Year: 2008

Carlisle United sign Kavanagh on loan

League One side Carlisle United have secured the signing of veteran midfielder Graham Kavanagh from Sunderland on a one month loan deal.

Ex Republic of Ireland international Kavanagh arrived at the Stadium of Light from Wigan Athletic in August 2006 for £500,000. Two loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday followed as Kavanagh was unable to secure a first team spot. And with the likes of Teemu Tainio, Steed Malbranque, Grant Leadbitter and Dean Whitehead already in midfield, Kavanagh has become a fringe player at Sunderland.

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Inverness release Markus Paatelainen

Scottish side Inverness Caledonian Thistle have released Finnish midfielder Markus Paatelainen from his contract. Paatelainen, the younger brother of Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen, joined Caley Thistle from Cowdenbeath in January 2007, but has made only a handful of appearances owing to injury.

Paatelainen is primarily an attacking player, and can play both on the wings and in the centre. He nearly lost his leg after a horrendous challenge from Elgin City’s Hugh Dickson in 2006. Doctors were able to save his leg, but only after inserting fifty stitches on either side of his calf.

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Romania vs France preview- WC 2010 qualifier

In a repeat of their clash at Euro 2008, France meet Romania in a WC 2010 qualifier on Saturday night in Constanta. Anything less than three points could see the axe fall on French coach Raymond Domenech, whose future will be decided by the French Football Federation bosses four days after the game.

Both Romania and France suffered shock defeats in their opening qualifiers. France were embarrassed by Austria, while Lithuania stunned Romania. Les Bleus recovered to beat Serbia, while Romania just about managed to scrape past lowly Faroe Islands 1-0.

Both the teams will welcome back key players from injury. Romania have skipper Cristian Chivu and Fiorentina’s Adrian Mutu back, while Domenech can once again call upon the experience of Patrick Vieira. The former Arsenal midfielder is expected to take back the captain’s armband from Thierry Henry, and his presence is important for Domenech, especially as the inform Lassana Diarra is injured. Vieira last played for France in February against Spain, and did not take part in Euro 2008, where France were unable to make it past the group stage.

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