Sport in short: Football

BILLY KENNY, the 19-year-old midfielder who helped Everton beat Liverpool 2-1 in his fourth senior appearance in the Merseyside derby on Monday, has signed a new two and a half year contract.

MIDDLESBROUGH'S third-round FA Cup tie with Chelsea at Ayresome Park will be on Sunday 3 January. The tie has been put back 24 hours on police advice as nearby Second Division Hartlepool face Premier League Crystal Palace at home in another third-round tie on the Saturday. A kick-off time has yet to be decided.

ANDY DIBBLE, Manchester City's Welsh international goalkeeper, is to join Portsmouth on loan. A permanent pounds 350,000 transfer will follow if he impresses at Fratton Park.

RONNIE WHELAN, the Liverpool club captain, has undergone a thigh operation and is expected to be out of action for another month. He has been out of action for six weeks, following a knee operation.

Diadora League First Division: Purfleet 2 Dorking 2.