The Guardian from London, Greater London, England • 22

32 The Guardian Tuesday May 7 2002 Football How a seaside landlady mastered shinnying games Mrs Maynard, in 30 years in the medical profession I have never come across anything like it' It was," and she would pause at this point to survey the table, "a solid wall of mucus." I don't care if you're called Bruce "Rattlesnake" O'Grits and you come to the table armed with a lucky tub of pickled shark, I'd defy anyone to cope with that. be keeping an eye on Johnny "The Orient Express" Chan. In a Week that has seen Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger engaging in a renewed bout of sound-bite mind games and Ronnie O'Sullivan's fans accused of trying to upset Stephen -Hendry by the cunning use of mobile phones, Chan is engaged in an altogether more subtle form of psychological warfare. Not for The Orient Express anything so obvious as the witty Gallic aphorism or the irritating ring-tone. He relies on an orange.

Chan claims that the citrus fruit he keeps on the table during poker sessions is simply a lucky charm, but others feel he uses it as a means of making the opposition nervous. rington, Hans "Tuna" Lund and Chris "Jesus" Ferguson are attempting to win the 33rd World Series of Poker at Binion's Horseshoe Casino. (Ferguson, incidentally, gets his nickname because of his long hair and beard. Sadly Christ, as far as is recorded, did not share the card player's passion for black cowboy hats.) Decked out in the kind of leisurewear you normally see only in a motorway service station during the summer holidays, Tuna, Dragon, Jesus and the crew will be sitting up for days on end engaged in Pot Limit Omaha, Stud, HiLo Split, Razz and No Limit Texas Hold 'Em until'they are so pale and drawn they will make Jimmy White look like a member of SClub7. And all of them will You may wonder if hard- ened cardsharps with names such as Huck Seed and "Devilfish" Ulliott would really find a piece of fruit that unsettling, the fragility of the gambler's psyche is well known, however.

These after all are men and women who spend so much time indoors that they have the complexions of mushrooms and the scent to match. Clearly the sight of anything that remotely resembles the sun is going to have an effect on them, if only to distract them from the game as they ransack their memories trying to recall just what it is that darned round, orange thing reminds them of. Chan, it should be said, is not the first sports person to harness the terrifying power that it was illegal playing of a trump card, while for my part 1 have never been able to shake the feeling that it was actually a euphemism for farting. After that diversion Mrs Maynard would begin her campaign to break all resistance using the cunning mental ploy of talking about her latest operation. The story would invariably be as long and winding as the intestines that so often featured in it, but the culmination was always perfectly timed to coincide with the key moment of the game.

As the deciding hand was being played Mrs Maynard would wind up her sorry surgical tale. "And you know what that surgeon said to me? He said, of a dessert to scare an opponent. During the 1978 world chess championsrdp Victor Korclinoi was nearly driven over the edge by the fact that Anatoly Karpov kept eating fruit yoghurts. According to Korchnoi, a Soviet chess analyst was sending Karpov coded messages using the -flavours. Quite how this worked has never been explained, though some suggest that blackcurrant meant "Nf3 0-0" apricot "Cxd5" and hazelnut "Watch out! The guy sitting opposite you is totally delusional and could be Personally I am not impressed with any of this because during my formative years I had the dubious honour of playing weekly games of whist with arguably the greatest ever exponent of the sporting Mrs Mayhard, a retired seaside landlady from Whitby.

Mrs Maynard's gambit was simplicity itself: she would simply pick another player at random, fix them with gimlet eye and bark: "Have you shinnied?" Inevitably this would provoke a back-and-forth of denial and' allegation. "Why would Ishinhy? I hate it when people shinny." "Well, that goes without saying. Nevertheless, you could have shinnied by mistake." The argument was pretty much irresolvable because the fact of the matter was that nobody else sitting round the table was quite sure what shinnying actually involved. My father believed Harry Pearson Las Vegas at the moment people with names such as David "The Dragon" Pham, "Action" Dan Har Busy Belles make full-time Fulham sweat for silver Paula Cocozza atSelhurstPark Doncaster Belles 1 Handley62 Fulham 2 Yankey 58, chapman 60 Mohamed Al Fayed saw his lavish investment rewarded with the piece of silverware it was always aimed at when Fulham, Europe's only professional women's side, claimed the FA Cup at their second successive attempt yesterday. For some an uneventful first half with few shots on target might sound like a nightmare final.

