A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Injury blow for Reid
Tottenham have been rocked by the loss of Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Reid with knee ligament damage. Reid is likely to be out of action for up to six weeks after being forced out of their 1-0 defeat by Fulham at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night.
Spurs coach Martin Jol confirmed the injury is a recurrence of the one which has dogged Reid's season. Jol said: "He has the same injury as before, a medial ligament problem, and it seems to be worse, so he'll be out for four to six weeks. That's a big disappointment."
Reid's injury leaves Spurs short of options in midfield with Edgar Davids and Teemu Tainio both recovering from knocks and doubtful for the home clash with Charlton at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
Pardew eyes Europe
West Ham manager Alan Pardew has set his sights on European qualification following his team's 3-2 Premiership win at Arsenal. The Hammers have surprised everyone, themselves included, by making such a strong return to the top flight this season - and Wednesday night's Highbury success pushed them up to ninth place.
Pardew insists Europe is a legitimate aim. He said: "I didn't think I would hear myself saying this, but it is a realistic opportunity for us and we have to try to grasp it.
Hartson to miss final
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan was informed yesterday he will definitely be without John Hartson for the Scottish League Cup final - but he is convinced his dodgy defence will improve.
Strachan was unsure whether the Wales striker's booking during their fortunate semi-final victory over Motherwell had earned him a suspension from the Hampden Park showpiece. But the Scottish Football Association confirmed the caution had ruled Hartson out against Dunfermline on March 19th. Dion Dublin could get a surprise appearance in the final but it is the back four which is causing Strachan most concern having recorded their 11th game without a clean sheet.
Ferguson charged
Everton striker Duncan Ferguson has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association following an incident during the Premiership encounter with Wigan on Tuesday night.
Ferguson is already facing a three-match ban after being sent off by referee Mike Dean for punching Latics defender Paul Scharner in the stomach during the 1-1 draw.
However, it has now transpired that Dean missed Ferguson shoving his hand into the face of Pascal Chimbonda immediately after the Scharner incident.
Dean has informed the FA that, had he witnessed the incident, which occurred before he red-carded the striker, it would have warranted a dismissal on its own.
The FA have decided to act and have given Ferguson until 6pm tomorrow to respond. If the forward contests the charge the case will be heard a week tomorrow.
However, if he is found guilty, an additional three-match suspension seems certain which will rule him out of action until either the Premiership encounter with Fulham on March 11th or against Aston Villa seven days later, depending on Everton's FA Cup replay at Chelsea.
