Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 13 January 2009 )

English Premiership football News

Hamann sidelined with toe problem
Veteran midfielder from Manchester City Dietmar Hamann was ruled out for up to three months by a toe injury.

The former Germany international, 35, suffered the injury in training on Monday and is set to visit a specialist in Switzerland for an accurate diagnosis.

City boss Mark Hughes told his club's website: "The best scenario is that it is nine weeks, but it could be 12."

Hamann, who joined the city of Liverpool in July 2006, is out of contract at Eastlands at the end of the season.

Hughes is already in the long term, without prejudice to the absent Michael Johnson, and another center environments Stephen Ireland is suspended for Saturday Premier League match against Wigan.

"Didi kicked a ball in training yesterday, the end of a toe, and unfortunately it seems that May I have tendon rupture," added Hughes.

"I'm going to Zurich today to see a surgeon he saw with a similar injury before. The feeling is that this is the same as what happened before.

"Obviously, this is a stroke of Didi, but we're a bit in the areas of light that we could have done without it."

Hamann played 18 games for City this season, with his last appearance coming in their 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup third round on 3 January .
by bbcnews.

English Premiership football News

Beattie delighted to be a Potter
James Beattie is pleased to have completed its move from £ 2.5 million from Sheffield United to Fa Barclaycard Premiership side Stoke.

The 30-year-old former Blackburn Rovers, Southampton and Everton striker has signed a three and half year deal at Britannia Stadium on Monday.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "I am very happy. I can not wait to start playing and join the fight.

"I am disappointed to leave Sheffield United, but the chance to play in the Premier League, which takes him.

Beattie, who joined the Blades from Everton in August 2007, said he was surprised to have had the opportunity to leave Bramall Lane.

"I do not think it was a decision Footballing let me go," Beattie said, "One more financial actions taken by the people."

And although shocked to be allowed to speak to the Pottery, Beattie said that the meeting manager Tony Pulis was enough to convince him to move to the Potteries.

"What I had heard many good things about the gaffer of people who know a lot about football," said Beattie. "He is a fighter, who wants to keep the club in the Premier League."

Beattie also said he was impressed by the performance of the city on Saturday evening in the goalless draw with league leaders Liverpool.

"The guys all seemed to be pulling in the right direction," said Beattie. "They were ready to fight and it is a big part of my game, then maybe that is why the gaffer wanted me put here. "

There are now more than five years since Beattie, who made the England fold alongside his colleagues Wayne Rooney starting in February 2003, won the last of his five England caps.

Beattie and the Fa Barclaycard Premiership has not played football since his last match for Everton in May 2007 ended a lean time in front of the lens, in which he scored two goals all season.

But after his goal, to reach Rediscovering a notch with the Blades (34 goals in 57 shots starts), he now feels better equipped to cope with the demands of top flight.

"I think I am a better player now than I was when I left," said Beattie. "I hope I can show the fans and my new team-mates.
by bbcnews.