Today's other stories in brief

Sunderland deny Jones off to Anfield

SUNDERLAND have dismissed claims that striker Kenwyne Jones is set to sign for Liverpool on loan.

It was reported yesterday that the 25-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international was due at Anfield for a medical as under-fire Reds boss Rafael Benitez seeks a temporary replacement for the injured Fernando Torres.

However, sources at Sunderland have said there is “not a chance” of that happening after weeks of speculation over the former Southampton frontman’s future.

Both manager Steve Bruce and chairman Niall Quinn have in recent days stated Sunderland’s intention to hang on to the man former boss Roy Keane signed for €7 million in August 2007.

However, it is believed the Black Cats might be prepared to consider an offer for Jones, but only at the right price.

Birmingham made an inquiry earlier in the transfer window which has gone no further.

Newcastle extend lead to three points

PETER Lovenkrands put his grief at the death of his father to one side as Newcastle extended their lead at the top of the Championship to three points. Jonas Olsson gave West Brom a 13th-minute lead which was cancelled out 12 minutes later by Danny Guthrie’s sweet free-kick.

Roman Bednar restored the visitors’ lead within seconds of the restart, but Lovenkrands, who had flown back from Denmark for the game, levelled with a 54th-minute header.

Lack of video evidence will hinder match mayhem probe

A LACK of video evidence may prevent the PSNI from taking action against the worst offenders during the mayhem that engulfed Saturday’s Irish Cup tie between Newry City and Larne, reports Emmet Malone.

Liam Hogan and Alan Reid, both of Larne, as well as the club’s manager, Paul Millar, were sent off by referee Raymond Crangle, who then had to abandon the game as fighting erupted all around him.

The IFA president Raymond Kennedy, has alarmed City officials since the game by suggesting both clubs might be kicked out of the competition, while a spokesman for the PSNI said “all available footage” would be reviewed” to determine whether criminal offences had been committed.

There appears to have been no video recording made of the game, however, and the police spokesman said there have been no formal complaints made to them since the game by any parties.

Officials from both sides were waiting last night for details of the referee’s report to become known.

The IFA previously suspended a player for the remainder of the season after a mid-campaign encounter 13 years ago between Glentoran and Linfield descended into violence.

Witnesses on this occasion suggested that the scale of the fighting was much worse and photographs published on the BBC website yesterday suggested that several of those involved are likely to face hefty sanctions.

Allardyce happy at Reid's return

BLACKBURN Rovers boss Sam Allardyce has welcomed the return from long-term injury of Republic of Ireland midfielder Steven Reid whose start against Fulham on Sunday was his first in the Premier League in more than 15 months.

“Its been a long and arduous journey for Steven and hopefully we can nurture him back into the player we know,” he said.

“It’s great to see him back and we can only see him growing from here.”

McGeady could go for right price

MARK Venus yesterday admitted Aiden McGeady could yet be sold by Celtic – but only for the right price.

Manager Tony Mowbray last week told McGeady’s suitors they would be wasting their time even picking up the phone to inquire about the winger’s availability.

That was amid reports Birmingham boss Alex McLeish – who recently did just that – was preparing a €9 million bid for Celtic’s star player.

Mowbray’s assistant Venus does not want to lose McGeady but acknowledged the size of any offer would ultimately determine whether he stayed at Parkhead.

“Everyone undoubtedly knows that he’s a very, very good player,” Venus said. “I thoroughly enjoy working with him every day in training.

“His appetite for the game and his desire for training and football is fantastic and I don’t personally believe he’s the type of player that we want to lose.

“But every footballer has a price, I would suggest at any football club.”