But to many the fact that the 10,124 at Selhurst Park saw something gritty rather than pretty will have come as a relief. There was always the worry that, in front of a terrestrial television audience, Fulham might make the wrong kind of spectacle of Doncaster Belles. After all, their biggest win en route to the Southern Division title this season was 22-0. But if their victory which completed a treble of League Cup and Southern Division title was expected, they were made to work surprisingly hard for it. The enthusiasm with which they set about their lap of honour, while officials sprinted on with bits of a self-assembly stage, suggested that, though the rest of the game is getting bored with Fulham triumphs, success at this level is a novelty for them.

Yesterday their relief had much to do with the spirit and sturdiness of the Doncaster defence. Neither disciplined nor organised earlier in the season, it acquired grit, commitment and shape with the arrival of Gemma and Carly Hunt. That pair's muscular toughness and that of Mandy Lowe in her "special job" on The Cheltenham manager Steva Cotterill, centre, and his team collect the play-off trophy afteryesterday'a victory over Bushden and Diamonds Photograph: Cotterill crows as Robins go up Caniggia handed World Cup place the Norwegian forward Marianne pettersen, thwarted Fulham for the entire first half. Fulham's fluent passing game never clicked into action early on. Instead Gaute Haugenes' team found themselves imitating Doncasterls long-ball game and spent much time craning necks and looking skywards.

Changes were clearly called for during the interval and Fulham were out even before the comedy half-time penalty-takers had finished their act. "It was heads up, get the ball down and play," said Katie Chapman afterwards. In every Fulham match there comes a point when even the most determined opponents are undone by the superior cohesion and fitness that comes from training together every day. It happened to Doncaster 13 minutes into the second half, when Rachel Yankey curled a 20-yard free-kick round an ill-placed wall. Two minutes later Chapman doubled the lead, volleying in a Marguun Haugenes cross.

Jody Handley replied almost at once with her head but it never looked like being any-1 thing other than a consblationi even with half an hour left. "The feeling we had here last year we didn't want to have that again," Gaute Haugenes said, recalling his team's l-o 20Q1 Cup final defeat by Arsenal. The bad feeling of his opposite number, Doncaster's manager Julie Chipchase, came from the thought of merely trying to "compete with Fulham" when Fayed's club join the Premiership next season. far, Hunt; Burke, Easlon, Exley, Hunt; Handley, Walker. Fulham (4-3-3); Johannossen; Jerray-Silver, Terp, Phillip, Unit); McArthur.

Chapman. Haugenes (Mork, 621; Moore (Duncan, 62), Pettersen, Yankey. Referee: EM Evans. tore a muscle in training last month but he returned for Hertha Berlin last Saturday. Christoph Daum, who lost his chance to become national managerbecause of 63 counts of purchasing cocaine, saw the case against him dismissed yesterday after he agreed to pay a 10,000 fine (6,250) and make a contribution to a youth drug-treatment centre.

Denmark, who contest a group with France, Uruguay and Senegal, named six British-based players: Peter Lovenkrands, Thomas Gravesen, Thomas Sorensen, Niclas Jensen, Stig Totting and Claus Jensen. "The team is a good mixture of experience and young, curious players," said the coach Morten Olsen. 0Uefa's president Lennart Johansson yesterday called for Sepp Blatter to step down as Fifa president. "He must go for the sake of Fifa, for the sake of Fifa's integrity," he said. Argentina; chimot (Milan), Samuel (Roma) Pochstuno IPSGI; Husaln I River Plate), Slmeone (Lario), Gallardo (Monaco), Zanottl (Inter); Ortega (River Plate), Caniggia (Rangers), Batlltuta (Roma), Lopez, Crespo (both lario).

