Coleman won't give Keegan pain relief

Chris Coleman today pledged that Fulham are in no mood to ease Kevin Keegan's pain when they visit Manchester City.

The former England coach, who spent a memorable season in charge at Craven Cottage, is desperate for points to avoid seeing his team sucked into relegation trouble. He is also trying to recover from a cortisone injection in an inflamed back nerve which could force him to miss tomorrow's match.

But Coleman insists Fulham must be "ruthless professionals" despite his own affection for former mentor Keegan.

He said: "From what I have read, his injury does sound serious. I do not know if he's going to be there or not. If he is, we will shake hands before the game and have a drink afterwards.

"I had a great time playing under him, but if we get three points at Manchester City and they are still in relegation trouble, that is not my problem. They are fighting for their lives, so we have got to be ruthless professionals."

Coleman is anxious to see an improvement in his side's dismal away form which has undermined their push for a European place.