Sporting Digest: Football

Middlesbrough have taken 22-year-old Thai international striker Alfred Natipong Stritong on a two-week trial, after he impressed during Boro's pre-season friendly against Thai Farmers.

Steve Bull will be out of action for two months, after undergoing surgery on a knee injury. The Wolves and former England striker will have a bony spur, which has been affecting his left patellar tendon, removed.

West Bromwich Albion are to allow Shane Nicholson to continue to train with the club, despite the defender's positive test last month for amphetamine. The 27-year-old, charged with misconduct by the Football Association and suspended by his club, faces an extended ban.

Bolton yesterday signed the Finnish Under-21 goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen from VPS Vaasa. The 22-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half year contract with Wanderers for an initial fee of pounds 100,000, rising to pounds 350,000 depending on appearances made.