The screamer ... It's the talk of football

His club, LA Galaxy, have given him permission to train with an English team — possibly Watford — in December and January to keep up his fitness.

He will not be allowed to play club football.

Beckham, who will be included in McClaren's squad for next Friday's friendly with Austria and the final qualifier against Croatia, has set his heart on winning his 100th cap in a friendly next February.

Beckham has assured McClaren that he is over the injury problems that ruled him out of the qualifiers against Russia and Israel last month, but he will wait until England's fate is known before committing himself to returning.

Benjani warning

Harry Redknapp has warned Premier League top-scorer Benjani to keep scoring or face the axe.

The striker has hit eight this season but the Portsmouth boss said: 'He has Kanu vying with him for that spot up front. He has to keep it up to keep him out.'

Newcastle showdown

Steve Harper has had showdown talks with Sam Allardyce.

The Newcastle keeper claimed the manager went back on his word to keep him in the team if his form merited it, bringing back Shay Given instead.

Harper, who will play against Sunderland on Saturday after Given was injured, said: 'What was said will remain private. I have worked hard for an opportunity. Now I have one. I will give it my all and the rest is out of my hands.'

Hughes: Reid call is daft

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes hit out at Don Givens after the Republic of Ireland caretaker boss called up Steven Reid to face Wales.

Hughes stopped his defender going and said: 'The guy has been out for 14 months with two different injuries and he has yet to play a first-team game for us, so there's no way he can play for his country.'

Agent in the clear

Football agent Willie McKay has persuaded Quest to make it clear their bung inquiry did not implicate him.

They released a statement which read, in part: 'Further to the key findings from the final report . . . Quest would like to emphasise that it was clear that no evidence of irregular payments was found in the transfers in the inquiry period which involved the agent Willie McKay.'

Todd blow

Derby defender Andy Todd will consult a specialist today over back and hamstring problems which have kept him out for two months. Manager Billy Davies said: 'Andy has been training but he still feels uncomfortable so we won't be playing him unless everything is right.'