Bowyer: Newcastle midfielder Lee Bowyer's four-match ban was extended by a further three games yesterday, following his on-field brawl with team-mate Kieron Dyer. Bowyer was originally banned for three matches for the straight red card he was shown during Newcastle's 3-0 defeat by Aston Villa on April 2, plus an extra game because it was his second domestic dismissal of the season. A further three matches and a £30,000 fine were added by the FA's Disciplinary Commission after Bowyer admitted a violent conduct charge relating to the incident at St James' Park.
Robben: Champions-elect Chelsea will have Dutch winger Arjen Robben back in the squad for today's Premier League match against neighbours Fulham. The news is a boost for Chelsea, who need only five points from the last five games to win their first league title for 50 years, before next week's Champions League semi-final against Liverpool. Chelsea are without regular full backs Wayne Bridge, out for the rest of the season with a broken ankle, and Paulo Ferreira, who has a broken foot but could return for the final games.
Redknapp: Southampton manager Harry Redknapp has promised to defy angry home fans by sitting in the dugout on his return to his former club Portsmouth for tomorrow's Premier League match. Redknapp, 58, is guaranteed a hostile reception by Portsmouth supporters incensed by his defection this season to their arch-rivals. "It will be a pretty hostile reception," Redknapp said. "It goes with the territory, I've left Portsmouth and gone to Southampton. But I'll be on the touchline."
Keane: Alex Ferguson has played down reported comments that he wants his captain Roy Keane to succeed him as Man. United manager. "I would not presume to have the authority to make these decisions," Ferguson said. "Roy Keane definitely has the potential to become a manager. I think that will come eventually if that is what he wants. Not everybody wants to become a manager but Roy has been taking his badges. Whether he wants to pursue management or not. It is entirely up to him."
Biscan: Croatia coach Zlatko Kranjcar says he will consider recalling Igor Biscan if the Liverpool player accepts he was wrong to walk out on the squad 18 months ago. Biscan has been in excellent form for Liverpool in their run to the Champions League semi-finals and Croatia captain Niko Kovac said this week the team would welcome his return. "I closely follow Biscan's exploits as we don't want to lose a quality player and it is up to me if and when Biscan will be recalled," he said. "But we have to see whether he realises what he did. The national shirt is a sacred thing and we cannot condone his walking out on the team."