Soccer Shorts

A round-up of today's other soccer news in brief

Ireland slip two ranking places

THE REPUBLIC of Ireland have slipped two places in the Fifa world rankings to 37th.

Guus Hiddink’s Russia have climbed three places to sixth, relegating England one place to seventh despite a perfect record in World Cup qualifying.

Northern Ireland are down five spots to 32nd, Scotland slide two places to 24th, but Wales move up seven places to 67th.

At the top, Brazil have toppled Spain following their Confederations Cup triumph in South Africa.

FIFA WORLD RANKINGS:1 Brazil, 2 Spain, 3 Netherlands, 4 Italy, 5 Germany, 6 Russia, 7 England, 8 Argentina, 9 France, 10 Croatia.

Hibernian fail in loan bid for Stokes

HIBERNIAN HAVE been told to forget about trying to sign Sunderland striker Anthony Stokes on loan.

The Scottish Premier League side have been heavily linked with the Irishman in recent weeks with reports suggesting they are hoping to seal a year-long temporary move for him. However, Sunderland are only interested in a permanent deal.

Manager Steve Bruce has promised every player in the current squad a chance to prove themselves. But that may extend to the 20-year-old Dubliner, who spent much of last season out on loan, firstly at Sheffield United and then at Crystal Palace.

Lawrence awaiting new contract offer from Stoke

STOKE’S LIAM Lawrence is looking for a new long-term deal at the Britannia Stadium.

The 27-year-old Irishman, who is under contract for another 12 months, said: “I am not greedy and this is not just about the money. It is about staying at Stoke for the long term.

“Stoke are writing to me with an official offer, so I’m waiting to find out what it is.

“I’m hoping we can come to some sort of agreement because I would like to get it all sorted before we report back.

“I have been here since the start of the journey when things were taking off.

“Now I want to stay at Stoke and spend my best years here.”