SOCCER: Clinton Morrison will launch his Birmingham City comeback tonight. The Republic of Ireland international will play for the reserves against Middlesbrough at Billingham after a month on the sidelines following a cartilage operation.
If he comes through successfully he could be in contention for Saturday's game with fellow strugglers Blackburn.
His return to action is a much needed boost for manager Steve Bruce who has only two strikers in Emile Heskey and Dwight Yorke at his disposal.
Everton expect cash boost
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright aims to announce a £12.8 million cash injection at next month's a.g.m. to confirm that the Premiership's third-placed club are getting their finances under control.
Shareholders have now received their annual report which confirms the club are £42 million in debt, but the club have pointed out that the initial £10 million down payment for Wayne Rooney from Manchester United is not included in the loss, or £12.8 million from the Fortress Sports Fund - the group who Kenwright claimed yesterday are on the brink of taking a 29.9 per cent stake in the club.
Most of what remains of Everton's debt is a long-term loan taken out against season ticket sales.
Arnesen denies Santini rift
Tottenham sporting director Frank Arnesen has denied former head coach Jacques Santini's claim that there was a rift between them at White Hart Lane.
The Dane said he had no problem with the former France national squad coach. Santini quit the club citing "personal problems" but in French newspaper and TV interviews he has since blamed the breakdown of his relationship with the club's sporting director.
"If he has a problem, then it is his problem," said Arnesen yesterday. "I have no problems with Mr Santini. I stand by what I said previously, absolutely nothing has changed. He is the one in this situation and it is up to him how he handles it. So you will have to ask him why he has said these things."
Meanwhile, the club's defender Dean Richards this week awaits the results of a scan to find out if he has a brain tumour. Richards (30) who has not played for six months, will get the scan results tomorrow.
Gerrard makes comeback
Steven Gerrard made his comeback in Liverpool's reserve game at Wolves last night as a second-half substitute. The midfielder broke a metatarsal against Manchester United at Old Trafford on September 20th.
The club's other long-term injury victim, Antonio Nunez, is scheduled for his first game for the club since his £3 million move from Real Madrid, in the reserve game at Leeds on November 25th.
In brief ...
Southampton head coach Steve Wigley said yesterday he expected to be in charge until the end of the season - despite reports linking Glenn Hoddle with his job . . . After 10 games without a win, former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri has received the dreaded vote of confidence from Valencia president Juan Soler . . . Bolton Wanderers' parent company Burnden Leisure have reported a pre-tax profit of £2.6 million for the year ended June 2004.
