A round-up of today's other soccer stories in brief
Keane date confirmed
Roy Keane's testimonial between Manchester United and Celtic was yesterday confirmed for May 9th at Old Trafford. Although there is no indication which team Keane will play for, it would be no surprise if he donned the United shirt for one final time, even for only part of the game.
"I am grateful to Manchester United for awarding me a testimonial game and to Celtic for agreeing to participate in it," said Keane in a statement. "I look forward to returning to express my appreciation to the fans for the support that they had given me over the last 12 years."
Alex Ferguson added: "This is something that we wanted to do this season as Roy started the season with us. The supporters want to recognise the unbelievable contribution and success he had with Manchester United. He was a fantastic player and captain for me and I hope he gets the proper send-off he truly deserves. It will be fantastic night for everyone."
Parker may be ruled out
Newcastle's caretaker manager Glenn Roeder has promised Scott Parker his career on Tyneside has only just begun as he faces up to missing the rest of the season. The 25-year-old is awaiting the results of tests which will determine whether or not he is suffering from glandular fever. If they prove positive, he will sit out the rest of the campaign and his hopes of winning a late call-up to Sven-Goran Eriksson's England World Cup squad will be at an end.
Roeder, who revealed that the former Chelsea enforcer has been playing through the illness for the last month, said Parker was devastated by the news, but ensured him that he had good times ahead of him at St James' Park.
Cisse concerned
Djibril Cisse is "afraid" his lack of playing time at Liverpool will see him miss out on this summer's World Cup. The France striker admits being frustrated with his role at Anfield, where his bit-part appearances have been largely restricted to playing on the right of midfield.
However, the 25-year-old insists he has no problem with Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez despite constant speculation linking him with a summer move away from Anfield. He was most recently rumoured to be moving to Tottenham, sparking a war of words between Benitez and the London club.
"I've got no problem with Benitez," Cisse told L'Equipe. "I'm just disappointed not to have so much time to play. It is always the same thing. From time to time, I play on the right side. It is better than being a substitute but it is not funny, it is frustrating."
With time running out before France boss Raymond Domenech picks his squad for the World Cup in Germany, Cisse is desperate to impress. "Fears are always on my mind concerning Germany. I am scared but I will fight until the end to be in the 23-man list."
Ronaldinho best brand
Brazil and Barcelona forward Ronaldinho is the most commercially valuable soccer player in the world, followed by England internationals David Beckham and Wayne Rooney, a study of brand value said yesterday. Consultancy BBDO Germany estimated Ronaldinho's brand was worth €47 million followed by Beckham's at €44.9 million and Rooney's at €43.7 million.
Two other Barcelona players, Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o and Argentina's young forward Lionel Messi, completed the top five, both brands being worth just over €30 million.
In brief . . .
Chelsea have provisionally agreed a four-year deal with AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko, according to the Daily Mail . . . Rangers captain Barry Ferguson is set to go under the knife in the next couple of weeks after admitting he can no longer play through the pain. The 28-year-old midfielder needs an operation to reconstruct his ankle after being plagued with problems throughout the season . . . Tugay has shaken hands with Blackburn manager Mark Hughes on a new deal which will keep him at Ewood Park for next season.
