Every morning, TheScore.ie brings you the sport stories you need to know with your morning coffee.
1. #INJURY Alex Ferguson is optimistic that Rio Ferdinand will be fit for Manchester United’s match against Arsenal on Monday.
Ferdinand went off five minutes into the second-half of last night’s 1-1 Champions League draw with Valencia, with a tight hamstring. Ferguson said it was the correct decision for Ferdinand to come off.
United are now exempt from facing Barcelona or Real Madrid after an Anderson equaliser in the 62nd minute earned the vital point.
2. #CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Elsewhere in the Champions League, Spurs secured top spot in their group with a 3-3 draw at FC Twente.
3. #ROBBIE Ireland captain Robbie Keane could be on his way back to his first professional club, according to Mark McCadden in the Irish Daily Star.
Mick McCarthy is lining up a $7million bid that would pair the Tallaght man with Wolves’ Irish striker Kevin Doyle.
Paul O’Hehir says the deal would be done for £6m, in the Irish Daily Mirror.
4. #SNOW PATROL Ulster have sounded out Leinster about the potential availability of Donnybrook for their home Heineken Cup game against Bath on Saturday as the weather continues to affect the sporting calendar.
But former Ireland out half and Ulster director of rugby, David Humphreys, is “totally confident the game will go ahead at Ravenhill”, according to Gerry Thornley.
5. #TV After yesterday’s criticism from Dublin secretary John Costello, RTÉ have defended their commitment to Gaelic games coverage.
Montrose bosses say they will be showing almost 55% more live championship games than their closest rivals, TV3.
6. #MAGPIES Alan Pardew will be named Newcastle manager later today.
It is understood that the former West Ham boss will meet with Magpie officials later today and should negotiations progress well, Pardew will become the new man at St James’ Park.
7. #HEINEKEN CUP Ospreys head coach Sean Holley believes his charges will have to step up a gear when they face Munster at Thomond Park on Sunday.
Leinster say they will make an decision on Brian O’Driscoll’s fitness on Friday.
8. #LAZY Tyrone county board chief Dominic McCaughey says the county’s hurlers are ‘lazy’ according to the Irish Daily Mail.
9. #HONOURS EVEN After they both enjoyed sensational seasons, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell have been voted joint winners of the European tour Golfer of the Year award.
G-Mac and the German share the award for the first time its 26-year history. Putts like this has something to do with the Portrush man claiming half the award.
