Derby's Fagan faces violent conduct charge

The Derby County striker Craig Fagan has been charged with violent conduct after an incident during the game against Liverpool on Saturday.

Fagan appeared to stamp on Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa as the pair tangled on the touchline during the 6-0 victory for the Reds, although the incident was not seen by referee Alan Wiley. The former Hull player has until 6pm tonight to admit or deny the charge, which is a punishable by a three-match ban.

In Scotland, the Rangers pair Thomas Buffel and Ugo Ehiogu have made their comebacks from injury in a behind-closed-doors match against Queen of the South. Buffel has not played since 21 January after undergoing surgery on both knees earlier this year but the 26-year-old Belgian midfielder is closing in on a first-team return. Centre-back Ehiogu, 34, is fit again after an Achilles injury.

Coventry have denied rumours that manager Iain Dowie has been asked to take over at Leicester. Speculation has been rife that Leicester chairman Milan Mandaric has targeted Dowie to replace Martin Allen, who left suddenly last week

A club statement said: "Further to recent and unwelcome speculation regarding the club's first team manager, Coventry City would like to confirm that it has received no approach from any club with regard to Iain Dowie. The club would also like to confirm that any approach would be firmly rebuffed."