Football news in brief

Klinsmann takes over from JohnstonJurgen Klinsmann has agreed a deal to work with Toronto as a consultant.

The former Germany boss will help the Major League Soccer club with their restructuring in the wake of Mo Johnston's firing in September.

Johnston, who first joined the club in 2006, had been working as director of football and his departure has prompted an internal overhaul which Klinsmann will help oversee.

Sacked Domenech seeks 3m Euro pay-off

Former France coach Raymond Domenech is suing the French federation for e2.9 million.

Domenech was fired for professional misconduct following the World Cup fiasco in which France were knocked out in the first round after the players went on strike in support of striker Nicolas Anelka who insulted the coach.

Domenech's case will he heard by an industrial tribunal.

"My client has no acrimony, no resentment, no hatred. He just wants his rights to be respected," Jean-Yves Conesson told French radio Europe 1.

Smith harbours hope of new deal

On-loan Hearts striker Gordon Smith hopes his prolific spell with Stirling Albion can earn him a new deal at Tynecastle. The 19-year-old is second-top scorer in the First Division after firing six goals.

He said: "My contract with Hearts expires at the end of this season and getting a new deal is the priority. I'm enjoying it at Stirling, I feel sharper in games as my fitness is better."

Ankle operation sidelines McCarthy

Wigan midfielder James McCarthy is out until the New Year after undergoing ankle surgery. The Scot went under the knife to mend ligaments damaged in what he branded a 'crazy' challenge from Bolton's Fabrice Muamba last month. He had the operation following club concerns that the 19-year-old could suffer long-term problems if they allowed the injury to heal naturally.

Cup semi-final dates announced

The Scottish Football League has confirmed dates and kick-off times for the semi-finals of the Co-operative Insurance Cup.

Aberdeen will take on Celtic on Saturday, 29 January at Hampden, and holders Rangers will line up against Motherwell at the same venue on the following day. Both games kick off at 3pm and will be live on BBC Scotland.