Football in brief: Modric poised to hand Spurs a boost with return from leg injury

Tottenham Hotspur: The midfielder Luka Modric is in line to make a first appearance in over three months after being included in the squad for the match at home to Wolves this afternoon.

The Croatian international sustained a fractured fibula following a challenge from Lee Bowyer in the 2-1 victory over Birmingham on 29 August and was initially expected to return within six weeks, only for complications to arise. Manager Harry Redknapp is looking forward to the playmaker's return. "It's a bit early to start him," Redknapp conceded. "But he'll be involved." The White Hart Lane side won the opening four matches Modric played in before his absence and the 24-year-old spoke of his relief after successfully coming through a practice match this week. "I did not feel any pain and that is the most important thing," he said. "It is great to be back and I am happy. It is a relief after three months. I will take it step by step and see when the manager decides to put me back in the squad." Faaez Samadi

Keogh ruled out until March with ankle injury

Wolves: Striker Andy Keogh will be out for three months after suffering ankle ligament and tendon damage in training. The 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international is set to undergo surgery after suffering the setback on Thursday. "He damaged his ankle and has got to have an operation," manager Mick McCarthy said. "He will be missing for up to 12 weeks and it's a huge blow because he's a great kid." Keogh started the season as first-choice partner to record signing Kevin Doyle, scoring the winner at Wigan in August, but has since lost his place to fit-again Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

Allen exits Cheltenham after just 15 months

Cheltenham Town: Mark Allen yesterday left the club by mutual consent, despite being cleared of racial misconduct. Allen was the subject of allegations that he racially abused a nightclub bouncer in October and was subsequently placed on gardening leave by the Robins. The 44-year-old denied the claims and police confirmed no action would be taken. John Schofield had been placed in temporary charge since the incident and he will continue in the position. "I am very pleased with the outcome," Allen said of the findings, "but it's unfortunate it has not been possible for me to remain as manager."

Watford in talks to end financial problems

Watford: Chairman Jimmy Russo is confident the Hornets can avoid going into administration after holding talks with two shareholders about producing a rescue package for the club. The chairman invited Lord Michael Ashcroft and Graham Simpson, who own 50 per cent of the club's parent company Watford Leisure, to discuss the available options. "It is definitely a 100 per cent positive step," Russo said. Watford announced a £5.5m gap in their finances last week.