Care facing RFU disciplinary

Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care has been called in front of an RFU disciplinary commission after his yellow card for a dangerous tackle against Leeds earlier this month.

Care, who has already been given a one-match ban by his own club over the incident and missed last weekend's game against Sale in the Heineken Cup, will attend the hearing on Tuesday December 15th to find out if he is to be given an increased suspension.

The tackle itself on Leeds forward Rhys Oakley during Quins' 30-27 victory in Yorkshire on December 4th resulted in a ten-minute sin bin for the England international.

His existing suspension by his own club will likely be taken into consideration by the panel when they hand down their decision.

In more positive news for Quins, three players have been re-signed to contracts at the Twickenham Stoop.

Chris Robshaw and George Lowe, both products of the academy, and former Bristol player Ollie Kohn have all agreed deals with the London club.

Chief executive Mark Evans said: 'These are exactly the type of young English players that the club is built on and I am looking forward to announcing further signings in the near future.'

Fernandes out to beat Branson

Tony Fernandes, the boss of the new 1Malaysia Lotus formula one team, has vowed to beat Manor grand prix, which will rebranded as the Virgin Racing team.

Fernandes has confirmed he will lead Lotus’s return to F1 racing in 2010 and at the Motor Sport Business Forum in Monaco also stated that his number one intention is to beat Richard Branson’s Virgin team.

'I said that number one we have to be ahead of Branson, otherwise I will retire and kill myself,' said Fernandes.

'We think we are going to have a very reasonable car. We know we aren't going to be competing near the front in year one, but it takes time and we'll have a good basis for moving forward.'

Fernandes revealed that he will run Lotus on a budget of £55 million and he added that he couldn’t understand how some teams spend three times as much every year.

'Obviously at one stage we were ready to put a team out at £40 million because that's what we were told the cap was going to be,' said Fernandes.

'Obviously we're in favour of having less money to build a car but it's still exciting.

'I am still confused as to where all the extra money goes when you have a team with £150 million. I'm still trying to understand my £55 million.'

He continued: 'We have a licensing agreement with Lotus owner Proton and over time that relationship will grow.

'Lotus will probably buy into the team at some stage. More and more technology from our side will flow into Lotus cars and we will promote the Lotus brand.

'I see it in time being no different from how Ferrari works.'

Inter and Barca seal passage to last 16

Inter Milan and Barcelona both avoided embarrasing early exits from the Champions League, although the pair were forced to work harder than they might have hoped.

Jose Mourinho's Inter, with just four European goals and one win in their last seven San Siro outings, nudged into the knockout stages courtesy of a 2-0 win over Russian champions Rubin Kazan in Group F. Former Barcelona front man Samuel Eto'o got the ball rolling shortly after the half-hour before a ferocious free-kick by Marco Ballotelli wrapped up the win.

In the Ukraine, defending champions Barcelona had to come from behind to earn top spot in the group. The Spaniards were stunned by Dynamo Kiev after just two minutes through Artem Milevskiy but hit back through Xavi after 33 minutes. The pre-tournament favourites grabbed the winner after the break through Ballon D'Or winner Lionel Messi's gloriously struck free-kick.

The story of the night, though, came in Belgium where goalkeeper Sinan Bolat headed an equaliser five minutes into injury-time as Standard Liege snatched a place in the Europa League from opponents AZ Alkmaar. He became the second stopper in as many nights to get their name on the scoresheet after Bayern Munich's Hans Butt notched against Juventus on Tuesday.

In Group G Stuttgart, who sacked manager Marcus Babbel earlier this week, needed to beat Unirea Urziceni to make it into the last 16 behind Sevila. And they all but secured victory in the first 11 minutes.

Ciprian Marica slotted home after five minutes, Christian Trasch grabbed the second three minutes later and Pavel Pogrebniak the third in the 11th minute. The frighteners were put up the Germans shortly after the interval when Unirea snatched one back, although it proved to be nothing more than a consolation.

