Today's other stories in brief
Lescott gets call
Everton defender Joleon Lescott has been drafted into the England squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia. The 25-year-old has been in excellent early-season form, scoring twice in victories at Tottenham and Bolton. Lescott's call-up follows the withdrawal of Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell due to a hamstring injury. Lescott joined Everton from Wolves, where he began his professional career, in June 2006.
Carroll withdraws
Rangers goalkeeper Roy Carroll has withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad to face Latvia and Iceland in Euro 2008 qualifiers on September 8th and 12th. Carroll made his decision after talking to manager Nigel Worthington as he wants to work on rekindling his club career. The former Manchester United player moved to Ibrox in the summer after a difficult time at West Ham.While Carroll will remain on standby, Celtic's Michael McGovern has been drafted into the squad.
Collins in hot water
John Toshack last night warned he will not tolerate players "popping in and popping out" of the Wales squad after Danny Collins withdrew from the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Germany and Slovakia.
The defender completed 90 minutes for Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday but later notified Toshack that he did not wish to be considered for the double header, citing an ankle problem. The Wales manager, who granted the defender a second chance when he complained he had been overlooked for the friendly against Paraguay 18 months ago, suggested Collins had made his decision after assuming he would not start in either of the qualifiers.
Annual Soccerfest
Sports Against Racism in Ireland (SARI) yesterday unveiled details of their 11th annual Soccerfest which will take place at the Garda and Camogie Sports Grounds in the Phoenix Park this weekend. Some 48 teams representing countries from across the globe will compete in the event which has become hugely popular over the past decade. Poland, Brazil, the Ivory Coast and Mongolia are among those scheduled to feature this time around.
This year's festival also includes the second women's competition with eight teams entered while there will, for the first time, be FAI backed underage competitions too.
TONIGHT'S FIXTURES (7.45 unless stated): Scottish League Cup: Second Round: Airdrie Utd v Arbroath; East Stirling v Queens Park (7.30); Forfar v Ayr; Montrose v Brechin; Partick v Berwick; Peterhead v Morton. IFA League Cup: Group Stage: Ards v Oxford United Stars (8.00); Ballymoney Utd v Ballyclare (8.00); Carrick v Glebe Rangers; PSNI v Dundela (6.30); Brantwood v Bangor (6.45); Chimney Corner v HW Welders (6.30).
LAST NIGHT: Italian Serie A: AC Milan 1, Fiorentina 1. Uefa Champions League: Third Qualifying Round, Second Leg: AEK Athens 1, Sevilla 4 (agg 1-6).
