Sky Sports | Football | News | MBE honour for Webb

Howard Webb admits it has been an 'amazing' year after the World Cup final referee was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List.

The South Yorkshire official took charge of Spain's victory over Holland in a stormy showpiece in South Africa back in July.

His appointment as the referee for football's biggest game followed on from taking charge of the club game's most important match - the UEFA Champions League final between Inter Milan and Bayern Munich.

The 39-year-old police sergeant, who is on a five-year break from South Yorkshire Police, became the first referee to be chosen to officiate at both finals in the same year.

Unbelievable

He said:"It has been an unbelievable 12 months and this honour tops off an amazing 2010.

"It will be a real treat to go to the Palace with my wife and family and it should be a marvellous occasion."

Though the Champions League final was straightforward enough with Inter winning 2-0, the World Cup final developed into one of the most challenging matches of Webb's refereeing career.

Holland's strong-arm tactics in the 1-0 defeat against Spain led to him showing 14 yellow cards, two of those leading to a red card for Everton's Dutch defender Johnny Heitinga.

Webb, the son of a Rotherham coal miner, took up refereeing in 1989 and refereed his first international match in 2005 while he was also in charge of the 2009 FA Cup final.

He added:"I always say refereeing is about your team, and without the support and ability of my assistants Darren Cann and Mike Mullarkey I would not have been selected for the final, so this honour is for them too and it would be lovely if they could be recognised in a similar way at some point in the future.

"I look back on the final as an amazing and memorable experience.

"It was the highlight of my career and although it was a tough game to referee it will live with me forever in a very positive way."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Davies looks to retain Ramsey

Billy Davies is hoping that Nottingham Forest can agree an extension to Aaron Ramsey's loan deal.

The Arsenal midfielder joined the Reds at the end of November as he looks to step up his rehabilitation from a badly broken leg.

His efforts have been hampered by the recent cold snap, with the weather wreaking havoc on Forest's fixture list.

He has not been able to take in as many games as he would have liked as a result and is due back at Emirates Stadium on 3rd January.

Forest, though, are keen for the Wales international to remain with them for the foreseeable future and Davies hopes Arsene Wenger will allow the promising 20-year-old to stay on at the City Ground.

"It was nice to get Aaron Ramsey on the pitch. He is getting fitter and better and he had a decent performance,"Davies said after handing Ramsey his first start in Wednesday's 5-2 mauling of local rivals Derby.

"I have given a recommendation to the board with regards to him, we'll see what happens."

Injury

Davies is also hoping Ryan Bertrand will be sticking around at Forest in the New Year.

The Chelsea full-back is another due to return to his parent club in January, having taken in the first half of the season with the Reds.

The England U21 international did pick up a slight knock against Derby in midweek, and will be sidelined as a result, but Davies feels he would still be a useful asset to have around.

"Ryan has a hamstring problem which is going to sideline him for a few weeks,"the Scot told theNottingham Evening Post.

"It is in the hands of the panel (whether Bertrand's loan is extended). I have advised what I think should happen and we now have to see what can be done."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Hughes offers to slash salary

Richard Hughes is desperate to see his contract issues at Portsmouth resolved as soon as possible.

The midfielder faces an uncertain future as the New Year approaches, with his time at Fratton Park hanging in the balance.

After eight-and-a-half years of loyal service, he knows a goalscoring showing against Leeds on Tuesday may have been his last for the club.

One more appearance this term would trigger a 12-month extension clause in his contract, on Premier League wages.

Pompey cannot afford to pay him that kind of money and could be forced to overlook him for the remainder of the season.

Hughes hopes a solution can be found before he is restricted to the sidelines, with the offer of a 50 per cent salary cut already put to the board by his representatives.

He toldThe News:"You will have to ask the powers that be what is going on. Obviously, they have been very busy but I would have liked to have had it sorted out before now.

"I'm hopeful it can be because I love playing for Portsmouth and have never taken my time here for granted.

Appreciative

"I am appreciative of everything this football club has done for my career and just want to get out there and do what I love to do, which is play football.

"It's a difficult thing because I have read what has been said, and if I was a fan I would be asking questions about exactly what is happening.

"The people making the decisions know I would be delighted to take a significant salary decrease in order to waive this clause.

"I am not talking an insignificant amount either - I am talking 50 per cent because I appreciate financially things have to change. The last thing I want is for anybody to think I am being greedy.

"My agent has had a conversation with the chief executive[David Lampitt], it was very amicable and very professional.

"We made a proposal we think is fair in order to waive the clause, which means signing a contract from next season. As far as I am aware, it is left in their court and something can be achieved.'

Hughes added:"It's not a situation that has arisen overnight. It's been there for months and months and the talks probably started shortly before the Norwich game.

"I am sure if everything was running smoothly from the top to the bottom of the club it would have been addressed a long time ago."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Chamakh tipped to bounce back

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has backed Marouane Chamakh to rediscover his goal-scoring form 'very quickly'.

The Morocco international striker hit the ground running following his summer switch from Bordeaux, leading the line and netting 10 goals for the Gunners by the end of November.

