Alan Shearer expanded on his decision to retire from international football after Euro 2000 at Newcastle United's training ground in Chester-le-Street yesterday. "Hopefully Newcastle will benefit from this decision. I might not play in the next World Cup but maybe I can win an FA Cup final for Newcastle United. If I am to play my best for the next four years then I need to pace myself and that means having a summer break. Over the past 10 years I have been playing 11 months a year; I've never had more than three weeks off. I'm not complaining, because that is a measure of the success I have had, but it can't go on for ever. I want to stay sharp, fit and strong, both physically and mentally. I don't want anyone else telling me I am slowing down. I want to do it my way and I have done that."
A provisional deal to pump extra funding into Glasgow's beleaguered Hampden stadium was outlined yesterday. The Scottish Executive has pledged a further £600,000 to support the rescue package announced in December to save the owners of the recently refurbished ground from financial ruin. Glasgow City Councillors will vote next week on whether to match the amount pledged by the Executive.
Celtic may face action from the Office of Fair Trading over their refusal to refund tickets to Inverness Caledonian Thistle fans after the recent Scottish Cup tie was postponed just hours before the game. Thousands of supporters made the 300-mile round trip only for the game to be called off after guttering fell away from the Parkhead roof in high winds. Because the game was rescheduled for a midweek night - Celtic lost the replay 3-1 - some fans were unable to make the journey and were angered with the club's refusal to give them their money back. Now trading standards officers of the Highland Council have referred the matter to the OFT.
Middlesbrough midfielder Paul Gascoigne could be playing again within three weeks after resuming training with a plaster cast on his left arm. The former England international hopes to make an earlier-than-expected recovery after his reckless challenge on Aston Villa's George Boateng in the 4-0 defeat at the Riverside two weeks ago threatened to bring his season to a premature end. Gascoigne was stretchered off with a broken forearm, but Middlesbrough boss Bryan Robson said: "Gazza is back in training again and full of enthusiasm. The plaster cast offers him protection against knocks."
