The worst-kept secret in Irish football is expected to be officially made public tomorrow, with Steve Staunton confirmed as the new Republic of Ireland manager.

ALEX FERGUSON will resist the temptation to fly Roy Keane to Japan for the last match of Manchester United’s Far East tour.

Alex Ferguson will resist the temptation to fly Roy Keane to Japan for the last match of Manchester United’s Far East tour.

Darius Vassell is aiming to put four months of frustration behind him after making another comeback from a broken ankle for Aston Villa reserves.

England striker Darius Vassell made a goalscoring comeback for Aston Villa with a late equaliser for the reserves against Manchester United at Bescot Stadium.

Darius Vassell admits he is itching to return to action after a three month lay-off with a broken ankle.

Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger and striker Darius Vassell are on the verge of returning to action after lengthy injury lay-offs.

Former England international Paul Merson has been appointed player-manager of Walsall on a permanent basis.

A dramatic last-minute goal by West Ham’s Brian Deane denied Wigan a place in the Nationwide First Division play-offs and also handed Crystal Palace a top six finish.

Tonight’s First Division matches between Walsall and Sunderland, and Rotherham and Crystal Palace have been postponed because of frozen pitches.

West Ham have made an appeal for wrongful dismissal to the Football Association after striker Jermain Defoe was sent off against Walsall on Saturday.

Sunderland ended a miserable day off the field with a brave performance on it as they beat Gillingham 3-1 at the Priestfield Stadium

Midfielder Paul Merson completed his move to Division One Walsall today, citing the Saddlers' “total football” philosophy as a prime factor in his transfer from Premiership Portsmouth.

Aston Villa midfielder Joey Gudjonsson today insisted he will not be fazed by the prospect of his first second-city derby next Monday against Birmingham City.

Aston Villa’s out-in-the-cold midfielder Hassan Kachloul is ready to consider a loan move if he is to continue to have no part to play in manager Graham Taylor’s plans.

Aston Villa defender Mark Delaney is to undergo further tests today to determine the extent of his cruciate ligament injury.

An opening period almost completely devoid of skill and invention reached a suitably goalless conclusion at the Bescot Stadium this afternoon.

FIRST DIVISION leaders Portsmouth suffered a rare blip yesterday as Crystal Palace left Fratton Park with a point from a 1-1 draw.

Ipswich manager George Burley reiterated today that he is determined to retain the services of inspirational midfielder Matt Holland.

Walsall 0 Ipswich 2

HT Walsall 0 Ipswich 1

Walsall's Darren Byfield has pulled his side level in their FA Cup fifth round tie against Premiership side Fulham at the Bescot Stadium.