But he has failed to find the net since, although Wenger has backed the 26-year-old to be back among the goals soon.

The Arsenal boss told the club'sofficial website:"I think he had a little dip very recently because he gave a lot since the start of the season.

"But he will come back very quickly.

"He played most of the time on his own up front fighting for every single ball.

"He was highly decisive in many games and of course that's why in the last two games he was a little bit jaded and had less capacity to make a sprinting difference.

"I'm very happy we have him at the club."

Vermaelen compensation

Meanwhile, Wenger has revealed the club have not pursued a claim for compensation regarding Belgium centre-back Thomas Vermaelen.

The 25-year-old has not played since sustaining an Achilles problem while on international duty in a Euro 2012 qualifier in September and Wenger believes he is unlikely to feature again before the end of January.

But the Arsenal boss said the club have not sought damages from the Belgian FA.

"We have not asked for it,"he said.

"The simple reason is that at first it was three or four days and now it is three or four months.

"It was an official game in Turkey so I don't know if we have a chance to do that (seek compensation)."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Cech - Arsenal more mature

Petr Cech feels Arsenal are well placed to launch a title tilt and believes they can have no more excuses.

The Gunners are among those battling it out for the top prize in the Premier League this season, with the race for top flight supremacy keenly-contested.

Reigning champions Chelsea are also there or thereabouts at the moment, with a recent wobble denting but not dashing their dreams.

Commanding keeper Cech is likely to be a key figure for the Blues over the coming weeks, especially in Monday's crucial clash at Emirates Stadium on Monday.

He knows Arsenal will be no pushovers on home soil, as Arsene Wenger's men have learnt how to grind results out, and insists the Gunners can no longer be regarded as an inexperienced side.

Stronger

"I am expecting them to be around the top spots,"Cech toldisport.blesk.cz.

"They have managed to edge some games with last-minute goals, which shows they are mentally stronger than in past seasons.

"A lot will depend on how they do in the big games and whether they can become consistent in those."

The crunch clashes have cost Arsenal dear over recent years, but Cech insists they cannot keep churning out the tired excuses of the past.

He added:"Their team has big potential, they aren't kids anymore like people often call them.

Expectation

"Most of them are around 25 years of age or older and have played many times. They are a top side that are expected to win all their games.

"They always get close to the top and then drop out."

The Czech shot-stopper added:"They sometimes get out-battled. You cannot win all the time just by playing nice football.

"Some years ago you could put it down to inexperience, but that's not an excuse for me now.

"Even their young players have been around for at least four seasons in the Premier League."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Tevez planning City stay

Carlos Tevez insists he has no plans to quit Manchester City despite suffering homesickness.

The Argentine ace has openly admitted he misses his children with reports even suggesting Tevez could retire early to return to his homeland.

However, Tevez is adamant he remains committed to City and has pledged to stay at Eastlands for the foreseeable future.

"I'm happy here. I really am,"Tevez told the club'sofficial magazine.

"I do miss my family, just like anyone would when they are not around.

"But I don't see retirement happening for a long time to come.

Sacrifice

"A sacrifice has to be made when you make a commitment like I have done with City and it is something I am going to see through.

"Once that job is done I will have plenty of time with my kids."

Tevez found himself shrouded in controversy last weekend when he was involved in a touchline bust-up with manager Roberto Mancini after being substituted against Bolton.

Former Manchester United star Tevez has played down the spat and insists incidents like that are regular occurrences at high-profile clubs.

"It is just like any club,"added Tevez."There are both good and bad vibes alike.

"The most important thing is that, as players, we are all pulling in the same direction and trying to do our best for the club.

"Anything that goes on between us (Tevez and Mancini) off the pitch or in the dressing room stays there and he and I keep on fighting for the club."

Pressure

Tevez added:"There is a lot of pressure within the club which the players are always stuck with.

"Sometimes the odd thing gets out of the dressing room through people who don't have the best interests of the club at heart.

"It's not big deal. You just have to live with it."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Crouch seeks consistency

Peter Crouch believes Tottenham can mount a title challenge, providing they become more consistent.

Harry Redknapp's side currently sit fifth in the Premier League standings, six points adrift of North London rivals and league leaders Arsenal.

They are unbeaten in five, winning three of those fixtures, and have suffered just four defeats so far - the same as Chelsea and Arsenal.

They have, however, dropped 13 points on the road, with a 1-1 draw at Birmingham on Saturday seeing another two slip through their grasp.

Quality

Improving performances on their travels will be crucial to any plans they have of launching an assault on the summit, and the players know as much.

England international Crouch feels Tottenham have the potential to push for major honours, but feels they lack the killer instinct of established contenders like Manchester United and Chelsea.

"With the players we've got and the quality we have in all areas, there is no reason people shouldn't talk about us for the title, but we aren't as consistent as we should be,"he said.

"We're getting there but the Chelseas and the Manchester Uniteds have had that for a long time. That's where we need to be."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Thompson defends show timing

BBC director general Mark Thompson has defended the decision to air aPanoramaexpose of alleged bribery at Fifa.

The much-maligned show was broadcast just three days before Fifa decided on the hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup.

