Soccer Shorts

A round-up of other soccer news in brief

Few chances in drab goalless draw

CHARLES N’Zogbia hit the post as neighbouring relegation rivals Wigan and Bolton fought out a drab goalless draw last night.

Wigan forward N’Zogbia went the closest to settling a scrappy Premier League encounter after a smart run early in the first half.

Chances were few and far between but both sides will feel they missed opportunities to break the stalemate.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle attempted to break the deadlock by introducing on-loan Manchester City midfielder Vladimir Weiss after 70 minutes and the move almost paid off instantly.

Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander both headed on a long ball and Weiss came rushing in to shoot narrowly wide with his first touch.

N’Zogbia burst forward as Wigan tried to finish with a flourish but Rodallega shot into the side-netting with two minutes remaining.

This draw, Wigan’s third in succession, moved them up two places in the gridlock at the bottom of the table.

Vieira charged with violent conduct after Whelan clash

MANCHESTER City midfielder Patrick Vieira has been charged with violent conduct after appearing to kick Stoke’s Republic of Ireland international Glenn Whelan between the legs last night.

The former Arsenal captain, making just his second start for City, kicked out after being challenged by Whelan early on in his new side’s 1-1 Premier League draw at the Britannia Stadium. The Football Association yesterday brought the charge against the 33-year-old after reviewing replays of the incident.

Vieira, who could face a ban, has been given until today to respond to the charge and will face a hearing in front of a regulatory commission tomorrow. The incident enraged Stoke manager Tony Pulis, who recalled how Potters defender Robert Huth was suspended earlier this season after cameras caught him striking West Ham’s Matthew Upson. In the interests of “parity”, Pulis called on the FA to review a number of unspecified challenges in the game.

Referee Alan Wiley appeared to speak to Vieira after the clash with Whelan but did not take any action.

Turkey turn to Hiddink

GUUS Hiddink has signed a two-year contract to take charge of Turkey, starting on August 1st, the country’s football federation has confirmed.

The Russia boss, who last week announced he will leave his current post in the summer, will steer Turkey through the Euro 2012 qualifiers and there is the option to extend the deal for a further two years when it runs out after the finals. Turkey are in Group A, along with Germany, Austria, Belgium, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

Dixon named in Givens U-21 squad

HAVING appeared at one stage to be on the brink of an injury induced retirement while still in his teens, West Ham striker Terry Dixon has been named by Don Givens in his under-21 Ireland squad for the European Championship game against Armenia at Tallaght stadium on March 3rd, reports Emmet Malone.

Givens yesterday described the 20 year-old, who received a senior call up at one stage from then manager Steve Staunton, as a “great talent,” who “is beginning to show the sort of form that made him stand out so much before.”

“I haven’t been in a squad for three years and while I was injured I asked God if I could play just one game for West Ham or Ireland. I’ve played eight for my club now and it looks like I might get to play again for Ireland which would be a dream come true,” Dixon said on Newstalk’s Off the Ball programme.