Four England internationals were nominated yesterday for Fifa’s World Player of the Year award. John Terry, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney are on the 23-man shortlist selected by Fifa’s football committee. Cristiano Ronaldo, last year’s winner, is again a contender but Lionel Messi, the Barcelona forward, is the favourite. The winner will be announced in Zurich on December 21. Spain, with six nominations, are the only national side with more names than England. Five are Chelsea players: Lampard, Terry, Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack and Michael Essien. Kelly Smith, the England striker, is on the women’s shortlist.

Reids miss Ireland tie

Steven and Andy Reid have been left out of the Ireland squad for the World Cup play-off against France. The midfield players have not featured prominently since Giovanni Trapattoni, the manager, was appointed in February 2008. Steven has just returned from a serious knee injury and Andy has not fitted into the Italian’s system. “There is no time to change the team,” Trapattoni said. The first leg is in Dublin on November 14 and the return is in Paris four days later.

Roberts gets swine flu

Sam Allardyce, the Blackburn Rovers manager, has confirmed another case of swine flu within his squad before today’s game against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The latest player to fall victim to the virus is Jason Roberts. The striker has been placed in quarantine and ordered to stay away from the training ground until he feels well again. Roberts is thought to be the fifth member of Allardyce’s squad to be diagnosed with the illness in the past two weeks.

No Campbell move

Newcastle United officials have denied making an approach to Sol Campbell despite the defender’s apparent claims to the contrary. “I have been approached by several clubs, and yes, it is correct to say that Newcastle are one of them. It appeals,” Campbell was quoted as saying yesterday. The 35-year-old left Notts County after one appearance but cannot move on until they release his registration, which is the subject of continuing negotiations.