In brief: Gunning in demand at Fir Park and Pittodrie

MOTHERWELL and Aberdeen are interested in signing Republic of Ireland under-21 international defender Gavin Gunning on loan from Blackburn Rovers. Gunning, 20, started 15 matches for Motherwell last season and earned a Scottish Cup runners-up medal. Both clubs want the player for the season but any deal is likely be six months to begin with.

Forfar may go plastic

FORFAR could be the latest SFL club to move to using a synthetic playing surface.

The Station Park side have been promised a grant under the Cashback Scheme which redistributes money confiscated from criminals and are in talks with the local community about a partnership.

Forfar were one of the worst-hit clubs during last winter's cold spell, which lends an artificial surface added appeal.

Secretary David McGregor said: "We have been told we would get a grant so we're looking into the possibility of a plastic ptich."

Damari dejected by Celtic call-off

OMER Damari has spoken of his disappointment after a proposed 2 million move to Celtic collapsed.

The Israeli striker looked poised to become one of Neil Lennon's summer recruits when Celtic officials met Maccabi Petach Tikvah chairman Amos Luzon in London last week.

However, doubts over the player's eligibility for a work permit scuppered the move and Damari said: "I wanted badly to play for Celtic and it is very sad that this transfer won't be happening.

"I was under the impression the deal would go through but I must look at other options now."

Sweden rack up second win

SWEDEN took a major step towards the women's World Cup quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over North Korea yesterday.

Lisa Dahlkvist's 64th-minute strike gave the Swedes their second straight single-goal victory to put them top of Group C with maximum points .

Cech backing for Villas-Boas

CHELSEA goalkeeper Peter Cech has said the club's new manager Andre Villas-Boas should be judged on his qualities rather than his age.

Villas-Boas is only 33, but Cech told the BBC: "If you are 16 and have the qualities to play at the highest level then that's fine.

It's the same for a young manager."