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

O'Shea gets all-clear after injury scare

Sunderland have confirmed defender John O’Shea will meet up with the Republic of Ireland squad as scheduled after undergoing a scan last night.

Manager Martin O’Neill admitted after Sunday’s 1-0 home defeat by Manchester United, during which O’Shea limped off before the break, that the 31-year-old could be a doubt for the Euro 2012 finals.

Last night, the FAI said there was “nothing to worry about” and the club yesterday confirmed he will join up with the rest of Giovanni Trapattoni’s Premier-based players at Malahide on Sunday.

O’Neill initially indicated the defender had aggravated a long-standing calf problem, but a club statement revealed it was an ankle injury. A spokesman said: “John suffered a knock to his ankle in training prior to the Fulham game, which he aggravated slightly in Sunday’s game against Manchester United.

“He was taken off as a precaution and following positive results from a scan last night, he will meet up with the Republic of Ireland squad as scheduled next week.”

Villa's McLeish pays the price for season of mediocrity

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish paid for a season of mediocrity with his job yesterday as his disappointing season in charge of the Premier League club ended with his sacking.

McLeish, who suffered relegation with Villa’s arch rivals Birmingham City last season, was never a popular choice with the fans and he struggled to win them over during a campaign in which his side won only seven of 38 league matches.

Villa chairman Randy Lerner said: “The most immediate action that we can take is to look carefully at our options in terms of bringing in a new manager who sees the club’s potential and embraces our collective expectations.”

Villa suffered a woeful run of form in the Premier League, finishing in 16th place, two points above relegated Bolton Wanderers, and ending with a 2-0 defeat at Norwich City.

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez was in the frame for the Villa job before it was offered to McLeish last year and after another stirring finish to the season for his side he will be among the favourites to take over.

Neville named as part of Hodgson's coaching staff

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has been named as part of new England manager Roy Hodgson’s coaching staff, the English FA said yesterday.

Neville, who has impressed as a TV analyst since hanging up his boots, will join Ray Lewington and goalkeeping coaches Ray Clemence and Dave Watson at Euro 2012.

The FA said Neville, who won every domestic honour with United, played 85 times for England and featured at two World Cups, had agreed a four-year contract.

“Roy asking me to be a part of his staff and to work with the national team is not only an honour but a very special moment for me,” Neville said in a statement. “I had absolutely no hesitation in accepting this role.”

Former United striker Van Nistelrooy retires at 35

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has announced his retirement from football at the age of 35.

The former Netherlands international has suffered a difficult year since arriving at Malaga from Hamburg last summer, scoring just five times in 32 appearances.

However, he did help guide the Spanish side to their first top-four finish and thereby ensure Champions League football for the first time in their history.

Van Nistelrooy told a press conference yesterday: “Yesterday was my final game as a professional footballer. I wanted to play in the Champions League, but it is the moment to leave. I have arrived at my physical limit and I can’t play at the maximum level. I couldn’t have had a better send-off than this.

“I feel happy that I am the one taking this decision. I would like to thank Malaga, the technical and medical staff for an unforgettable year. I am proud to have won collective and individual titles, but my greatest satisfaction was to be able to work day after day, year after year.”

Scholes signs up  for one more year

Alex Ferguson has confirmed veteran midfielder Paul Scholes has signed a one-year contract extension with Manchester United. After abandoning his retirement in January, there had been some speculation that the 37-year-old was deliberating whether to extend his career by an additional season.

However, speaking at yesterday’s Manchester United Player of the Year dinner, Ferguson told MUTV: “It has been done. He is staying.”

Ferguson does believe this will be Scholes’ last season in a United shirt and will be wary of the midfielder being selected in Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2012 squad, as has been suggested. However, the United boss is convinced the midfielder can have a similar impact next season after he almost managed to guide the club to the title following his comeback.

“I am delighted,” said Ferguson. “He knew he had made a mistake. He now realises if he plays 25 or 30 games next season, they will be of real quality. I think this will be Paul’s last season . . . We have had him since he was a kid. We know how to use him.”