Stubbs to see specialist over ankle

Football

Alan Stubbs is to see another specialist today about the ankle trouble which has forced the Bolton defender to miss the last three games.

Roy McFarland, the Bolton manager, had hoped that Stubbs would be fit to play at Southampton on Saturday, but reported that the ankle was still swollen and sore.

"The tissue around the Achilles has settled down quite well but the soreness is a bit of a worry," McFarland said.

Better news for Manchester United, whose midfielder Roy Keane is swimming his way back to fitness and on target for a return in the Republic of Ireland's European Championship play-off game with the Netherlands at Anfield on 13 December.

Keane is on a hydrotherapy course to build up his strength after his second hernia operation this year and is optimistic of being fit for the play-off. He expects to resume to full training within a fortnight.