Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly could be ruled out of their Champions League second-leg clash at home to Monaco after being charged by UEFA with improper conduct.

The French international appeared to elbow Monaco striker Fernando Morientes during the 3-1 first-leg defeat at the Stade Louis II stadium on Tuesday, but the incident was not seen by referee Urs Meier.

However, a UEFA spokesman confirmed: "We have opened a disciplinary case and the control and disciplinary board will deal with this case on Friday. They will look at all the evidence, including from television." (Daily Express)

Jonathan Woodgate believes Newcastle should earn a public holiday if they win the UEFA Cup.

Bobby Robson's side take on Marseille in the semi-final first-leg tonight and Woodgate knows the Newcastle fans are desperate for success after 35 years without a trophy.

"If we can win a trophy, win a trophy for this club after so long then you have achieved something very, very special," the England defender explained.

"We can win the UEFA Cup, definitely. It will be tough, but it will be great if we do. A public holiday will be called for by the Geordies." (The Sun)

Norwich manager Nigel Worthington said he was a proud man after his side earned a place in the FA Premier League next season without kicking a ball.

Sunderland's 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace ensured the Canaries promotion, although they are still battling with West Bromich Albion for the First Division title.

Worthington explained: "I'm proud to be part of this club and I'm proud of my players. I've won promotion as a player but doing it as a manager is much sweeter." (Daily Mail)

Chris Kirkland has set his sights on helping England at the 2006 World Cup after being ruled out of the European Championships in the summer.

The Liverpool goalkeeper was on course to be part of Sven Goran Eriksson's squad for the tournament in Portugal before a broken wrist ended his dream.

But the 22-year-old said: "It would have been a great experience, but it's just not to be and I've got my sights set on the next World Cup." (Daily Star)

Millwall chairman Theo Paphitis has urged the side to concentrate on the league before they take on Manchester United in the FA Cup Final.

The Lions are still chasing promotion to the Premiership via the play-offs, but they have not won in five Division One matches since beating Sunderland in the cup semi-final.

And Paphitis explained: "The prospect of playing in the Millennium Stadium and going into Europe next season is wonderful.

"But we must not lose sight of the fact that promotion is the biggest prize of all." (The Sun)