Football news

Arsenal defender William Gallas, who is recovering from a calf injury, says he will be "ready" should he get the call from France for the World Cup.

"If that hadn't been possible, I would have ruled myself out," said Gallas, who suffered a recurrence of the calf problem which had kept him out for six weeks during the March 31 match against Barcelona.

"At the moment, I feel good and I will be ready for the France team.

"I think that Domenech must keep himself informed of my personal situation," the 32-year-old who has won 78 caps told Le Parisien.

The defender refused to comment on his future with Arsenal, saying: "I've got nothing to say. My goal is to take part in the World Cup."

Buffon eyes England switch

Gianluigi Buffon would choose to move to England if Juventus were to show him the exit door at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old, who remains the world's most expensive goalkeeper after his move for around £32m from Parma to Juve in 2001, is under contract with the Turin giants for three more years but has been linked with Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City.

Buffon said: "If I had to leave, I think England would be my destination.

"At this time there is nothing but there are two weeks to go before the end of the season and anything can happen."

Wanderers want Wilshere to stay

Bolton manager Owen Coyle is keen to extend the loan spell of Arsenal youngster Jack Wilshere. The 18-year-old midfielder has made a positive impression since moving to the Reebok Stadium in January.

Coyle expects Arsenal to want the rising star back soon but feels he could benefit from staying with the Trotters.

Coyle said: "It is clear that Jack wants to be an Arsenal player - I love that about him, he's desperate to play in the Arsenal team.

"But if he wasn't going to be in the Arsenal team, I believe it would help myself, Jack and Arsenal to give me another six months."

Free World Cup tickets for workers

Construction workers who built South Africa's stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup were this week given free tickets by the organisers to watch the games.

"Today we recognise your contribution," organising committee chief, Danny Jordaan told workers at Soccer City stadium.

More than 200 workers who built Soccer City received two double tickets, including the June 11 opening match, to be played at the 95,000 seater venue.

"My office is just next to the stadium. I saw flood lights going up at night and the workers working long after sunset to make sure the stadium is complete," said Jordaan.

Van Nistelrooy not out of picture

Dutch coach Bert Van Marwijk insisted yesterday that veteran striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy, 33, could still make the World Cup finals despite being omitted from an initial training squad.

"As for Ruud, I'm giving myself until May 11 to decide," Van Marwijk said.

"I'm leaving him until that date to convince me that he is sufficiently in shape to take part in the World Cup."

Van Marwijk on Monday named a 26-strong squad for a first training camp at Hoenderlo from May 10-14 ahead of the World Cup.

A second camp with those players still involved with their clubs will be held between May 19-31.

"We have seen a lot of Ruud playing recently. We don't think it would be useful to call him up at the first step but that does not mean that he's out of the picture," the coach said.

Rangers bidder 'optimistic'

Property developer Andrew Ellis said he was "optimistic" that his proposed takeover of newly-crowned Scottish champions Rangers will move closer to completion this month.

The Gers secured their second straight Premier League title last week, despite being just under £30m in debt and under investigation over a tax issue relating to offshore accounts.

Doubts also remain over the long-term futures of boss Walter Smith and his assistants Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall.

"The bid includes all the club's debt and I'm optimistic there will be serious developments in the next three to four weeks," Ellis said.

"Should I gain control of the club I intend to offer Walter a new contract."

Leekens returns to Belgian hotseat

Georges Leekens was appointed Belgium coach for the second time replacing Dick Advocaat, who quit the post last month.

Leekens, 60 and presently coach of Belgian First Division side Courtrai, is set to sign a contract lasting till 2012 according to Belgian federation technical director Philippe Collin with his target to guide Belgium to the Euro 2012 finals.

Leekens, who previously coached Belgium from 1997-99 taking them to the 1998 World Cup finals, was third choice for the post but Eric Gerets was considered to be too expensive and former Belgium goalkeeper Michel Preud'homme was not freed by his club Gent.