BARTON: Combative QPR mid-fielder Joey Barton has turned his thoughts to loftier matters than Loftus Road after starting a philosophy course with the full support of manager Harry Red-knapp. The 31-year-old, who is fond of quoting Friedrich Nietzsche on Twitter, has signed up at the University of Roehampton in southwest London.

VAN PERSIE: Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has recovered from a groin strain and could feature in today’s Premier League match at home to West Brom. The Dutchman missed last weekend’s 4-1 defeat at Manchester City in the league and the midweek 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the League Cup with the problem.

MAICON: Roma will be without right-back Maicon for their Serie A match against Bologna tomorrow after the Brazilian suffered a thigh injury. The defender will undergo tests today after which the Serie A club will know the length of his lay-off, Sky Sport Italia reported. He could also miss the top-of-the table clash at Inter next Saturday.

CARD BLUNDER: A leading Dutch referee described himself as sick to the stomach after attempting to book a player in a cup tie on Thursday, only to discover he had forgotten his cards. But Heerenveen defender Joey van den Berg did not got away with his foul. His name was included on the list of cautions on the official report of his team’s 3-0 win over fellow top-flight club Twente . Referee Pieter Vink said he had changed his wet shirt at half-time but forgot to transfer his cards from the pocket of the old shirt.

IN ENGLAND: Championship –Huddersfield vs Blackpool 1-1. League Two – Southend vs Bristol R 1-1.