Ameobi: Sam Allardyce will not let striker Shola Ameobi leave New-castle. Norwich, now managed by ex-Newcastle's Glenn Roeder, unsuccessfully tried to take Ameobi on loan last week as M'boro, Bolton and Birmingham are all believed to be keen on the 26-year-old. Allardyce said: "Shola is going nowhere, he remains part of my plans."

Samaras: Man. City striker Geor-gios Samaras is willing to join Lazio in January. He has found first-team opportunities hard to come by this season. Samaras was signed by former City manager Stuart Pearce for £6 million last year from Heeren-veen, however he has failed to convince new boss Sven-Goran Eriksson. Lazio are keen to sign Samaras.

World Cup: Juan Roman Riquelme struck twice in the second half, including a typically exquisite free-kick, to help Argentina beat Bolivia 3-0 in their World Cup qualifier last night. The win left Argentina with a maximum nine points from their three games in the South American group.

Friendlies: S. Africa vs US 0-1; Australia vs Nigeria 1-0.

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