SFA cancels Petrescu talks

The Scottish Football Association has cancelled a meeting with Unirea Urziceni head coach Dan Petrescu's agent about the Scotland manager's job, following the leak of details to the media.

Petrescu is rumoured to have applied for the job and has impressed some members of the SFA with his increasingly glittering CV.

His London-based representative Frances de Souza was set for an informal chat with SFA chief executive Gordon Smith to present Petrescu's credentials in person.

However, following details of the meeting being leaked to the media the meeting has now been cancelled and Petrescu will only be approached should he make it on to the SFA's yet-to-be-drawn-up shortlist.

The 41-year-old first came to the attention of British observers playing for Romania in the 1994 World Cup in America. After that he spent one season with Sheffield Wednesday before being snapped up by Chelsea and spending five successful years at Stamford Bridge.

Shorter spells with Bradford City and Southampton followed before, in 2004, Petrescu became the manager of Rapid Bucharest.

This season his reputation has grown as the manager of Unirea Urziceni - the Romanian team in the same Champions League group as Rangers - especially following their impressive 4-1 victory at Ibrox.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland last month, he said: 'If someone was to ask if I'm interested I would talk to them because any national team job is a big honour.

'They would have to give me a call because I am not the type of person to approach them and say, 'listen I want to have this job'.'

Meanwhile, following the receipt of 20 applications for the post last week, SFA chief executive Gordon Smith would not speak of individual candidates.

'The matter was discussed extensively and vigorously,' he said.

'We will now initiate that process in the coming weeks.

'It remains the Scottish FA's intention to appoint and present a new national coach in time for the Euro 2012 qualification draw on February 7th.'

The previous Scotland manager, George Burley, was sacked last month after a bleak time in charge.

Liverpool 1-2 Fiorentina

Liverpool's disastrous Champions League campaign was brought to an end with a 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina at Anfield.

Yossi Benayoun gave Liverpool the lead in the first half as he headed in Steven Gerrard’s free kick.

But the Israeli’s opening goal was cancelled out by Martin Jorgensen’s strike before Alberto Gilardino grabbed victory for Fiorentina in the final minute.

The defeat means Liverpool finish with their lowest ever points tally in the Champions League, while Fiorentina progress to the last 16 as winners of Group E ahead of Lyon.

Although it was another disappointing night for Rafael Benitez, he was able to welcome back Fernando Torres from injury while handing Alberto Aquilani his first start since joining the club in August.

Liverpool started brightly with Aquilani immediately involved as he sent an inviting pass to Andrea Dossena on the left who whipped in a cross to the near post which Dirk Kuyt couldn’t apply a finishing touch to.

Daniel Agger almost handed Fiorentina the lead though with a poor backpass, however Diego Cavalieri managed to get to the ball before the advancing Mario Santana.

Liverpool continued to outdo their opponents in the possession stakes, but they struggled to create many openings with Benayoun guilty of giving the ball away in a number of promising positions.

In contrast Fiorentina always looked a threat with former AC Milan striker Gilardino playing on the shoulder of Agger and stretching the Liverpool defence.

It was Lorenzo de Silvestri who came closest to opening the scoring for the Italians with a header that Cavalieri did well to push over his bar before diving low to his left to save Riccardo Montolivo’s volley from the following corner.

Liverpool took the lead before half-time though when Benayoun sent a glancing header into the net from Gerrard’s swinging free kick from the right.

Gilardino had the chance to equalise immediately after the restart but Cavalieri managed to smother the Italian’s header after he arrived at the front post unmarked to meet Gianluca Comotto’s cross.

Liverpool began to threaten their visitors' goal more as they upped the tempo and Agger should have scored his team's second on the hour, but failed to make contact with the ball as he dived to meet another Gerrard free kick.

