Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted a lack of fitness cannot be blamed for Wayne Rooney's mediocre World Cup.
Before the tournament, the 24-year-old forward was seen as the key to England's hopes of a first global title since 1966. But Rooney failed to fire in South Africa, returning home without a goal to his name after England suffered a 4-1 loss to rivals Germany in the last 16.
That led to speculation Rooney was still struggling with the ankle injury he suffered towards the end of last season but Ferguson told the Mail on Sunday: "There is nothing wrong with the lad or his fitness.
"He's relaxing on holiday in Barbados and I expect him to come back refreshed for the new season."
Ooijer finds 13 lucky number
Andre Ooijer may be approaching his 36th birthday, but 13 is proving his lucky number as he helps the Netherlands close in on a first World Cup title.
The 35-year-old defender drew on all of his experience to recover from a 10th-minute error that gave Brazil the lead in Friday's quarter-final before superbly marshalling a Dutch defence which proved the bedrock of a 2-1 win.
"I wasn't nervous," said Ooijer. "I am no longer 18-years-old, I am almost 36 (he will be on the day of the final).
"The only thing that got to me, is the number 13 on my shirt. But it finally brought me good luck."
O'Leary takes charge of Al Ahli
David O'Leary has made a return to football management after a four-year absence with Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates.
Former Aston Villa and Leeds manager O'Leary will take charge of the ambitious Pro League side who have also recruited Italy international Fabio Cannavaro.
Mark Bell, the club's sporting director, said: "We can confirm that David O'Leary, a former Premier League manager with Champions League experience, has agreed to become the new coach of Al Ahli Football Club."
Boyd poised for Boro move
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has revealed he has agreed to join former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan at Middlesbrough.
The 26-year old was linked with several clubs south of the border, as well as a lucrative switch to Turkey. But the striker expects a two-year deal with Boro to be completed this week.
"I'm delighted to finally have my future sorted out," Boyd said,
"I've had a few offers to consider and it's been a case of talking to my family about the positives and negatives of each one.
"Middlesbrough have always been very appealing. Strachan has big plans and has made me feel wanted."
Palermo eye Ayew swoop
Ghana winger Andre Ayew has opened the door for a move to Serie A club Palermo, his agent confirmed yesterday.
The youngster has been one of the revelations of the World Cup as Ghana reached the quarter-finals.
"I am working on a Serie A move. He wants to play in Italy," agent Luca Pagani said.
Marseille own Ayew, who spent last season in the French second division helping Arles Avignon to promotion. Palermo are said to be leading the race to sign Ayew, who is the son of former Torino player Abedi Pelè.
Villa nears Spanish record
David Villa edged closer to a Spanish record with his winning goal in the European champions' 1-0 win in the World Cup quarter-final against Paraguay on Saturday.
Villa became the tournament's leading scorer with his fifth goal seven minutes from time. Spain will now play Germany in the semi-final in Durban on Wednesday.
It was the new Barcelona man's 43rd goal in his 63rd international and puts him just one goal behind Raul's 44 in 102 games as Spain's all-time leading scorer.
"Finishing as the top scorer is the least of my concerns," Villa said. "The important thing is that we get to the final.
"I'm happy to score the goals but I'm happier if the team wins."
Guardiola set for new Barca deal
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is set to sign a new deal to remain at the Nou Camp next season, the club's vice-president has revealed.
Guardiola's contract expired on June 30, but the coach will put pen to paper on a new deal when he returns from a trip to South Africa, according to Josep Maria Bartomeu.
"We have been talking to his agent for two days," the Barca vice-president told reporters."We have an agreement and it just needs to be formalised when Pep returns from Africa."
Guardiola has won seven trophies in his two seasons at the Nou Camp after a successful campaign with Barcelona's reserve team.