Soccer Shorts

A short look at what is happening in the world of soccer this morning.

A short look at what is happening in the world of soccer this morning.

Sanchez rallies his troops

Lawrie Sanchez is calling on his Northern Ireland team to help create a bright new football future. Sanchez is anxious to build on last month's victory over England as they go into the final round of matches against Wales on Saturday and Austria four days later.

"The England match will always be remembered by those who were there," said the Northern Ireland manager. "But rather than just making it a night in isolation, let's make it a foundation for a resurgence in Northern Ireland football."

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Sanchez's side could finish third in group six ahead of Austria, after successive victories against England and Azerbaijan. While Northern Ireland host Wales, England will be facing Austria at Old Trafford. Depending on results, there could be a third-place showdown in Vienna.

Sanchez said: "It would be marvellous if that game meant something. It could be a great night."

West Ham goalkeeper Roy Carroll is expected to act as back-up to Maik Taylor, despite suffering from a hairline fracture of his thumb.

Taylor, who has been troubled by back pain, took part in training and Sanchez said: "He is fine." Luton midfielder Steve Robinson is doubtful for the Wales game, because he is troubled by a heel injury.

Bellamy on way back

Craig Bellamy should return to action with Blackburn before the end of October after tests showed no lasting damage to his injured knee. The Wales striker was forced to withdraw from his country's World Cup qualification-round matches against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan due to the injury he sustained early in Blackburn's 2-0 win over West Brom on Saturday.

Bellamy is scheduled for further treatment but according to Rovers he should be back in action within a couple of weeks, making the home match against Birmingham on October 22nd his likely comeback date

Ferguson may be fit

Scotland manager Walter Smith is "hopeful" captain Barry Ferguson will be fit for the World Cup qualifier against Belarus on Saturday.

Assistant boss Tommy Burns has already declared the Rangers midfielder will be available after being withdrawn from the win over Dunfermline with a hamstring problem at the weekend. The 27-year-old trained at Hampden Park with the rest of the Scotland squad yesterday.

Celtic keen on Boruc

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has vowed to do everything in his power to keep goalkeeper Artur Boruc at the club on a permanent basis. The club have opened discussions with the Poland international in a bid to turn his current year-long loan deal into full-time move from Legia Warsaw.

The 25-year-old has attracted interest from a number of clubs with his performances in Glasgow but the chief executive is determined to keep Boruc at Celtic Park.

Lawwell said: "I am not surprised at all by the interest in him.

"He will have a number of options because he is a magnificent goalkeeper with great potential.

"We will do all we can to make sure he stays at Celtic Park beyond this season."

Hutton praises Petrov

Rangers defender Alan Hutton paid tribute to Celtic midfielder Stilian Petrov for offering support during his long rehabilitation from his broken leg.

The 20-year-old's fledgling career came to an abrupt halt against Kilmarnock in February when he was carried off after what seemed like an innocuous clash with Killie defender Garry Hay.

But as he targeted the Scottish Premier League match against Dundee United on October 16th for his comeback, Hutton praised his rival saying: "Stilian phoned me up when it first happened and I thank him for that.

"There is a lot of people who have came back from the same injury so hopefully I can do the same.

"Our defender Jose Pierre-Fanfan broke his leg when he was 21 so I had a few conversations with him about different things.

"But Stilian gave me his number and said it was no bother to call him if I felt down or needed to talk to someone.

"He has been through the same and he was always there for me.

"He is a friendly face, I know him well from football so I was glad of that."

James signs one-year deal

David James has signed a one-year contract extension with Manchester City.

The deposed England goalkeeper's current deal was due to expire in the summer but, although he has been axed from Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad, Blues boss Stuart Pearce has been sufficiently impressed with the 35-year-old's performances this term to extend his stay at Eastlands.

"His form over the last two years has prompted me to sit down and say, 'Where do I get a better goalkeeper than David James?"' Pearce told www.mcfc.co.uk "For me he's in the top six goalkeepers in the Premiership."