SOCCER SHORTS:Veteran defender Sami Hyypia has revealed clinching a new deal at Liverpool is his priority as he comes to the end of his existing contract.

The 34-year-old Finland international had been thrust into action week in and week out this season, which is his last as of now at Anfield, largely due to the metatarsal problem of Daniel Agger.

Hyypia, who is reportedly being chased by several other clubs including Fulham, is keen to stay on at Liverpool.

"My priority would be to stay at Liverpool, but it's not only up to me," Hyypia said.

"I haven't got any offers yet from here or any other clubs, so I'm just trying to focus on the matches.

"It would be very nice to get to 10 years at the club but I'm just concentrating on playing well."

Grant's choices no problem for Terry

Chelsea captain John Terry has voiced his full support for the club's manager Avram Grant over his selection policy for the League Cup final.

There had been reports that suggested some players were upset by Grant's choices for Sunday's 2-1 defeat by Tottenham and the way they were communicated to the squad.

But Terry insisted: "The manager keeps it very close to his chest. That is how it has been in every game.

"That is the way it has got to be. It keeps everyone on their toes - and as players, we have to deal with it."

Strachan banned

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has been banned from the dugout for two Scottish Premier League matches after the Scottish FA upheld a charge of unacceptable conduct.

The SFA's disciplinary body charged Strachan following an exchange with a steward against Aberdeen in August.

Strachan had appealed his original four-match ban and the SFA's Appeals Board has reduced that to two matches.

The Celtic manager will miss the home game against Inverness tonight and away to Hibernian on Saturday.

Strachan became involved after the steward accused his assistant, Garry Pendrey, of gesturing to Pittodrie fans.

The Celtic manager was sent from the dugout by referee Charlie Richmond during the Glasgow club's 3-1 victory.

A spokesperson for the SFA said: "The Appeals Board decided to substitute the four-match ban which Mr Strachan had appealed with a two-match suspension."

Aliadiere's appeal backfires 

Middlesbrough striker Jeremie Aliadiere has been handed a four-match ban after having his appeal against the red card he received at Liverpool rejected.

The Frenchman was sent off at Anfield on Saturday after aiming a slap at Javier Mascherano.

Middlesbrough appealed on the grounds that the offence did not amount to violent conduct.

However, a regulatory commission yesterday rejected the claim as "frivolous" and increased the mandatory three-match ban for the offence to four.

Cole arrested after a domestic

Sunderland striker Andy Cole has been questioned by police after an alleged assault on his wife.

The 36-year-old, who is currently on loan at Burnley, was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning at his home in Cheshire. He was released last night, pending further inquiries.

Cole married Shirley Dewar in 2002.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: "At 2.27am on Monday, February 25th, police were called to a house in Alderley Edge following an allegation of assault by a man against a woman.

"A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and was taken to Middlewich custody suite. He was interviewed and released on police bail until a date in April pending further inquiries."

Toure to return

Arsenal defender Kolo Toure is hopeful he will be fit for next week's Champions League clash with Milan.

Toure is struggling with a calf injury he picked up in last week's first leg clash against the Serie A side at the Emirates Stadium and he missed last weekend's draw with Birmingham.

The 26-year-old Cote d'Ivoire international said: "Against Milan, fingers crossed, I will be fine. We are going there to qualify."