Brazil: Cenl (Sao Paulo), Marcos (Palmeiras), Olda (Corinthians); Cafu I Roma), Belled! (Sao Paulo), Junior (Parma), Carlos (Real Madrid), LuclotLeverkusen), Roque Junior (Milan), Polga (Grcmio), Edmilson (Lyon); Stive (Mmeiro), Emerson Ferretra (Roma), Junlnho Paulina (Flamingo), Kk (Sao Paulo), KtohiirMntA Paranaense), Vampeta (Corinthians); Ronaldlnho IPSG), Roruldo (Inter), Lulzao (Gremio), Edllson (Cruzeiro). Denllson IBefcl, Rhraldo (Barcelona). Germany: Kahn IBayern), Lshmann (Dortmund), Butt (Leverkusen); Llnke (Baycrn WSrns, Kehl, Motzelder, Holnrlch (all Dorlmundl, Rehmtr IHerlha), Zlego (Spursl; Ballack, Ramelow, Schneider (all Leverkusen), DelslertHertha), Frlngs (Bremen), Jeromles IBayorn), Hamann (L'pool): Asamoafi ISchalko), Blerhoff (Monaco), NeuvlllolLevcrkusenl, Jancker IBayern), Klose IKaisorslauternl, Bodo (Bremen). Denmark: Sorensen (Sunderland), Klaor (ADerdeenl, Chrlsdanson (Vejle); Boselund, Hulntzo IPSV), Hemp, (Mian), Henrlksen IPanathinaikos), Jensen (Man City), Laursen (Milan), Luitu ILyn); Gravesen (Everton), Jensen (Charlton), Nielsen IMalmo), Poulien (Copenhagen), ToftJno (Bolton); Gronkjasr (Chelsea), Joroensentudlnese), Lovenkrands (Rangers), Madien(Brondby), Mfctunlun (Panathinaikos), Rommedshl IPSV), Sand (Sctialke), Tomasson (Feyenoord). David JonesPA ensured elevation into the Second Division, though whether Cotterill, consistently linked with First Division Portsmouth, will be there to enjoy that adventure remains to be seen.

"Everyone knows how ambitious I am," he said, "and I don't know whether I'll still be the manager here next season. The chairman and I have an understanding and he would let me speak to any interested clubs, but for the moment let's just enjoy this." Cheltenham Town (4-4-21: Book; Grilfin, Dull, Walker, Victory; Williams, Finnigan, Yates, Devaney (Grayson, 76); Alsop, Naytor. Rushden Diamonds (4-4-2); Turtoy; Mustala, Peters, Tillson, Underwood; Hall, Waidley, Button Ui. Gray (Brady, 69); Partridge Referee: A Leake. Inverness Caledonian Thistle (3) Jim Calder, Les Fridge, Mike Teasdale ParUck Thistle (5) Ralth (14) Simon Miotto, Shaun Dennis, Andy Smith, Jay Stein, Willie Miller, Marc Millar, Alvaro Tejero, Jorge Ostiz, Paquito, Darren (lender son, Kenny Black, Ross Mathieson, Nacho Novo, Mark Jones.

