Soccer Shorts

A round-up of today's soccer news in brief

O'Brien turns his back on Ireland

MOTHERWELL winger Jim O’Brien has confirmed he is switching his international allegiance back to Scotland from the Republic of Ireland.

The 22-year-old recently revealed he was considering the change and has now opted to make himself available to Craig Levein, who he played under while on loan at Dundee United two years ago.

Vale of Leven-born O’Brien, who played for Scotland under-17 before representing Ireland at under-19 and under-21 level, said: “It’s something I looked into and had a long think about.

“I have decided to make myself available for selection for Scotland in future.

“A chance came up to play for Ireland and I wanted to do that for my grandfather. But your situation changes and with Craig getting the job, I wanted to work with him again.”

O’Brien, who is out of contract at Fir Park this summer and has been linked with a move to Aberdeen and Rangers, added: “I grew up watching Craig Brown take Scotland to the World Cup finals and if the chance comes along to win Scotland caps it would be great.”

Murphy staying on at Scunthorpe

GOALKEEPER Joe Murphy will stay with Scunthorpe next season after their English League Championship status was confirmed.

The 28-year-old penned a new one-year contract at Glanford Park last summer with a 12-month option to extend his deal should they avoid relegation – which was confirmed thanks to Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at home to Reading.

In four seasons with the club, the Dublin-born Republic of Ireland international has helped Scunthorpe win the League One title in 2007 and win promotion two years later via the play-offs.

Murphy has again played a pivotal part in the club’s survival this season and has made 194 appearances in all competitions since signing from West Brom in 2006.

Coppel to take up reins at Bristol City

BRISTOL City have confirmed the appointment of Steve Coppell as their manager on a 12-month rolling contract.

The 54-year-old former England international has been out of work since resigning from his post at Reading last summer.

Coppell will replace Gary Johnson, who left Ashton Gate last month after five years in charge.

Keith Millen, who himself had been in the running for the post, will stay in charge for the last two games of the season.

REALMadrid veteran Raul (32) is not planning to retire at the end of the season although he has hinted he could leave the Spanish giants.

Raul signed a life contract in 2008 which sees his deal automatically renewed should he play at least 30 games a season.

“I’m not going to retire at the moment,” he said. “I hope to see out the next year of my contract.

“(But) we’ll see what happens at the end of the season.

“I want to continue playing football.”

N'Zogbia taken in by police

WIGAN winger Charles N’Zogbia has been arrested on suspicion of getting someone else to sit part of his driving test.

N’Zogbia (23)was arrested yesterday at a driving test centre on suspicion of fraud by false representation after turning up to do the practical part of his examination.

It is understood officials called police after suspecting he had got someone else to take the theory section of his test.

Ronaldo backs boss Pellingrini

CRISTIANO Ronaldo has come out in support of coach Manuel Pellegrini and hopes he remains in charge of Real Madrid for several more seasons.

Pellegrini has come under fire from several quarters, despite Madrid lying second in the Primera Division and ready to pounce should Barcelona slip up.

Reports suggest club president Florentino Perez is lining up Jose Mourinho to replace Pellegrini in the summer, with Madrid likely to end another season empty-handed despite last summer’s spending spree of €250 million.

England coach and former Madrid boss Fabio Capello has also been touted as a possible target but Ronaldo is adamant he wants Pellegrini to stay.

“I’m going to be honest. I like people who have a winning mentality,” he said. “And with that I’m not referring to Mourinho or another coach.

“I am very happy with Pellegrini. He’s doing very well and helping us a lot.”

Moyes dismisses rumours of replacing Ferguson

DAVID Moyes has dismissed suggestions he could be about to step into Alex Ferguson shoes and become Manchester United manager. Even though United have a chance of a fourth successive title, there is speculation Ferguson may not be far off retirement.

A number of names have been mentioned as the Scot’s successor, with Inter Milan’s Jose Mourinho apparently the favourite.

Moyes is also seen to be in the frame after eight successful years at Everton, who are again pushing for a place in Europe.

However, he was keen to distance himself from the gossip, saying: “It was Mark Hughes, Steve Bruce and Roy Keane being mentioned not long ago.

“When my players are linked with clubs it annoys me. So I don’t want to go into any of it. But as far as I’m concerned this is a load of nonsense. What I will say is I think it will be a terrible day when Sir Alex does finish. He is someone all the football managers look up to, they all respect him.”

Del Piero not going to US for good

JUVENTUS captain Alessandro Del Piero will see out his contract until the end of next season, ending media speculation he would quit in May to play in Major League Soccer.

“Yes, it’s true. This summer I’m going to America. On holiday. Then however, I will definitely come back,” the 35-year-old forward wrote on his official website yesterday.

Juventus are seventh in the Serie A title race after one of their worst seasons in the top flight while Del Piero has struggled with his form and fitness, meaning an Italy comeback at June’s World Cup in South Africa looks highly unlikely.