"On the 'ead, son"

The ball used was a sphere of "vegetable matter" or sometimes even the "the skulls of slaughtered Britons" - yes, there is a difference.

According to The Times newspaper, the evidence in favour of the Italian claims includes a fresco of a "ball game" unearthed in a first century tomb.

But reports that Howard Wilkinson's coaching manual was also found in that particular archaelogical dig have not been confirmed.

Rathletes come to town

The annual Rat Olympics began earlier this week in Nebraska.

No, nothing to do with drug cheats or two-timing lotharios, the events are fiercely competed by finely honed rodents.

The events include weightlifting, hurdling, tight-rope walking, climbing and the long jump.

The event, which is run by the Nebraska Wesleyan Union University psychology department, was first held in 1974 and apparently provides an educational insight into behavioural studies.

Gives a whole new meaning to the student practice of going out and getting ratted.

Vitals save

Edmonton Oilers' netminder Tommy Salo pulled off a match-turning save when the puck hit him and slipped down inside inside his trousers during a match against the Minnesota Wild.

Edmonton's Tommy Salo plays spot the ball

There was confusion on the ice as no-one apart from the startled netminder knew where the puck had gone.

After Salo's save, his team-mate Mike York scored at the other end to snatch a 2-1 win.

"Tommy pulled one out of his pants," Edmonton coach Craig MacTavish told the Oilers' website.

"He was the only guy who knew where it was. I was convinced it was in the back of the net.

"I don't even want to guess where that puck finally ended up."

Salo said "I felt it get inside the back of my pants. It was one of those things that will never happen again.

"It was nice to have big pants," he added.