Keller solves Southampton problem

Southampton FC

Also in the English Premiership, Blackburn Rovers FC have dismissed coach Tony Parkes after 34 years at Ewood Park. The 55-year-old had joined as a player in 1970 and had acted as caretaker manager on several occasions. However, he was not part of new Blackburn manager Mark Hughes's plans for his backroom team.

FIFA could allow striker Adrian Mutu to train while under suspension, the Romanian Football Federation (FRF) said on Friday. "FIFA ratified Mutu's ban and extended it all over the world but only for all types of matches, national or international, friendly or official," the FRF said. "As a consequence Mutu can train with his former club." The FRF had asked the world body to clarify whether the 25-year-old could train in Romania, possibly with former club FC Dinamo Bucuresti. Mutu is banned from 25 October 2004 to 18 May 2005 for a doping offence.

Rangers FC striker Steven Thompson has been ruled out of the Scotland squad for next week's friendly international against Sweden. The 26-year-old suffered an ankle injury during Wednesday's 2-1 Scottish League Cup win against Celtic FC and will also miss this weekend's Premier League game against Hibernian FC.

Danish Superleague club Aalborg BK have pulled off a coup by signing Helsingborgs IF midfielder Mattias Lindström on a three-year deal. Lindström, 24, has been called up three times by the Swedish national team. AaB sport director Lynge Jacobsen said: "We have been observing Mattias Lindström for some time, and fortunately we have now succeeded in getting his signature on a contract. We have many talented young players in the wings in AaB, but Mattias Lindström is definitely an obvious reinforcement for our team."