Ross County (4) unconfirmed St Mfrren (7) Tommy Turner, lain Nicolson, Jose Quitongo, Gary Bowman, Steven Donnachie, Paul McKnight, Derek Scrimgour Second Division Alloa (1) Tom Brown Berwick (4) Willie McCulloch, Gerry Farrell, Richard Huxford, Eddie May Clydebank (18) Henry Smith, Stephen Robertson, Rab McKinnon, Andy Whiteford, Mark McNally, Neil McGowan, Liam McVey, Brian Hamilton, Fabian Bossy, Derek Ferguson, Alan Gow, Brian McColligan, Eric Paton, Mark Nicholls, Brian Carrigan, Alex Burke, Ally Graham, Paul McGrillen Cowdenbeath (6) Forfar (6) Dave Bowman, Craig Farnan, Euan Donaldson, Jim Henry, Sean Christie, Roberto Morris. Hamilton 3') Morton (6-) Queen of the South 17 George OBoyle, Allan Moore, Stuart Davidson, Gordon Bums, Lennie Walker, Graeme Armstrong, Ross Brownlie. Stenhousemulr(12) Stranraer 15 outof contract players Third Dhrtslon Albion (20) From 22 out of contract Brechin (4) Kevin Bain, Jamie Ewart, Mark Cairns, Kevin McKeown Dumbarton (4) John Connolly, Jimmy 8ruce, John Ritchie, Jamie McKay East Fife (8) John Gallagher, Willie Wilson, Kenny Munro; James Allan, Lee Bailey, Neil Oliver, Aaron Lofting, Steve McGovern. East Stirling (0) Refused fo make an estimate Elgin City (0) Montrose (3 Peterhead (6) Queen's Park (2) Jim Brown, Paul Patterson. Stirling (10-) unconfirmedestimate Research; McliaelHugfies and Anana Gadgjl from Julian Alsop and John Finnigan.

Atthe end their supporters were left dazed and delighted amid the deafening fireworks. "Someone said we'd done it the hard way, but we've done it the best way," beamed their manager Steve Cotterill, who has not paid a transfer fee since the Robins gained league status three years ago and is unlikely to start now. "What we've achieved has been staggering and, while you do need money at times, you need as much luck with the players you bring in. We've had plenty of that." And not only with personnel. Cheltenham were the nth team Wimbledon (6) From following out of contract players Alan Kimble, Gareth Ainsworth, Andy Roberts, Dean Blackwell, Ian Feuer, Alex Tapp, Shane Gore, Sam Okiokolu, Duncan Jupp, Neil Jenkins, Michael Thomas, Ian Selley Wolves 1) from three out of contract players Kevin Muscat, Carl Robinson, AndySinton Second Division Blackpool (5) Neil Murphy, Ifan Jones, Wayne Maden, Mike Mlgan, Gary Parkinson AFC Bournemouth (8) Willy Huck, Pascal Tetu, David Birmingham, Graeme Mathie, Tresor Kandol, James Bittner, James Ford, Danny Smith Brentford (1 from Ihree out of contract players Paul Evans, Lloyd Qwusu, Ivarlngimarsson Brighton (1) From six out of contract players Bristol City (3) Damian Spencer, Tom Jordan, Kayode Odejayi Bury (3) Balchang Bhulia, Paul Reid, Sam Collins Cambridge (8 Neil Mustoe, Demba Traore, Adam Butterworth, Tom Cowan, Dale Cockrill, Dean Walling, Mattie Clements, Leon Kelly.