England had been in the running for the 2018 event, but secured just two votes from the committee as Russia took the spoils.

ThePanoramainvestigation, which made claims against four of the 22-strong executive of world football's governing body, has come in for renewed criticism in the wake of the crushing defeat.

Powerful reasons

Thompson, though, insists the BBC was right to screen the show, which he believes contained 'significant information about matters of very serious public interest and public concern'.

He said:"They spent time checking the provenance of this information, putting a number of specific allegations to the people involved, as we must do, and when the programme was ready to transmit, we transmitted it.

"I have to say that I believe that in the end, although I understand that there are often reasons to believe that transmitting a programme might be impolitic or inconvenient, if you believe that you have a matter of real public concern to broadcast, there have got to be overwhelmingly powerful reasons for not broadcasting.

"I believe we were right to broadcast and I believe we have very strong support from the British public in broadcasting."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Lescott eyes City exit

Joleon Lescott has admitted he could be forced to leave Manchester City after growing frustrated with his lack of action.

The defender, signed in a£24million deal from Everton in the summer of 2009, is concerned that his place in Fabio Capello's England squad will come under threat as he struggles to feature at club level.

Roberto Mancini's first-choice central defensive pairing of Vincent Kompany and Kolo Toure is proving tough to break, with Lescott often deployed at left-back when he is considered.

With Mancini even preferring Belgian teenager Dedryck Boyata on occasion, Lescott is now considering his future.

"I'm not happy with the situation. I don't enjoy sitting on the bench, and sometimes not even making the bench,"he said.

Go and play

Lescott said he would be open to a loan if his salary and transfer fee ruled out a permanent move.

"That's down to myself and the club,"Lescott said."The club might say 'If there's a chance to play, go and play' and, if not, I will have to stay here."

However, Lescott insisted he never regrets joining City.

"The squad's big and there is a lot of quality here so I knew it wasn't going to be a foregone conclusion that I was going to start every game,"he said.

"You have to respect the manager's decision and it's warranted because Kolo and Vincent have been outstanding so far this season, but when I've gone in I think I have done OK.

Unfortunate

"I've never regretted my decision to come here. Mark Hughes was in charge at the time and I was playing every game but, even now, I still don't regret it.

"It's unfortunate that I'm not playing as much as I'd like, but you just have to get on with it sometimes. I'm a professional and level-headed person. I know situations come and go.

"Next week there might be an injury and I could be back in the team for the rest of the season. I just have to be ready for that, in case it happens."

Lescott has retained his England place to date, but believes that might soon change if he does not get in the City team.

"Fabio[Capello] has kept his confidence in me when other players have gone down with injury[Lescott has started the last three matches] and I'm grateful for that but there's going to come a time when, if I'm not playing for City, I'm not going to be in the England squad as well,"he said.

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Sky Sports | Football | News | McGhee leaves Aberdeen

Aberdeen have confirmed Mark McGhee has left his role as manager of the club.

McGhee and his assistants Scott Leitch and Colin Meldrum have been relieved of their duties as a result of the side's disastrous run of form.

The Dons slumped to their sixth successive defeat last weekend after losing 2-0 to Kilmarnock.

They have only won three games all season and are only off the bottom of the table because of their superior goal difference to Hamilton.

Aberdeen chairman expressed his disappointment that former Dons player McGhee was unable to transform the club's fortunes.

"On behalf of everyone at the Club, I would like to thank Mark, Scott and Colin for their time at Aberdeen,"Milne told the club's official website.

"It goes without saying that everyone at Aberdeen Football Club wishes Mark, Scott and Colin every success in the future.

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Sky Sports | Football | News | King grateful to Sky Blues

Marlon King believes his form is starting to return after thanking Coventry City for giving him a chance back in football.

The striker signed for Coventry in September following a spell in prison and has yet to score in nine appearances for the club.

However, he is looking to claim the Sky Blues' second goal in Saturday's 2-0 win at Scunthorpe after his shot came back off the post and rebounded into the net off Iron keeper Joe Murphy.

King is confident his mistakes are now in the past and he is happy with the backing he has received since joining Aidy Boothroyd's Coventry.

Confidence

"Everybody makes mistakes!"said King.

"I've made mine, the same as everybody else. But I have to put things behind me and get on with my life.

"Amid a lot of negative stuff I can only thank the board, the management, my fellow players and the fans of Coventry for their support.

"I am starting to regain my form and confidence. It's coming and I shall be claiming my first goal since resuming as a footballer."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Hodgson's Torres belief

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson insists that he still has full belief in striker Fernando Torres.

Torres was again far from his best on Sunday as Liverpool missed a number of good chances before succumbing 2-1 to Tottenham.

Earlier this season Hodgson admitted Torres was struggling with his confidence following an injury-hit World Cup.

But he looked to be back to his best when he scored a brilliant brace in their victory over champions Chelsea.

Torres then scored against Wigan, but three successive blanks have followed, leaving Hodgson to offer his backing to the Spaniard.

"I think 'crisis of confidence' may be too strong,"said Hodgson.

"I was pleased with Fernando Torres.

