SOCCER/International digest: SCOTLAND The Scottish FA have refused to be drawn on reports claiming Walter Smith would begin discussions over the Scotland managerial vacancy after tomorrow's friendly against Sweden.
The former Rangers and Everton boss has been strongly tipped to succeed Berti Vogts, who resigned two weeks ago.
Former Celtic manager Tommy Burns, who was assistant to Vogts, will take charge for game at Easter Road. But the SFA were making "no comment" on reports Smith could soon be taking over.
Meanwhile, Burns is likely to delay any decision on the fitness of Blackburn's Barry Ferguson, who has a shin injury, until tomorrow.
Sheffield United midfielder Andy Gray (tendinitis) is also on the doubtful list, while Wolves midfielder Colin Cameron (pelvis) Steven Thompson (ankle) will miss the match. Other call-offs include Everton's Gary Naysmith and Paul Dickov of Blackburn.
FRANCE: Robert Pires has apologised to France team sponsor Adidas for wearing a logo of a rival sports brand company but refused to say sorry for criticising national coach Raymond Domenech.
Pires was summoned by the French Football Federation to explain why he appeared in a sweater with a Puma logo during a television show on October 10th when he was with the national team rather than his club, Arsenal.
"I apologised," said Pires yesterday. Last month Pires blamed Domenech for creating a "tense atmosphere" in the squad and for treating players like "schoolboys".
"I came here to review the sponsor's problem and nothing else," Pires said. Domenech omitted Pires from the squad for the friendly against Poland in Paris tomorrow saying it was for "sporting reasons" and not because of the outburst.
Goalkeeper Fabien Barthez has pulled out because of a knee injury.
GERMANY: Goalkeeping coach Andreas Koepke has held talks with Oliver Kahn, Jens Lehmann and Timo Hildebrand in a bid to end the war of words over which of them should wear the number one jersey.
Koepke called the meeting, which took place in Leipzig before tomorrow's friendly against Cameroon, "an exchange of ideas".
"It was a very positive exchange of views and everything was discussed how the weeks and months ahead will unfold."
The position of Germany goalkeeper has provoked fierce controversy. Bayern Munich goalkeeper Kahn was demoted when Juergen Klinsmann replaced Rudi Voeller as coach in July.
Klinsmann said Arsenal goalkeeper Lehmann would have an equal shot at the job.
Bayern managers have blamed the rivalry between Kahn and Lehmann for errors Kahn made in recent matches.
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