Strachan confirms he's staying put

Gordon Strachan has broken his silence on his future to reveal he is staying at Southampton. Strachan has been strongly linked to the vacant managerial post at Leeds, but said yesterday: ''I am a very happy man here. I am happy in the job and I will not walk out on this club to join anyone else.

''There is not a problem with money or transfer funds or the relationship with the chairman, which is as good as any in the league. I am very happy with the way the club is run and the policies here.''

Owen hit by yet another injury

Michael Owen has been ruled out for another three weeks following a scan on the thigh muscle he injured in Liverpool's UEFA Cup win over Steaua Bucharest.

The England striker has torn muscle fibres in his right leg, and is out of tomorrow's Premiership home game with Birmingham. It is the latest injury blow to hit the 23-year-old in recent months. He has played only four of the last nine Liverpool matches and it may be Christmas before he is back in action.

Young Scot makes waves at Ewood

THE Scotland Under-21 striker, Paul Gallagher, is likely to make his full Blackburn Rovers debut today. Ewood Park manager Graeme Souness is delighted at the progress of the youngster after several appearances as sub.

He said: ''Anyone who has seen Paul play knows he is ready, but the acid test is when he starts a game and then, maybe, plays a few games back-to-back. Then we'll know if he can handle it week in, week out, but I believe he will become a top frontman.''

lBlackburn's Turkish midfielder, Tugay, has quit international football.

Allardyce set to demand war chest

THE Bolton manager, Sam Allardyce, will demand reinforcements in January to aid his side's fight for Premiership survival. He said: ''We are entering our most difficult part of the season and I would like our squad to be stronger. We need more strength in depth and I will be asking what is available in terms of finance.''