FOOTBALL SHORTS

DELE ALLI has taken a significant step towards fully recovering from a hamstring injury after starting ball-work during his training camp in Dubai. The midfielder has handed Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino a key boost by completing drills this

week in the UAE. Alli suffered the injury against Fulham last month and it was feared he would not return to full training until March.

POLICE have made an arrest after the violent clashes between rival supporters which marred the FA Cup fourth-round tie between Millwall and Everton last month. A 27-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of wounding with intent, attempted grievous bodily harm and

violent disorder. Police said his arrest came in relation to a facial injury sustained by another man during the incident.

A BOURNEMOUTH fan faces a banning order for throwing a pie on to the pitch during the Cherries’ Carabao Cup defeat at Chelsea. Adam Cox, 27, was convicted

by magistrates of throwing a missile on to a football playing area. The court heard that Cox had served a three-year football banning order from 2012 after a similar incident.

DERBY COUNTY are in talks with former Celtic defender Efe Ambrose over a short-term deal.