The Screamer... it's the talk of football

Roy Keane has smashed his tactics board with karate kicks this season in his desire to guide Sunderland into Premiership.

The former Manchester United midfielder has presented a calmer persona since his move into management, but goalkeeper Darren Ward revealed that Keane's fierce determination is never far from the surface.

He said: "The tactics board has had a karate kick on a couple of occasions, and now the board has been replaced."

However, Ward insisted that Keane kept calm in the wake of Saturday's defeat at Colchester, with Sunderland still able to take a giant step towards promotion at home to Burnley tomorrow night.

Ward said: "There wasn't any ranting and raving."

The game will go ahead at the Stadium of Light in spite of a fire which damaged part of the West Stand.

Downes in Pompey frame

Wally Downes is in line to replace Tony Adams as Portsmouth's assistant manager after rejecting a new two-year deal at Reading.

Madejski Stadium coach Downes was offered new terms after manager Steve Coppell pledged his future until 2009.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp wants Downes to succeed Adams, who will quit in the summer.

Reading assistant boss Kevin Dillon is stalling on signing his new deal.

Francis blow for Hornets

Watford midfielder Damien Francis could be out for six months after damaging cruciate knee ligaments during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Manchester City, which confirmed the club's relegation from the Premiership.

Manager Aidy Boothroyd has targeted West Ham reserve goalkeeper Jimmy Walker as his first-choice replacement for Ben Foster, who will return to Manchester United once his season-long loan deal expires.

Thompson wins appeal

Leeds midfielder Alan Thompson has won his appeal for wrongful dismissal.

He had faced a three-game ban after being sent off at Southampton last Saturday for violent conduct.

Derby goalkeeper Stephen Bywater has been handed a one-match ban over the incident that saw Alex Bruce of Ipswich sent off.

Lennon leaving Paradise

Celtic captain Neil Lennon has announced he will leave at the end of the season, after six-and-a-half years at Parkhead.

Lennon, 35, had been expected to hold talks with a view to extending his stay, but is set for a move back to England.