A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Ireland to face Uruguay in March 26th friendly
THE FAI have lined up a friendly with World Cup semi-finalists Uruguay for March of next year. The match will take place on Saturday, March 26th, four days after the Republic of Ireland meet Macedonia in the fifth qualifier of their European campaign.
While not as glamorous as the meeting with Argentina that marked the opening of the Aviva Stadium (which failed to sell out), with the likes of Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez due in Dublin, the FAI will hope to attract a healthy crowd.
Giovanni Trapattoni’s side return to their new home early next month for the Euro 2012 qualifier with Russia and will face Norway in a friendly in November.
And while his immediate focus is on the forthcoming double-header with Russia and Slovakia (in Zilina), Trapattoni is already looking forward to meeting the South Americans.
“This game will act as further good preparation for the June qualifier, before our return leg against Macedonia,” he said.
Zamora will be out for five months
ENGLAND striker Bobby Zamora will be out for five months, Fulham manager Mark Hughes confirmed yesterday. Zamora underwent surgery on Sunday to correct the broken fibula sustained in last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Wolves, but additional ankle ligament damage was also discovered.
It was initially thought the 29-year-old would be sidelined for three months, but he must now wait until February at the earliest for his return. Hughes said: “Bobby’s had his operation. He will now be in bed with his leg elevated for two weeks.
“The operation showed ligament damage so we’re probably now looking at five months.
“We want to help Bobby get back quickly and there are no concerns over his ability to get back to the level he was before he got injured.”
With Andy Johnson still several weeks away from a first-team return Fulham must now rely on impressive new signing Moussa Dembele to spearhead their attack.
Ferguson looks set for return
BARRY Ferguson looks set to make a dramatic return to international football after Craig Levein reiterated his desire to have him back in his Scotland squad.
The Birmingham midfielder (32) has not played for Scotland since his part in the “Boozegate” scandal 18 months ago and knocked back an offer from Levein to return ahead of the recent Euro 2012 qualifying double-header against Lithuania and Liechtenstein.
Ferguson claimed he wanted to concentrate on his club career and spend time with his family but last night his position appeared to change when he told BBC Sportsound: “You can never say never in football. Craig came down to see me in the summer and we had a great chat. He’s a guy I have a lot of respect for. He wanted an answer before the Sweden game and my answer was no. Craig knows I will speak to him. His words were: ‘The door will never be shut’.
“It never leaves you and you always want to represent your country.”
West Ham’s Grant told his job is safe
WEST Ham manager Avram Grant has again been told his job is safe at Upton Park by co-owner David Gold. Grants position has come under scrutiny with the Hammers currently propping up the Premier League with no points from their opening four games.
The Israeli was appointed as Gianfranco Zola’s replacement following last seasons battle against the drop but has so far been unable to improve the club’s fortunes. Defeats against Aston Villa, Bolton, Manchester United and Chelsea have left the Hammers bottom of the pile ahead of Saturday’s trip to Stoke.
Grant will not be in attendance at the Britannia Stadium this weekend as he observes the Jewish Holy Day of Yom Kippur.
And Gold has moved to reiterate that there are no plans to part company with the former Chelsea and Portsmouth boss.
Houllier keen to work with Owen again
NEW Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has confirmed his interest in working with Michael Owen again.
Houllier, who will officially begin work at Villa Park next week, has been linked with a swoop for the Manchester United forward after sealing his own switch back to England.
The French tactician worked with the former England striker for six years during their time together at Liverpool and the new Villa chief has not dismissed the chances of a reunion. “He has always been in my thoughts,” Houllier said. “I like him as a player and a man.”
Houllier also dismissed suggestions that Owen (30) was no longer capable of producing goals at Premier League level.
“I went to Liverpool on September 4th for Jamie Carragher’s testimonial, and I saw Michael play a half of football,” he said. “He still has the legs for it.”
Real unaware of any approach
REAL Madrid said they are unaware of any approach for their coach Jose Mourinho to take temporary charge of the Portuguese national team for next month’s Euro 2012 qualifiers.
“I have just spoken to the sports management team and they know nothing, so there is little to say,” Real director Emilio Butragueno said yesterday. “If it becomes something official we’ll see what the club decides.”
Anelka’s gesture aimed at FFF
NICOLAS Anelka says his “handcuff” celebration after scoring two first-half goals to put Chelsea on the way to a comfortable 4-1 victory over MSK Zilina was directed at the French Football Federation (FFF).
Anelka set up Michael Essien’s 13th-minute opener before scoring twice himself as Chelsea cruised to victory. Daniel Sturridge added the fourth. “It was just something for the French Federation about what happened at the World Cup,” said Anelka of his celebration. “What happened in summer is in the past, now I’m 100 per cent focused for Chelsea.”
When asked if he would ever consider playing for France again, he replied: “No, never. It was just a joke about what happened. I’m not angry.”
“The key was Anelka, he played a fantastic game, said manager Carlo Ancelotti. “He created space, he had opportunities, he was the key for this game.”
