Other soccer news in brief
Unhappy Pavlyuchenko may move
ROMAN PAVLYUCHENKO is set to feature in Tottenham’s League Cup game at Doncaster but has suggested he may need to move to keep his place in Russia’s World Cup squad.
The 27-year-old, who arrived at White Hart Lane a year ago for €15.8 million, scored 14 goals in his rookie season in the Premier League but is behind Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane in Harry Redknapp’s pecking order, with Peter Crouch’s arrival intensifying competition.
So far this season Pavlyuchenko’s only involvement has come in a minute-long appearance off the bench against Liverpool.
“No footballer likes being on the bench game after game,” Pavlyuchenko said. “I could lose my place in the Russia squad ahead of the 2010 World Cup. I’m ready now to listen to offers from other clubs.”
Italian side Roma have monitored Pavlyuchenko and there is thought to be interest in Germany and from his former club Spartak Moscow.
Givens names strong squad
DON GIVENS has named a strong squad for Ireland’s second game of the 2011 European under-21 championship qualifiers in Estonia early next month with James McCarthy of Wigan, Ipswich’s Owen Garvan and Stephen Gleeson of MK Dons among those included for the trip.
The Irish lie close to the foot of their qualifying group having lost their only game to date, against leaders Turkey, 3-0 at home in March.
SQUAD:Shane Redmond (Burton Albion), James McKeown (Peterborough United), Michael Spillane (Norwich City) Brendan Moloney (Notts County), Darren Dennehy (Hereford United), Shane Lowry (Aston Villa), Ian Bermingham (Shamrock Rovers), Lanre Oyebanjo (Histon), Stephen Gleeson (MK Dons), David Meyler (Sunderland), Owen Garvan (Ipswich Town), James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic), Alan Judge (Plymouth Argyle), Jay O'Shea (Birmingham City), Scott Davies (Reading), Cillian Sheridan (Plymouth Argyle), Sean Scannell (Crystal Palace), James Collins (Aston Villa).
Newcastle talk to possible buyer
BUSINESSMAN GEOFF Sheard has emerged as a possible buyer for Newcastle. The club yesterday confirmed they were in talks with Sheard through Seymour Pierce chairman Keith Harris a day after handing Tyneside businessman Barry Moat further time to put in place the financial arrangements to table his own formal offer.
However, the latest potential bidder, who failed in his efforts to buy Sheffield Wednesday last season and has previously been linked with Newcastle, is yet to prove he has the funds available to launch a takeover attempt.
Managing director Derek Llambias said: “Geoff is dealing with Keith Harris and we are still waiting for proof of funds.”
Current owner Mike Ashley will finally make a decision on whether to sell or remain at the helm by the end of this week.
But unless someone comes up with the €110 million Ashley wants for the club, and can service its €40 million overdraft, the odds on him leaving are long.
Scotland call up Kyle and Weir
KEVIN KYLE and David Weir were yesterday recalled to the Scotland squad for the must-win World Cup qualifiers with FYR Macedonia and Holland.
Striker Kyle (28), has not played for his country for more than five years but has been a revelation since joining Kilmarnock in January.
Defender Weir (39), was dropped by George Burley for this month’s 4-0 thrashing in Norway, with the manager suggesting it was time to look at younger alternatives.
Scotland Squad: Goalkeepers:Neil Alexander (Rangers), Craig Gordon (Sunderland), David Marshall (Cardiff City). Defenders:Darren Barr (Falkirk), Stephen McManus (Celtic), Christophe Berra (Wolves), Gary Caldwell (Celtic), Steven Caldwell (Burnley), Callum Davidson (Preston), Alan Hutton (Tottenham), Jamie McAllister (Bristol City), Steven Whittaker (Rangers), David Weir (Rangers). Midfielders:Graham Alexander (Burnley), Scott Brown (Celtic), Kris Commons (Derby County), Darren Fletcher (Manchester United), Paul Hartley (Bristol City), James McFadden (Birmingham City), Shaun Maloney (Celtic). Forwards:David Clarkson (Bristol City), Steven Fletcher (Burnley), Kevin Kyle (Kilmarnock), Kenny Miller (Rangers), Steven Naismith (Rangers).
Charlton taken ill on Spanish holiday
FORMER REPUBLIC of Ireland manager Jack Charlton was taken to hospital after collapsing during a family holiday in Spain.
Charlton (74) was taken to a private clinic after falling ill in Mascarat, on the Costa Blanca, complaining of problems with his eyes.
MRI and CAT scans and heart tests have proved inconclusive so far. His son, John Charlton, said Charlton was back with his family after being discharged with medication to treat high blood pressure.
He said: “It was a scare at the time and he’s been in for three days but he has had more tests and checks than he would have had in the UK.
“We’ve taken all the right precautions to make sure he’s okay and he was well looked after right from the start.
“He just had a bit of a turn.”
Campbell joins Notts County in five-year deal
SOL CAMPBELL believes he could play in the Premier League again with Notts County after completing a surprise move to the League Two club. He rejoins former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who was named Notts County’s director of football last month
The club, who were taken over by Middle East consortium Munto Finance this summer, unveiled the former Tottenham, Arsenal and Portsmouth defender at a press conference at Meadow Lane yesterday.
Campbell (34), was a free agent after his contract with Portsmouth expired last month and has signed a five-year deal. He revealed he turned down offers from Premier League clubs to become part of the revolution at Meadow Lane and cited the romance behind what the new owners are trying to achieve as the reason he joined.
“If we win promotion it is possible that I will play in the Premier League again,” said Campbell.
