DESPERATE TIMES…

Last updated : 18 May 2005 By Editor

Kieran Richardson has been called up to the England squad to tour the United States later this month after Shaun Wright-Phillips withdrew because of injury. It is the first squad call-up for both the Manchester United midfielder Richardson, 20, who has played a key role in keeping West Bromwich Albion in the Premiership after joining on loan in January, and Knight, a central defender.

"I've seen Kieran play on a number of occasions this season and there is no doubt he's a tremendous young talent," Eriksson said. "He's taken his chance with West Bromwich Albion in the second half of the season and has played a significant role in keeping the club up. He's impressed me and I look forward to having him with us."

US SQUAD (v England, Chicago, 28 May): Hahnemann (Reading), Keller (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Thornton (Chicago Fire), Berhalter (Energie Cottbus), Bocanegra (Fulham), Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Gibbs (Feyenoord), Onyewu (Standard Liege), Vanney (FC Dallas), Convey (Reading), Dempsey (New England Revolution), Donovan (LA Galaxy), Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), O'Brien (ADO Den Haag), Ralston (New England Revolution), Simms (DC United), Casey (FSV Mainz), Johnson (FC Dallas), McBride (Fulham)

From the Mirror:

Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti last night predicted another boring Champions League final which could again go to penalties.

Two years ago Milan played 120 goalless minutes in their all-Italian final with Juventus before claiming the trophy on spot kicks.

With Liverpool allowing just one goal in their last four Champions League matches, Ancelotti said: "They will play the whole game in defence. If we let them get ahead it will be very hard to beat them."

From the Guardian:

Des Walker's testimonial match at Nottingham Forest turned into one of the most ignominious nights of his distinguished career when he was arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

Walker, who is taking his coaching badges and talking to Stuart Pearce about a backroom role at Manchester City, spent the night in a police cell after the game at the City Ground. He had been arrested at 5.30am after neighbours in The Park, one of Nottingham's most exclusive areas, rang 999 to complain about his behaviour.

"A 39-year-old man was arrested for being drunk and disorderly," a police spokesman confirmed.

Walker, once described by Roy Keane as "a world-class playboy and the man for the night-time adventures", was served with a fixed penalty notice for £80. He has not been charged with any offence but warned about his behaviour.

His testimonial had attracted a crowd of almost 14,000, with guest appearances from Pearce, Ian Wright, Emile Heskey and Nigel Clough. After the game the players went to a private party in the city centre.