Everton stretchedEverton's resources are stretched for their FA Cup third-round home replay with Millwall tonight following the sale of striker Marcus Bent to Charlton and the departure of defender Joseph Yobo for the African Nations Cup with Nigeria.
Veteran David Weir or Denmark international Per Kroldrup could replace Yobo, while James McFadden could get a chance up front.
After several days of transfer intrigue as well as suffering from food poisoning, Duncan Ferguson is unlikely to be involved despite resuming training. Ferguson, who has been linked with Portsmouth, has now said he wants to see out his Everton contract, which expires in the summer.
Charlton, who signed Bent (27) on a three-and-a-half-year deal yesterday, said on their website they had paid an initial fee of £2 million which could rise to £2.5 million.
Aldridge moves to defuse row
Former republic of Ireland international John Aldridge yesterday sought to distance himself from allegations made in his Evening Herald column over the appointment of Steve Staunton to the position of manager of the national team.
In a statement issued through his representatives, Aldridge conceded that no firm arrangements were made for him to be interviewed for the vacancy and that there were, therefore, no cancelled meetings.
"All parties have at all times acted professionally and honestly," said the former Liverpool striker, who welcomed the appointment of his long-time international team-mate to the manager's job.
Trundle stakes claim
Swansea striker Lee Trundle has pleaded with new Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton to hand him a role in the remodelled national team.
Since joining Swansea in July 2003, Trundle's goals have fuelled the club's revival and he has frequently championed his own case for a Republic cap. Brian Kerr ignored him but Staunton's appointment has handed the 29-year-old a fresh opportunity to stake his claims.
Trundle qualifies for the Republic through his grandfather and saw his chances apparently boosted over the weekend after Staunton hailed him "a natural goalscorer" in an interview.
Trundle said: "I was made up when I read what Steve said about me and hopefully the dream will come true at last."
Trundle's 17 goals in League One this season have helped Kenny Jackett's side to a sustained bid for successive promotions. He has recently been linked with a move to Everton.
Ronaldo appeal fails
Winger Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Manchester United's next three matches after failing to overturn the red card he received in last weekend's Manchester derby.
Ronaldo was sent off for a high challenge on ex-United striker Andy Cole in the 66th-minute of Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Manchester City.
Although Ronaldo did not make any contact, referee Steve Bennett decided the studs-up challenge was serious foul play and sent him off.
In a statement on its website yesterday the English FA said its disciplinary commission had rejected Ronaldo's claim for wrongful dismissal.
Alex Ferguson has escaped punishment after his half-time altercation with referee Bennett. Ferguson let fly with a verbal tirade at Bennett as he lashed out at the official's handling of the derby. However, Bennett did not include any mention of misconduct from either Ferguson or any details of Rooney allegedly kicking a dressing-room door in his report, and as such, the matter is now considered closed.
O'Leary critical of Eriksson
Aston Villa manager David O'Leary has criticised England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson after the Swede was quoted as telling a Sunday newspaper that he was interested in the Villa job.
"It is not acceptable that the national coach speaks publicly about replacing another manager whilst he is in the post," O'Leary said on the League Managers' Association website.
Eriksson was forced to reaffirm his commitment to England at the weekend after he was caught in an embarrassing sting by the News of the Word. He was quoted as telling a journalist that he was prepared to dump England after this year's World Cup in Germany and become Villa manager.
In Brief . . .
Graham Rix has signed Neil McCann back for his second stint at Hearts after the winger parted company with Southampton. Former Dundalk boss Jim Gannon has been appointed manager of League Two strugglers Stockport until the end of the season. The 37-year-old Irishman, who played for Stockport between 1990 and 2000, has been a success since taking over as caretaker boss after Chris Turner's departure following a 6-0 defeat by Macclesfield on St Stephens' Day.
