Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane denied assaulting a 16-year-old boy, causing criminal damage, and using threatening or abusive behaviour when he appeared before magistrates in Trafford, Greater Manchester.

The 33-year-old Republic of Ireland international is alleged to have clashed with the teenager near his £1.4million home in the wealthy Manchester suburb of Hale on Saturday, September 4.

Keane was accused of assaulting the boy close to Hale golf course and damaging a neck-chain worth £20.

Keane, who wore a grey suit with a blue shirt and blue tie, confirmed his name and address to the court before pleading not guilty to the three charges.

The case was adjourned to a pre-trial review on October 21 at Trafford Magistrates' Court.

Keane was released on unconditional bail

Finland's Football Association has revealed that Mikael Forssell will be out for about six months as the Birmingham striker's knee injury is much worse than first thought.

The Finnish international, who was the Blues top-scorer last season with 19 goals, underwent exploratory knee surgery on Wednesday and City manager Steve Bruce's worse fears were confirmed after surgeons found there was serious damage to his knee.

Finnish FA spokesman Timo Walden said: "It seems that they found something ... in his knee cap."

The news comes a major blow to the Midlands outfit as well as the Finland national team as the 23-year-old is integral to both sides and is only expected to return after the New Year sometime.

Forssell's injury has dented his country's chances of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Germany as he will definitely miss Finland's next two qualifiers against Armenia and Holland in October.

Walden added: "Until yesterday we had hoped that he would play in our two matches in October ... (Now) we hope he will be fit for the Czech Republic match (in March)."

Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini is determined to stay at Stamford Bridge and fight for his first-team place - rather than eyeing a move to Manchester United.

Cudicini was said to be a potential United target when the transfer window opens in January, given that he has lost his place at Chelsea to Petr Cech.

The 31-year-old Italian, who was a Chelsea regular before Cech's summer arrival, is nevertheless back in light training after recovering from injury and has set his sights on regaining his place.

His agent, Luca Bascherini, told www.skysports.com : ``Carlo is happy to stay and fight for his place at Chelsea, although it's clearly a pleasure for him to be linked with such a big club like United.

``He has been injured and he is working on getting fit to try and get into the Chelsea team.''

Defiant Steven Gerrard believes he will be back in action within the next two months despite fears he could be sidelined until Christmas.

The Liverpool captain and England midfield lynchpin fractured a metatarsal bone in his foot in the 2-1 defeat by Manchester United on Monday.

Similar injuries to other players have seen them ruled out for around four months, but Gerrard remains positive. "As far as I'm concerned, this injury will keep me out for two months and no longer," he told the club's official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv.

"I spoke to the surgeon yesterday and he told me it should be eight weeks. I know people are comparing my injury to others who've had a similar knock, like Wayne Rooney.

"But although there are similarities, there are also differences.

"I don't think mine's as bad. I'm hoping that proves to be the case. In fact, I'm hoping I could even get back earlier than people think, but I don't want to set targets too early.

"I've got to just lie low and rest for a while. I've got a special machine in my house I'll be using twice a day to help my recovery.

"It's a devastating blow for me to miss any games, but I'll still be going to the matches and supporting the lads. I'm still the (Liverpool) captain and have a big role to play, even if I can't be out there with the lads."