Sven-Goran Eriksson has indicated that he will hand Stewart Downing his first England cap against Holland in February.

The England boss admits Boro’s young winger has caught his eye and deserves promotion from the Under-21 set-up.

Eriksson said: "If he (Downing) goes on like this I think we should give him a chance, especially in the friendly game we have against Holland in February. I think he deserves that.

"He’s a very interesting player. He makes things happen, he can beat players and his left foot is very, very good." (Daily Mirror)

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The Sun report that Shay Given wants out of Newcastle – and that will put Manchester United and Arsenal on alert.

Keeper Given, the Republic of Ireland’s No.1, reportedly believes that he must now move on to realise his football ambitions.

A Newcastle source is quoted as saying: "Shay has become increasingly fed up. He moved to St James’ Park to win things but that looks further away than ever from happening."

Given has noted that both Arsenal and United remain on the look-out for a top-class keeper.

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Freddie Ljungberg is to have a brain scan after fears over his health.

The Arsenal star, who will be sent for tests this week following continued problems with migraines, was sent home ahead of Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea after his second attack in a week.

The Swedish midfielder missed the Champions League clash against Rosenborg complaining of a severe headache and has been banned from having red wine, cheese and other products believed to contribute to the problem.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said: "Freddie is not too good. He had another migraine and we had to send him home. He needs to have four or five days at home." (The Sun)

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David O’Leary will sign a new contract this week that could make him Aston Villa’s longest-serving manager for nearly a quarter of a century.

Chairman Doug Ellis is close to agreeing deals with assistant manager Roy Aitken and fitness expert Steve McGregor. And once their deals are signed, O’Leary will follow suit.

"It has taken eight weeks for us to get this far after I agreed my contract with the chairman," said O’Leary. "We are very much a team and, as such, we can now put all this to one side and get on with the job of taking the side we’ve got to the next level." (Daily Express)

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Chris Kirkland was facing the threat of surgery last night after being forced to abandon attempts to play his way through a long-standing back condition.

The mystery of the Liverpool keeper’s loss of form in recent weeks was solved when it emerged that his mobility had been restricted by swelling on a disc in his back.

Manager Rafael Benitez confirmed he would give way to Jerzy Dudek against Portsmouth at Anfield tonight and that a specialist’s verdict will determine whether an operation is needed.

"The problem is in Chris’s lower back and he has not been able to train for the past two days," said Benitez. "He’s only young, very young for a keeper, and I have no concerns over his future." (Daily Mail)