Lansdowne Road: Irish rugby and soccer bosses will seek planning permission to redevelop Lansdowne Road stadium by the end of the year with work on the 250 million euro facelift expected to start in 2007. When the scheme was first announced in January last year, work on the Dublin ground was scheduled for completion in 2008. It is now unlikely to be finished before 2009. "Currently the architects are putting the final touches to the design while our project managers are finalising a detailed costing," Philip Browne, Chairman of Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company, said yesterday.

Baggio: Inter president Massimo Moratti has opened the door for Roberto Baggio to fulfil his ambition of returning to the game. The former Italian international confirmed that he wants to get back into the football world and Moratti is ready to make that happen. "There will always be room for him at Inter," Moratti said. "It is only normal and logical for a person like him. We would be honoured if he came here. We would decide together on what role he would take up."

Robinho: Brazilian forward Robinho has rallied to the defence of Real Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo's tactics following the Primera Liga club's poor start to the season. Luxemburgo prefers his side to play through the middle of the pitch, with the full backs expected to provide the width in a 4-2-2-2 sytem. "Vanderlei has won a lot with this system. We are still getting used to it but we will soon adapt and get much better," Robinho said.

Lecce: The Semeraro family have put Lecce up for sale following angry protests by disgruntled fans. President Rico Semeraro has stepped down, with vice-presidents Pierandrea Semeraro and Mario Moroni also resigning. "The decision to leave has been taken not just because of what happened on Sunday, but for the general climate which has accompanied our reign," stated Rico Semeraro. The Via Del Mare faithful are unhappy with Semeraro for showing coach Zdenek Zeman the door in the summer.

¤ Britain's leading marathon runner Jon Brown will compete in the New York City marathon on November 6 along with compatriot John Mayock, race director Mary Wittenberg said yesterday. Brown, 34, finished fourth in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and again in Athens last year. Mayock, the 1998 Commonwealth Games 1,500 metres gold medallist, will be making his marathon debut.