And Fiorentina took immediate advantage of their hosts' failure to double their lead when they broke quickly to equalise with Gilardino laying on a pass for Jorgensen to arrow a low shot past Cavalieri.

Benitez introduced Torres from the bench as they looked to regain the lead and the Spaniard supplied an excellent cross for Dossena but he failed to get his head to the ball.

The game became stretched in the final ten minutes as both teams pushed to find a winning goal with Cavalieri denying Montolivo from distance.

And the Italians finished the game the stronger, snatching victory in the final minutes when Gilardino slotted the ball past Cavalieri to compound Liverpool’s miserable Champions League campaign.

Olympiakos 1-0 Arsenal

Arsenal ended their Group H qualifying campaign with a 1-0 defeat at Olympiakos after Arsene Wenger fielded the youngest-ever side in Champions League.

Wenger chose to select virtually a reserve side, giving a debut to a left-back called Tom Cruise.

With Alex Song being the only Arsenal regular making an appearance in a side with an average age of 20, hopes of an away victory seemed like mission impossible.

But the young Gunners, despite already being assured of qualification to the knock-out stages, started brightly - showing adhesive control while passing at pace.

Olympiakos, needing a point to ensure a place in the last 16, initially struggled to find their rhythm. When they did they showed a willingness to shoot from distance, finishing the half more strongly than their opponents.

Playmaker Aaron Ramsey was far and away Arsenal's most creative player throughout the game with Theo Walcott offering their best chance of scoring.

But Walcott's fine running with and without the ball is not matched by his finishing power - his final touches reminiscent of Michael Owen when the Manchester United player was struggling for form earlier in the season.

There were no such finishing problems for Olympiakos when they opened the scoring early in the second half after a slick move which started in the centre circle.

A fine pass released the Brazilian Leonardo, who needed just one touch before he fired a left-footed shot past the advancing Fabianski from the corner of the six-yard box.

Arsenal nearly equalised with a counter-attack of their own, Ramsey bursting into the penalty box and passing to Carlos Vela - only for the Mexican's shot to hit the legs of the grey-haired Olympiakos goalkeeper Nikopolidis.

The same striker had another chance in the 70th minute, toe-poking a chipped shot over the bar after another fine Ramsey pass.

Olympiakos responded quickly, Leonardo getting behind the Arsenal defence to shoot from the same spot where he had scored from earlier. This time the impressive Fabianski pulled off a fine save.

The Gunners' goalie also came to the rescue a few minutes later after another quick Olympiakos break left him as the last line of the defence.

Arsenal might have snatched a slightly undeserved draw had Olympiakos goalscorer Leonardo not made a reflex goal-line clearance from a Ramsey shot in the last minutes of normal time.

City pair on mend after swine flu

Manchester City duo Craig Bellamy and Vladimir Weiss are set to resume training before the weekend after recovering from doses of swine flu.

Slovakian international midfielder Weiss came down with the disease almost a week ago and has been laid low since before City's 2-1 home win over Chelsea last Saturday.

Bellamy reported suffering cold and flu symptoms over the weekend and was tested for the H1N1 strain on Monday, although he has since recovered and could be back in training before the squad heads to Bolton this weekend.

The Welsh international also has a bruised knee, which kept him out of the impressive win over the Blues, but could be in contention for a return for the trip to the Reebok Stadium.

The two will be joined at Carrington by fellow first team returnee Stephen Ireland, who also missed last week's game with a minor knee injury.

United boosted for Villa visit

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that at least three of his injury-ravaged stars are set to return for this Saturday's Premier League match against Aston Villa.

Strikers Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov are set to return from hamstring and knee injuries, respectively, but arguably the most important first-team regular back in the fold is central defender Nemanja Vidic.

The Serbian international has been out with the flu for the past week - missing United's 4-0 win at West Ham on Saturday and the 3-1 success at Wolfsburg in the Champions League on Tuesday.

But Ferguson talked up Vidic's chances of being fit for the arrival of Villa at Old Trafford.

