Football: Ferguson's toe trouble

DUNCAN FERGUSON, the 21-year-old Dundee United striker who has just established himself in the Scotland side, is expected to miss the rest of the season after breaking a toe - allegedly in an incident in a bar this week.

Ferguson, whose developing talent has not always been matched by an appropriate level of maturity, impressed all who watched him in a friendly international against Germany last month. Now, however, he is certain to miss Scotland's vital World Cup qualifier in Portugal later this month. This is another blow for the national coach, Andy Roxburgh, who will also be without Aberdeen's Eoin Jess, who has a broken ankle.

Jim McLean, Dundee United's chairman and manager, said: 'Ferguson has a broken toe and may not play again this season. He may require surgery.' He did not reveal the exact cause of the injury - but confirmed it was not sustained on a football pitch.

Claudio Caniggia, Roma's Argentinian international striker who faces a lengthy ban after failing a drug test, has been suspended indefinitely by the Italian football federation. Caniggia, 26, tested positive for cocaine after an Italian Serie A match against Napoli on 21 March. A formal disciplinary hearing will begin later this month - yesterday's suspension was imposed as a precautionary measure.