The IFA aim to appoint the new Northern Ireland manager before Christmas.

The organisation has drawn up a shortlist to succeed Lawrie McMenemy, who resigned last month, and president Jim Boyce expects the new man to be in charge before the end of the year.

Northern Ireland's next match is likely to be an away friendly on February 23rd.

After the failure of McMenemy, who was the first non-Ulsterman to manage Northern Ireland, the IFA will look closer to home and former international and current Macclesfield boss Sammy McIlroy is one of the hot favourites.

Beleaguered Real Madrid coach John Toshack has been handed a $6,000 fine by the club's board for criticising his side's goalkeeper. At the end of the match with Primera Liga leaders Rayo Vallecano, won 3-2 by Real, Welshman Toshack said Real had "a problem in goal" and, the press claims, he fiercely criticised Argentinean goalkeeper Albano Bizarri, who is standing in for the injured Bodo Illgner.

Nottingham Forest yesterday signed Derby County's Danish striker Mikkel Beck on loan for two months.

The 26-year-old is expected to make his Forest debut in Sunday's televised clash with Huddersfield at the City Ground.

Croatian team captain Zvonimir Boban announced yesterday that he will retire from the national side following Saturday's friendly against France.

The 31-year-old midfielder, who plays with Italian Serie A side AC Milan, told a press conference that the principal reason behind his decision was a recurring back problem.

Spartak officials have reached agreement with Moscow side Dynamo to play their home UEFA Cup third round, first leg tie against English Premiership side Leeds United at Dynamo stadium where the pitch is in better condition.