Soccer Shorts:Stephen Ireland looks sure to be in Manchester City's squad for Saturday's trip to Fulham despite posting a bizarre message on the internet questioning his desire to play football.
City officials are paying little attention to a statement by Ireland on the Bebo social networking website under the name "Daddy Dick", in which he claimed "football is s***" and asked "why did I get stuck doin(g) it". Coming so soon after he was branded "stupid" by his manager Sven-Goran Eriksson over erroneous claims that first one, then the other of his grandmothers had died, as he attempted to remove himself from Republic of Ireland duty last week when, in fact, his girlfriend has suffered a miscarriage, the latest statement has raised more concerns about Ireland.
Ireland climb table
The Republic of Ireland climbed five spots to 32nd in Fifa's world rankings despite suffering disappointment in their own Euro 2008 qualifiers and are now ahead of Northern Ireland who have slumped nine positions to 36th.
Fifa rankings: 1. (3) Italy 2. (2) Argentina 3. (1) Brazil 4. (5) Germany 5. (7) Netherlands 6. (4) France 7. (8) Spain 8. (10) Portugal 9. (12) England 10. (6) Croatia 11. (8) Czech Republic 12. (13) Romania 13. (11) Mexico 14. (23) Scotland 15. (14) Greece 16. (20) Poland 17. (15) Ukraine 18. (17) USA 19. (21) Uruguay 20. (19) Sweden. Other: 32 (37) Rep Of Ireland.
Gibson fractures toe
Republic of Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson, who made his senior international debut against Slovakia 12 days ago, is a doubt for next month's Euro 2008 qualifying games against Germany and Cyprus at Croke Park after fracturing a toe in a youth match for Manchester United against Sporting Lisbon yesterday.
Owen needs more surgery
Michael Owen seems destined to have yet more surgery after reliable sources last night insisted that the England striker requires a hernia operation which will sideline him for up to six weeks, Louise Taylor writes.
Although Newcastle United's manager, Sam Allardyce, said yesterday that Owen was "absolutely fine", it appears that the groin problem which forced his withdrawal during Monday's 1-0 defeat at Derby County is more serious than initially thought.
Owen is understood to be keen to delay surgery but, with his Nigerian attacking partner Obafemi Martins due to depart for the African Cup of Nations in the new year, Newcastle's interests would be best served by an operation in the next month. Guardian Service
Platini concerned
Foreign owners such as those at Manchester United and Liverpool are "a serious threat" to European soccer, Uefa president Michel Platini said yesterday, blaming them for obstructing his Champions League reform.
In a letter to all 27 European Union leaders European soccer's top official asks them to protect the sport: "A serious threat hangs over the development of European football: the malign and ever-present influence of money," the letter says.
Queiroz happy
Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz has denied he is ready to walk out on the club and insists he wants "to be a part of" their future. The Portuguese is currently in his second spell as Alex Ferguson's number two at Old Trafford, but a report yesterday suggested he may be ready to consider his options at the end of this year. "I don't understand why that has come up, but the most important thing is that I'm happy, I'm very happy with the job and the position at Manchester United.
Kavanagh still wanted
Graham Kavanagh, wanted by Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds and Sheffield United has a job to do at Sunderland according to manager Roy Keane.
"Kav is part of my plans. The downside for him is that he's coming back from a long-term injury and that he plays in the middle of the park - one of our strongest positions," said Keane.
"He has just fallen behind. When you've been out for that length of period, you do need games. He's played the last few reserve games and he's played very well. We all know what a good player he is." The 33-year-old Dubliner has not played for Sunderland since December 22nd.
In brief . . .
Cardiff have announced that they have signed a "detailed agreement" that will see them share their new ground with rugby union side Cardiff Blues. The new stadium on the site of the Leckwith Athletics Stadium is due for completion in 2009 . . . Aston Villa defender Gary Cahill has joined Championship side Sheffield United on a three-month loan deal.