'We expect Vidic to be ready for Saturday,' the manager said.

'We'll be ok with that - I'm happy enough if I can play a back four of [Darren] Fletcher, [Michael] Carrick, Vidic and [Patrice] Evra.'

United played a back three against the German side earlier in the week, with midfielders Fletcher and Carrick joining Evra in defence.

However, against Villa, Carrick would partner the returning Vidic in the centre of a four-man back-line with Fletcher on the right flank and Evra in his customary left-back role.

QPR suspend Magilton

Queens Park Rangers have suspended their manager Jim Magilton pending an investigation into an incident at Monday's 3-1 defeat to Watford.

Magilton was left seething after his beleaguered side surrendered a 1-0 lead to slump to a third defeat in four games at Vicarage Road.

In a short statement, the west Londoners said: 'The club can confirm that manager Jim Magilton has been suspended with immediate effect, pending an internal investigation.

'The suspension relates to an incident which occurred at Monday's Championship fixture against Watford at Vicarage Road.'

It is thought the incident in question may refer to Magilton's decision to lock Hungarian midfielder Akos Buzsaky out of the dressing room after what was described as 'a difference of opinion'.

Buzsaky, who came on as a second-half substitute against the Hornets, was left to seek shelter from the freezing evening in a public toilet inside the ground.

After the game, Magilton admitted his team had shown 'no collective desire to get a result' and vowed to ask 'one or two harsh questions' of his squad.

Despite spending vast sums of money on wages and player transfers in recent months since being taken over by new billionaire owners, QPR have failed to pull up many trees in the Championship so far this season.

After 20 games, the Hoops sit 12th in the table and ten points off the pace of the automatic promotion contenders.

The latest news means Magilton's position is now under threat, just six months after he was appointed as the successor to Paolo Sousa in June.

Magilton is Rangers' eighth manager since Ian Holloway was let go after five years in charge in February 2006.

Lopez confirms interest in Renault team

Gerard Lopez has confirmed he is interested in purchasing the Renault formula one team.

Last week, it was revealed that Lopez was one of the main parties interested in a takeover of the Enstone-based squad, along with Prodrive, who were denied entry into the 2010 season.

At a motorsport business forum in Monaco on Wednesday, Lopez stepped into the spotlight to announce his interest in buying out the Renault team.

'We are very opportunistic,' said Lopez.

'We have been in F1 for quite a while as friends to lots of people there, we have done some business in the environment, and never thought about getting more heavily involved than that.

'The situation is such now that it presents an opportunity for new teams or new investors in a time, not of uncertainty, but of change. They [moments of change] provide for a good entry point for a new business.

'We are in the middle of times of change. We have looked at one other opportunity, and that is about it.

'We believe there is a chance now to enter the sport and build on a platform that will reinvent itself, and we can part of that reinvention.'

Lopez said that if his bid is successful, the team will not take on a new identity and will continue to run under the 'Renault' banner as a full constructor.

'It would be very different from a start-up team,' said Lopez.

'If we were to do a deal with Renault, we would still be basing ourselves as a constructors' team – but it will be a different kind of business.

'For us, it is important to confirm the stability over time.

'The business opportunities should rely not on making more out of the team, but it should be about making money out of the business platform we have.'

Hamilton-Brown given go-ahead for Surrey talks

Sussex all-rounder Rory Hamilton-Brown has been given permission to speak to County Championship rivals Surrey over a possible move.

Hamilton-Brown made a move in the opposite direction in 2007 when he left the Brit Oval for Hove.

But he could now be offered the position of first-team captain back at Surrey, despite Sussex's overtures of wanting to keep the talented 22-year-old.

Sussex chairman Jim May said: 'The position of Sussex remains unchanged in that we have no wish to see a player of Rory's potential leave the club and our immediate aim is to agree an extended contract with him.

'However, we recognise that to achieve this aim it is appropriate to give Rory time to talk to Surrey about their opportunity.

