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General Sports News

Kinnear given support

Author: Rose Young
Date: 24/02/2009

Newcastle United have denied reports that they are looking to replace manager Joe Kinnear following his heart surgery, despite online betting exchanges offering odds on a new boss.

Managing director Derek Llambias has given his public support to the veteran boss following his triple bypass operation last week which is expected to keep him away from St James' Park for a number of months.

Llambias claims Kinnear is the man they "want and trust" and has dismissed suggestions that several replacements have already been identified.

Everton fear striker Victor Anichebe may have suffered ligament damage in the weekend draw at Newcastle United.

Anichebe was the victim of a horror tackle by Magpies midfielder Kevin Nolan and, after initial fears that he had suffered a serious shin injury were allayed, Everton's concerns have now switched to the player's knee.

Portsmouth midfielder Niko Kranjcar says he would be happy to see out the remaining 18 months of his contract, even though he expects to move on next summer.

The Croatia international has scored ten goals in 89 appearances for Pompey since his arrival but is preparing for a possible new challenge next season.

In cricket, Andrew Flintoff believes he will be fit and ready to take part in the Indian Premier League.

The England all-rounder has been ruled out of the fourth Test against West Indies on Thursday with a hip injury, but does not expect the latest in a long line of injury problems to deny him the opportunity of taking up his lucrative contract with the Chennai Super Kings in April.

Meanwhile, Giles Clarke has been re-elected as chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board.

There had been calls for Clarke, who will remain chairman runs until the end of March 2011, to resign after Sir Allen Stanford was charged with investment fraud last week.

Andy Murray has played down concerns about his ankle after winning his way through to the second round of the ATP's Dubai Championships.

The British number one progressed after first-round opponent Sergiy Stakhovsky retired through injury before revealing a sore ankle is continuing to trouble him.

In rugby union, Ireland will be unchanged for Saturday's Six Nations clash with England at Croke Park.

Coach Declan Kidney has kept faith with the same starting line-up which defeated Italy 38-9 in Rome two weeks ago.

Euan Murray and Alastair Kellock have been recalled to the Scotland squad for Saturday's visit of Italy.

Meanwhile, Fly-half Lionel Beauxis and centre Maxime Mermoz have been ruled out of France's squad for Friday's clash with Wales in Paris.

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