"Fernando himself, because he sets very high standards, will be disappointed he didn't take one of the goal chances which his good play - to be fair - created."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Boss hails McFadden progress

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has hailed the progress James McFadden is making as he battles back from knee surgery.

It was initially feared the attacker's season would be effectively over after he suffered cruciate ligament damage in training in September.

But the 27-year-old is progressing better than expected, with McLeish suggesting he could even be back before the end of the season.

However, the Birmingham boss is wary of setting a comeback date, believing the rejoining of the cruciate has to take time to heal.

McLeish told theBirmingham Mail:"What's really helped him is the condition he came back in in the summer. He's probably his leanest ever, and his fittest ever.

"He had that psychological first whole Premier season last year, which I'm sure would have enhanced his confidence and his all-round physical and mental strength.

"I just had a good feeling about James before he was struck down this season so cruelly.

Good shape

"He's training well. He's kept himself in good shape and all that helps in the recovery of a player from injury.

"If he had gone off and indulged, having pints of shandy in the house every night and biscuits and that, it wouldn't aid his recovery. You've got to credit the player for his discipline.

"The progress he's made, you're thinking 'wow, he's going to be quick, back before Christmas'.

"But you have to be careful and put the reins on a wee bit and let that surgery heal properly.

"That actual rejoining of the cruciate actually has to take time to heal."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Allardyce yet to learn funds

Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce claims he has yet to be told how much he will have to spend in the transfer window if Venky's complete their takeover.

The Ewood Park boss met the club's prospective new owners, Indian brothers Balaji and Venkatesh Rao, who are part of the family owners of Venky's, before Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.

A deal has yet to be completed, but a£46million agreement is thought to be close as Blackburn look for the impetus to escape the Premier League relegation zone.

But it has been reported that Venky's will only offer a transfer budget of£5million for Allardyce, who would instead be encouraged to look for loan signings.

However, the Rovers boss insists he has yet to be informed, saying inThe Sun:"I don't know the figures. There's no point discussing them.

Hello

"People have said£5m would be disappointing and, when another said£300m, people were 'oohing' and 'aaahing'.

"I rather keep it to ourselves. I'd not want to publicise it."

Allardyce added:"I had a couple of minutes with them before the game in the boardroom.

"Chairman John Williams invited me up to say hello to them and if, and when, the deal has been struck, we'll look to sit down and see the way forward.

"I'm told the deal has not been finalised yet but I would hope they would have been impressed and excited by a performance like that (against Chelsea)."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Calderwood backing Riordan

Hibernian's new manager Colin Calderwood believes Derek Riordan will be the ideal captain for the club.

With Chris Hogg and Kevin McBride on the bench in their 1-0 defeat to Dundee United, Calderwood had a decision to make.

Calderwood was happy passing the armband to ex-Celtic man Riordan, stating he is a natural leader in the group.

"We need a captain and he's the leading goalscorer,"explained Calderwood.

"He's been here a while and the responsibility of being the captain and leader of the group will help him."

First victory

Calderwood has now suffered defeat in his opening two games as the club's new manager, a run Mark Brown is eager to end.

Hibs tackle city rivals Hearts this Sunday and Brown believes the Edinburgh derby is the ideal chance to get Calderwood's reign up and running.

"It would be the perfect one to give the gaffer his first win,"said Brown.

"It's a big game and, with it being a derby, it's just that little bit more important.

"Losing to United was a tough one to take. We battled hard and to lose from such a late goal is hugely disappointing.

"But we'll dust ourselves down and the gaffer will have us working hard all week."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Ronaldinho beams at recall

Ronaldinho has expressed his delight at being recalled to the Brazil national side.

The AC Milan forward has been named in Brazil's squad for this month's friendly against Argentina.

Ronaldinho last featured for his country 18 months ago, while he was overlooked for this summer's 2010 World Cup.

But the 30-year-old is now beaming at his return to the international fold and is eagerly anticipating facing Brazil's foes Argentina.

He said:"I am very happy to be recalled. When I stop and think about putting the national team shirt on again I feel much happier.

"I am also very proud because I have been recalled just in the moment in which Brazil are to play a friendly match against Argentina.

"Playing against Argentina is always something very special."

Meanwhile, Brazil head coach Mano Menezes is hopeful that Ronaldinho could return to his world-class best for the Green and Yellow.

He said:"I can't call on him for such an important and difficult game and expect him to resolve all the problems.

"But we will try to get the best from him. We want the Ronaldinho that in some moment was one of the best players in the world."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Trotters receive Petrov boost

Bolton midfielder Martin Petrov could be in line to face Tottenham at the weekend following a hamstring injury.

The winger sat out the 1-0 home defeat against Liverpool on Sunday but has now returned to full training.

Wanderers boss Owen Coyle admits he has a selection headache ahead of Saturday's early kick-off at the Reebok Stadium.

The Scot may recall the former Manchester City star or keep Matt Taylor in his starting line-up and, with competition for places very healthy, Coyle insists he is always willing to talk to frustrated players.

"My door is always open, so it never gets a bashing,"he said.