'At this stage, the club has granted permission to talk only.

'We remain strongly of the view that Rory's cricket development is best served by remaining at Sussex and we will be meeting him subsequent to his meetings with Surrey to discuss matters further.'

In a short statement, Surrey confirmed the news and said they are 'extremely grateful to Sussex for granting us permission to talk with Rory'.

Gerrard admits title frustration

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admits this season has been 'frustrating', given the Reds' inability to challenge for the Premier League title.

Having already lost five games in the league this year - just one short of their total number of defeats in the two previous seasons put together - Liverpool are languishing in seventh, 12 points behind leaders Chelsea.

And Gerrard, who has League Cup, FA Cup and Champions League winners' medals, is desperate to add a domestic title to his trophy cabinet.

'It is frustrating to be where we are in the league now because this was meant to be the year where we were going to be right up there all the way through,' said the Reds skipper, who led the team to second place behind Manchester United last year.

'It is important for us to try and get back up to the top of the table.

'I will continue to fight for the Premier League from now until I stop playing. Hopefully I can add it to my collection because it would round a fantastic career off.'

Gerrard, 29, admitted time is running out for him to guide his boyhood club to domestic success and said he hopes to do so before he is forced to hand the captain's armband on to someone else.

'It would be extra special if I could do it as captain in the next couple of years,' he continued.

'I am not sure how long I am going to be captain for - probably another two or three years.

'If not as captain, then hopefully I can still lift it as a Liverpool player.'

In July, Gerrard committed himself to the club until 2013 but hinted it could be his last contract as a player and he would retire when it expires at the age of 33.

Fans will foot bill for British GP, says FOSA

The British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) has taken too big a financial gamble by signing the 17-year deal with Bernie Ecclestone, according to the president of the Formula One Supporters Association (FOSA) Georgio Zorbas.

On Monday the BRDC, who own the Silverstone circuit, signed a 17-year deal with formula one supremo Ecclestone to secure the future of the British grand prix until 2026.

Enthusiasts were left delighted at the news that the historic race had been saved by the BRDC after months of uncertainty.

FOSA, on the other hand, isn't convinced the BRDC can generate the necessary cash to pay the rising fee to host the race.

'When you get over the pleasure at the prospect of the British grand prix actually going ahead, it's an astonishingly brave, bold or some might even say dangerous financial commitment on the part of the BRDC,' said Zorbas.

'Last year the weather was OK, and we had two competitive British drivers in Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, so numbers were good, but I know quite a lot of our members waited before buying, because tickets went quite slowly at first and so they got them at reduced prices.

'Hopefully Lewis and Jenson will still be at the top for the next few years, so the interest will stay high, but economic conditions are tough, people are finding it hard.

'Even staying at a campsite it's an expensive weekend, and if prices start rising numbers will start falling off. It has to stay affordable.'

In 2009 more than 300,000 spectators entered the gates at Silverstone, but with Formula One Management (FOM) owning income-generating sources such as television fees, circuit advertising and high-earning corporate hospitality, FOSA fears that the only way the BRDC can raise money is with a five per cent year-on-year hike in the price of a ticket.

Originally, it was thought that Ecclestone was charging the circuit an annual fee of £12 million with an annual increase of seven per cent.

However, speculation now suggests the BRDC managed to knock the F1 supremo down to a four or five per cent increase every year.

Zorbas told the Independent newspaper: 'Our concern is how they intend to generate enough income to cover that, bearing in mind the number of people who can go is effectively capped anyway by agreement with the local police.'

Former world champion and BRDC president Damon Hill added: 'It is a tough deal to fulfil, there is no question of that, but it is a commitment.

'We have moved into a new realm where we are committed to developing Silverstone and making big investments into the circuit.'

Wasps escape rap over Sale abandonment

The governing body of the Guinness Premiership has confirmed it will not punish Wasps over their refusal to take the field against Sale Sharks late last month.

