The Irish Times - Sport

• O'Mahony puts his cards on the table
   The Gaelic football season started at the weekend but remains in its infancy more so than before because of the new edict prohibiting intercounty panels gathering before January 1st, writes
  
  
• Agger to stay at Liverpool
  Liverpool have told Daniel Agger he will not be allowed to join Milan during the transfer window. In a further indication of Rafael Benitez's determination to keep Liverpool's title-chasing squad intact, the manager also announced that Andrea Dossena is not for sale despite the poor start to his Anfield career.
  
  
• Tottenham confident of signing Defoe
  Tottenham Hotspur believe they are close to the capture of Jermain Defoe from Portsmouth, writes
  
  
• GAELIC GAMES DIGEST
  A round-up of today's other GAA news
  
  
• Take Five
  Reaction to GAA's new disciplinary rules
  
  
• Leinster grapple with lack of hookers
  THE HEINEKEN Cup may be only just over two weeks away but Leinster could face a potentially serious issue with hookers ahead of their critical Pool match against London Wasps on January 17th, writes
  
  
• Davidson's Castres still have big role
  The current form of the French clubs in Munster and Leinster's European pools are worth a glance as the Irish provinces head into their season-defining games on January 16th and 17th respectively, writes
  
  
• So let's hear it for Williams, Bradley and the league
  When Connacht beat Leinster at the Sportsground in early October there was an argument for believing that it was a good result for Irish rugby and the Magners League, whatever about Leinster, writes
  
  
• Boro reject Spurs' better offer
  MIDDLESBROUGH YESTERDAY rejected an improved offer from Tottenham Hotspur for Stewart Downing and insisted they would not sell the winger even though he has asked for a move.
  
  
• Finn Harps assure club supporters it will not go out of business
  LEAGUE OF IRELAND: Cash-strapped Finn Harps will not go out of business - that was the clear message to supporters at a public meeting in Ballybofey last night.
  
  
• SOCCER SHORTS
  A roundup of today's other sports news in brief
  
  
• Roche looking at Triumph for Weapon
  Connections of Lethal Weapon have yet to make a firm decision on whether the Grade One winner will head for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.
  
  
• Fired-up Federer has faith in new tactics
  Roger Federer has been experimenting with new tactics that he hopes will enable him to fulfil his 2009 goals of regaining the world number one ranking and equalling Pete Sampras's record of 14 grand slam titles.
  
  
• Jankovic says she's worthy of top spot
  JELENA JANKOVIC believes she is worthy of her place as the world’s best player despite not having won a grand slam.
  
  
• Siddle gives Australia the edge despite Boucher effort
  A maiden five-wicket haul for paceman Peter Siddle saw Australia, who have already won the series 2-0, finish day three of the third Test on top despite the best efforts of Mark Boucher, who rescued South Africa's innings with a well-made 89.
  
  
• SPORTS DIGEST
  A roundup of today's other sports news in brief