Football: Worthington `not bitter'

THE SPONSORS of the Worthington Cup have defended the competition in the light of "weakened teams". The bigger sides used their ties to field new, young players on Wednesday, but a Bass spokesman was bullish.

"In some respects, it is interesting to see the youngsters coming through," he said. "If you look back, the likes of Robbie Fowler have made their debuts in the tournament."

WORTHINGTON CUP Fourth-round draw: Leicester v Leeds; Liverpool v Tottenham; Manchester Utd v Nottingham Forest; Luton v Barnsley; Arsenal v Chelsea; Everton v Sunderland; Newcastle v Blackburn; Bolton v Wimbledon. (Ties to be played 10 or 11 November).