IT’S difficult right now to say what poses the greatest threat to the integrity and reputation of sport, and its central place in the lives of hundreds of millions of people.

Edwin van der Sar is certain he will be ready for Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Bolton on October 17.

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is set to return from injury in tonight’s reserves match away to Everton.

Shaun Murphy set up a second-round showdown with Marco Fu after denying Andrew Higginson a dream debut at the Betfred.com World Championship.

Former champion Shaun Murphy was in trouble against Crucible newcomer Andrew Higginson this morning.

Former Great Britain scrum-half Bobbie Goulding was today appointed as national coach of France.

SIMON FINNIGAN insists Ireland will overcome the “devastation” of their two-point defeat by Tonga to make another important contribution to the 2008 World Cup.

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton was today starting a six-month jail sentence for his part in a brutal, alcohol-fuelled street attack.

The owner of the famous Eddie Stobart haulage firm today unveiled a trio of deals as the expansion of the group gathered pace.

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton appeared in court today over allegations of assault and affray.

Manchester United have confirmed Gary Neville will make his first competitive appearance for three months when he lines up for the reserves against Everton tonight.

Premiership footballer Joey Barton will appear in court today charged with common assault and affray.

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton will spend New Year in jail after being refused bail on charges of common assault and affray, a court ruled today.

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton will appear at Liverpool City Magistrates Court later today after being charged with common assault and affray.

Head coach Andy Kelly says Ireland will leave no stone unturned to ensure his team are competitive at the 2008 World Cup in Australia.

Wigan prop Iafeta Palea’aesina has turned his back on New Zealand by opting to help Samoa qualify for the 2008 World Cup.

Andy Cole will make his Sunderland debut for the reserves tonight.

Manchester City footballer Joey Barton has been arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage.

Neil Robertson held his nerve to defeat Andrew Higginson and win the Welsh Open tonight 9-8.

There will be no nostalgic return to the winner's circle for Steve Davis at the Welsh Open after Australia's Neil Robertson claimed a 6-3 semi-final victory over the 49-year-old at the Newport Centre this afternoon.

Andrew Higginson will be in dreamland when he takes on Stephen Maguire in the semi-finals of the Welsh Open in Newport tonight.

Little-known Andrew Higginson fired in a 147 break in Newport this morning as his remarkable success story in the Welsh Open continued.

Neil Robertson earned the respect of Stephen Hendry after keeping his cool to beat the seven-times world champion in Newport tonight.

A Cork man is to be extradited to Britain where he is accused of kidnapping and assaulting a former partner, the High Court ruled today.

The Tri-Nations “Grannygate” affair has encouraged Ireland to be more diligent in scrutinising player eligibility.

The UK’s largest chemicals firm, which makes Dulux paint, unveiled a business-transforming deal today after agreeing to take on a key division of ICI for £410m (€593m).

A homeless man has been murdered after he was attacked while he slept rough in the doorway of an off-licence, police said today.

Jesper Blomqvist is set to make his Everton debut against Manchester United in a reserve match just days after moving from Old Trafford to Goodison Park.