The match at Edgeley Park on November 27th was called off after the London side refused to play, citing dangerous conditions, despite the referee and Sale both giving the pitch the go-ahead.

However, despite Wasps' unilateral decision to board their team coach and leave the ground just ten minutes before the scheduled kick-off time, Premier Rugby have decided not to pursue the matter.

'After a hearing today before a panel consisting of three members of Premier Rugby's designated disciplinary group, it was decided that charges had not been proven and accordingly the charges have been dismissed by the panel,' a statement said.

'The panel intends to issue a short written decision setting out its reasons for dismissing the charges within 48 hours.'

Bullard facing eight-week layoff

Hull City midfielder Jimmy Bullard could be out for up to eight weeks after suffering a medial ligament sprain of his left knee.

Bullard, a club record £5 million signing from Fulham in January, collapsed during the 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday and underwent scans on Monday.

However, despite facing up to a two-month layoff - and missing the busy Christmas schedule - Tigers boss Phil Brown has hailed the test results as good news amid fears the injury could have ended the influential midfielder's season.

'Jimmy is going to be out between six and eight weeks, a totally separate injury to anything he has had before,' Brown told Sky Sports.

'It is a grade 2 sprain on his medial ligament, it is not connected with anterior cruciate ligament.

'On the negative front we are losing a very good player for six weeks, but on the other side it could have been a lot longer.'

Bullard only recently returned to first-team action after suffering a right knee injury on his Hull debut back in January, but has been in fine form - winning the Premier League's November player of the month award.

Brown hopes to have the playmaker back in action 'before the [January] transfer window closes' and said the player's time in the physio room would give the medical staff the chance to do some strengthening work to avoid future problems.

'It gives us a chance to strengthen his other leg - it hasn't been a problem but it gives us a chance to strengthen,' the manager added.

Hull's defeat to Villa at the weekend was their first in five matches after two wins and two draws in the Premier League last month.

Bailey agrees Warriors extension

Wigan Warriors back-row forward Phil Bailey has agreed a new one-year deal with the club for the 2010 Super League season.

Bailey, who has been with the Warriors since 2007, saw his original three-year contract end last month.

But after successfully coming through Achilles surgery, Bailey has been rewarded with another 12-month deal at the DW Stadium.

'I am delighted to have signed a new contract having thoroughly enjoyed my time so far with the Warriors,' said the 29-year-old Australian.

'The club have been great to me, I love the town and the fans have been fantastic.

'I was really disappointed to miss the end of last season with an Achilles injury but I am well on the road to recovery now and can’t wait to be part of the squad for the new season.'

Head coach Michael Maguire commented: 'Phil is a great player to have in your squad and I am pleased he is with us for 2010 and possibly beyond.

'He is whole-hearted and committed and has a great work ethic.'

Bailey switched positions from centre to second row in order to hold down a first-team place with the Warriors. In his three seasons with the club he has made 82 appearances and scored 15 tries.

Young drivers' test successful for Bridgestone

Bridgestone Motorsport’s chief engineer Jun Matsuzaki said the young drivers’ test held in Jerez last week yielded interesting and useful information that can be used to develop their new rubber for the 2010 season.

The Japanese tyre manufacturer brought with it to the three-day test, all four compounds of rubber for the teams and drivers to use.

The cool weather conditions made it difficult for the young drivers, some of which had no experience behind the wheel of an F1 car, to stay on the track while running on the harder compounds, although there were no serious problems reported.

In a statement issued by Bridgestone, Matsuzaki said it was an 'interesting test', during which the Japanese firm received a lot of useful feedback that can be used to develop the new tyres for next season.

'We had many different drivers, most of whom had little or no experience of F1 cars,' said Matsuzaki.

'The teams all had different programmes, and all four 2009 dry compounds were available to them. There was a lot of running with heavy cars to simulate the heavier fuel loads of next season so we gained useful data from this.

