon international Rigobert Song completed his £2.5 million sterling move from Liverpool to Premiership rivals West Ham yesterday and insisted he does not want to be compared to the world's most expensive defender, Rio Ferdinand.

Song (24) is likely to fill Ferdinand's role in central defence at Upton Park, but insists he is a different type of player to the centre half who joined Leeds for £18 million on Sunday.

He said: "You can't compare us. I am different from Rio but I will offer the same hard work and desire to improve. I will be bringing my own experience and character to the club."

Modena footballer Francesco Bertolotti, who is still in a coma over a week after a dressing-room assault by a rival player, was declared out of danger yesterday.

A statement released by his hospital said: "The patient is showing signs of constant progress, he has been able to communicate though his elocution is not stable. He's no longer in danger but it's not yet possible to determine the eventual consequences of his injuries."

Bertolotti was punched by Como captain Massimiliano Ferrigno in a post-match incident on November 19th. Ferrigno has been charged with grievous bodily harm and failing to assist a person in distress.

Norwich City have completed the signing of Scotland Under-21 international Alex Notman from Manchester United for £250,000.

The 20-year-old, who became unhappy at Old Trafford because of his lack of first-team opportunities, has signed a three-and-a-half year deal. He said: "I had a big smile on my face when Alex Ferguson told me a deal had been agreed with Norwich."

Boca Juniors brought the Intercontinental Cup back to South America for the first time in six years yesterday after beating Real Madrid 2-1 at the Tokyo National Stadium.

Boca went two up in the first six minutes with a brace from Martin Palermo, after the Argentinian international striker was put clean through by defence-splitting passes.

The Spaniards countered in the 12th minute when Roberto Carlos chested down a cross and toe-poked a left-foot shot into the net.

The Irish Football Association have called for the return of the British Championships, claiming there is a major sponsor already waiting in the wings.

The tournament, comprising Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, was disbanded in 1984, but IFA president Jim Boyce believes it is feasible to relaunch it.

He suggests the matches could be played on a home and away basis on dates marked for international friendlies between the autumn of 2001 and the spring of 2003.

Boyce said: "I've been approached by a major sponsor in relation to the British Championships returning and I know that the TV companies would be interested."