Mirallas to miss St-Etienne decider

Belgium striker Kevin Mirallas will miss the concluding leg of AS Saint-Etienne's UEFA Cup first round tie against Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC with a thigh problem, with the club not expecting him to be fit for another three weeks.

Troubled start
The 20-year-old Mirallas, a summer signing from LOSC Lille Metropole, has yet to make an appearance for his new club, with coach Laurent Roussey now hoping he will be able to play in October. "It's an old injury which will require a three-week rest," said Roussey. "After those three weeks, we will know whether he is available or if another decision must be made." Having won the away leg 2-1 in Israel, Les Verts play Hapoel on 2 October in their first UEFA Cup home game in 26 years.