"Anybody can come and have a chat. I think that's healthy, important. That's the way I work."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Inter rule out Bale bid

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has admitted he likes Gareth Bale but says it would be madness to try and sign him.

The Tottenham winger is the man of the moment after devastating performances at home and away against Inter in the UEFA Champions League.

After scoring a superb hat-trick in a losing cause at the Giuseppe Meazza a fortnight ago, Bale inspired Spurs to a 3-1 victory at White Hart Lane on Tuesday.

Such a scintillating display has fuelled discussion about Bale's future, although Harry Redknapp has stated he is not for sale even at£25-30million and the player himself is staying focused on Tottenham.

A number of Europe's leading clubs have nevertheless been linked with the 21-year-old and Inter know better than anybody else just how much damage he can inflict.

However, Moratti maintains that he is not planning to launch a big-money bid for the Wales international.

Disappointed

"Bale? For sure he did well both in Milan and in London, but I already knew him,"Moratti toldgazzetta.it.

"Yes, he did some great things, but we will not go crazy to sign him."

Inter's loss to Spurs has left Group A wide open and Moratti admits he was disappointed by his team's performance.

"What happened? I would like to know myself. There was a lack of play and character. We went wrong on our approach,"he said.

"There's no need to react severely, but we have to understand what has happened because we cannot play like this if we want to reach targets."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Diarra handed six-game ban

Bordeaux captain Alou Diarra has seen his suspension for pushing a referee extended to six matches.

The France international was initially handed a three-game ban for shoving Wilfried Bien after being booked in a 1-0 win over Auxerre on 16th October.

His actions led to him being shown a red card and forced to pay the price of his ill-advised actions.

Diarra has now been informed that he must sit out six fixtures, with the Ligue de Football Professionnel's disciplinary committee confirming the punishment.

A statement from the LFP read:"The commission, having reviewed the investigation report and having heard from the player Alou Diarra, assisted by Jean-Louis Triaud (president of Bordeaux) and Alain Deveseleer (director general of Bordeaux), have suspended the player for six games.

"This penalty includes the three-game initial ban handed out following the disciplinary committee's decision on 21st October to suspend the player as a precaution."

Diarra has already sat out games against Brest, St Etienne and Monaco and will now also be missing for fixtures against Valenciennes, Nancy and Arles-Avignon.

Harsh

The 29-year-old will be in contention to make his return to action in a home date with Lille on 27th November.

His ban only applies to Ligue 1 fixtures so he will be free to represent France in an upcoming friendly date with England, should he be called upon by Laurent Blanc.

Bordeaux are understandably disappointed to find that they will be without their captain for another three matches, but president Triaud has revealed that there are no plans to appeal the LFP's ruling.

"I think it was a harsh decision,"he said.

"I expected a little less given that he immediately apologised, didn't show any verbal violence and it was quite a modest jostling.

"I don't think we will appeal the decision though. It would be useless."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Serie A round-up

Inter Milan were rescued from their second defeat of the week by a controversial penalty as they salvaged a 1-1 draw against struggling Brescia at the San Siro.

Rafa Benitez's men, who lost 3-1 to Tottenham at White Hart Lane in UEFA Champions League action on Tuesday, now edge within three points of Serie A leaders Lazio, who take on city rivals Roma on Sunday.

Andrea Caracciolo put the visitors in front in the 14th minute, but Samuel Eto'o equalised from the spot in the 73rd minute after appearing to slip inside the penalty area and fool the referee into awarding a spot-kick.

Striker Caracciolo placed his shot past Luca Castellazzi before Lucio could get in a covering tackle for his fifth career goal against the Nerazzurri early on.

The frustration of the home fans was evident by the second half, but Eto'o was doing all he could to create openings - and he won a penalty in the 73rd minute.

Berardi was adjudged to have fouled the Cameroonian, who seemed to be slipping over anyway inside the penalty area.

The referee, who had already waved away several half-hearted appeals for a spot-kick from the Inter man, this time ruled in favour of the striker and awarded a penalty, which the striker converted.

The hosts then threw everybody forward in search of a winner, but they were unable to find one.

Bolognaleft it late to snatch a 2-0 victory at home toLecceand climb out of the relegation zone.

Marco Di Vaio broke the deadlock for the hosts in the 84th minute before Henry Gimenez sealed the win a minute later.

Lecce spent the opening period defending but were unlucky to miss out on a point after a more encouraging second half.

Riccardo Meggiorini and Di Vaio came close before the break but there was little to write home about from a dull first 45 minutes.

It was Bologna's turn to defend after the restart as their opponents found their feet, but the home side then managed to strike in the dying minutes of the clash.

Di Vaio hit his sixth of the season as he pounced inside the penalty area to nod in a cross from Miguel Britos.

He then turned provider for the late goal as his low cross was converted by the waiting Gimenez.

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Addicks rubbish takeover talk

Charlton Athletic owner Richard Murray has dismissed speculation linking the club with a potential takeover.

Despite a series of reports over the past few days, Murray has dismissed claims the club is about to be sold to new investors.

Murray told the club's official website:"I have made no secret of the fact that we are actively seeking new investment in the club, and that process continues.

