A round-up of today's other stories in brief...
Huth in race to be fit for Cup final
STOKE defender Robert Huth has flown to see a knee specialist in Spain as he battles to be fit for Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City. The German centre-half suffered the injury during the 3-1 victory over Arsenal at the weekend and joined Matthew Etherington, who has a torn hamstring, as a major doubt for this weekend’s Wembley showpiece.
Chairman Peter Coates said: “We just have to wait and hope.”
- SEVEN people appearedin court yesterday charged with possessing an imitation firearm after they were arrested outside Celtic's training ground.
Firearms-trained specialist officers were sent to the scene near the club’s Lennoxtown training ground in East Dunbartonshire on Sunday.
Yesterday, two teenage males and five women appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court.
Gattuso launches attack on Leonardo after title win
AC Milan’s combative midfielder Gennaro Gattuso was in trouble again yesterday after an amateur video emerged of him making insulting remarks about Inter coach and former Milan boss Leonardo.
Gattuso, banned for four European matches for head-butting Tottenham Hotspur assistant coach Joe Jordan in their Champions League last-16 tie in February, was celebrating Milan’s league title triumph on Saturday when he unleashed the expletives.
The World Cup winner had been critical in the past of Leonardo’s decision to join Inter in December after 13 years as a player, director and coach at bitter rivals Milan.
Leonardo was not amused by the latest outburst. “I would very much like to know what he has to say, since neither on the phone nor in person has that ever been possible.”
Milan, overjoyed at finally ending Inter’s five-year reign as Serie A champions, could meet Inter in the Italian Cup final if they both get through this week’s semi-final second legs.
Mahon looks to get Kenna back
ST PATRICK’S Athletic manager Pete Mahon hopes to have Conor Kenna back in action by the start of next month after a specialist suggested yesterday that the defender should be able to return to training over the course of the next week following a lengthy spell out with what Mahon described as a “freak” knee injury.
The club have been hit by a series of injuries to important players since the start of the campaign but Dave Mulcahy resumed training last night while Shane McFaul is approaching full fitness and James O’Brien is said to be a week or so away from starting back.
Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers manager Michael O’Neill, says that Gary Twigg and Chris Turner should both be options for Saturday’s Setanta Cup final against Dundalk.
They are expected to feature in a reserve game tonight and be in contention for the weekend. “They’re important players for us and obviously we want to have as many bodies available for Saturday as possible,” O’Neill said.
Sheffield United sack Adams
SHEFFIELD UNITED have parted company with manager Micky Adams. Adams (49), a lifelong Blades fan, had stressed he had wanted to remain at Bramall Lane in a bid to revive the club’s fortunes after being relegated from the Championship. However, owner Kevin McCabe told him yesterday his services were no longer required. Adams said: “I am a Blade and will always be a Blade so I am just sorry that my move here has not worked out.”
Gabbidon fined for Twitter rant
WEST HAM defender Danny Gabbidon has been fined and warned about his future conduct following comments posted on his Twitter account. The 31-year-old was charged in April of ‘improper conduct’ by the English Football Association for a foul-mouthed message in the wake of his side’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa. Gabbidon, who has since closed down his account, wrote: “U know what, f*** the lot of you, u will never get another tweet from me again, you just don’t get it do you. Bye bye.” The FA confirmed they have fined Gabbidon for his comments in a statement yesterday.
“At an Independent Regulatory Commission, West Ham United defender Danny Gabbidon was fined and warned as to his future conduct,” the statement said. “Gabbidon was charged with improper conduct in relation to media comments made on the social media site Twitter on April 16th, 2011. Having admitted the charge, Gabbidon was fined €6,800.”
Bendtner to discuss Arsenal future
NICKLAS BENDTNER is planning to discuss his future as an Arsenal player with Arsene Wenger. The Denmark striker has regularly expressed his disappointment at a lack of first-team opportunities with the Gunners this season. Bendtner has also aired his frustration at being played out of position when he does get on the field, and admits he is keen to know where he stands in his managers plans ahead of the summer. "I need to have a talk with him (Wenger) because Im not satisfied with playing on the right wing, which Ive done more or less all season long," Bendtner said.
Bayern Munich are reported to be keeping a close eye on Bendtners situation as there is a chance the transfer door could soon swing open.
