Oxford United could turn from one Milk Cup hero to another in the wake of Malcolm Shotton's departure.

Ray Houghton, recently player-coach at Reading, is among those tipped as a possible successor.

Former Liverpool and England defender Mark Wright, who hails from Dorchester-on-Thames, and Kidlington-based Leicester City and England midfielder Garry Parker are also in the frame.

Shotton turned down the chance to sign Parker as a player in the summer, believing him to be too old.

Other names certain to crop up include former Oxford United captain Ron Atkinson and former managers Denis Smith and Jim Smith.

But United could surely not afford Big Ron, and although Jim Smith is going through a bad patch at Derby County and has a house in Woodstock, the Bald Eagle seems unlikely to drop two divisions.

Denis Smith, who still lives in Cumnor, was dismissed by West Brom just before this season started and is out of a job, apart from part-time media work. But although 'Den' helped United win promotion four seasons ago, he wasn't universally popular on the terraces and it's not known how the fans might react to him returning.

Houghton was one of the goalscorers at Wembley when Shotton lifted the Milk Cup after United's 3-0 win in the final against QPR in 1986. Yet he might be considered too similar to Shotton.

Chairman Firoz Kassam would only say: "We are not going to rush into making an appointment."

Youth team coach Mickey Lewis and chief scout Maurice Evans are expected to take over in a caretaker capacity. IN THE FRAME: From top, Jim Smith, Garry Parker, Ray Houghton, Denis Smith MPs CALL TIME ON 'LAST ORDERS'

MPs called time on outdated licensing laws in England and Wales and urged Government to allow drinkers to enjoy "civilised drink" beyond current 11pm watershed. All Party Parliamentary Beer Group published report calling on Home Office, which is reviewing liquor and entertainments laws, to allow pubs to open around the clock if they choose - as long as local residents have no fair objections.

RUSSIANS ADVANCE ON

CHECHEN CAPITAL

Russian forces trained their guns on Chechen capital Grozny, shelling airport and suburbs just north of city centre in effort to weaken militants believed holed up there. Shelling followed new push by Russians toward city. Troops and tanks holding ridge about six miles north of Grozny could be seen heading southeast to a major road that runs by the airport and into the city. It was not clear if the Russians were planning to take the capital.

DANGERS OF PICKING PARSNIPS

IN THE SUN

Gardeners and farm workers warned of perils of picking parsnips in the sun. Certain vegetables, including carrots, parsnips and celery, contain compounds called furocoumarins. The chemicals can produce a painful reaction when brought into contact with uncovered skin in presence of sunlight. Report in Journal of Accident and Emergency Medicine cited 11 cases of people who had hand-picked parsnips at a farm in Suffolk. Within 48 hours of exposure to sun while picking, they developed painful skin blisters and swelling.

HUMAN EGGS FOR SALE ON INTERNET

Beautiful models offered their eggs for sale in Internet auction. Ronsangels.Com, web site run by fashion photographer and Arabian horse breeder Ron Harris, aimed at parents who want good-looking babies - and who would pay up to £93,000 for privilege. The web site contains glamorous photos of women and boasts that the models are in excellent health.

NAKED ACTOR ARRESTED IN BONGO DRUM 'DISTURBANCE'

Actor Matthew McConaughey, star of Steven Spielberg slavery film Amistad, arrested during disturbance at his home in which he was dancing naked and playing bongo drums, police said. McConaughey, 29, held at Travis County Jail in Austin, Texas. He was later charged with resisting arrest and released on £600 bail.

DOCTOR 'USED MOBILE PHONE DURING OPERATION'

Hospital patient accused his doctor of discussing purchase of a car on mobile telephone while he was operating on him, media in Hong Kong reported. Chung Chi-cheung said his doctor, who was not identified, had chatted on the phone during surgery, according to spokesman for Hong Kong government-run Hospital Authority, which is investigating the allegation. H H H H Issue: 26,215

Story date: Tuesday 26 October

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.