Football in Brief: Keane quick to reject sacking rumours

Ipswich Town's manager, Roy Keane, has dismissed speculation that he will be sacked before the end of the week. The Portman Road side are currently 16th in the Championship after a disappointing campaign for Keane, who took charge of the club last April. "I don't feel I am under any more pressure and I certainly don't take any notice of what the newspapers say." Keane said. "If you think I am fearful of losing my job you are wrong." The Ipswich Town chief executive, Simon Clegg, added the club wants to keep the 38-year-old as manager. "I'm still fully committed to Roy Keane." Clegg said. "It has been a disappointing season but Roy is still building his team. I understand there have been some speculation stories but Roy is just starting to get us where we want to be."

Ferguson dismisses critics as Vidic is cleared

Sir Alex Ferguson last night dismissed criticism of Nemanja Vidic by Bolton manager Owen Coyle after Johan Elmander required five stitches in a head wound after being elbowed by the United defender at the Reeok on Saturday. Coyle thought the incident was deliberate but Ferguson retorted: "What is the old saying about people in glass houses? When Vidic came off at half-time he had a lump on his head the size of an egg, his cheek was swollen and he had a black eye." The FA confirmed no action would be taken against Vidic.

Strachan: "We do not deserve the play-offs"

Gordan Strachan believes Middlesbrough have not done enough to justify a place in the Championship play-offs, stating "We don't deserve to be there just now". His side have won only one of their last six games. Since taking charge in October Strachan has reworked his squad with the aim of promotion but his side are five points adrift of a play-off spot with six games remaining. "We haven't done enough," Strachan said, We're putting a lot of work in but not doing enough to win games." Boro have won just one away game since December.