'It was good to see so many young drivers here at the same test, and there were more experienced F1 test drivers in action too, so we had a good benchmark.'

Matsuzaki said Bridgestone are concentrating on developing tyres capable of withstanding the heavier fuel loads.

'The construction is more durable, and the compounds have also been modified,' he continued.

'A narrower front tyre will also be introduced to adjust the basic balance of the cars.

'As tyre characteristics will be changed due to the modifications, we are now working very hard with all teams to enhance their understanding of this.'

2010 will mark Bridgestone’s final year as the control tyre supplier in F1, as the Japanese company recently revealed it would be pulling out of the sport at the end of next year.

Bridgestone’s withdrawal has been hailed as a tragic loss to the world championship and the sport’s governing body the FIA is yet to find a replacement.

Premier League clubs "taking advantage of fans"

The Liberal Democrats have launched a stinging attack on Premier League clubs they claim are taking advantage of dedicated supporters to profit during the recession.

Research published by the Lib Dems today shows the range of tickets on offer to fans vary from as little as £7 up to around £92 for the most expensive seats in the top grounds.

The price of a pint of beer inside grounds also varies by more than 40 per cent, from £2.70 up to £3.80.

And the party's sports spokesman Don Foster claims this is indicative of the way leading top-flight clubs are maximising profits from a captive audience.

'These figures show that Premier League clubs are a long way from ending their love affair with money,' Foster said.

'Not only do fans have to pay sky high prices for tickets, but if they want to enjoy a pint of lager they can end up paying way over the odds.

'Clubs must not continue to take advantage of the goodwill of their dedicated followers, particularly in this time of economic recession.'

London clubs Arsenal and Chelsea are among the most expensive grounds to visit, with tickets for some seats at Category A priced games at the Gunners' Emirates Stadium topping the £90 mark.

Wigan Athletic, Sunderland and Wolves are rated as the best value for money in the English top flight.

England call up Durham seamer after injuries

Durham bowler Mark Davies has been called into the England Test squad as cover for the struggling James Anderson and Ryan Sidebottom.

The 29-year-old, who is in South Africa as part of the England Performance Programme, took 19 wickets at an average of 29 in the 2009 Championship season.

Sidebottom is struggling with a side strain while Anderson has not travelled with the rest of the squad, staying behind in Durban to have an injection on his troublesome knee.

It was thought the Lancashire bowler's knee struggles were behind him but he has continued to experience pain from the mystery complaint.

Khan hoping to shock world after title defence

WBA light-welterweight champion Amir Khan plans to realise his dream to fight in Las Vegas after defending his title on Saturday night.

The 22-year-old knocked out Ukrainian Dmitriy Salita in 76 seconds in Newcastle and has now set his sights on a title defence across the Atlantic.

'After the reception I got in Newcastle it will be hard to leave England but next year will be a good time to fight in the States,' Khan told BBC Sport.

'Hopefully we can go and shock the world when we go to America.'

He added: 'Everyone at the gym in LA are always asking me when I'm going to fight in the US and I keep on saying: 'Soon'.

'I've been saying it for so long that they've stopped asking me, but it's always been my dream to fight in Las Vegas.'

The Bolton boxer has not revealed who he plans to fight next, though his trainer Freddie Roach said Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez and American duo Luis Costillo and Zab Judah are possible opponents.

However, promoter Frank Warren dismissed the prospect of Khan facing Ricky Hatton in a future title bout.

'I don't feel Ricky Hatton should fight any more,' said Warren on Radio 5Live's Sportsweek. 'It's crazy, you've only got to look at the size of him. Maybe he could get himself down to the weight, but one thing's for sure, his reflexes and his legs are gone.

'He's not the same fighter he was. He won't be able to get out of the way and I don't think it'll be the next fight anyway. For Ricky to be able to fight it would take him about six or seven months to get himself into some shape.'