Football: Keane out for rest of the season

Roy Keane will not return this season for Manchester United even though he is recovering well from his knee injury. The Republic of Ireland midfielder has been swimming and cycling to build up the strength in his injured knee following his cruciate ligament operation last year.

This week Keane began jogging for the first time since he suffered the injury, against Leeds in September.

The United manager, Alex Ferguson, confirmed that the 26-year-old was making good progress, but said he would not be rushed back. Keane is due to begin full training in April before returning to action for the start of next season.

"Roy's doing light jogging now - that's all," Ferguson said. "The schedule doesn't change and it will still be April before he starts full training and he won't be back before the start of next season."

The Aston Villa midfielder Sasa Curcic is to have talks with Besitkas coach John Toshack this weekend about a possible move to the Turkish club. The Villa manager, Brian Little, said that Villa have received an approach for Curcic, who has had an unhappy time since his pounds 4m move 17 months ago.