Blatter hails Di Canio's act

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has praised Paolo Di Canio for his show of sportsmanship at Everton on Saturday.

With the score at 1-1 and keeper Paul Gerrard lying injured outside the penalty area, the West Ham striker caught the ball so the Everton No1 could be treated.

That prompted Blatter to write to Di Canio saying: "High-profile players like yourself are in the privileged position of role models who can have a positive influence on young people, but unfortunately this opportunity is taken only too seldom.

"Your spontaneous action deserves our special recognition and respect."

The Italian may now be in the running for next year's FIFA Fair Play Prize.

Di Canio could soon be joined in the Hammers frontline by Titi Camara.

The Liverpool striker was today expected to undergo a medical as his move to Upton Park came a step nearer.

West Ham are prepared to pay an initial fee of £1.5 million for the 28-year-old.

Meanwhile, West Ham may eventually be able to obtain a work permit for Australian defender Hayden Foxe.

"As long as Hayden plays in Australia's next international in April, that will be enough to meet the criteria," said West Ham managing director Paul Aldridge. "Until then there is a good chance he will go to play in Belgium with Mechelen."