Soccer Shorts: Ireland and Blackburn midfielder Steven Reid is poised to commit his future to the Ewood Park club.
Reid has recently been the subject of speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United, as he has only a year remaining on his current deal.
But a few weeks ago, the 25-year-old entered into negotiations with Rovers over a new contract after earlier this year switching to a new agent in former United and Blackburn defender Kevin Moran.
Reid, who has enjoyed his best season this term since turning professional, said: "There's been progress. Negotiations have started and we are still talking, but it is all looking positive, really good. We're very close.
"Kevin's doing a good job for me. Hopefully it won't be long until things are resolved and then I can look forward to my future with Blackburn. I'm really enjoying my time here and hopefully that will continue for at least the next four years."
Hat-trick for Henry
Thierry Henry was voted Footballer of the Year for the third time in four years by the Football Writers' Association (FWA) yesterday.
Henry becomes the first player in 59 years since the inauguration of the award to win three times.
The Arsenal striker was confirmed a clear winner ahead of runner-up John Terry of Chelsea and Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, who finished third. Liverpool's Steven Gerrard finished fourth.
Henry also collected the award in 2003 and 2004, the first back-to-back winner, and was the first overseas player to win it twice.
Testimonial a sell-out
Roy Keane's testimonial at Old Trafford on Tuesday, May 9th, is a 68,000 sell-out. The Irishman has yet to confirm whether he will play for Manchester United and current club Celtic in the game but it now looks certain to break all records for receipts in benefit games.
An estimated 25,000 Celtic fans will travel to the game - filling the entire North Stand - helping Keane to gross around £2.5million, which it is thought the former United skipper will donate to his favoured charities.
Praise for Keane
Tottenham's England midfielder Michael Carrick has hailed striker Robbie Keane for leading the side towards a place in next season's Champions League. The Republic of Ireland skipper has taken over the captain's armband at White Hart Lane after a foot injury ruled first-choice skipper Ledley King out of action for the rest of the season.
Keane has been inspirational in attack - scoring his 16th Premiership goal of the season against Arsenal at Highbury last Saturday - but Carrick insists Keane should also be praised for his leadership qualities as Martin Jol's side close in on their dream prize.
Spurs have to win both their remaining games at home to Bolton on Sunday and then away to West Ham to make sure of fourth spot in the Premiership. Even then Arsenal can still wreck their dream by beating Barcelona to win the Champions League in Paris. Carrick said: "He (Keane) is absolutely on fire. Since he came in just before Christmas he has been electric and just seems to be getting better and better."
Chelsea fined
Chelsea have been fined £10,000 by the Football Association after their players surrounded referee Mark Halsey during the clash against West Brom last month.
They were found guilty of failing to control their players and also warned about their future conduct in games following a disciplinary commission hearing.
During the game at the Hawthorns the Chelsea players surrounded Halsey in the 43rd minute after a foul by Ronnie Wallwork on Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele. Chelsea denied the charge at the hearing.
