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Keane admits boyhood dream

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 03/02/2010
Football betting

Robbie Keane has set his sights on helping Celtic win the Scottish Premier League title after admitting it was a dream come true to join his boyhood club.

The Republic of Ireland captain joined the Hoops on transfer deadline day from Tottenham on a loan deal which runs until the end of the season.

"This is a dream for me. It's no secret that I'm a Celtic fan and I always wanted to play for them," declared the 29-year-old striker.

"I'm coming at a good age. I didn't want to come at 34 when I'm struggling. I feel I can really help the club."

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand could miss the Carling Cup Final should his latest appeal over his ban for clashing with Hull City's Craig Fagan end in failure.

Ferdinand failed to overturn the automatic three-match ban he was handed after being charged with violent conduct by the Football Association following his altercation with Fagan during United's 4-0 rout of the Tigers on January 23.

The England defender saw the punishment extended to four games last week after a disciplinary panel ruled that his appeal was 'frivolous'.

Should Ferdinand fail in his latest appeal then he could be handed another additional one-match ban which would rule him out of the Carling Cup Final against Aston Villa at Wembley on February 28.

England rugby union manager Martin Johnson has recalled Mathew Tait to his starting line-up for Saturday's Six Nations opener against Wales at Twickenham.

The 23-year-old Sale Sharks star has only started once for his country since the 2007 Rugby World Cup final defeat to South Africa but has been named in an attacking side by Johnson for this weekend's clash.

Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care also returns to the team as do Delon Armitage and Riki Flutey at full-back and inside centre respectively.

Nick Easter is recalled at number eight as Johnson welcomes back several players who missed the disappointing autumn international through injury.

Tim Payne has retained his place at loose-head while David Wilson returns at tight-head with Dylan Hartley at hooker.

Will England be crowned 2010 Six Nations champions? - Latest Rugby Union Betting

Meanwhile, Scotland head coach Andy Robinson has made six changes to his team for Sunday's meeting with sportsbook favourites France at Murrayfield.

Record cap holder and points scorer Chris Paterson is recalled at full-back and will represent his country for a 99th time.

Robinson has also handed starts to Glasgow centres Max Evans and Graeme Morrison, Gloucester prop Alasdair Dickinson and Glasgow flankers Kelly Brown and John Barclay.

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