UEFA may block Old Firm plan

The English Football League confirmed yesterday that they are considering inviting Celtic and Rangers to compete in the League Cup competition.

But any such move is certain to be outlawed by UEFA, as participation of Scottish clubs in an English competition would cause complications if either were to win the trophy, which secures qualification for the UEFA Cup.

Celtic could be playing Champions League matches next season as well as Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup and the Premier League games.

But while manager Martin O'Neill was unwilling to comment on the proposal, Celtic's Swedish defender Johan Mjallby insists it would be impossible for Celtic to enter another cup without pulling out of one of its domestic competitions.

He said: "I heard about this about four weeks ago but we haven't spoke about it or heard anything from the management since.

"But obviously it's going to be hard to play in another cup competition so maybe we'll have to skip one of the domestic cups we have here because there are enough games to play anyway."

Celtic have unexpectedly had six days without action following UEFA's decision to postpone this week's Champions League and UEFA Cup matches.

O'Neill agreed with that decision after the atrocities in the United States and admitted that he would also have accepted it had the Scottish Premier League pulled the plug on this weekend's matches.

"I think everybody has had a quiet moment," said O'Neill. "I think it's the most devastating news, certainly in my lifetime."

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger yesterday insisted the size of his pay packet is not the issue that is stalling talks over his new contract.

Wenger has yet to agree a new deal to follow the current one that expires next summer, but he sought to prevent speculation on his future overshadowing today's London derby at Fulham by claiming his wage is not the cause of the ongoing contract discussions. Asked if a report that the tax he would pay is the reason for the delay, Wenger said:

"No, the issue is not (tax). My basic feeling is that it's not about money - it is just in the hands of the lawyers and that's it. I'm not allowed to say any more about my contract."

Leeds United manager David O'Leary believes Robbie Keane can rekindle his scorching form in the hope he can bag 20 goals this season.

Keane is currently in the middle of a drought, having failed to find the net so far this season despite looking red hot in the summer when he netted 10 goals in a handful of friendlies.

The 20-year-old is also clearly out of sorts for the Republic of Ireland and came under fire from former international Frank Stapleton this week.

O'Leary's former Arsenal and Republic team-mate has warned the 20-year-old to cut out the fancy football and get back to basics if he is to emerge from his slump.

Keane will have another chance to do so tomorrow in the game against Charlton at The Valley where he will again lead the forward line alongside Mark Viduka.

However, there was some bad news for O'Leary yesterday. Midfielder Lee Bowyer and defender Danny Mills were officially charged with misconduct by the English FA in relation to using foul and abusive language towards match officials.

The charge, which carries a maximum three-match suspension, is in connection with incidents after both players had been dismissed for two bookable offences during the volatile clash with Arsenal at Highbury last month.

Bowyer is alleged to have sworn at referee Jeff Winter upon receiving his second caution and subsequent red card, while Mills is understood to have abused fourth official Andy D'Urso in the tunnel as he made his way to the dressing room.

Both players, who served the initial one-game ban for their dismissal last Saturday, now have 14 days to respond, although O'Leary has confirmed personal hearings will be requested.