A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Morrison charged by English FA
WEST Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison has been charged by the English FA over an alleged homophobic remark on Twitter.
The 19-year-old, who moved to Upton Park from Manchester United on transfer deadline day, is reported to have made the comment in response to another Twitter user.
The FA wrote to Morrison last week for his observations on the matter and have now formally charged him. A statement on the FA website read: “West Ham United’s Ravel Morrison has been charged under FA Rule E3 for use of abusive and/or insulting words including a reference to a person’s sexual orientation.”
The incident marks an inauspicious start to Morrison’s West Ham career after he was also involved in various off-field controversies while at Old Trafford.
Manchester United allowed the teenager to leave despite him being rated as one of the finest prospects at the club in recent years.
Late heartbreak for Ireland U-18s
Rep of Ireland U-18 1 Wales U-18 2
THE REPUBLIC of Ireland Under-18s conceded a last-minute goal against Wales at Ferrycarrig Park in Wexford last night.
The workout provided a window for the best talent still plying their trade in Ireland to make their mark on Under-19 manager Paul Doolin.
Ireland took the lead on 18 minutes as Finn Harps winger Cathal McDaid sped in from the left flank before drilling a low shot past Welsh keeper John Dowd.
Jason Lyons should have added a second from an Alan Browne cross on the half hour but headed over.
The visitors equalised with 20 minutes to go when sub James Stead was allowed time and space eight yards out to smash a shot beyond Niall Corbett. Then, in the 90th minute, Jordan Beck set up fellow sub Alex Samuel for the winner.
Ireland star signs new Chelsea deal
CHELSEA’S Republic of Ireland under-21 international Conor Clifford has signed a one-year extension to his contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2013. The midfielder recently enjoyed a loan spell with Yeovil but has returned to Chelsea’s reserve set-up.
Clifford captained Chelsea to FA Youth Cup success in 2010, scoring the winning goal in the final against Aston Villa.
Huddlestone expects to miss rest of the season
TOTTENHAM midfielder Tom Huddlestone expects to miss the rest of the season due to needing further surgery on his ankle problem later this week.
Spurs insisted yesterday that the 25-year-old’s rehabilitation from the ligament damage that has kept him sidelined since August was progressing as expected.
“Tom will undergo a second stage of surgery on Friday to further his recovery following ankle surgery at the end of last year,” the club said.
“The midfielder has progressed well since his initial surgery with the specialist determining that the anticipated reconstruction of a lateral ankle ligament is the next step towards the England international making a return to full fitness.”
Huddlestone revealed on his Twitter account yesterday that his focus was now on being fully fit for pre-season training.
Bates denies offering McCarthy job
LEEDS chairman Ken Bates has distanced the club from reports they have offered Mick McCarthy the chance to succeed Simon Grayson as manager.
The former Republic of Ireland manager is out of work after being dismissed by Wolves and it was reported the Championship side had moved for the 53-year-old’s services.
It had been suggested McCarthy had been offered the Elland Road post, but Bates insists he does not even have the Barnsley-born manager’s number. “The world and his wife has applied for this job because it’s a good one,” Bates told Yorkshire Radio. “[On Tuesday] a national newspaper said we had already approached McCarthy and offered him the job. I don’t know where McCarthy lives or what his telephone number is. It’s just speculation gone mad.”
