World Sports in brief

Froch fit for Helsinki title tilt

Ex-world super-middleweight champion Carl Froch insists his back problem will not hamper his chances when he faces Arthur Abraham for the WBC title.

The Nottingham fighter had to withdraw from the original bout in Monaco last month because of the injury. But Froch told BBC Radio Nottingham he is fit for the bout.

Gebrselassie to run in Tokyo

Marathon world record holder Haile Gebrselassie says he is fit and will next run in February's Tokyo marathon.

The 37-year-old Ethiopian announced his retirement on November 7, blaming the knee problems that prevented him from completing the New York marathon. He reversed the decision a week later.

Ireland select Sexton to face NZ

Ireland have selected Jonathan Sexton at fly-half for Saturday's Test against New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium.

The Leinster player has been preferred to his more experienced Munster counterpart Ronan O'Gara, who is named among the replacements. Coach Declan Kidney's starting line-up shows 11 changes from the team.

Celtic call for McDonald to resign

Celtic chairman John Reid is calling for the resignation of referee Dougie McDonald as well as a complete review of the Scottish Football Association.

McDonald was warned by the governing body after lying about his reasons for overturning a penalty award. "If the SFA had any sense of their own integrity.