The country's top referees announced yesterday that they are to clamp down on players who dive - punishing any offence with a caution and a free-kick, according to The Telegraph.

"The credibility of the result goes out of the window if a game is settled by a dive," warned referee Graham Poll, speaking at the 'select group' of referees' fortnightly get-together in Northamptonshire.

"We all hate cheating being successful. It could lead to disaffection with football among the public. Simulation is a major concern for us. We can't now say it just happens overseas. It's clearly on the increase here." (Telegraph)

England goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence is tipping Ian Walker and Robert Green to fight for a place in the Euro 2004 squad after Chris Kirkland was ruled out.

Liverpool star Kirkland has a broken wrist and will not be fit in time to play in Portugal this summer.

It leaves Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson looking for another goalkeeper as back-up to David James and Paul Robinson.

Clemence said: "We've know for a few weeks that Chris was doubtful and it's a shame for him.

"It looks as though Ian and Robert will be competing for a place in the squad and both of them are more than capable keepers." (The Sun)

Gerard Houllier believes he will still be at Liverpool next season and insists his team can go on to win a Premier League title.

He said: "I definitely think I will be at Anfield next season. I think we will win the title together. I believe the team will grow and at some stage we'll win the title." (Daily Mirror)

Monaco want Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to give them tips on how to beat Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final.

Wenger is a former manager of the French club and still keeps in touch with friends there.

Monaco director Henri Biancheri said: "I'll be getting in touch with Arsene before Tuesday's semi-final. In my opinion he is the best manager in the world and, since we are great friends too, it is the natural thing to do." (The Sun)

Newcastle legend Bobby Moncur, the last Newcastle captain to lift a major trophy, is backing Alan Shearer to follow suit.

Moncur held the UEFA Cup aloft in 1969 after a 6-2 aggregate win over Ujpest Dozsa of Hungary. But now former England captain Shearer has led them to the semi-finals this season.

Moncur said: "It's about time Alan took this title away from me. I'm sick of being labelled the last captain to win a major honour for Newcastle. He's now in line and I could not think of a better person to take it away from me. I'd love to see Alan lifting the cup in Gothenburg." (Daily Mirror)

Shaun Bartlett has agreed a new one-year deal at Charlton.

"I'm delighted and now I want to repay the faith the club has shown in me," the striker said. (Daily Express)