Soccer shorts

Sbragia backed for the long haul

SUNDERLAND chairman Niall Quinn has predicted manager Ricky Sbragia will remain in charge at the Stadium of Light beyond his current 18-month contract.

“Ricky has signed a kind of halfway house contract, 18 months, to give him a feel of it, for both sides to be happy with where we are going,” said Quinn.

“But I would envisage him being here a lot longer.”

Newcastle to continue with Hughton and Calderwood

NEWCASTLE will not appoint another manager as Joe Kinnear recovers from heart surgery.

Managing director Derek Llambias has dismissed suggestions that the Magpies will look to draft in a replacement – Wigan’s Steve Bruce has been touted as a long-term replacement, while a series of candidates have been suggested as possible stop-gap custodians – and will instead leave the club’s fate in the hands of coaches Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood.

The two men have been in charge since 62-year-old Kinnear was admitted to hospital on the morning of the Premier League trip to West Brom on February 7th.

Victory there, and a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Everton on Sunday despite Kevin Nolan’s 43rd-minute dismissal, have confirmed the faith the regime at St James’ Park have invested in them, and they will continue to lead the fight for top-flight survival.

Llambias said: “Chris has done a good job. He is full of confidence. Colin is in there helping us and Joe is still in the background. We are happy with that situation, and that will take us through until the end of the season.”

Kinnear has been told he will need around eight weeks rest before he can consider returning to work.

Woodgate fit to face United

TOTTENHAM defender Jonathan Woodgate has declared himself fit for Wembley this weekend and believes his side are poised to upset the odds and defeat Manchester United in the League Cup.

Woodgate, who scored the winner in the final against Chelsea last year, needed stitches in a head wound against Hull on Monday night but has insisted his injury is “okay”.

His focus is now on facing United and winning back-to-back trophies. “On our day, we can beat anyone,” he said. “We have proved that in the past.”

Milan deny Arab 'investment' claim

AC Milan insist talk of the Abu Dhabi United Group investing €500 million for a 40 per cent share in the club is “unfounded”. Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera yesterday claimed Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan, controller of ADUG, was keen to secure a stake in the Serie A outfit. But a Milan statement later read: “In relation to what was published this morning by Corriere della Sera concerning a possible sale of club stocks, Fininvest and AC Milan communicate that the news is unfounded.”

David Beckham has hinted transfer negotiations between AC Milan and Los Angeles Galaxy are making progress. The 33-year-old is due to return to the Galaxy on March 9th following a short-term spell in Italy, but has repeatedly expressed his desire to extend the deal.

The MLS club, who signed Beckham from Real Madrid in 2007, have reportedly turned down an offer from Milan and talks are thought to have stalled. However, Beckham told Milan’s website: I have not heard from Galaxy, but from what has been said, I gather there could be good news.”

Rovers' first game live on TV

SHAMROCK Rovers’ first ever league game at their new home in Tallaght has been brought forward by 24 hours to Friday, March 13th after RTÉ2 confirmed that it will be broadcasting the match live, writes Emmet Malone.

The station kicks off the new season with the visit of defending champions Bohemians to newly promoted Dundalk, the first of 13 live league and cup games it will broadcast during the coming season.

Highlights programme, MNS, will return in its 8pm slot on March 8th.