TOP 100 SOCCER SITES
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| Boyd wants to play for Scotland again • 'I want to be part of the Scotland squad'• Allan McGregor also pleads for another chanceKris Boyd has told the new Scotland manager, Craig Levein, that he wants to return to the national fold. The Rangers striker had walked out on the George Burley regime in October 2008 after being left on the bench for a World Cup qualifier against Norway.However, the 26-year-old said today: "If I get picked I'll be there. It was always my hope to play for Scotland again so hopefully now it will happen."Levein admitted last week that he would not rule out any players and Boyd added: "What's happened in the past is gone now. I want to move on and I really look forward to pulling on that dark blue jersey again."I want to be part of the Scotland squad for the qualifying campaign for the next European championships. I'm not saying that I should start every game for Scotland, far from it. I don't expect that."I know there will be times when I'm on the bench and times when I don't get on. I just feel now, if I'm playing well, I will be in with a chance of getting a game. For me that's the difference."Boyd's sentiments were echoed by his Ibrox team-mate Allan McGregor, who had been hit with a lifetime ban from representing his country in the wake of the "Boozegate" affair. McGregor was punished along with the former Scotland and Rangers captain Barry Ferguson after the pair were caught flicking V-signs at photographers during April's World Cup qualifier against Iceland. That came days after they embarked on an early-hours drinking session following a defeat in the Netherlands.The goalkeeper McGregor said: "If Craig Levein wants me to play a part in his plans then he won't have to ask me twice. The answer is yes please."Nine months ago I was absolutely devastated when I was told my Scotland career was over. Yes, I made some stupid mistakes and I apologise for them. But to be told I wouldn't play for my country again hit me harder than anyone can imagine. Obviously, things have changed now that the new manager is in charge and if he wants me – even just as a back-up to other keepers in the squad – he can count me in."I don't care if he wants to play me or not – I'm just desperate for the chance to get back in and maybe wear that jersey again one day."ScotlandCraig Leveinguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
David Lacey: Two World Cups up for grabs The tournament itself in South Africa in June, and then the chance to host 2018 in December – 2010 holds plenty of intrigueIt is a rare year that finds England hoping to win two World Cups in the space of 12 months, having previously won only one in more than half a century. The bookmakers' odds against Fabio Capello's team returning triumphant from the 2010 tournament in South Africa, to be followed by the Football Association earning the right to stage the 2018 World Cup when Fifa votes in December, can afford to be generous even to those inclined to bet each way.Given the choice, most English fans would take a second World Cup triumph over another opportunity to become host nation, even though the latter does obviate the irksome need to qualify. Realistically, however, the country suspects that England's strongest chance of upstaging fading memories of 1966 still lies with taking on the best the globe can offer in their own backyard, give or take the odd favourable nod from an Azerbaijani linesman.In terms of how success in these two ventures is likely to be defined, Capello and his squad will enjoy more leeway than the FA's bidding board. Even if England do not win the World Cup in South Africa, progressing beyond the quarter-finals for once would be worth one cheer and reaching the final, if only to finish runners-up, a hearty two. Such is the nation's modest record in the major international tournaments that simply prompting the thought that England might win something is apt to guarantee coach and players a warm welcome home, which is what happened when Bobby Robson's squad arrived back at Luton after going out to West Germany on penalties in the semi‑finals of Italia 90.In this respect the bidders for 2018 are less fortunate for, if the December vote goes against them, there will be no consoling applause. They will be condemned for a misguided, mishandled campaign which has already been racked by ructions and resignations. Even now Lord Triesman and his team are still coming to terms with the unscheduled departure of Sir Dave Richards, the Premier League chairman, which must have been like losing Henry V on the night before Agincourt or Wellington on the eve of Waterloo. But they will probably get over it.Capello is better placed. To win the World Cup his team simply have to score more goals than their opponents either in open play or in any ensuing shoot‑outs. In South Africa the main demands placed on England will be technical and physical. In December, however, they will be asked to show a degree of political nous, in football terms, which may prove beyond them. Here those with long memories may find themselves pining for the days when Sir Stanley Rous, the imperious FA secretary who became Fifa president, gave England a global presence in the game's deliberations which it has never recovered. True, Geoff Thompson, a former FA chairman, is a Fifa vice‑president, which may come in useful although his self-effacing demeanour makes him not so much a presence as a rumour.At least England's hopes of hosting the next World Cup but two should not suffer the fate of the hamfisted effort to stage the 2006 tournament, which was all but beaten from the start when Germany claimed the FA had reneged on a promise to back its own bid in return for German support for Euro 96. England's campaign was over when Uefa backed Germany, who subsequently beat South Africa by 12 votes to 11 after the Fifa delegate from New Zealand, Charles Dempsey, had mysteriously abstained. That FA campaign cost £10m and gained England two votes in the second ballot, which even by modern standards of football extravagance seemed a mite expensive.The Germans' trump turned out to be Claudia Schiffer, who twinkled at the suits and probably persuaded a few of them that the Fatherland, hosts in 1974, might be worth another visit. The English equivalent this time is David Beckham, a supermodel in his way and probably more recognisable worldwide than Schiffer. In fact Beckham may serve his country better in 2010 through handshakes rather than free-kicks, although presumably he hopes to do both.Yet should he make Capello's final squad for South Africa it would surely be more an indication of the coach's narrowness of choice than the durability of Beckham's talents. Capello, an arch pragmatist, does not come across as one much in the habit of selecting a player whose main strength is seen when the ball is motionless.If Tottenham's Aaron Lennon maintains his present form and achieves more consistency with his crosses, the question may become irrelevant. Beckham could then concentrate onhis smile.World Cup 2018Fabio CapelloWorld Cup 2010David BeckhamDavid Laceyguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Maradona's Earring Sells for $36, 400 at Auction ROME (AP) -- Diego Maradona's diamond earring has sold for $36,400 at an auction to help pay off his nearly $54 million Italian tax bill. feeds.nytimes.com |
Gold Coast reclaim top spot Gold Coast United reclaimed top spot and sent a warning to their A-League title rivals with a classy 1-0 win over Sydney FC at the Sydney Football Stadium. foxsports.com.au |
Juventus fans, doctors in trouble The away section at the San Siro stadium will remain closed for the Italian Cup match between Inter Milan and Juventus on Jan. 28, while the Italian anti-doping tribunal has banned two Juventus doctors for 60 days after they were found guilty of doping offences. cbc.ca |