Football: Taylor looks to Deane's strength to solve striking problems: Blade runner called up by England as Premier League leaders reinforce squad with only major deal on transfer deadline day

BRIAN DEANE, the Sheffield United striker, has been called into the England squad for next week's Group Two qualifier in Turkey to help solve Graham Taylor's growing injury crisis.

Taylor's call for Deane followed the withdrawal of Arsenal's Alan Smith and Sheffield Wednesday's defender- turned-marksman, Paul Warhurst. England are already without Alan Shearer and David Hirst.

The 6ft 3in Deane won his first cap in more than two years when he came on for the last 11 minutes of England's 1-0 defeat by Spain in Santander last September.

His previous two appearances were 45 minutes apiece in the wins against New Zealand on the 1991 summer tour. But his 17th goal of the season at Coventry at Wednesday emphasised his consistency and, assuming he overcomes a slight groin strain, he may be paired with Arsenal's Ian Wright in Izmir.

Taylor is also concerned over the left-back position. Both Stuart Pearce and Nigel Winterburn are unavailable, and Taylor fears that the ankle injury of the Leeds understudy, Tony Dorigo, will rule him out when the rest of the squad flies to Izmir early on Sunday afternoon.

Newcastle's manager, Kevin Keegan, yesterday agreed to John Beresford joining the England party as cover after Sunday's televised match against Birmingham. However, Taylor made clear that the former Portsmouth defender was unlikely to make his debut against the Turks. 'It is a big step and we will probably fill the position from within the original squad,' he said.

Last night Taylor increased his defensive cover by adding Aston Villa's Earl Barrett to the squad. Both Dorigo and Arsenal's centre-half, Tony Adams, have been asked to have their fitness assessed by the Football Association's medical staff.

Tottenham yesterday withdrew their winger, Darren Anderton, and goalkeeper, Ian Walker, from the England Under-21 squad to face Turkey in Izmir on Tuesday. The Queen's Park Rangers striker, Bradley Allen, replaces Anderton.

Both Allen and his team-mate, Les Ferdinand, yesterday signed three-year contracts with the Loftus Road club. Ferdinand's previous deal entitled him to further negotiations once he made his full international debut. He was capped in the 6-0 World Cup win against San Marino at Wembley last month.

Paul Compton has resigned as manager of Third Division Torquay United, less than a year after being appointed. Neil Warnock, the club's consultant manager, takes charge of team affairs. Bryan Hamilton has resigned as manager of Wigan Athletic, of the Second Division, who face relegation for the first time in their history. Dave Philpotts becomes caretaker-manager.

BSkyB are set to screen three matches simultaneously on different channels if Norwich, Aston Villa and Manchester United can all win the Premier League title on the final day of the season. The three teams' fixtures would be rescheduled for Sunday 9 May, with the same kick-off time.