Cardiff (2 Paul Brayson" Kurt Nogan Chesterfield (6) Roger Willis, Danny Williams, Jamie Ingledow, Greg Pearce, Craig Wilding, Nathan Abbey Colchester (1) Ross Johnson Huddersfteld (41 From 10 out of contract players Northampton Town (4) Paul Oempsey, Richard Lopes, John Hodge, Adam Sollitt Notts County (6) Gary Owers, Mark Warren, Niall McNamara, John McCalg, Henrik Jorgensen, Ryan ford Oldham Athletic 2) Allan Smart, Scott McNiven Peterborough Utd (0 Port Vale (7) Phil Hardy, Ashley Dodd, Alex Gibson, Paul Donnelly, Paul Taylor, Ben Simpson, Danny May Queens Park Rannors (5 From nine out of contract players: Mark Perry, Paul Bruce, Karl Connolly, Marcus Bignot, Matthew Rose, Christer Warren, Andy Thomson, Doudou, FraserDigby Reading (3) Matt Robinson, Keith Jones, Nell Smith Stoke City (2) From six out of contract players Swindon Town (7) Giuliano Grazioli, Bobby to occupy the north dressing room since English football's showcase events were switched from Wembley, and all 11 have emerged victorious. In truth, and as the defeated manager Brian Talbot acknowledged, the better side prevailed. Rushden may have boasted the game's two brightest individual talents in their Jamaican internationals Paul Hall and Onandi Lowe, but Town were the outstanding team and worked tirelessly after the interval to check the West Indian pair's menace. By then first-half goals had been exchanged within a 60-second spell. First the livewire Martin Devaney tore through Howe, James Williams, Paul Edwards, Bertie Brayley, Paul McAreavcy, Richard McKinney Tranmore Rovers (10) Alan Morgan, Andy Ralph, Thomas Dreves seven from the 1 1 more out of contract players Wlgan Athletic (5) Paul Dalglish', Ian Nolan-, Derek Strife Ian Pat McGibbon' Wycombe Wanderers (6) David Carroll, Jason Cousins, Paul Emblen, Mark Leach, Andy Baird, Stewart Castledine Wrexham (7 Kevin Sharp, David Walsh, Dave Warren, Garelh Williams, Martin Blackwood, Robin Gibson, Martin Chalk Third Division Bristol Rovers (12) Che Wilson, David Hillier, Mark Foran, Ronnie Mauge, Steve Foster, Mark Walters, Alvin Bubb, Carlos Lopez, Sergio Ommol, Mark Smith, Me Ross Weare Carlisle United (16) Jonny Allan, Stephen Halliday, Alex Haddow, Lee Hoolickin, Tony Hopper, John Hore, Michael Jack, Peter Keen, Craig Lewis, Kyle May, Craig McAughtrle, Oave Rogers, Steven Rooke, Steve Soley, Ian Stevens, Mark Winstanley Cheltenham Town (4) From 14 out of contract players Darlington (3) From nine out of contract players David Brightwell, Phil Brumwell, Steve Harper, Clint Marcelle, Paul Heckingbottom, Richard Hodgson, Keith Finch Exeter City (4) Martin Barlow, Paul Read, Graeme Tomlinson, Lee Zabek Halifax Town (22) Peter Crooxes, Carl Rezai, Ian Fitzpatrick, Paul Stoneman, Paul Harsley, Steven Swales, Gary Jones, Nathan Winder, Mark Jules, Tony Parks, Steve Kerrigan, Lee Butler, Dominic Ludden, Jamie jdealaJortheNa cngiana ana norm -ss clubs.

An jwcliislw looking for work Printed Tarkan Mustafa's weak challenge to pull back a cross from the byline. The ball duly bounced off Rushden's Garry Butterworth back on to the Town winger and trickled in off the far post. Hall's immediate riposte running unchecked from the kick-off to lift a shot over Steve Book prompted a madcap attacking spell as half-time approached, with Lowe twice denied a Diamonds second. "The players were still in denial about the goal they had conceded," said Cotterill. "We had to let go of that and organise." That they did to spectacular effect.

Four minutes after the Wood, Craig Middlelon, Andrew Woodward, Graham Mitchell, Peter Wright, Steven Oleksewycz, Alan ReiUy, Stephen Bushell, Barry Richardson Hartlepool United (2) Tony Lormor, Martin Hollund Hull City (6) Then Whitmore, Ian Goodison, Jason Van Blerk, Adrian Caceres, Rodney Rowe, Ben Morley Kidderminster (4) Ian Clarkson, Ben Davies, Peter aulds, Tony Bird Leyton Orient (6) Craig Brown, Nick Barnes, Ashley Bayes, lyseden Christie, Jeff Minion, Nairn Uka. Have also released 14 other players since October 2001 Lincoln City (5) Grant Brown, Jason Barnert, Steve Holmes, Justin Walker, Dave Cameron Luton Town (4 Richard Dtyden, Stuart Douglas, Adam Locke, Scott Ward Macclesfield Town (4 From six out of contract players Mansfield Town (2) David Kelly, AlistairAsher Oxford United (G) Darren Patterson, Paul Tait, Phil Gray, Jon Richardson, Rob Folland, John Shepheard Plymouth Argylo(O) Rochdale (5) Simon Coleman, Lee Todd, Paul Ware, Alan McLoughlin, Sean McCauley Rushden Diamonds (5 From 12 out of contract players. Eight others have felt during the past season Scunthorpe United (7) Carl Bradshaw, Nigel Pepper, Stuart Thorn, Lee Hodges, Mark Anderson, Chris Bennion, Peter Morrison Shrewsbury Town (3) Andy Tretton, Greg Rioch, Josh Walker Southend United (3) Daniel Kerrigan, Scott Forbes, Leon Johnson guidp.tothe spiayuwnui: IjandwHo'SftS i releasee, clt hrtanr) youcan'read: ttio full on page mm interval Lee Williams's centre was headed back across goal by Alsop with Andy Tillson, under pressure from Devaney, merely knocking the ball back across goal in his attempt to tackle. In nipped Alsop to score. Rushden hinted ataresponse, with Scott Partridge curling just wide, but the tide had long since turned.

