Scotland B 1-1 Ireland B

Tuesday, 20 November 2007 22:48

Derby forward Steve Howard scored on his international debut to salvage a draw for Scotland B against a superior visiting side.

The 3,133 diehards who braved a cold night in Airdrie looking for an antidote to Scotland’s Euro 2008 disappointment had to wait 83 minutes for some relief when Howard headed in off the post.

Aberdeen defender Richie Byrne had put the Irish ahead midway through the second half after Graeme Smith pulled off a string of fine saves.

Despite ‘ struggles, agent Scott Boras said Tuesday that he does not expect Jones to sign a one-year contract in an effort to rehabilitate his numbers and file for free agency again next winter. Jones hit .222 last season. He’s on the free agent market for the first time since 2001, and he’s doing it in a winter filled with prominent center field alternatives. (Read content ‘Boras: Jones isn’t going to settle for one-year deal’…)

PITTSBURGH — Steelers strong safety and wide receiver seem certain to miss at least one game and possibly more with injuries from a surprise loss to the New York Jets.

Polamalu sprained a knee and Holmes injured ankle ligaments during a 19-16 overtime loss Sunday, one of the NFL’s biggest upsets this season. Both are listed as doubtful for Monday night’s home game against Miami (0-10). (Read content ‘Polamalu, Holmes likely out one week for Steelers’…)

ATLANTA — For the fourth time in five games, the have switched starting quarterbacks, with coach Bobby Petrino turning the job back over to for the Thanksgiving night matchup against the .

Harrington, 29, has started eight games for the Falcons this season and has posted a record of 3-5, including two straight victories before being replaced by last week.Petrino had committed to Lefwich for the rest of the season when he elevated him to the top of the depth chart for the Oct. (Read content ‘Falcons turn to Harrington again as starting QB’…)

RICHMOND, Va. — ’s “deteriorating financial condition” prompted federal prosecutors to ask a judge to order the former NFL star to set aside nearly $1 million for the care of pit bulls seized from his dogfighting operation. In court papers filed Tuesday, the government asked U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson to issue a restraining order that essentially would freeze about $928,000 to fulfill Vick’s legal obligation to cover the costs of caring for the dogs and finding homes for them. (Read content ‘Feds seeking to freeze Vick finances for dogs’ care’…)

NEW YORK — will be back in the starting lineup for the when they face Golden State tonight.

Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas told Marbury at the beginning of the team’s morning shootaround Tuesday. Marbury hasn’t started in more than a week. His demotion from the starting lineup caused him to miss a game and be fined nearly $190,000. (Read content ‘Marbury set for Knicks’ starting lineup vs. Warriors’…)

There hasn’t been a universally recognized heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis retired in early 2004, but titleholders Wladimir Klitschko and Sultan Ibragimov will get the ball rolling toward filling his shoes. They agreed Tuesday to a unification bout. After more than a month of negotiating, they will meet Feb. 23 at New York’s Madison Square Garden. HBO will televise the bout live. (Read content ‘Klitschko, Ibragimov agree to February title fight’…)

Despite generating only 229 yards in Sunday night’s blowout loss to New England, quarterback has retained the ‘ starting job for next Sunday’s key conference matchup at Jacksonville.

It will mark the fourth straight start for Losman, who opened the season as the starter, then lost the job to rookie when he suffered a left knee sprain on Sept. (Read content ‘Losman to start for Bills in key matchup with Jags’…)

PHOENIX — Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson checked into Maricopa County’s Tent City jail Tuesday, an open-air facility near a dog pound and trash dump where he’ll serve a one-day sentence for a DUI conviction. Tyson, 41, pleaded guilty Sept. 24 to one count of felony cocaine possession and one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence. The charges stem from his arrest last year after leaving Scottsdale’s Pussycat Lounge. (Read content ‘Tyson reports to begin his 24-hour jail sentence’…)

Jol turned down Birmingham offer

Tuesday, 20 November 2007 08:40

Birmingham City co-owner David Sullivan insists the club are looking at appointing a high-profile replacement for Steve Bruce, despite being turned down by Martin Jol.

Sullivan, the Blues’ plc chairman, admitted the club have already approached the former Tottenham boss to replace Wigan-bound Bruce but said the Dutchman is unwilling to take another job so soon after leaving White Hart Lane.

Sullivan told The Guardian: ‘The usual suspects will be on everyone’s lips but this could be a fresh start for Birmingham City.