USA: A retired teacher who sued a school district, saying administrators discriminated against her because of a phobia that makes her fear young children, has lost her appeal in the federal case.

Rising Aston Villa star Jack Grealish has committed his future to the club by signing a new four-year deal.

Alan Hutton has hailed his Aston Villa team-mate Jack Grealish by claiming the Ireland U21 winger can become "world-class".

Martin O’Neill will seek a clear declaration of Stephen Ireland’s willingness to return to international duty before he considers recalling him to the Ireland squad.

History has taught Republic of Ireland U21 boss Noel King to be cautious about forecasting big futures for his bright young things.

As swansongs go, they don’t come much bigger for Alan Judge than Manchester City’s visit to Ewood Park today.

Ian Baraclough yesterday insisted he’s had no contact with struggling English League One side Notts County after reports in a Nottingham newspaper linked the 42-year-old Sligo Rovers boss with the managerial vacancy.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini claims it has been an honour to compete against Sir Alex Ferguson – the best manager of his generation – over the past three years.

Portsmouth have announced the signing of 10 new players before their opening npower League 1 game against Bournemouth.

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins is not only hopeful the newly-promoted will avoid relegation but believes they will soon be challenging for Europe and ultimately the Premier League title.

Notts County footballer Lee Hughes has been fined after admitting assaulting a woman at a hotel, Britain's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

Former Arsenal, Tottenham and England defender Sol Campbell has announced his retirement from football.

NO wonder the spirit of volunteerism is dead.

Tottenham midfielder David Bentley has been ruled out for up to six months after knee surgery.

Gervinho scored twice in his first 15 minutes as an Arsenal player as the Gunners beat Cologne 2-1 this afternoon.

JERMAINE PENNANT is ready to play a leading role for Stoke when the Potters head to Wembley for tomorrow’s FA Cup semi-final against Bolton.

Micah Richards will miss Manchester City’s trip to Birmingham tomorrow with an ankle injury.

Micah Richards will miss Manchester City’s trip to Birmingham tomorrow with an ankle injury.

NOTTS COUNTY were last night accused of another act of sexism that left Manchester City director of communications Vicky Kloss fuming.

ROBERTO MANCINI is adamant that when it comes to the FA Cup, Manchester City are in it to win it.

PATRICK VIEIRA believes Carlos Tevez is as big an influence on Manchester City as Thierry Henry was to the Arsenal ‘Invincibles’.

Manchester City 4 Leicester 2

ROBERTO MANCINI has defended his decision to restrict Shay Given’s appearances for Manchester City this season.

Roberto Mancini has defended his decision to restrict Shay Given’s appearances for Manchester City this season.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is preparing to make big changes for tomorrow night’s FA Cup third round replay with Leicester.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has revealed he carried out more research before committing himself to Leicester than he did before joining Notts County in order to avoid the pitfalls of his previous venture in the East Midlands.

SVEN-Goran Eriksson dismissed suggestions his time at Leicester will only be short-lived after being unveiled as the club’s new manager at the Walkers Stadium yesterday.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has returned to English football as the manager of Leicester City.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy was disappointed with the performance of his fringe players despite booking a place in the last 16 of the Carling Cup at Notts County’s expense.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has made nine changes to the side beaten 3-1 at Tottenham for the home Carling Cup clash with Notts County.

Leeds 1 Derby 2

Sheffield Wednesday started their npower League One campaign with a 2-0 victory over Dagenham & Redbridge.

Newcastle new boy Sol Campbell has branded criticism of his physical condition as “pathetic” and vowed he will be back to peak fitness “in three or four weeks”.

Sol Campbell will remain in the Barclays Premier League next season after signing a one-year deal with newly-promoted Newcastle.

Sol Campbell could be confirmed as a Newcastle player today after the former England defender appeared to have chosen to continue his long career with a move to St James’ Park.

FORMER Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez’s prospects of taking over at Inter Milan increased yesterday with the disclosure that he is to have talks with the European champions this week.

AT least it didn’t ruin his World Cup dream.

DUTCH striker Robin van Persie will give Arsenal’s title ambitions a timely boost when he returns for tonight’s crucial clash against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

ARSENE WENGER will hope to unleash a more powerful Cesc Fabregas against his former club in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates tomorrow night.

Wigan have confirmed midfielder Ben Watson has moved to West Brom on loan until the end of the season.

NIKOLA KALINIC shrugged off his Carling Cup disappointment by scoring a Lancashire derby winner to ease Blackburn’s relegation worries.

Blackburn 2 Wigan 1

DEFENDER Sol Campbell feels “recharged” and ready to make a dramatic return for Arsenal in their FA Cup fourth-round clash at Stoke tomorrow.