Football news: Downing in, Lennon out of England squad

Stewart Downing has been called into the England squad for their Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro on Tuesday after Aaron Lennon was ruled out with a sore back.

Lennon, who has not played for England since the World Cup, is the second player to leave camp in as many days after Phil Jagielka's withdrawal with a hamstring injury.

Worry over Ozil injury

Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil was forced to stop training on yesterday because of a bruised knee but is still expected to travel to Kazakhstan for Tuesday's Euro 2012 qualifier.

The 22-year-old, who scored in Friday's 3-0 win over Turkey, will face a fitness test tomorrow.

"Ozil will probably not take part in training on Sunday although the doctors hope the bruising will subside in the next 24 hours," said the German Football Federation. "He should be able to travel on Monday evening to Kazakhstan."

Germany's win gave them nine points from their opening three games in Group A.

McGregor hit with one-game ban

Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor will be available to play in the Old Firm game after being handed a one-match suspension by the Scottish Football Association yesterday. McGregor is suspended for Saturday's home match against Motherwell after being found guilty of violent conduct during the Clydesdale Bank Premier League match against Aberdeen at Pittodrie on 26 September following an incident with Chris Maguire.

McGregor, who played for Scotland in Friday night's 1-0 Euro 2012 qualifying defeat to the Czech Republic, had been charged after aiming a kick at the Dons striker during the 3-2 victory for Rangers. He has also had 12 disciplinary points added to his record.

The incident was not spotted at the time by any of the match officials but it was brought to the attention of the SFA who convened a video review panel on the morning of Scotland's Euro qualifier in Prague.

McGregor and Rangers were informed of the decision by recorded delivery post and e-mail yesterday and have seven days to appeal.

Nicholl and Hay scoop awards

Cowdenbeath manager Jimmy Nicholl and his goalkeeper David Hay have won September's Irn-Bru SFL First Division manager of the month and player of the month awards respectively.

Nicholl, who was appointed manager of the Fife club in June, guided Cowdenbeath to two victories in three league matches in September, beating Dundee and Morton.