"We have appointed Calimere Point, and Tim Fisher, to advise the club on potential new investment, and we have constant conversations with interested parties. But, while we note the recent press speculation, we'd like to make clear to supporters that no deal is imminent.

"Having been involved with Charlton for so long, the future of the club is paramount in my thoughts, and the identity of any new owners or investors is of huge importance to the board and I. They have to be right for the board and the club.

"Our recent form on the pitch has been good, and obviously the better our league position, the more attractive the club becomes.

"When we are in a position to provide more information regarding possible takeovers or anything else, the club will announce it via the usual channels. We're committed to being as open as possible with fans, but we're not going to issue a statement every time there is some kind of rumour."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Walcott wants home turnaround

Theo Walcott insists Arsenal will soon turn the Emirates Stadium into a

fortress once again.

The Gunners failed to make the most of their home advantage on Sunday as they suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to promoted Newcastle.

West Brom also triumphed at the Emirates before the last international break and, although victories over Birmingham and West Ham have followed, manager Arsene Wenger has admitted his side are"struggling for wins".

But England winger Walcott is confident his side can overcome their rough patch at home and force themselves back into the Premier League title race.

"The Emirates is a fantastic stadium, the pitch is massive, teams want to come here, put men behind the ball and catch us on the break,"said Walcott.

"If we don't get that early goal it is sometimes very difficult for us to break teams down, and the fans get a bit edgy when we don't get the goals we should be giving them.

Fortress

"But we can cope with it and hopefully our home will soon become a fortress again, because when we first came to the Emirates it was difficult for teams to get results there.

"I am sure it will change."

Arsenal have, in contrast, produced solid form in their home Uefa Champions League games this season, romping to commanding 6-0 and 5-1 victories over Braga and Shakhtar Donetsk, respectively.

"Europe is totally different to the Premier League, which is so much quicker and no team are easy, there are a lot of difficult games,"added Walcott.

"There are several teams fighting for the championship, five or six sides, and a lot of teams will lose games.

"Everyone is fighting to win the championship and we want to be up there at the end of it."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Ki - Best yet to come

Award-winning Ki Sung-yong insists there is more to come after a fine start to his Celtic career.

The South Korean arrived from FC Seoul in January and has been in good form of late, leading to the 21-year-old scooping the Clydesdale Bank Young Player of the Month award for October.

While delighted to receive the accolade, the midfielder has promised fans there is more to come from him, as well as insisting his award should be shared among the whole Celtic team.

He said:"I am not at my best yet. There is more to come from me.

"I didn't expect this reward. But it's not for me, it's for all the players who have been playing recently."

Celtic boss Neil Lennon, speaking ahead of Wednesday night's SPL clash with Hearts at Tynecastle, was full of praise for the young midfielder.

Fantastic

"Ki has been fantastic,"he said."I'm delighted with his attitude and the patience that he showed at the start of the season.

"We knew we had a good player there. He manipulates the ball well under pressure and he has a good presence about him as well.

"I like his temperament and he brings added composure to the game. His all-round game has come on leaps and bounds."

Meanwhile, Ki has hailed the Hoops after their 9-0 demolition of Aberdeen at Parkhead on Saturday.

Title hopes

He believes if Lennon's men can keep up this level of performance, they can win the league.

He said:"We didn't expect 9-0. Maybe five or six but especially in the second half, we dominated the game and punished them.

"It was an unbelievable result. It was my first time experiencing 9-0 and it won't happen in my life again.

"If we had lost again it would have been very hard to catch Rangers so that's why we worked harder in training and in games.

"If we keep playing like this I think we can win the league."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Macheda going nowhere

The agent of Federico Macheda claims to have received assurances from Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson regarding his client's future.

Reports have suggested that the striker could return to his native Italy in the winter transfer window, while West Brom have admitted an interest in the past.

But Macheda's representative, Giovanni Bia, is confident that the 19-year-old will not be leaving Old Trafford after holding talks with Ferguson in October.

Bia toldcalciomercato.it:"I was in Manchester 10 or 15 days ago and I spoke with Ferguson.

"The issue of a transfer is not even being considered. Ferguson is focusing on him. He wanted Federico at Manchester.

"The Scottish manager thinks that, if all goes as it should, Macheda can become one of the strongest strikers.

"It is therefore impossible that the player will be transferred in January."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Mancienne targets points boost

Michael Mancienne is confident Wolves can rise to the challenge of picking up points against their rivals for Premier League survival.

Wolves' last four games have been against the top four in the table and results have not matched the spirited performances produced by Mick McCarthy's side.

Though Wolves beat Manchester City at home, there were unfortunate away defeats at Chelsea and Manchester United before the run was concluded with Wednesday's 2-0 home reverse by Arsenal.

Bolton Wanderers are Wolves' next opponents on Saturday and the club face several teams they will fancy their chances against before Christmas.

Mancienne wants Wolves to build on their recent displays as the team look to secure the points to move out of the Premier League's bottom three.

Pressure

"We need to carry on playing as we have been and try and get some points,"said Mancienne."That's what we've got to focus on.

