Kevin Keegan yesterday refused to let the David Beckham controversy overshadow his preparations for the visit of Argentina and insisted the midfielder will take centre-stage for England at Wembley tomorrow.

The England coach admits he has been "saddened" by events over the last few days following Beckham's controversial axing from the Manchester United side at Leeds. Furthermore, Keegan has had no hesitation in giving Beckham the added challenge of the central playmaker's role.

"I would not be giving him that sort of responsibility on Wednesday night if I thought he couldn't do it. It'll be the sort of challenge that he'll relish and I think a lot of people underestimate him because they don't know him."

Keegan has nevertheless taken Beckham to one side since he joined up with the England squad fresh from his bust-up with Alex Ferguson for not attending training last Friday, apparently because his baby Brooklyn was ill.

"I've talked with Alex and David about it. Those conversations will remain private. It's a Manchester United thing," said Keegan.

Chelsea's AWOL star Celestine Babayaro has been prevented from returning to his club by rioting in the northern Nigerian city of Kaduna, according to the player's guardian.

The London club yesterday confirmed they plan to contact FIFA after the left-back failed to return following the African Nations Cup.

Former manager Tommy Burns is reportedly poised for a return to Celtic in a coaching capacity later this week.

Burns, who managed Celtic between 1994-7 before departing by mutual consent, is understood not to be a contender for the head coach's role.

Sammy McIlroy achieved his first victory as Northern Ireland boss when he persuaded British Airways to reinstate the team's flight to Luxembourg yesterday.

The airline initially cancelled the squad's scheduled flight from Heathrow, however an irate McIlroy was having none of it and he demanded that BA find the Irish another plane.