SUNDERLAND manager Mick McCarthy has confirmed his interest in Torpedo Moscow striker Andres Oper. The Estonia international is set to link up with the club for a trial later this week.

Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy has confirmed his interest in Torpedo Moscow striker Andres Oper and the Estonia international is set to link up with the club for a trial later this week.

PHIL HARRINGTON will always look back fondly on his dramatic call to arms against FK Ekranas in Thursday’s UEFA Cup tie, but the 41-year -old ‘keeper has no desire to continue deputising for the injured Michael Devine in the immediate future.

ROMANIA, desperately unlucky not to reach the European Championship finals in Portugal next month, will provide stiff opposition for Ireland in tonight’s friendly at Lansdowne Road.

The draw for The UEFA Cup First Round is as follows:

George Burley is counting on the fighting spirit that has served Ipswich so well to help preserve the club's European record at Portman Road.

Ipswich are sweating on the fitness of Titus Bramble and Martijn Reuser ahead of Sunday’s clash with Premiership leaders Leeds at Portman Road.

Chelsea were the only British team to record a win in last night’s UEFA Cup ties after beating Levski Sofia of Bulgaria 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Matteo Sereni enters his first European tie tonight with his heart set on booking a date with an Italian side.

In today's UEFA Cup first round draw David O'Leary's Leeds United will play CS Maritimo of Portugal.