With 10 minutes remaining the substitute Neil Grayson blasted a volley on to the underside of the crossbar. The woodwork was still quivering as Finnigan calmly gathered possession on the edge of the area and curled a third into the corner. The goal sent the Cheltenham fans into raptures and Swansea City (6) From 13 out of contract players Torquay United (6 Out of contract players: Steve Tully, Jason Rees, Greg Goodridge, Marcus Richardson, Andrew Martin, Ryan Ashford York City (S) JolinFielding, Neville Stamp, Marc Thompson, Matt Hocking, Nick Richardson Scotland Premier League Aberdeen (4) Eugene Dadi, Derek Whyte, Robbie Winters. Terry Kldd. Celtic (5) Liam Keogh, Jim Goodwin, Lubomir Moravcik, Steven Pinkowski, Alan Morrison.

Dundee (2) Lucas Gain', Beto Naveda Dundeo United (0) Squad has been reduced by 13 during past season Dunfermline (4') Ian Ferguson, plus another likely three Hearts (S) Thomas Flogel, Stephane Adam, Darren Goldie, Barry Smith, Anton Smith Hibernian (4) Eduardo Hurtado, Lilian Martin, David Zrtelll, Lyndon Andrews Kilmarnock (6 Livingston (6) Motherwell (IS) Maik Brown, Stephen Cosgrove, Andy Dow, Eddie Forrest, Roberto Martinez, Brian MacDonald, Karl Ready, Greg Strong, Kevin Twaddle, Franck Bernhard, Billy Brawtey, John Fallon, David Ferrere, Liam Fleming, Steven Nicholas, Ango Ouefio, Van Sooy, Scott Wilson, Martin Wood. Rangers (4) St Johnstone (5) Nick Dasovic, John Paul McBride, Ross Cum'e, Benito Kemble, Rachid First Division Alrdrie (22) Robert Dunn, Stuait McDonald, Owen Coyfe, Darren Beasley, Stuart Taylor, Neil Bennett, Kevin James, Robert Coulter, Neil MacFarlane, Allan Ferguson, Joe McAlplne, Slephen McKeown, Craig McPhcrson, Mark Roberts, Paul Armstrong, Allan McManus, Lee Gardner, Sandy Stewart, Anthony Smith, Stephen Docberty, John Henry, Paul Ronald. Arbroath (3) Jim Mercer, Colin McKinnon, Craig Wight, Ayr (8) Pat McGinlay, Craig McEwan, Lee Sharp, Brian McLaughlin, John Bradford, Neil Scally, Robert Bruce, Lee Duncan Clyde (4) Brian Crawlord, Marc Grahsm, Craig Bingham, Jamie Mitchell Falkirk (81 Dominic Fifield at the Millennium Stadium Cheltenham Town 3 Devaney 27, Alsop 49. Finnlgan 80 Rushden and Diamonds 1 Hall 28 Party time hit the Cotswolds yesterday. Denied automatic promotion on the last day of the season proper, Cheltenham made gleeful amends here in Cardiff to ensure that, five years after emerging from the Dr Martens League, the Second Division now awaits.

