Soccer Digest

A round-up of today's soccer news

IFA want Healy award

The Irish Football Association are calling for David Healy to be rewarded by Uefa for breaking Davor Suker's 12-year record in a European Championship qualifying campaign. Healy goes into the final match against Spain tomorrow night on 13 goals, three ahead of Croatia's Eduardo da Silva but there is no Golden Boot on offer, or any prize whatsoever.

Now the IFA believe the record scorer should have some silverware. President Raymond Kennedy said: "We will be writing to Uefa to see if we can put the wheels in motion to get something done."

West Ham defender George McCartney has been ruled out of tomorrow's game with an ankle injury but Motherwell defender Stephen Craigan looks certain to retain his place. Meanwhile, Democratic Unionist MP Gregory Campbell yesterday said an official reception at Stormont should be held for the side upon their return from Spain regardless of the result.

McLeish 'staying'

Alex McLeish last night insisted he will carry on as Scotland manager. He had been linked with the vacancy at Birmingham following Steve Bruce's departure to Wigan, and the Scottish Football Association expect plenty of interest from clubs for the 48-year-old.

McLeish, though "flattered" to be linked with various jobs, reassured the Tartan Army by stating his intention to carry on as Scotland boss and lead the team in their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Reid criticised

Celtic's new chairman John Reid has been criticised over his role in the Iraq conflict during the club's agm. Reid (60) was a senior member of the cabinet at the time of the invasion by British and American forces in 2003.

Around one in 10 of the hundreds of shareholders in the Kerrydale Suite at Celtic Park voted against the motion endorsing Reid as the successor to the retiring Brian Quinn, while less than one per cent of the proxy votes opposed the move. One branded him a "war criminal" and another supporter of 60 years vowed to give up his season ticket if Reid was appointed.

Jol no to Birmingham

Birmingham City have failed in an attempt to bring in Martin Jol to replace Steve Bruce as manager but are confident they can appoint a long-term replacement despite the uncertainty over the club's proposed takeover.

Jol, sacked by Tottenham Hotspur last month, rejected Birmingham's overtures, citing the need to take a break but Blues co-owner David Sullivan believes that a manager of similar status is not beyond the club's reach. Wigan chairman Dave Whelan said he was "delighted" Bruce had joined the Latics and confirmed that Birmingham would receive over €4 million in compensation.

In brief . . .

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack hopes to be back in action next month as he looks to complete his recovery from a long-term ankle injury . . . Arsenal full back Justin Hoyte (22) is determined to stay at the Emirates Stadium, despite finding his opportunities limited this season . . . Chelsea veteran Claude Makelele says he will review his future with the Premier League club at the end of the season. But the 34-year-old admits that Euro 2008 is likely to be his final major tournament for France . . . Rafael Benitez is flattered to be linked with Bayern Munich but insists he plans to be at Liverpool for years to come . . . Sunderland manager Roy Keane is hoping former Manchester United team-mate Andy Cole will be fit enough to play some part in Saturday's game at Everton . . . Hossam Ghaly appears to have edged closer to his exit from Tottenham, after being granted permission to train with Egyptian club Al Ahly.