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General Sports News

Rio faces fitness race

Author: Rose Young
Date: 21/05/2009

Defender Rio Ferdinand is determined to prove his fitness to secure a starting spot for Manchester United's Champions League final against Barcelona.

The 30-year-old England international has missed United's last three games due to a calf injury and has been warned that he has to feature against Hull City this weekend to be in line to start against Barca in Rome.

Football betting odds make Sir Alex Ferguson's men slight underdogs for the big match.

Meanwhile, a second scan on the foot injury suffered by Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has failed to show the full extent of the problem.

The results of further tests on the 24-year-old England international proved inconclusive due to swelling around the injured area, with Downing having been injured against Aston Villa.

Almost exactly 12 months after leaving Leicester City, Ian Holloway has a new job after being confirmed as Blackpool's manager.

The 46-year-old, who has also enjoyed spells in charge of Bristol Rovers, QPR and Plymouth Argyle, has penned a one-year deal with the Seasiders with the option of a further 12 months

In rugby union, Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery has become the latest player to be ruled out of the British & Irish Lions squad to tour South Africa due to injury.

Flannery chipped a bone in his elbow while training with Munster and needs an operation.

His compatriot, Rory Best, and Scotland's Ross Ford are now vying to replace Flannery in Ian McGeechan's squad.

Meanwhile, McGeechan has confirmed that England flanker Tom Croft has been called up to replace Alan Quinlan, who misses the trip to South Africa after losing an appeal against a 12-week suspension for eye-gouging.

Australian second row forward Justin Harrison has confirmed that he has retired from professional rugby following his release by Bath.

The 35-year-old has left the Guinness Premiership club 12 months into a two-year contract and has opted to call time on his illustrious career.

Matt Williams has stepped down as coach of Ulster to return home to Australia. The former Leinster and Scotland chief took charge of Ulster in late 2007, but has decided that he needs to put his family first.

In cricket, Kevin Pietersen will miss England's one-day series against West Indies with an Achilles injury.

Pietersen took part in a warm-up session on Wednesday ahead of the first game at Headingley but has been ruled out after reporting fresh discomfort with the ongoing problem.

Shoaib Akhtar has been withdrawn from Pakistan's squad for the World Twenty20 because of a genital infection.

The fast bowler, 33, was due to join the 15-man squad for a six-day training camp last week but was advised to rest.

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