FOOTBALL: Spurs relieved at good news

Relieved that reports of a broken jaw or nose have proved to be false, Tottenham Hotspur hope to include Jurgen Klinsmann, their German striker, in Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Sunderland.

Klinsmann was carried off during Spurs' 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa on Wednesday after colliding with the home goalkeeper, Mark Bosnich. He lay prone on the pitch for four minutes before being lifted on to a stretcher. A statement from White Hart Lane yesterday said: "Early indications are that Jurgen has not suffered a break to either his jaw or nose, as has been suggested. He is resting today but he will visit hopsital tomorrow for a general check-up and is expected to be fit for Sunday."

Not so lucky is Klinsmann's international colleague, Lothar Matthaus. The 33-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder, whose left heel was hurt during a friendly on Wednesday, underwent surgery yesterday for a torn Achilles tendon. The injury may bring a premature end to his illustrious career.

George Burley, the Ipswich Town manager, has a new No 2 at Portman Road: Dale Roberts, formerly his assistant at Ayr and Colchester. The previous assistant manager, Charlie Woods, becomes chief scout while the former team manager, Mick McGiven, is leaving the club.

Rangers signed two men from Dundee United in a £750,000 double deal yesterday: Gary Bollan and Alex Cleland. Both are Scottish Under-21 internationals and both can play in defence or midfield.