Sporting briefs...

Parreira: New South African coach Carlos Alberto Parreira will arrive next week to begin his work ahead of the country's hosting of the 2010 World Cup finals, the South African Football Association said. The Brazilian signed a contract last year but delayed his arrival by six months to take some time away from the game after the last World Cup finals, where he was in charge of his native country. Although he has watched two of South Africa's last three matches, Parreira will only begin his work when he arrives in Johannesburg on Thursday.

US friendly: The United States will meet Ecuador in a friendly as part of their preparations for the Copa America, the US Soccer Federation announced. The game is scheduled to be played on March 25 in Tampa, Florida during a FIFA match window, and will give interim US head coach Bob Bradley the opportunity to field a squad that includes European based players.

Ooijer: Blackburn Rovers' Netherlands defender Andre Ooijer will miss the rest of the season after breaking his leg during their 3-0 Premier League win at Manchester City yesterday. Ooijer's father-in-law, former Dutch international Willy van de Kerkhof, told TV-channel Sport 1 that Ooijer will have surgery after breaking his fibula and tearing ankle ligaments when City striker Bernardo Corradi fell on him. The 32-year-old Ooijer joined Blackburn on a two-year deal last July after 10 years at PSV Eindhoven.

Dida: Milan's first-choice keeper Dida is expected to return for the match at Lazio today after nearly two months out with a knee injury.

Roma: Roma will be without two key players for today's trip to Livorno, with midfielder Daniele De Rossi and David Pizarro both suspended.

Snooker: Masters SF - Ding Jun Hui bt Stephen Hendry 6-2.

Watford striker Ashley Young has agreed in principle to join Premier League rivals Aston Villa. "In principle he has agreed to come," Villa manager Martin O'Neill said yesterday. "I'm hopeful and I think, from speaking to him, he would be pretty pleased to come here. But, like everything else, you cannot take anything for granted." The clubs have agreed a fee and it is now up to the England under-21 international to make a final decision. Young, 21, rejected the chance to join West Ham.