SPORTS UPDATE - AM

FOOTBALL

Rangers are red-faced after failing in Europe.

A two-nil home defeat to Auxere sends them spinning out of the UEFA Cup.

The Ibrox club needed only a point to progress through the group stages.

One side that did qualify, and as group winners, were Middlesbrough.

Goals from Szilard Nemeth, Joseph Job and James Morrison sealed a three-nil win
at home to Partizan Belgrade.

It's left to Hearts to restore Scottish pride in Europe tonight.

They must beat Ferencavros (pron. Ferrench-varros) and hope Basle don't win
against Feyenoord to book their place in the final 32 of the UEFA Cup.

Newcastle are without Patrick Kluivert and Alan Shearer for their home game
with Sporting Lisbon.

A point will ensure the Magpies qualify for the knockout stages as group
winners.

Notts County have won a lucrative home tie with Middlesbrough in the third
round of the FA Cup.

They beat Swindon two-nil in their second round replay at Meadow Lane.

Arsene Wenger faces a potential fine if he's found guilty of accusing Ruud van
Nistelrooy of cheating today.

The Gunners boss, who has denied the charge of improper conduct, isn't
expected to attend the hearing at FA headquarters.

He spoke out after the controversial clash with Manchester United at Old
Trafford earlier this season.

Portsmouth hope to tempt Gordon Strachan back into management by letting him
concentrate solely on first team coaching.

Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric believes the former Southampton boss will be an
ideal "tracksuit manager" under director Velimir Zajec. (pron. Zeye-etch)

Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlesperger's expected to follow manager David
O'Leary's lead and agree a new deal.

The German's been linked with a move to Hamburg when his deal expires in the
summer.

Rangers have rejected a bid from Newcastle for central defender Jean-Alain
Boumsong.

It's thought the Magpies offered nearly eight million pounds for the French
defender.

Paul Gascoigne says competition for coaching roles is keeping him out of
football.

Gazza, or G8, as he's sometimes known is looking for work after leaving Boston
earlier this year.

Teenage Portuguese starlet Cicero's on trial at Newcastle.

The 18-year-old striker plays for Sporting Braga.

Leeds have offered goalkeeper Scott Carson a new deal.

The 19 year old has been linked with Liverpool and Wigan.

BOXING

Danny Williams says he wants another title shot at Vitali Klitshko.

The brave Brit was knocked out in the eighth round of the world title fight in
Las Vegas last Saturday.

He's denied talk of retirement and says he may even step into the ring again
with 'Iron' Mike Tyson.

RUGBY LEAGUE

Newly-formed Blackpool Panthers have been given the go-ahead to take their
place in National League Two next season.

The Panthers will take the place of the now-defunct Chorley Lynx, after
reaching agreement to ground-share with Blackpool FC.

London Broncos have completed the signing of Australian forward Danny
Williams.

The former Melbourne Storm second row has signed a one-year deal.

RACING

Today's race meetings are at Catterick, Exeter and Southwell.