Keane to take his timeRoy Keane's lawyer has denied reports the former Manchester United captain will make a decision on his future within the next few days. The 34-year-old has delayed making his mind up until he has further talks with his family and advisers.
Keane is thought to be considering offers from Real Madrid, Celtic and several English clubs, including Everton and Bolton, and it had been claimed an announcement would be made in 24 hours.
But Michael Kennedy, who acts as the player's representative, said: "There is nothing to report and I have no idea if there will be any decision this week."
Desmond answers his critics
Celtic's majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has criticised "ignorant" fans for criticising his commitment to the club. In a rare interview, granted to the Celtic Supporters' Association, the Irish businessman refuted accusations he failed to offer Martin O'Neill the necessary transfer funds after the club reached the Uefa Cup final.
Desmond said: "When I hear fans question my commitment to the club I'd like to tell them to go jump into the biggest river they can find, because for one they don't even know what they're talking about.
"It's totally ignorant for them to say that all the problems are resolved by me putting money into the club, that will never be the case.
" I put money into the club because I believe it's the right thing to do for the club and for the direction of the club and the way I think it should be directed."
Meanwhile, a Celtic player could be in trouble amid allegations he made gestures towards Aberdeen fans in their 3-1 victory at Pittodrie on Sunday. Grampian Police confirm inquiries are on-going.
O'Donovan awarded
Cork City winger Roy O'Donovan was yesterday named as the Eircom/Soccer Writer's Association of Ireland player of the month for November, writes Emmet Malone. The 20-year-old former Coventry City player earned the award with four outstanding performances as Cork closed in on the league title.
With John O'Flynn injured, O'Donovan played three of those games as a stand-in striker, scoring in what proved to be a vital away win over Shamrock Rovers.
He subsequently rounded off the season - in which he was capped at under-21 level - by making both goals in Cork's decisive victory over Derry City on the final day of the league campaign.
Okocha to quit after African Cup
Jay-Jay Okocha will represent Nigeria in the African Nations Cup in January - then quit international football at 32. The Bolton playmaker intends to go out on a high after the disappointment of failing to qualify for the World Cup finals.
Lyon suing Fifa for a1 million
Olympique Lyon are suing soccer's world governing body Fifa for €1 million over an injury sustained by defender Eric Abidal in a friendly international, club chairman Jean-Michel Aulas said yesterday. "We have decided to take Fifa to a French court with the support of the G14 and the union of French professional clubs," Aulas explained.
The French champions accuse Fifa of forcing clubs to release their players when they are picked for international duty and failing to provide any compensation when they are injured.
Abidal, a key player for the four-times French champions, fractured his left foot during France's 3-2 victory over Costa Rica in a friendly played in Martinique in November. He is expected to be out until February.
