Berkovic heading for City exit after reserves flop

Eyal Berkovic's Manchester City career appears to be almost over after he was taken off at half-time while appearing for the reserves on Tuesday night.

The Israeli midfielder, who has been in dispute with the club's manager, Kevin Keegan, for several months, was substituted at half-time as a strong City side which also included Claudio Reyna and Robbie Fowler were beaten 3-0 by Everton. Berkovic may now conclude that he has little future at the club and, having failed to secure a move to Portsmouth in the summer, he could agree to join a Nationwide League club.

The Middlesbrough coach, Mark Proctor, has left the club after a row that has split Steve McClaren's management team. Proctor walked out of his job as the reserve team coach after a row with senior staff.

The former midfielder, who was part of the Middlesbrough side that won promotion to the Premiership in 1992, was unhappy with tactical interference from some of McClaren's assistants.

Proctor's decision to leave exposes some of the rifts behind the scenes at The Riverside, where results have seen the side slip to second bottom in the Premiership. McClaren has surrounded himself with other coaches he has brought in, and insiders reveal there is an "us and them" feel about the large backroom staff.

Kenny Miller hopes to give struggling Wolves a boost by resuming full training next week. The Scotland striker has not played this season due to problems arising from a double hernia operation in the summer.