A round-up of the other soccer stories in brief
Queiroz banned by Portugal
PORTUGAL suspended coach Carlos Queiroz for one month yesterday and fined him €1,000 for insulting anti-doping agents before the World Cup, but cleared him of obstructing anti-doping activity.
Queiroz had admitted exchanging harsh words with anti-doping doctors during a surprise visit to Portugal’s World Cup training camp in May but said he was simply expressing his annoyance at having his players rest disturbed.
Connolly sidelined
DERBY midfielder Ryan Connolly will be out for around six months with cruciate knee ligament damage. The Republic of Ireland youth international suffered the injury playing for the under-18 side last weekend and is now set to undergo surgery at the start of September.
Jelavic to Rangers
CROATIA striker Nikica Jelavic is set to become Walter Smith’s third summer signing for Rangers.
Jelavic will arrive at Murray Park today for a medical and to conclude personal terms after the Ibrox club finally reached agreement with Rapid Vienna yesterday.
Davids to return with Palace
GEORGE Burley says Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids is “80-20” to come out of retirement and join Crystal Palace. The 37-year-old midfielder has not played a competitive match since 2008, but has held talks with Crystal Palace manager Burley about linking up with the London club.
“He’s a world-renowned player, he’s a very nice fellow and he’s keen to play again,” said Burley yesterday. “He’s been doing a lot of training and after a number of chats with him I’m optimistic, put it that way. I would say it’s 80-20 for.
“He wants another challenge and it certainly would be a challenge coming to us.”
Motherwell go down in Denmark
REPUBLIC of Ireland B international goalkeeper Darren Randolph conceded two goals as Scottish side Motherwell were beaten 2-1 by Odense in Denmark in the Europa Cup play-off round first leg yesterday.
Irishmen Seán Dillon and Jon Daly were in the Dundee United side that lost 0-1 to Greek side AEK Athens at Tannadice Park in the same competition, with AEK’s goal came in the 11th minute.
Fulham reject Schwarzer bid
FULHAM have rejected a second bid from Arsenal for Mark Schwarzer after the Gunners failed to increase their bid for the Australia goalkeeper from the initial €2.5 million offer they made in May. Fulham price the 37-year-old at around €6 million.
There is bemusement at Fulham over Arsenal’s decision to renew their interest in Schwarzer but fail to increase their valuation of him, with Arsenal apparently confident of eventually securing the transfer due to the player lodging a transfer request.
Shay Given is also under consideration by Wenger and the Donegalman would be keen on a move to north London.
