THE Old Firm could soon be part of Europe's G14 elite. The group - actually 18 clubs, including Real Madrid, Man United, Bayern Munich and AC Milan - are expected to approve a plan to expand to as many as 45 clubs at their general assembly on Thursday.

G14 chairman Thomas Kurth said: "Eighteen cannot be representative enough - even if the 18 are the most important.

"There are other clubs with similar worries, and similar potential to grow. They need an independent platform which is broader than the one we have now."

Even though the G14 has always denied it, expansion should help quash rumours it would like to set up a lucrative pan-European breakaway league.

"We have never made a step in that direction. With 18 clubs you could think about a competition. With double the clubs, it would be very difficult," Kurth said. Killie's Danny Invincibile has had another groin operation and could be out for six weeks, while team-mate Eric Skora has strained knee ligaments and faces a further two months out. Fresh doubts have been raised on Paul Sturrock's future at Swindon after Portuguese agent Jose Velga was appointed general manager, reportedly without the Scot's knowledge. Derby chairman Peter Gadsby says reports of a bust-up with Scots boss Billy Davies are "absolute nonsense - mischievous and unhelpful". Stories in today's English papers: Derby £30m takeover. Neil Warnock snubs Leicester job. Man United captain Gary Neville, 32, hopes to return in the next fortnight after almost six months on the sidelines with ankle injury. Chairman Peter Hill-Wood says suggestions Arsenal need billionaire backer are "lunacy".