Football news

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan is optimistic his side can pull off a famous Champions League victory in Milan on Wednesday following the goalless draw at Parkhead in the first leg.

Strachan is confident his side can send the Italian giants out of the competition.

"We have done all right this year because we have beaten Manchester United at home and a lot of people think 'that's one I can remember for a long time'.

"If we can do another one, that will be fantastic. And we can do it, don't worry about that, we can do it. Milan are one of the best teams in the world but I'm feeling good about my players. I'm proud of my players."

Rooney to have knee scan

Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney will have a scan to determine the extent of the knee problem he sustained at Liverpool. Rooney, injured when he went in for a tackle with Jamie Carragher, appears to be doubtful for Wednesday's crucial Champions League tie with Lille.

"Wayne will go for a scan," manager Alex Ferguson told the club's website.

"It was a bad tackle - Carragher got him right on the knee. We'll have to see how he is."

Rooney was substituted after 73 minutes of the Premiership match at Anfield and replaced by John O'Shea, who scored the late winner in United's 1-0 victory.

Wenger not correct, says ex-ref

Ex-referee Graham Barber believes Arsene Wenger was "completely out of order" for suggesting a League Cup final linesman lied. Arsenal boss Wenger made his comments after the official's report stated that Emmanuel Adebayor aimed a punch at Chelsea's Frank Lampard in the defeat.

"Questioning the linesman's integrity is completely wrong and completely out of order," Barber said.

"It's not the correct thing to say by Arsene Wenger. It's an emotional game but there's a time and place for those sort of comments."

Bonera takes Dida blame

Daniele Bonera has taken the blame for Nelson Dida's poor performance for Milan against Chievo last Saturday. The Verona side took the lead at San Siro when Bonera clattered into Dida as he was trying to protect the ball, allowing Sergio Pellissier to waltz into an empty net.

"I was first to the ball, then Dida called and so I left it. Let's just say I'll take the blame, as I could have cleared it," insisted the defender.

"Perhaps I was pushed from behind, but I take my responsibility."

However, the fans did not see it that way and Dida was widely jeered throughout the match.

Lineker wants Beckham back

Gary Lineker and Michael Owen believe David Beckham would still be an effective player for England. The 31-year-old ex-captain has not been selected for England since coach Steve McClaren succeeded Sven-Goran Eriksson.

But Lineker said: "I think McClaren would be wise to bring back Beckham as a short-term measure."

And Owen told reporters: "Beckham is, and has been for many years, a world class player."

England are third in their Euro 2008 qualifying group. In their last two qualifiers they drew at home with Macedonia then suffered a defeat in Croatia. McClaren's team face a crucial fixture in Israel on March 24.

Inter mourn 'Veleno' Lorenzi

Former Inter legend Benito Lorenzi has died at the age of 81. The striker earned his nickname Veleno - which means 'poison' - for his tendency to argue with opponents and team-mates alike.

Born on December 20, 1925, Lorenzi spent the greatest years of his career at San Siro, wearing the Inter jersey a total of 314 times with 143 goals.

Playing for the club from 1947 to 1958, he won two league titles in 1952-53 and 1953-54. He also notched up 14 Italy caps with four goals.

Ronaldo gearing up for derby

Ronaldo went off with cramp on Saturday night but says he'll be at the top of his game next Sunday against Inter in the derby.

"It was a good performance and all I was missing was a goal," he said of the 3-1 win over Chievo. "I knew that slowly I would rediscover my form. Physical fitness is the most important thing and I hope to be at the top of my game for the derby."

It will be the first time Ronaldo has faced his former Inter team-mates since the switch to their arch rivals, though he is not feeling anxious ahead of the showdown.

"I cannot play in the Champions League, so I have a whole week to train before the big match. I aim to take full advantage of that opportunity," Ronaldo added.

French league promise sanctions

French league president Frederic Thiriez has promised to punish the troublemakers who disrupted champions Lyon's 3-1 derby win at St Etienne on Saturday.

The Ligue 1 game was halted for 20 minutes after a flare was thrown from the Lyon section towards the home supporters, one of whom sent it back.

Police moved in and sprayed tear gas which prompted referee Tony Chapron to send the players back to the dressing rooms in the 52nd minute.

"What happened is deeply lamentable," Thiriez said.

"There will be sanctions. Our disciplinary committee will meet on Thursday to punish those responsible."