Football

The Scottish Football Association yesterday launched an initiative designed to aid players with learning disabilities. The scheme, backed by British Telecom and Sports Match and entitled BT Football, is designed to allow disabled people to become involved in the game.

Sunderland have appointed Jim Hagan, Manchester United's North East scout as their youth development officer.

Charlton Athletic have signed Ricky Otto, the Birmingham winger, on a month's loan. He is likely to go straight into the side for tonight's televised Nationwide First Division match at Ipswich.

Jamie Cureton, the Norwich striker, has joined Bristol Rovers on a month's loan with a view to a permanent transfer.

Bob Taylor, West Bromwich Albion's pounds 2m-rated striker, will be out for at least a month after damaging his ankle.

Howard Wilkinson is to join BBC's Radio 5 Live football presentation team, in what the former Leeds manager believes could be the start of a "new career".

The BBC will present live coverage of Aston Villa's Uefa Cup first round, second leg match in Sweden against Helsingborgs next Tuesday.