Global Sport

Hoddle, who had urged the wayward star to seek help several times in the past, was relieved that he had finally checked into a hospital last week to sort out his problems with alcohol, stress and depression.

The England coach said he realises that the 31-year-old has only taken the first small step on the long road to recovery, but Hoddle is convinced that he can still resurrect his career.

Hoddle has offered him a target — England’s next Euro 2000 qualifier against Poland at Wembley on March 27 — to help him overcome his difficulties. “That is way within his range. I hope he gets himself and his game back within shape within two months.”

Bierhoff presses Matthaeus recall

BONN: Germany captain Oliver Bierhoff has said he would welcome the return of veteran LotharMatthaeus but would prefer to see him play in mid-field rather than in his usual libero role.

“With his experience and balanced attitude, Matthaeus can bring us a lot,” Bierhoff told German Sunday newspaper Bild Am Sommtag.

New Germany coach Erich Ribbeck, struggling to rebuild a team, said after Wednesday’s unconvincing 3-1 win over Moldova in an European Championship qualifier that he might recall Matthaeus.

Vogts to act in television serial

BONN: Former Germany soccer coach Berti Vogts will play a small role in a popular German television serial, Bild Am Sonntag reported today. Vogts, who stepped down amid intense media pressure last month, has accepted a part in the next episode of the Tatort (the scene of the crime) serial called Greed, the newspaper wrote.

The 51-year-old Vogts already appears in commercials on German television, advertising yoghurt and mobile phones.

John McEnroe flares up yet again

SYDNEY: Feisty John McEnroe challengedauthorities to kick him out of tournaments if they had the courage after beating Frenchman Henri Leconte in the final of the Champions Senior Tennis Tournament here today.

The abrasive American fired a familiar-sounding broadside at officials after disposing of Leconte 6-4 6-2. “If I break the rules and someone has the balls to bust me them let them do it,” he said defiantly.

McEnroe’s comments came after an explosive semi-final yesterday during which the American insulted Australian chair umpire Wayne McKewen.

Warne doubtful for first Ashes Test

MELBOURNE: Star spinner Shane Warne has missed his planned return to cricket after shoulder surgery, placing him in doubt for the first Ashes Test against England next month.

Warne was left out of the Victorian state team’s Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania starting Wednesday.

It remains possible for Warne to recover in time for the first of the five Tests, but no-one is prepared to risk further damage to the match-winning spinner.