Soccer Digest

Paraguay striker Cabanas shot in the head in bar

DOCTORS are fighting to save the life of Paraguay striker Salvador Cabanas, one of Latin America’s most prolific goal scorers, who was shot in the head at a bar in Mexico City before dawn yesterday.

Cabanas (29) who was expected to help spearhead the Paraguay attack at this year’s World Cup, was possibly involved in a fight or had been the victim of a robbery, Mexico City’s top prosecutor said.

“He was shot in the head . . . the first report is that the bullet entered the front of his head and did not exit,” Miguel Angel Mancera told Mexican television.

Cabanas plays for Mexican club side America and was Paraguay’s top scorer in the qualifying competition for the World Cup in South Africa with six goals.

The shooting happened in the bathroom of a bar in Mexico City. Mancera said authorities were questioning several employees from the bar about the shooting.

Cabanas has regularly been among the top scorers in the Mexican championship since 2003.

West Ham want McCarthy

BLACKBURN last night announced they have received a written offer from West Ham for their South Africa international striker Benni McCarthy.

However, the player has not impressed the Rovers boss by failing to turn up for his last two training sessions. “We are very disappointed with Benni’s non-appearance for training and will deal with it separately should he remain here after the transfer window has closed,” said manager Sam Allardyce.

Kirkland ruled out for three weeks

WIGAN goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has been ruled out for up to three weeks after damaging a collarbone in training. The 28-year-old sustained the injury in an accidental collision in training last week and after a consultation with a specialist in Manchester over the weekend he has been ordered to rest.

Kirkland has been troubled by a back problem for several months now but this new injury is a blow to him and the team. “This is a completely new injury, I must stress that, it could have happened to anyone,” said manager Roberto Martinez.

“I’m disappointed to lose him but the diagnosis is much better than it could have been and Chris should be back in full training within a fortnight hopefully. It’s important that we get him back in contention as soon as possible, but we have to be certain the injury is healed before risking him.”

Robinho sure of move to Santos

MANCHESTER City’s unsettled Brazilian striker Robinho has said he is 90 per cent sure of joining his former club Santos.

Robinho, who signed for City from Real Madrid in 2008 for a British record €36 million, scored on Sunday in a 4-2 FA Cup win at Scunthorpe United but the 26-year-old had earlier said it would be “exceptional” to return to Santos.

“It’s all on the right track. It’s 90 per cent certain to happen,” Robinho was quoted as telling Brazilian television network Globo. “Santos want a year but City want just six months. In two or three days, it should all be sealed.”

Robinho struggled to make an impression at City under former manager Mark Hughes, but Roberto Mancini, who joined the club in December, said he was keen for him to stay.

FA Cup(Fifth Round)

Wolverhampton/Crystal Palace v Aston Villa; Manchester City v Stoke; Derby v Birmingham; Bolton v Tottenham/Leeds; Chelsea v Cardiff; Fulham v Notts County/Wigan; Reading v West Brom; Southampton v Portsmouth.

Senderos has high hopes

NEW Everton loan signing Philippe Senderos knows he has a challenge to break into the side but believes he can fulfil his “high hopes”.

The 24-year-old agreed a temporary move from Arsenal at the weekend and the paperwork was completed yesterday. “I am delighted to be an Everton player for the remainder of the season,” said the Swiss international. “I can’t wait to get stuck in and play for Everton. Hopefully I can get some first-team football in during my time here. I am here with high hopes and hopefully I can fulfil them.”

Senderos spent last season on loan at AC Milan, for whom he made 15 appearances. “I have spoken to David Moyes and he hopes to give me opportunities here,” he said. “Hopefully I can grab that opportunity and stay in the team.”

Shelbourne last night confirmed the signing of Seán Byrne from Bohemians and the loan signing of Andy Haran from St Pat’s.

Levein to assess McCarthy report

SCOTLAND manager Craig Levein is to follow up reports that Wigan midfielder James McCarthy is open to switching allegiance from the Republic of Ireland, who he has represented at under-21 level, to the land of his birth.

“What I first need to do is establish whether there’s any truth in that,” the former Dundee United boss said. “If there is any truth, then that’s something I can take into consideration.”

He also hopes to persuade Barry Ferguson to return to the international fold along with Allan McGregor and Kris Boyd.

Levein, whose first game in charge is against the Czech Republic on March 3rd, has confirmed Boyd and McGregor are in his plans following talks with the Rangers pair.

And he hopes to sit down and discuss the possible return of Birmingham midfielder Ferguson in the coming weeks. “I very much want him to be part of the international set-up, I think he’s one of our best players,” Levein said.

Results and Fixtures

Last Night

Scottish FA Cup Fourth Round

Raith Rovers 1 Airdrie Utd 1

English League One

Charlton 0 Leyton Orient 1

Tonight

(All matches 7.45pm unless stated)

International – Argentina v Costa Rica (tonight, 1am, Irish time).

English Premier League – Portsmouth v West Ham; Tottenham v Fulham; Wolves v Liverpool; Bolton v Burnley, 8pm.

English Championship – Barnsley v Leicester; Bristol City v Cardiff; Doncaster v Middlesbrough; Ipswich v West Brom; Nottm Forest v QPR; Peterborough v Preston; Plymouth v Derby; Sheffield Utd v Reading; Swansea v Coventry. League One – Swindon v Leeds; Hartlepool v Gillingham; Colchester v Milton Keynes Dons; Exeter v Carlisle; Brentford v Southampton; Millwall v Southend; Stockport v Brighton; Tranmere v Yeovil; Walsall v Norwich.

League Two – Dag Red v Notts County; Accrington Stanley v Aldershot; Darlington v Northampton; Barnet v Torquay; Chesterfield v Rotherham; Macclesfield v Morecambe; Rochdale v Port Vale.

Scottish Premier League – Hamilton v Kilmarnock. First Division – Dunfermline v Raith. Third Division – Livingston v Elgin.

Irish Premiership – Coleraine v Ballymena; Glentoran v Linfield; Institute v Lisburn Distillery.