Rip-roaring success over Rushden and Diamonds was sealed with an impressively reassured second-half display that yielded decisive goals England First DMilon Bamsley 3) SteveChertle, Darren Barnard, Kevin Miller Birmingham (3) David Burrows, Danny Sonner', Jon McCarthy' Bradford City (5) Stuart McCall, Lee Snarpe, Gareth Whalley, Gunnar Halle, Garelh Grant Burnley (6) Kevin Ball, Lenny Johnrose, Tony Ellis, John Williamson, Luigl Cennamo, Mitchell Thomas Coventry (3) Marcus Hall, Gary Breen, RictiardShaw' Crowe Alexandra (8) Kevin Street, John Grant, Paul Tait, Steve Macauley, Geoff Thomas, Phil Trainer, ShaunSmith, Phil Charnock" Crystal Palace (6) Jonattion Boardman, Kristian Dimond, Gareth Gwillum, Steven Warren, Simon Rodger, Jovan Kirovski GIIKngnam (1 probably from following out of contract players Marcus Browning, Iffy Onuora, Mark Saunders Grimsby Town (5) Have not yet decided but will probably lose five from 10 out ol contract players Manchester City (3) Stuart Pearce, Richard Edghill, Andy Morrison Mlllwall 2) Leon Constantine, Ryan Green Norwich (3) Danny Bloomfield, Louis Blois, GaetanoGiallanza Nottingham Foroit 5) Andy Gray, Kevin Dawson, Garelh Edds, Niall Hudson, Oamian Lynch Portsmouth (8) David Waterman, Thomas Thogersen, Mladen Rudonja, Michael Panapoulos, Stefani Migtioranzt, Ceri Hughes, Ben Griffiths, Garry Brady Preston North End (2 I Waiting tor new manager to decide Rotfierham Utd (1) Chris Holloway Sheffield United (6) Bobby Ford, Georges Santos, Laurent D'Jalfo, Gus Uhlenbeek, Mark Ward, Adam Burley SheffletdWednesday (9) Kevin Gallacher, Pablo Bonvin, Phil Scott, Adam Muter, Sean Roberts, Richard Siddall, Alan Cawfey, Neil Gibson, Anwar U'ddin Stockport County (5) Andy Dibble, Coin Woodthorpe, Leo Roget, Niell Hardy, Mart Smith Walsall 1) Tom Benmlt Watford (4) James Panayi, Filippo Galli, Nigel Gibbs, Nordin Woofer Wast Bromlch Albion (3) Ruei Fo, James Ouinn.AnrJyPetterson MarkTallentire Argentina have named 12 out of the 23 players they will take to the World Cup, the most surprising being the Rangers forward Claudio Caniggia at the age of 35. Caniggia, a veteran of Italia 90, returned to international football after a four-year absence to face Wales in February and is included despite injuring a knee in Saturday's Scottish Cup final win against Celtic. The initial prognosis from tests is that he will recover in time. "Players still in action with their teams will be called up later, said the coach Marcelo Bielsa. "Our deadline is May 21 and we can wait as long as 48 hours before the competition to make changes for injuries." Brazil's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, to nobody's great surprise, omitted the 36-year-old Romario, one of the heroes of their 1994 World Cup win.

The striker has not been picked since July's 1-0 defeat by Uruguay in qualifying, and Scolari has defied popular pressure which has even seen him being harassed by irate supporters in Rio. "Regardless if the fans want Romario, 1 am the coach of the national team and I decide," he said. Brazil have been grouped with Turkey, China and Costa Rica. Djalminha, who butted the Deportivo ta Coruna coach Javier Irureta in training last week, was also left out, Sao Paulo's Kaka getting the nod instead. Germany's coach Rudi VSller, preparing for Saudi Arabia, Ireland and Cameroon, picked Sebastian Deisler in his 23 despite fitness doubts.

The 22-year-old had just recovered from knee surgery when he.