Football news

Rangers are determined to hold on to top striker Kenny Miller despite problems over his contract renewal, the club’s chief executive has said.

Miller, who has scored 20 goals for the Glasgow side this season, has turned down a new contract and he could leave for nothing at the end of the season.

Despite Rangers’ financial problems, chief executive Martin Bain says it would make no sense to sell the 31-year-old.

“My stance on selling in January – and I am sure that (coach) Walter’s (Smith) is the same – is that the squad is weak in terms of numbers,” Bain said.

“I don’t see Kenny going anywhere in January. It’s in my hands to say we are not selling Kenny.”

Schweinsteiger backs Neuer move

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has backed a move by his club for Schalke and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Schweinsteiger, who has just committed himself to a new contract with the Bavarians until 2016, says the arrival of Neuer would further strengthen the German champions and that he would relish the chance to play alongside another national team colleague.

“We don’t have a problem in goal at the moment but with Manuel Neuer, we would have the opportunity to bring the best German goalkeeper to the club,” he said.

“I am always in favour of Bayern having the best German players.”

Gerrard ‘on track for the weekend’

Roy Hodgson is hoping Steven Gerrard will make his return from injury against Fulham at the weekend.

The Liverpool skipper has been absent since injuring his hamstring on November 17 in England’s friendly defeat to France.

The game against Fulham was earmarked as a likely date for his return and that remains the case.

“Steven’s on track for the weekend,” Hodgson said. “He’s worked very hard to get back and Steven and Jamie Carragher are the type who hate not playing.

“Steven has been determined to get back as quickly as possible and the physios are happy with him and he feels quite good.”

Man. City win race for Assulin

Manchester City have won the race to sign 19-year-old Israel midfielder Gai Assulin.

Assulin, who was available on a free transfer after leaving Barcelona in July, had been chased by several clubs but City moved first to snap him up on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

He said: “I had heard a lot about City, and as soon as I saw the club I wanted to stay.

“I’m at a great club and I hope to be here a long time. I have to take my opportunity and learn every day in training.”

Assulin became the youngest player to be capped by Israel two weeks before his 17th birthday.

Van Marwijk eyes club job

Holland boss Bert van Marwijk is eyeing a job in Germany, England or Spain when his contract with Oranje runs out after the 2012 European Championships.

Van Marwijk already has plenty of experience at club level, most notably at Feyenoord and Borussia Dortmund, and fancies another crack when his relationship with the KNVB runs out in 18 months’ time.

“I don’t think I will carry on (as Holland boss) after 2012,” Van Marwijk said.

“Then my contract will have expired and it may be time for something different. I prefer (a job in) Germany, England or Spain.”

Van Marwijk ruled out another job in his homeland. “Not Holland, I can say that now,” he added.

Allardyce sacking ‘stupid’ – Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson blasted Blackburn Rovers’ decision to sack manager Sam Allardyce on Monday, saying it was “stupid” and “confounded common sense”.

“He phoned me at 3.10 p.m. today (Monday) saying ‘can I have a cup of tea tonight?’ because he was coming to the game,” Ferguson told Sky Sports after United’s 1-0 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford.

“Then he phones me at half past four and says ‘I’ve been sacked’. I’ve never heard of such a stupid decision in all my life, it’s absolutely ridiculous.

“It confounds common sense to be honest with you. Absolutely ridiculous.”

Ibra emulating Van Basten impact

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s importance to Milan has earned him comparisons with former Dutch striker Marco van Basten as former Italy and Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi praised the Swedish striker’s consistency.

“I don’t believe it’s right to judge whether Ibra or Marco is better,” Sacchi wrote in his La Gazzetta dello Sport column. “I would be less objective having coached Marco and benefited from his extraordinary ability.

“However, I must recognise that the actual Ibra is not worth any less.”

Sacchi suggested that Ibrahimovic has become more of a team player since joining Milan.

“He collaborates in defence, and in attack he doesn’t just exploit his technical and physical potential,” Sacchi said.

“If he keeps going this way, Ibra will equal Van Basten’s achievements.”