Football news in brief: Morrison starts loan spell in Iceland

Inverness manager Terry Butcher has allowed midfielder Gavin Morrison to join Icelandic top-flight club Grindavik on a four-month loan.

The 22-year-old jetted out yesterday to join up with his new team-mates ahead of the start of the league on 6 May. Morrison – who has another year on his contract with the Highland outfit – had made just four starts in a total of five appearances for Caley this season before sustaining a knee injury.

Owen ready for title race cameo role

Former England striker Michael Owen hopes he could still have a role to play for title-chasing Manchester United before the end of the season. The 32-year-old has not featured since 2 November due to a thigh injury but is now back in full training and he told MUTV: “My mindset has got to be get myself ready mentally, physically and everything else because I might be needed for ten or 20 minutes at a late stage of the season.”

Borriello goal keeps Juventus in front

Marco Borriello bagged his first goal for Juventus as they maintained their three-point lead at the top of Serie A on yesterday with a 1-0 win over already-relegated Cesena. Borriello’s goal on 80 minutes saved Andrea Pirlo’s blushes after he missed his second penalty in a week with eight minutes gone. Second-placed AC Milan also won 1-0, Kevin-Prince Boateng scoring.

Bendtner uncertain of Black Cats future

Striker Nicklas Bendtner has admitted he may not stay at Sunderland even if he is offered the opportunity. The 24-year-old Denmark international is currently on a season-long loan deal at the Stadium of Light from parent club Arsenal and has scored seven goals so far. However, Bendtner told www.Sporten.tv2.dk: “Never say never about Sunderland, but it is not certain that I will be here if the opportunity arises.

Brighton expansion plan gets go-ahead

BRIGHTON’s plans to expand the American Express Community Stadium have been given the green light. The npower Championship club have been granted permission to add an extra 8,250 seats to their home venue, increasing its total capacity to more than 30,000. The decision was taken by Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning committee. The club moved to their new home at Falmer at the beginning of the season.