Soccer Digest

A round-up of today's other stories in brief...

Club's agree to €65m handout

STRUGGLING clubs in Italy's second division agreed to a €65 million handout from Serie A yesterday after fears they would call a strike if they did not receive the money they needed.

Serie B sides had asked for more than €65 million but have agreed to the figure rather than causing a bigger dispute with the top flight clubs, some of whom favour a one-division Super League which would leave the second tier more exposed.

"It's averted a problem with the championship but with this money there will be clubs that won't make it to Christmas," Aldo Spinelli, president of Serie B side Livorno, said. Serie B clubs are struggling financially because of the world economic crisis, falling attendances and the lack of a television deal last season.

Van Persie struggling

NETHERLANDS striker Robin van Persie will miss Saturday's World Cup Group nine qualifier at home to Iceland because he has not fully recovered from a hamstring injury, the Dutch Football Association said yesterday. Van Persie has left the team's training camp but could still return for the away trip to Norway on October 15th. Jan Kromkamp was added to the squad as John Heitinga is still bothered by his knee which he twisted against Macedonia.

McCarthy to stay with Ireland 

HAMILTON Academicals midfielder James McCarthy confirmed last night that attempts have been made in recent weeks to persuade him to switch his international allegiance but, in a statement issued through his club, he insisted it is his intention to continue playing for the Republic of Ireland.

The 17-year-old, who has attracted the attention of many leading English clubs as well as several in Europe says that he has been "flattered" by the interest of George Burley but that having represented the Republic at four age levels up to and including under-21 level he is entirely happy to be playing for Ireland.

"James feels he would be letting too many people down by switching from the Irish at this stage," said the club in the statement. On Monday, Giovanni Trapattoni suggested that he will discuss McCarthy's future with the teenager over the coming week and strongly hinted he will cap him at senior level for the first time against Poland in November.

Wigan hope to hold on to players as United hover

WIGAN Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has claimed Manchester United are keeping an eye on midfielder Antonio Valencia.

Valencia joined the Latics on a permanent basis in January after spending time on loan at the club from Villarreal.

The Ecuador international has enjoyed an impressive start to the new season, netting twice in seven league starts.

And Whelan has suggested that Premier League champions United have been monitoring the 23-year-old's displays.

"We've got some fantastic young players here and we're going to get some clubs chasing them. That's football. If you're a professional footballer you want to win things, I understand that. We will keep them as long as we can."

Meanwhile, manager Steve Bruce has also rubbished reports claiming a deal has been agreed for Wilson Palacios to join Manchester United.

Ireland stay 38th in Fifa rankings

THE Republic of Ireland remain in 38th place in the latest edition of the Fifa world rankings after they got their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a solid start with a win over Georgia and an away draw with Montenegro.

England have moved up one place to 14th after their wins over Croatia and Andorra. Scotland started their qualifying campaign with a 1-0 loss away to Macedonia and have dropped 10 places to 26th as a result.

Northern Ireland drop three places to 35th while Wales are in 61st after dropping eight places.

European Championship winners Spain increased their lead over second-placed Italy at the top of the rankings while Croatia dropped one place to sixth after their defeat to England.

Brazil have regained their place in the top five by moving up two places from sixth to fourth.

England's upcoming World Cup qualifying opponents, Kazakhstan and Belarus, are ranked 131st and 59th respectively.

Doyle named player of the month

READING striker Kevin Doyle has been named the English Championship player of the month for September. He scored five goals in as many league games beginning his scoring run with a second hat-trick of the season in the 6-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday.

The 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international is the top scorer in the division with eight goals. Also shortlisted were Joey Gudjonsson of Burnley, Martin Albrechtsen of Derby County and Wolves' Michael Kightly.

PLYMOUTH have allowed young left-back Damien McCrory to join League Two strugglers Port Vale on a one-month loan.

The Republic of Ireland Under-18 international signed his first professional contract with the Pilgrims in July but has yet to make his first-team debut.

New Port Vale boss Dean Glover will appoint an assistant manager from outside the club.

Current Vale coaches Andy Porter and Mark Grew will continue to work with the youth set-up.