Soccer shorts

Today's other stories in brief

Brady backs call-ups for Arsenal duo

ENGLAND call-ups for Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere are testament to the hard work done at the Arsenal Academy, according to head of youth development Liam Brady.

“It reflects very well for the academy to have two players picked for England – and remember we (developed) Ashley Cole as well,” said the former Republic of Ireland international. “It is great news for Jack and for Kieran and I am sure they will handle it very well.

“When I didn’t see them in the England under-21 squad I thought they would make the senior side. It seems Capello is making a statement that he wants to bring new blood in.”

Lawrence set for Celtic move

STOKE winger Liam Lawrence expects to complete his move to Celtic when Aiden McGeady signs for Spartak Moscow this week.

McGeady’s imminent transfer to the Russian club will give Celtic boss Neil Lennon an extra €10 million to continue rebuilding his squad and some of that money will be used to bring long-time target Lawrence to Parkhead.

“Well, that’s what I’ve been told,” said the Republic of Ireland international. “I want a new challenge and, if it comes about, I will be chomping at the bit to achieve things at Celtic.”

Meanwhile, Ipswich manager Roy Keane is confident of adding several loan signings to his squad before the visit of Burnley next weekend. Keane saw Carlos Edwards, Gareth McAuley and Mark Kennedy pick up injuries in the 3-1 win at Middlesbrough on Saturday and is hopeful of bolstering his numbers soon.

Tonight's fixtures

Internationals – Bosnia-Herzegovina v Qatar; Italy v Ivory Coast.

European Under-21 Qualifying – Rep of Ireland v Estonia,

Under-21 Friendly – England v Uzbekistan.

English League Cup (First Round) – Aldershot v Watford; Barnsley v Rochdale; Bradford v Nottingham Forest; Brentford v Cheltenham; Cardiff v Burton Albion; Carlisle v Huddersfield; Chesterfield v Middlesbrough; Crewe v Derby; Doncaster v Accrington Stanley; Exeter v Ipswich; Hartlepool v Sheffield Utd; Hereford v Colchester; Leeds v Lincoln City; Leicester v Macclesfield; Milton Keynes Dons v Dag Red; Morecambe v Coventry; Northampton v Brighton; Norwich v Gillingham; Oxford Utd v Bristol Rovers; Peterborough v Rotherham; Plymouth v Notts County; QPR v Port Vale; Scunthorpe v Oldham; Sheffield Wed v Bury; Shrewsbury v Charlton; Southampton v Bournemouth; Southend v Bristol City; Stevenage v Portsmouth; Stockport v Preston; Swansea v Barnet; Swindon v Leyton Orient; Torquay v Reading; Walsall v Tranmere; Wycombe v Millwall; Yeovil v Crystal Palace.

Gormley steps down as manager of Bray Wanderers

EDDIE GORMLEY has resigned as manager of Bray Wanderers, who lie bottom of the Airtricity League Premier Division.

The 41-year-old former Bray and St Patrick’s Athletic midfielder was made manager at the Carlisle Grounds in 2006 and brought the side to the semi-finals of the FAI Cup last year.

Bray were relegated at the end of last season, only to be reinstated to the Premier Division following the relegation of Derry City and Cork City because of financial problems.

The Seagulls have struggled all season, winning just two games and are now eight points adrift of Drogheda United at the bottom of the Premier Division table. In Gormley’s last game in charge of the club, Bray were beaten 2-1 by Sligo Rovers at the Carlisle Grounds last Friday.

Assistant manager Keith Long takes over as manager.

Keane 'has been our best player'

TOTTENHAM assistant manager Joe Jordan has said he feels Robbie Keane has staked a claim to feature again in Harry Redknapp’s plans.

“He has been our best player pre-season and scored two at the weekend,” said Jordan yesterday. “Robbie has come back in good nick, has trained and has played terrific. When we took over under Harry Redknapp, Spurs were in big trouble.

“We had two points from eight games and he made a number of signings. He brought Robbie back and Robbie was a fantastic signing, and we stayed up. We have built from that and he has been part of that. He has been so important, not just on the field, but in the dressingroom as well. He has been a big player for us.”

Jordan also does not expect Peter Crouch to leave. “We had a lot of competition when we brought Peter in and he has done very, very well. I don’t think we will let him go too easily. He is a player that has proved himself at Tottenham.”

Transfer news

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti claims the future of Manchester City target Mario Balotelli remains up in the air.

West Brom have signed former England full back Nicky Shorey, while West Ham boss Avram Grant could be about to step in and hijack Wigan’s plans to sign Sekou Baradji. The midfielder has been on trial with the Latics for three weeks.

Portsmouth manager Steve Cotterill remains hopeful Kanu will sign a new contract at Fratton Park and Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has signed a new contract to keep him at the Madjeski Stadium until 2013.

Swansea have completed the signing of highly-rated Chelsea winger Scott Sinclair on a three-year deal, while Portugal midfielder Deco has completed his move to Fluminense.