The Screamer: Lehmann denies making obscene gesture to Germany fans

Jens Lehmann has denied making an obscene gesture to Germany fans who called for local goalkeeper Robert Enke to replace him during their 4-0 win over Cyprus in Hanover.

TV pictures showing Lehmann scratching his temple with one finger have been interpreted as insulting by German media.

But the Arsenal keeper said: "It's nonsense. I've never done anything like that."

Lehmann was praised for his display by Germany coach Joachim Low.

Low said: "His performance was not at all surprising to me because we know that Jens can find his concentration right when he needs it.

"He can also call up such a performance even when he has not played for a long time."

Vidic fear for United

Nemanja Vidic is set to miss Manchester United's trip to Bolton on Saturday after UEFA rescheduled Serbia's twicepostponed Euro 2008 qualifier against Kazakhstan for the weekend.

Serbia must beat Poland in Belgrade on Wednesday to keep alive their hopes of qualifying but the Kazakhstan match will not matter if Portugal clinch qualification with a point at home to Finland.

Serbia might then release Vidic to return to United.

Bruce on verge of being named Wigan boss

Steve Bruce will be Wigan boss within the next 24 hours after they agreed compensation of about £3million with Birmingham, says chairman Dave Whelan.

Birmingham academy director Terry Westley is expected to be in charge against Portsmouth on Saturday if Bruce's assistant Eric Black leaves, too.

Chelsea boss backed over African stance

Nigeria manager Berti Vogts has backed Chelsea boss Avram Grant's call for the African Nations Cup to be moved to June.

Grant does not want to lose his African players in the middle of the season and Vogts fears keeping the tournament in January will deter English clubs from signing players from Africa.

He said: 'That would be bad for African football.'