England friendly: England will host Spain in a friendly international at Old Trafford on Feb. 7, the FA announced yesterday. It will be Spain's first visit to England since they were beaten 3-0 in a friendly in 2001 in what was Sven-Goran Eriksson's first match in charge of England. The match will mark the 21st meeting between the teams, although the most recent one in the Bernabeu in Nov. 2004 was marred by racist abuse directed at England's black players.

Vodka vow: Russia manager Guus Hiddink says if his team qualify for the Euro 2008 finals he will break the habit of a lifetime and down a shot of vodka. "As you know I'm not a drinker, I don't like to drink, but I'm very aware of this very Russian tradition," he said. "So for that I'm ready to make an exception. I can promise you that if we qualify, I'll have a drink." Russia are in fifth place in Group E with five points from three matches.

Scottish League Cup: Second division St Johnstone have drawn Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals yesterday. Saints inflicted a humiliating 2-0 defeat on Rangers on Wednesday to pile more pressure on manager Paul Le Guen. Kilmarnock face Falkirk in the other semi-final with the ties scheduled for Jan. 30 and 31.

Hedman: Former Sweden goalkeeper Magnus Hedman has come out of retirement to have a trial with Premier League champions Chelsea after Petr Cech's long-term injury. The London club said on their website that 33-year-old Hedman was being considered as third-choice keeper after Carlo Cudicini and Hilario moved up the pecking order.

Cologne: German second division side Cologne sacked their coach Hanspeter Latour yesterday and offered the job to former Fenerbahce coach Christoph Daum. Daum asked for time to think about the offer.

Manninger: Siena goalkeeper Alex Manninger has received a surprise recall to the Austrian national squad ahead of next Wednesday's friendly match at home to Trinidad & Tobago. The 29-year-old former Arsenal stopper picked up the last of his 18 caps for Austria in October 2004 but has forced his way back into consideration after a string of fine performances in Serie A.

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