KEITH GILLESPIE has shaken off an ankle injury and is ready to launch into a remarkable 15th season wearing the colours of Northern Ireland.

DEAN SAUNDERS believes Wales can "give Russia something to worry about" if they produce a World Cup qualification victory over Azerbaijan tomorrow.

SHAUN MALONEY had no complaints when he was dropped from the Scotland squad by George Burley – because he knew he did not merit a place in the manager's plans.

GARETH BARRY admitted it is time "for England to deliver" as the Fabio Capello era finally begins for real with the opening World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Cr

THEY were all part of the so-called "golden generation," the Hibs kids who set the SPL alight as they made the Easter Road outfit's conveyor belt of young talent t

CSABA LASZLO stressed today that Scotland manager George Burley should have no fears about turning to Christophe Berra or Michael Stewart in the white-hot atmosphere of Skopje

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said on Friday he was not worried by the takeover of city rivals Manchester City by billionaire Arab owners who have pledged to take it to the top of the Premier League.

Real Betis´ Brazilian international Rafael Sobis has joined United Arab Emirates-side Al-Jazeera Dubai in a deal worth 11 million euros (15.9 million dollars), the Spanish club said Friday.

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton was banned on Friday for six matches - with another six suspended - and fined 25,000 pounds for assaulting team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Friday said former Chelsea star Adrian Mutu is to appeal a 17.2-million-euro (25.3-million-dollar) fine from FIFA for failing a drugs test.

Spain is considering to join the race for the hosting of the 2008 World Cup. This was revealed by the country's FA president in an interview with Radio Marca.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of England´s opening World Cup 2010 qualifier against Andorra here on Saturday after failing to recover from a back injury.

Serbian defender Slobodan Rajkovic was on Friday banned for 12 months for spitting at the referee following his side´s 2-0 defeat by Argentina in a group match at the Beijing Olympics, FIFA announced.

Fabio Capello believes Wayne Rooney must end his England goal-drought against Andorra on Saturday to shatter the mental block affecting his performances for the national team.

New France captain Thierry Henry is relishing the challenge of facing Austria in Saturday´s World Cup qualifier, not least as it will give him the chance to prove he´s worthy of the armband.

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer on Friday appeared to rule himself out of the running to replace Kevin Keegan in the St James´ Park hotseat.

LONDON (SW) – There are rumours flying around London that suggest that former Italian coach Roberto Donadoni has flown into London for an interview at West Ham’s Upton Park.

John Terry admits it is time England finally delivered after years of underachievement.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi will take nothing for granted when the world champions start the defence of their title against Cyprus here Saturday.

Crisis-hit English Premier League side West Ham on Friday signed Uruguayan left-back Walter Lopez, the club announced on its website.