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Mancini denies Bellamy problem

Author: John Harris
Date: 28/12/2009
Football betting

Newly-installed Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has rejected claims of a rift between himself and striker Craig Bellamy.

Robinho was preferred to the in-form Wales striker in Mancini's first starting line-up since replacing the sacked Mark Hughes in the Eastlands hot-seat last week.

Bellamy was reported to be upset by the club's decision to part company with Hughes and was given a rousing reception from the home fans when he replaced Robinho after 70 minutes of the 2-0 win over Stoke City.

But speaking after the match, Mancini claimed there is no problem between himself and Bellamy and has hinted that the striker will be back in the starting line-up for Monday's trip to Wolves.

"Bellamy is my friend," said Mancini. "There is no problem. I spoke with him two days ago.

"Today we played Robinho. It is possible we will play Craig at Wolves on Monday."

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Meanwhile, England goalkeeper David James has admitted being flattered by reports linking him with a move from Portsmouth to Tottenham Hotspur.

James, 39, has welcomed suggestions that he is wanted by former Pompey and now Spurs boss Harry Redknapp at White Hart Lane when the transfer window reopens in January.

The veteran keeper is hoping to return to full fitness following a knee injury to reclaim his England number one jersey ahead of next summer's World Cup finals.

Cash-strapped Portsmouth are believed to be keen to move on some of their highest earners when the transfer window reopens in January.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat has called for a thorough investigation after the fifth one-day international between India and Sri Lanka in Delhi was abandoned.

Sri Lanka lost the toss and were put into bat when, at 83-5 in the 24th over, the game was abandoned due to an unfit pitch at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground.

The surface was deemed unplayable following a series of erratic bounces which culminated when a delivery from India paceman Sudeep Tyagi bounced alarmingly before going head-high to wicket-keeper Mahendra Dhoni.

In rugby league, sportsbook Super League favourites St Helens blamed hazardous travel conditions after calling off Sunday's friendly against Wigan Warriors on safety grounds.

The traditional pre-season game at Knowsley Road was called off on Sunday morning due to concerns surrounding the condition of the approaches to the stadium following the recent cold weather.

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