Other sports stories in brief

Hayden having tough time

CRICKET:Struggling Australian opener Matthew Hayden has given no thought to retirement despite the prospect of being dumped from the Test side if his run of outs continues against South Africa in the third Test in Sydney.

The 102-Test veteran has scored just 56 runs in his last six innings. "Performances have been average for me and I guess I live and die by the standards that I've set over a 15-20 year career," he said.

Rift over Vaughan omission denied

CRICKET:The England and Wales Cricket Board have refused to comment on reports of a rift between national team captain Kevin Pietersen and coach Peter Moores.

It has been claimed the pair clashed over the decision not to recall former skipper Michael Vaughan for the forthcoming tour of the West Indies. Pietersen is thought to have wanted Vaughan alongside him in the Caribbean but selectors opted to keep faith with Ian Bell and Owais Shah. An ECB spokesman said: "We don't comment on speculation." It was also claimed Pietersen had demanded showdown talks with ECB officials over the matter, but no such meeting is due to take place.

Recalling Vaughan would have proved a controversial move given the Yorkshire batsman's poor form towards the end of last season. Vaughan resigned as England captain last August but did not do enough to earn a place on the tour of India.

He has not played any competitive cricket since the end of the season.

Chambers says he may quit over financial concerns

ATHLETICS:Dwain Chambers (30) has revealed he may have to retire in 2009 because of financial concerns.

Since returning to the track after serving a drugs ban, Chambers has gradually improved his relationship with UK Athletics, but the sprinter admits he could be forced to bring down the curtain on his career and look for alternative employment if he cannot make a proper living from the sport in the coming year.

"I'm able to continue competing as long as my lady is still in a job, Chambers said. "I have no-one other than Leonie (his partner) supporting me." On the few occasions the Londoner has won prize money since his return, he has handed it over to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to whom he owes over £100,000, money earned during the period he was using performance-enhancing drugs. He still cannot enter the money-spinning events, after the Euro Meetings Group which represents 51 promoters banned him from its events.

Kearney opts to sign for Derry

SOCCER: Derry City have signed winger Liam Kearney from Cork City on a two-year-deal as they look to fill the void left by Niall McGinn's departure to Celtic.

The former Nottingham Forest and Shelbourne player has been a fixture at Turners Cross since returning to his hometown club from Dublin in 2007. However, the 25-year-old was out of contract and the Candystripes have swooped to snap up one of the leagues brightest talents for free.

The move will disappoint Cork City fans who recently saw manager Alan Mathews sacked by new owner Tom Coughlan. The local business- man then approached former Cork GAA manager Billy Morgan about succeeding Mathews, but the 63-year-old was not interested.