Soccer Shorts

Other soccer news in brief

Kiely gets West Brom coaching role

FORMER Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Dean Kiely has had his coaching role at West Brom confirmed in addition to signing a one-year playing extension with the promotion chasing Championship outfit, writes Emmet Malone.

The 39-year-old has been working in the coaching role on a trial basis for several months in the wake of Joe Corrigan's retirement and appears to have settled well into the job. Despite only playing a handful of first team games for the club this year, he continues to provide cover for Scott Carson in addition to helping the 24-year-old rediscover the sort of form that had previously earned him international recognition.

"I've had many opportunities to move on and play somewhere else," said Kiely, who was on duty for the reserves this week. "But when push comes to shove you've got to be happy in what you're doing. I'm perfectly happy doing what I'm doing here."

Mourinho misses English football

INTER Milan's former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho admits he still misses managing in the Premier League.

Mourinho left Stamford Bridge in September 2007 after guiding Chelsea to two Premier League titles, and was appointed Inter boss - succeeding Roberto Mancini - on a three-year contract the following June.

He led the Nerazzurri to a successful defence of their Serie A crown last term but has admitted he was "not happy" in Italian football.

"I miss English football and English football misses me, there's no doubt," the Portuguese told the Italian media.

Mourinho, who had not spoken to the press since being hit with a three-match touchline ban last month by the Italian football league, broke his silence on Tuesday.

Ireland drop five places to 44th

THE Republic of Ireland have dropped five places in the Fifa world rankings to 44, one place behind Gabon, in the latest list published by the game's world governing body yesterday, writes Emmet Malone.

The drop follows the recent defeat in London by Brazil and a revision of the way ranking points are awarded which meant that many of Ireland's better results from last year lost some of their value.

There is no great change at the top of the list with Spain, Brazil and The Netherlands still occupying the top three positions.

England are up one to seven, meanwhile, and Northern Ireland, who had been tied with the Republic for 39th in February, have plummeted to 50th position.

Ireland's rivals for European Championship qualification in 2012 are, however, substantially unchanged.

Russia stay at 12, Slovakia are down two to 33, Macedonia are down one to 65, Armenia are down three to 103 while Andorra are up one to 201 in the world.

Trapattoni turned down Juventus approach

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND manager Giovanni Trapattoni has confirmed that he turned down the opportunity to coach Juventus through the latter part of this season with the 71-year-old seeing the job as incompatible with his international role, writes Emmet Malone.

Speaking on Italian television, the veteran coach said he had been sounded out about replacing manager Ciro Ferrara, who was sacked at the end of January after the club's poor run of results, before the Turin club appointed Alberto Zaccheroni until the end of the season.

"With a heavy heart I turned it down because it was impossible for me to be involved in a national team and club football," said Trapattoni.

The Italian, who had previously managed the club on two previous occasions, added: "It would not have been a serious option."

Gosling out for up to nine months

EVERTON midfielder Dan Gosling has been ruled out for up to nine months with a knee injury, the club have announced. The 20-year-old was hurt in a collision with Wolves goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann late in Saturday's goalless draw at Molineux. Physio Mick Rathbone told the club's website: "Our worst fears have been confirmed. Dan has ruptured his cruciate ligament and will unfortunately be out for up to nine months."

WEST Ham have taken their search for new investment to Dubai as they look for a cash injection into Upton Park. Joint-chairman David Sullivan has been calling on minority shareholders to take up the remaining 50 per cent of the club after himself and David Gold took up the other 50 per cent in January."I have good horse racing connections over here. We only want people to take up the Straumur percentage of investment," said Sullivan.

Fluminense eye Deco

FLUMINENSE have confirmed an interest in Deco and are weighing up whether to make an offer for the Chelsea midfielder.

The Brazilian-born Portugal international has started just 12 games in the Premier League this season and has been tipped to leave in the summer.

The 32-year-old had already expressed a wish to play for Corinthians upon his return to his homeland, but may have a summer offer from Fluminense to consider.