Football: Sidelined Poborsky steps in to the sun with Benfica

Monday 29 December 1997 00:02 GMT
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Karel Poborsky swapped one famous name for another when he decided that warming the substitutes' bench at Manchester United was not as pleasurable as a place in the sun with Portugal's Benfica.

The Czech Republic winger joined Graeme Souness' side on a three and- a-half year contract after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee. "At Manchester I played only sometimes," the 25-year-old Poborsky said. "I can play very much here, I think. For me it's very good."

Poborsky may not get long to strike up a friendship with the Lisbon club's Carlos Gamarra. The Paraguayan World Cup defender is wanted by Real Madrid, who have offered pounds 4.6m, and Barcelona, who are not adverse to a part-exchange deal involving their Portuguese defender Fernando Couto.

A famous name from Ibrox, Ally McCoist, could be heading for London and the ambitious Second Division club Fulham. The 35-year-old striker is expected to go on loan for three months in the New Year in order to get a run of games under his belt and retain his place in Scotland's World Cup squad. A loan move to another Premier Division club in Scotland is not permitted under Scottish League rules and England looks his best option.

McCoist has high regard for Ray Wilkins, the Fulham coach and his former Ibrox team-mate. "Obviously, a move to the Premiership would be ideal, but I'd rule nothing out and I've always admired Ray," said McCoist, who has scored 348 goals in 568 games during 14 years with Rangers.

The Internazionale striker Ronaldo has added to his ever-growing collection of honours by being named the Brazilian Footballer of the Year in a poll of sports journalists.

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