Football news

Darren Fletcher has said he is hopeful he will be able to get his career back on track at Manchester United next season.

The Scottish midfielder has been out of action for an indefinite period as he battles with ways to cope with a chronic and debilitating bowel condition.

Fletcher, 28, has written off playing any further part in United’s Premier League title bid this season.

“It’s a week-by-week situation so I’ve not got any timescale on recovery, but the target for me is next season now,” Fletcher told the Manchester Evening News.

“If I can come back then, that would be great for me.”

‘Zac at his worst’

Japan’s second straight loss in World Cup qualifiers was greeted with dismay yesterday and growing doubts over coach Alberto Zaccheroni’s future with the misfiring Asian champions.

“Zac at his worst,” a headline in the Nikkan Sports daily cried the morning after the Blue Samurai were cut down by a second-string Uzbekistan side 1-0 at home.

It was the first time Japan had lost a home World Cup qualifier since 1997, when they were beaten 2-1 by South Korea.

“Dark clouds are beginning to hang over Japan’s road ahead,” the major newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun commented. “Only six shots. The figure tells all about the team’s malfunction.”

Ukraine to cut Euro hotel costs

Euro 2012 co-hosts Ukraine have promised to cut hotel costs during the event, amid concerns that prices are being cranked up to sky-high levels due to a lack of supply.

“The country’s government will find ways to make the costs of staying in the country during the Euro 2012 more acceptable for our guests,” Deputy Prime Minister Borys Kolesnikov said.

“Poverty causes greed,” he added. “We forgave our hotels their debts 10 years ago to stimulate their development. We counted on their loyalty but they lifted the prices.

“However, our government has enough power to reduce their appetite.”

Egyptian Hassan sets caps record

Egypt midfielder Ahmed Hassan became the most capped footballer in the world on Wednesday by coming on as a second-half substitute in a 1-0 friendly victory over Niger.

The 36-year-old was introduced by coach Bob Bradley with 14 minutes left in Doha to win his 179th cap and overtake retired Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al Deayea.

Hassan thought he had reached the magical mark in a 5-0 rout of Kenya three days ago, but the east Africans sent an under-23 squad, so the match was not an official international.

Parker keen to keep captaincy

England captain Scott Parker has admitted he is desperate to lead his country at Euro 2012 after getting a first taste of the job in the 3-2 friendly defeat against the Netherlands at Wembley.

“Of course I would,” Parker said. “I would like more really. I am going to keep working hard.

“I also understand there’s many a player – no-one more than Steven Gerrard and a couple of others – who’ve obviously been there before and done it.

“It’s going to be difficult for me but I would obviously relish the chance to lead the country out again and take it into the Euros.

“Whether that’s me or it’s not me, I know I’ll be fully behind whoever it may be, determined to make England succeed.”

Pato setback

Injury-plagued Milan striker Alexandre Pato has suffered another setback after tearing a thigh muscle, the Serie A leaders announced yesterday.

The injury, his 13th in the past two years, is expected to sideline the Brazilian for a couple of weeks, ruling him out of the second leg of Milan’s Champions League round of 16 tie against Arsenal in London on March 6.

The 22-year-old has made 17 appearances for the Rossoneri this season, scoring four goals.

News of his latest injury is likely to further fuel speculation about Pato’s future at Milan with Il Corriere dello Sport claiming yesterday that the Serie A champions are preparing to sell the Brazilian at the end of the season.

Double delight for new dad Campbell

Fraizer Campbell made his England debut on Wednesday – at exactly the same time as he became a father for the first time.

The Sunderland striker, 24, was introduced 79 minutes into the Three Lions’ 3-2 friendly defeat by Holland at Wembley.

However, any disappoint-ment at the result was eased after the final whistle when Campbell discovered he had become a dad.

He tweeted: “Delighted to earn my first international cap and the very same moment I became a dad to Isla rose campbell! #cloud9.”