Football news

Eric Gerets admits his future as Morocco coach could be hanging in the balance after the north African footballing side’s exit at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Morocco’s fate was sealed in an extraordinary Group C clash against Gabon on Friday, when Bruno Mbanangoyes’s unstoppable free-kick in the eighth minute of stoppage time sent Gabon into the quarter-finals and eliminated Morocco.

“If they (the Moroccan Football Federation) let me do my job I will continue, if they are not happy with my performance they will let me know,” he said.

“For 15 months no one has talked about bad performances or a bad coach so it would be a bit surprising (to be sacked), but in my job it can happen.”

Ferguson backs Welbeck for Euros

Alex Ferguson is certain Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck will get his chance to shine at Euro 2012.

Welbeck finally made his England debut last March and has made substitute appearances against both Montenegro and Spain. Ferguson is in no doubt the 21-year-old will make Capello’s squad for this summer’s finals in Poland and Ukraine.

“I think he will be (in the squad),” said the United boss. “He is developing into a very strong athlete and when he gets moving, he is really quick.

“He was always a decent goalscorer but when he plays regularly for us he has been getting a goal a game.”

Donovan sees better times

Everton forward Landon Donovan believes Friday’s hard-working FA Cup win over Fulham points the way forward for the rest of the year.

The Toffees put their indifferent Premier League form aside as they came from behind to reach the fifth round with a 2-1 success at Goodison Park.

Donovan said: “This shows us a blueprint of what works. Now we see, if we play like this we have chance to win.

“If we have a little more quality we can score a few more goals and that attitude and aggression is something we should always play with.”

McCoist eyes Brozek swoop

Rangers manager Ally McCoist is hoping to beat the transfer deadline and secure the services of Polish striker Pawel Brozek.

The Ibrox boss is keen for Brozek to join the Scottish champions on loan from Turkish club Trabzonspor.

“We have touched base with his club in terms of seeing if a deal can be put together. The lad wants to play as it’s in his best interests with the Euro 2012 just round the corner,” he said.

Inter step up Guarin efforts

Inter are stepping up their interest in Porto’s Fredy Guarin as they consider whether to sell Thiago Motta to Paris Saint-Germain.

Motta has made it clear he would like a transfer to Carlo Ancelotti’s PSG during the January window unless he is made to be a key figure in the Nerazzurri project.

With this in mind, Inter have intensified their attempts to sign Colombian Guarin from Porto, who had also been a target for Juventus earlier this month.

“I am working on getting him to Inter,” Guarin’s agent was reported as saying.

“There is nothing official yet, but I hope the deadlock can be broken.”

No Wilshere concerns – Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists there is no need to yet be concerned over Jack Wilshere’s hopes of playing at Euro 2012 after the England midfielder suffered a setback to his recovery.

The 20-year-old was first troubled by an ankle problem while on international duty last summer, and apart from a pre-season appearance in the Emirates Cup has not played a competitive match for the Gunners this season.

“I would not (worry) at the moment about the summer,” Wenger said.

“From day one, when you are completely fit to practice again, to be match fit you count at least six weeks.”

El Hamdaoui set for Viola switch

Ajax striker Mounir El Hamdaoui is in Italy under-going a medical to complete a move to Serie A side Fiorentina, reports said yesterday.

The 27-year-old was long mentioned as one of the prime targets after the Viola sold Alberto Gilardino and Santiago Silva during this month’s transfer window.

Sky Sport Italia claim El Hamdaoui turned down numerous other offers from around Europe so that he could complete his move to Fiorentina.