Paolo Di Canio, Sheffield Wednesday's Italian striker, banned for 11 games after his infamous shove on the referee Paul Alcock, returned to training yesterday with his manager Danny Wilson promising the club will "close ranks" to protect him.

Wilson believes Di Canio will need to be wrapped in cotton wool during the final month of his suspension when the player is certain to become the centre of attention in the build-up to his comeback on St Stephen's Day. The club may even avoid behind-closed-doors friendlies to ensure Di Canio does not become the target of "boo-boys".

Wilson fears Di Canio could be singled out in such matches, so the manager may hand-pick opponents to ensure nothing and no one inflames the Italian's temper. He said: "We have to put what happened behind us, and Paolo more than anybody wants that to happen. He was given a good reception by everyone. He's come back into the fold and what we will do is close ranks around him and help him out as much as possible."

Portsmouth have been forced to turn to the Professional Footballers' Association for a loan to pay their wages this month, it emerged last night. The First Division club announced in their last published accounts debts of £3.5 million.