"There will be pressure because these are the games we need to get points from, but I think we can do that."

Wolves again delivered a positive display against Arsenal at Molineux and Mancienne feels the team were unlucky to come away with nothing.

"We could have had something again,"Mancienne told the club'sofficial website.

"The boys have been playing so well recently and although we conceded an early goal we had so many chances to get back in the game.

"I don't think we deserved to lose. To get nothing out of the game is obviously very disappointing.

"We are playing well against some of the best teams in the world and competing with them, so it is mixed emotions."

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Sky Sports | Football | News | Hughton after home improvement

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton has admitted that he is worried by the club's form at home so far this season.

The Magpies have made an excellent start in the Premier League, sitting in fifth position after 12 games following their promotion last season as winners of the Championship.

However their record at St James' Park is not favourable, having lost to Blackpool, Stoke and Blackburn already on their own patch, despite huge victories over Sunderland and Aston Villa.

Their position comes off the back of impressive away wins at Everton, West Ham and Arsenal, but Hughton knows that he needs to rectify results on their own turf and make Tyneside a fortress.

His side take on Fulham on Saturday, and Hughton will be hoping to sleep soundly that night by taking three points and putting doubts about their home form to rest.

Lose sleep

"All managers lose sleep, it's part and parcel of the job and part and parcel of the contract, I think,"said Hughton.

"But the important thing is you try not to ponder too much on what is the past and rather how you can affect the future.

"We have an issue we have to address at home and that's what you need to concentrate on.

"Amongst all of that, there have probably been more positives than negatives and what we have to do is keep as many positives as possible and learn from the negatives.

"It's natural that you look back on points you felt you could have gained, mistakes you have made in a game.

"But of course, the other side to that is results you have picked up, results at Everton and Arsenal. Would we have expected to pick up those points? Arguably no.

"The important thing about this game is you can't afford to look back too often."

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Gers handed Davis boost

Rangers have been handed a major boost ahead of their UEFA Champions League tie against Bursaspor with the news that Steven Davis has returned to training.

Gers boss Walter Smith had been sweating on the midfielder's fitness after he sustained a hamstring injury late in Sunday's 3-2 win at Aberdeen.

But the SPL club have confirmed Davis is poised to feature in Wednesday night's meeting with Bursaspor.

"He (Davis) was able to train fully at Murray Park and that is a huge plus for manager Walter Smith,"a statement on the club'sofficial websitesaid.

Rangers are looking to build on their impressive opening result of Group C which saw them earn a point at Manchester United.

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Redknapp laments disruption

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admits he has found it difficult to establish continuity in his side so far this term.

Spurs' early season has been plagued by injury, with just one fully fit recognised centre-half, Sebastien Bassong, available for their UEFA Champions League clash with FC Twente at White Hart Lane on Wednesday.

Redknapp may risk captain Ledley King for the clash, but if not, usual right-back Vedran Corluka will continue in central defence.

And the manager has admitted his frustration as injury worries continue to disrupt his attempts to balance Premier League and European football.

Problem

"The biggest problem you have is probably getting the players up for the Premier League games after the Champions League,"said Redknapp, whose side have won just two of their six league matches this term.

"You have to juggle around your team, I've found and when you keep changing your team, it makes it difficult to get continuity.

"We've had to do that an awful lot - change the team - probably through injury more than anything, especially in the back."

The Spurs boss revealed he has spoken to Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola about the problem, which he also encountered during the Blues' early European forays while at Stamford Bridge.

Redknapp added:"Champions League is suddenly something fantastic, new, and then getting up again for the maybe more bread and butter games, they found difficult at Chelsea in the early days.

"But I think they've obviously come to terms with that now.

"So it's something we've got to make sure we do, get ourselves up for another tough game on Saturday."

Must-win

Spurs take on Aston Villa at home on Saturday, but before that is their Twente encounter, which Redknapp feels is a must-win.

"It's a tight group,"he said."Every points are going to be very vital. I think we need to win our home games; obviously, if you do that, you'll qualify.

"So tomorrow's a massive game for us; it's a game we need to win."

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Fabregas has Chelsea chance

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that captain Cesc Fabregas has a 'little' chance of being fit for Sunday's meeting with Chelsea.

The Spain international has been sidelined since sustaining a knee injury in Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

But Fabregas is closing in on a return to action after beginning work in training this week.

And Wenger is hopeful that the influential midfielder could be available for this weekend's key meeting with the table-toppers.

He told the club'sofficial website:"Cesc has started to run so we have to monitor his progress in the week and there is a little hope there he will be available[for Sunday]."

However, Wenger stated that it is"impossible"that defender Thomas Vermaelen, who has been struggling with an Achilles problem, will feature at Stamford Bridge.

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Cox boost for Caley Thistle

Inverness Caledonian Thistle have received a boost after learning Lee Cox will only miss the next two games.

Cox was stretchered off during last week's 6-0 cup defeat at Celtic and there were fears the midfielder had broken his ankle.

However, scans have shown there is no break and Inverness boss Terry Butcher expects the 19-year-old to return after the international break.

