Hiddink staying put

Soccer Shorts: Guus Hiddink has dismissed reports he will replace Jose Mourinho as Chelsea manager in the summer.

Speculation continues to suggest that Mourinho will be forced out of Stamford Bridge after falling out with the club's owner Roman Abramovich.

Russia coach Hiddink said, however: "It's not an issue, I work with a lot of satisfaction where I am now. I still have a year on my contract with Russia. I hope we will qualify for Euro 2008 and that I can go on with Russia."

Brazil are sole bidder

Brazil have been officially named as the only bidder to stage the 2014 World Cup after handing over a bidding agreement form to Fifa yesterday.

The Brazilians were left with no competition on Wednesday when the Colombian Football Federation sent a letter to Fifa withdrawing its bid.

Until that point Colombia and Brazil had been the only candidates to stage the tournament, with the 2014 event due to be held in South America under a rotation system introduced by Fifa.

Despite its apparent involvement in a one-horse race, Brazil has been told by Fifa that it must still meet the necessary technical requirements and provide sufficient government guarantees.

More help for Maradona

Argentina great Diego Maradona returned to hospital with abdominal pains yesterday, two days after being released from two weeks of treatment for alcohol abuse and liver problems.

The 46-year-old was not in danger but may have a recurrence of hepatitis according to his doctor, Dr Alfredo Cahe.

Bruce concedes to Keane

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce is targeting Derby in the battle for automatic promotion after conceding Sunderland are virtually guaranteed a place in the Premiership.

"Easter could not have been a worst scenario for us. The one thing for sure is that Derby will drop points," said Bruce. "I am convinced Sunderland have virtually done it in terms of promotion. I know that Roy Keane won't say that but it looks very likely with the roll they are on."

Sunderland play struggling Queens Park Rangers at the Stadium of Light this afternoon

Revolution recruit Byrne

Irish midfielder Bryan Byrne yesterday officially joined the New England Revolution on undisclosed terms, pending receipt of a work visa.

Kildare-born Byrne (24) will hold one of the four international squad spots in the side who are coached by former Liverpool full back Steve Nicol.

As a college player with UC Santa Barbara, Byrne twice won the NCAA College Cup and the 2006 NCAA championship. He previously played for Kildare County in the League of Ireland.

In brief . . .

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann(37) expects to make a decision on his future at the club within the next week . . . Aston Villa striker Chris Sutton(33) will decide whether to quit football within the next 10 days after seeking a second opinion regarding his damaged eye. Sutton also had spells with Norwich, Blackburn, Chelsea and Celtic.