The Screamer ... It's the talk of football
Ruud Gullit has told Fabio Capello that David Beckham is fit and ready to win his 100th England cap.
The LA Galaxy midfielder plays in a pre-season friendly at FC Dallas tonight in a game that is being billed as an international trial for the former England skipper.
Capello is due to have his general manager Franco Baldini make a personal check on Beckham's fitness tonight, prior to naming his squad for the friendly with France on March 26.
Galaxy manager Gullit said: 'David is looking good and has been playing some great football. He is fit. He played almost 90 minutes every game and I only took him out as a little precaution for one game.'
Taylor set to return against Spurs
Birmingham City defender Martin Taylor is set to play his first game since the controversial challenge on Eduardo that left the Arsenal striker with a badly broken leg. Taylor is expected to be in the Birmingham reserve team to face Tottenham at Solihull Moors FC on Tuesday following the three match ban.
Stars mourn legend Dooley
Sir Bobby Charlton was among mourners yesterday at the funeral of Sheffield football legend Derek Dooley.
Tributes to Dooley, who died last week at 78, were led by Dave Bassett and Neil Warnock, both of whom were appointed as Sheffield United manager by Dooley when he was chairman.
Dooley, whose Wednesday career was tragically ended by a leg amputation, earned the reverence of both clubs and their fans. United's entire first-team squad attended, along with officials of both clubs.
Other mourners included former sports minister Richard Caborn, Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards and former Test cricket umpire Dickie Bird.
Bentley driving a hard bargain
Blackburn midfielder David Bentley says talks over his new deal are far from being concluded. Bentley, who has been linked with Liverpool and Chelsea, says it would be hard for him to leave but he may have to consider his options. He said: 'I'm not sure what's happening. It would be the hardest decision if I left but hopefully I'll sign.'
