Soccer Shorts

Today's other stories in brief

McNamara a doubt

Club captain Michael McNamara is Sligo's only doubt for this evening's Carlsberg-sponsored FAI Cup semi-final replay at the Brandywell - which, because of a major Halloween fireworks display in the city, is not scheduled to kick off until 9pm, writes Emmet Malone.

McNamara started Sunday's drawn game between the sides with a mild dose of flu and had to be replaced by Jamie McKenzie late on as the illness started to take its toll.

City boss Stephen Kenny will work from the same squad, with Darren Kelly and Killian Brennan still ruled out by injury. "We've got a couple of players who could come in but it'll be much the same team as on Sunday," he says.

"Having to play the extra game isn't great but make no mistake about it, we'd prefer that to being out of the competition. We played well at the weekend and the important thing now is to have the same attitude at home because there's plenty of cases, like Drogheda against Limerick earlier in the competition, where teams did well away and then got caught out in a home replay like this, so we won't be taking anything for granted."

Beckham 'staying'

David Beckham has dismissed suggestions he will be leaving Real Madrid in January, insisting he wants to stay and be part of a trophy-winning team. Beckham has been linked with moves back to Britain or to America as, with his current contract at Real running out next summer, he will be free to negotiate with other clubs in January.

However, Beckham said talks about a new contract at Real were continuing, and he had no desire to leave the Spanish giants. "I'm not going anywhere in January. I want to stay here this season and be part of the team because I believe we can win things this season," he said. "I am not considering any move at the minute because I am a Real Madrid player. I have always said I am happy here, and I'm not looking to move my family from here."

Given back training

Newcastle and Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given trained yesterday as he steps up his return from a serious stomach injury.

Given suffered a perforated bowel when he collided with West Ham's Marlon Harewood last month.