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Injury Set-Back For Leeds, Foxes Yet To Receive Approach For O'Neill's Men, Boro Deny Okon Is A Done Deal, And More

BATTY OUT UNTIL CHRISTMAS
David Batty could be out until Christmas after undergoing an operation on his troublesome Achilles tendon. The Leeds and England star is certain to miss the start of the new season after going under the knife on Sunday in a bid to finally clear up an injury that has plagued him since November.

The combative midfielder has played only 20 minutes' football since tearing a calf muscle. And despite undergoing intensive treatment, including consulting fitness experts in France and Lilleshall, he has been unable to shake off the problem. His leg will be in plaster for several weeks and he then faces a lengthy rehabilitation spell to kickstart his career.

''The initial reaction of our medical staff is that the operation went very well, though we cannot put a time-scale on when David will be playing again,'' Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale told the Yorkshire Post.

''His leg will be in plaster for several weeks and we will have a better indication of his progress when the cast is removed, although he will definitely miss the start of the season.''


NO CELTIC BID YET FOR O'NEILL'S RIGHT HAND MEN
Leicester have confirmed they have yet to receive an approach from Celtic for Martin O'Neill's backroom team at Filbert Street.

O'Neill, appointed as new Celtic manager last week, had been expected to link up again with his former assistant, John Robertson, and coach, Steve Walford, at Parkhead. The pair were on his coaching staff at Wycombe, Norwich and latterly Leicester. But Filbert Street chairman John Elsom said: "We have heard nothing from Martin or Celtic and nor would we hope to. I hope I do not get approached on this subject but we will wait and see."

Meanwhile, Leicester supporters have continued to snap up season tickets despite O'Neill's departure. Gillingham manager Peter Taylor is favourite to succeed O'Neill and club officials are confident last season's total of 11,000 will be surpassed.

"We are very pleased with the response from our season ticket holders in the past few days," said spokesman Paul Mace. "Given Martin O'Neill's departure we were concerned there might be a knock-on effect. But a total of 96% of our season ticket holders have renewed. We are hopeful that with the appointment of a new manager there will be increased demand for our season tickets."


MIDDLESBROUGH DENY OKON SIGNING
Middlesbrough have denied rumours that Australian national team skipper Paul Okon has already signed for the club. The Fiorentina midfielder was reported to have agreed a pre-contract with Boro and would move after his deal ran out at the Serie A outfit.

However, the 28-year-old, who made his name in Belgium with FC Brugge and was named player of the year during his time there, confirmed he would be leaving the Italian side, and was considering options which involved Middlesbrough and Dutch club Ajax.

"I'm interested in Middlesbrough and I've made up my mind to leave Italy," said Okon. "The idea of playing in England appeals to me and I'm just as anxious as anyone to find out where I'll be. I want to get back into regular football and not become known as a player who spent more time on the bench or injured. England's Premier League is an attractive competition and has improved a lot. I'd be lying if I said it didn't appeal to me."

Okon refused to confirm reports that he underwent a medical for Middlesbrough last week and was now set to line up with fellow Socceroo Mark Schwarzer. He has been troubled in the past with injuries but said on Tuesday he felt his best in a long time: "I've not had any leg worries and my fitness is good, although I've not played too much this year. This preparation will be good for our World Cup qualifying rounds and I can't wait to get on the field on Friday (against Paraguay in Sydney)."


ALLARDYCE ANGRY WITH MOTHERWELL
Bolton manager Sam Allardyce has hit out at Motherwell for stalling on the £200,000 asking price for defender Greg Strong. Fir Park boss Billy Davies wanted to sign the 24-year-old who impressed on a three-month loan at the club but he was not prepared to match Bolton's valuation.
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News 7
Wednesday 07 June 2000

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