Vieri sad.

Italy and Monaco striker Christian Vieri will miss the World Cup finals after it was confirmed he requires surgery on a knee injury.

The 32-year-old has not played since damaging his left knee during the Ligue 1 match against Paris St Germain at the end of March.

Deal is on

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has agreed "in principle" a new three-year contract after talks with the club's co-owners and insisted it would be his final job in football.

Handy Andy

Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie insists Andrew Johnson is capable of stepping in for Michael Owen at this summer's World Cup.

Johnson has been named on the standby list for England's squad.

Dowie said: "Andrew is capable of stepping into Michael's shoes if Michael does not make it.

"He is very brave, he has great awareness and movement, and he is an excellent finisher."

Cole is hot

Ashely Cole is hoping to put an injury-plagued season behind him by helping Arsenal to Champions League glory next week before heading off to the World Cup with England.

He said: "I feel good. I have not played too many games, but I have worked hard on the training ground with the fitness coaches and the physios, have got myself fit and am ready to go."

Rae delight

Rangers star Gavin Rae feared his Scotland career could have come to a premature end.

But having fought back from a cruciate injury, Rae is now back in the international fold.

Rae said: "I feared my international career may have been over. With Berti Vogts going and Walter Smith coming in I didn't know if the new gaffer would take to me. I was frustrated at being out for so long and I was delighted to get back."

No go Roy

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell believes Roy Keane will still be at Parkhead next season.

The veteran midfielder ( whose testimonial match takes place between Manchester United and Celtic tonight ( has been tipped to hang up his boots this summer.

But Lawwell said: "Roy still has 18 months of his contract to run and we're hoping he's going to be here. There's no reason to suggest he won't be here.

"He would be a significant player for us if we play in the Champions League next season."