Holland: Holland coach Marco van Basten left out experienced duo Clarence Seedorf and Roy Makaay in naming a provisional 33-man World Cup squad yesterday for the June finals. Bayern Munich striker Makaay, who has scored only six goals in 43 appearances for the national team, lost his spot in the squad earlier this season and is no longer considered as back-up to first-choice striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. Seedorf, 30, won the last of his 77 caps in Euro 2004.

Eguavoen: The Nigeria FA has confirmed the reappointment of Austin Eguavoen as coach of the national team. There had been doubt since last month after NFA chairman Ibrahim Galadima rejected his reappointment by the acting secretary, saying proper procedure had not been followed.

Petrov: Scottish champions Celtic have rejected a transfer request from midfielder Stilian Petrov. The Bulgarian captain confirmed he had tabled a written request yesterday but this was swiftly rejected by the Glasgow side. Petrov told reporters he needed to move on after seven years in Scotland. The 26-year-old, who joined from CSKA Sofia, signed a new contract in January committing him to the club until 2010.

Nowotny: Bayer Leverkusen defender Jens Nowotny has been unexpectedly invited by Germany to take part in World Cup fitness tests next week. The 32-year-old, who has suffered a series of knee injuries and has not played for Germany since 2004, has impressed the management team since returning to Leverkusen's side in February.

England anthem: England's official World Cup song, a laid-back, guitar-based anthem with no guest vocals by any of the players, hit the airwaves yesterday. "World At Your Feet", by Yorkshire-based band Embrace, was played on radio stations for the first time. "With the world at your feet, there's no one you can't beat," the song goes. "With the world at your feet, there's no height you can't reach".

Division Three: Kalkara vs Siggiewi 2-3; Zejtun vs Ta' Xbiex 10-0.

League Two: Grimsby vs Cheltenham 1-0.