"With the bruising down, the signs are much better on an ankle we thought at first had been broken,"Butcher told the club'sofficial website.

"As well as missing the St Mirren game, Lee will also sit out the home game with Aberdeen on October 2.

"But the following weekend is the break for Euro 2012 international fixtures, so we're very hopeful that Lee will make his comeback against St Johnstone at Inverness on October 16.

"That's a much more encouraging scenario with the international break working in our favour."

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Neville - Spirit will save us

Phil Neville is confident Everton can recover from a slow start, with team spirit still strong in the camp.

The Toffees slipped to the foot of the Premier League table on Saturday following a 0-0 draw with Fulham.

They are the only side in the top flight yet to record a win this season, with just three points taken from their six fixtures so far.

Club captain Neville acknowledges that the situation is becoming increasingly perilous, but is adamant that David Moyes' men can turn the corner.

The Toffees are notoriously slow starters and no-one at Goodison Park is getting overly concerned just yet.

Neville said:"You come off the field quite pleased with the performance and find you're bottom of the league, but if you don't win football matches it's where you deserve to be.

"When I joined the club five years ago we lost six of the first eight, including six on the trot. I couldn't see where the next win was coming from.

Quality

"I remember saying to Leon Osman, 'Do you think we'll go down?' He said, 'Don't worry. Everton are slow starters but the spirit will show through'.

"That comment has stayed with both of us ever since. The spirit now needs to shine through.

"We had qualified for the Champions League the previous season but that was a totally different kind of team - it was up-and-at-'em, in your faces. We have progressed from there.

"We have players who have played at World Cup finals. The quality needs to shine through now. It's time to stand up and be tough.

"That doesn't mean going out and kicking people, it means doing the right things all the time and winning football matches.

"There's no point feeling sorry for ourselves. We have to go to Birmingham next week and, at the moment, draws aren't good enough for us."

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Giggs facing spell out

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says Ryan Giggs is facing a spell on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury.

Giggs had to be withdrawn from United's 2-2 draw against Bolton on Sunday in the 53rd minute and Ferguson admits the Welshman's prospects do not look healthy.

The United boss also saw Wayne Rooney forced off after a subdued display, with the England striker putting ice on his left ankle after being replaced.

United next face Valencia in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night and the Scot said Giggs will be missing for a 'couple of weeks'.

But he was more optimistic about Rooney's prospects and believes the player will feature in Spain.

Ferguson said:"Ryan is the most serious, it's a hamstring and I'm afraid he will be out for a couple of weeks.

"I'm sure Wayne will get ready for Wednesday."

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Hodgson calls for patience

Roy Hodgson insists it was always going to take time for Liverpool to find their feet this season.

The Reds have endured a turbulent opening to the 2010/11 campaign, on and off the field.

Only six points have been accrued from as many games in the Premier League, while a Carling Cup humbling by Northampton has done little for collective confidence.

Ownership issues also continue to hang over Anfield, with a protest against American co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks staged by supporters following Saturday's 2-2 draw with Sunderland.

Hodgson, who inherited the reins from Rafa Benitez over the summer, admits the situation on Merseyside is far from ideal, but claims such events were always likely to hinder his cause.

"The players are trying to come to terms with the enormous expectation here,"he said.

"That, at the moment, is our major problem. Everything is very new; there are a lot of new players, uncertainty over the ownership of the club and the minute you are not top of the table after five or six games, people are saying this is not good enough.

"I am not saying it is good enough but I am saying this is something that could have been predicted."

Improving

Meanwhile, Hodgson has defended Fernando Torres' indifferent form, claiming the Spaniard is edging back towards his best following a hectic summer.

"The Fernando Torres you saw today was much, much different to the Fernando Torres you saw in the opening couple of games,"he said following the Sunderland stalemate.

"People wanted to see the very best of him from the moment he stepped back on the field after the World Cup but the point is he needs time, he needs games."

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Deschamps spurned Reds

Didier Deschamps has revealed that he spurned the advances of Liverpool over the summer in order to stick with Marseille.

The Frenchman admits that the Anfield outfit approached him regarding the possibility of replacing Rafa Benitez, who parted with the club at the end of last season.

He was one of a number of candidates identified by the Reds, as they sought to re-establish some stability following a turbulent 2009/10 campaign.

In the end, they were able to lure Roy Hodgson away from Fulham, with his considerable experience promoting him to the front of the queue.

The job could have been Deschamps', though, as he was among the early frontrunners for the post.

The former France captain led Marseille to the Ligue 1 title last season, and took Monaco to the 2004 UEFA Champions League final, underlining his considerable credentials.

Adventure

However, having only taken the reins at Stade Velodrome in 2009, Deschamps felt he was unable to turn his back on a club which holds a special place in his heart from his playing days.

"I was very proud a club like Liverpool were interested in me,"he said."But the timing was not good.

"I was engaged with Marseille, the players and the fans, and I could not leave them two days before the restart for pre-season.

"I was extremely pleased and happy but I decided to stay and continue my adventure with Marseille."

Deschamps insists the interest from Liverpool was firm and has revealed that he went as far as holding talks with the Premier League giants.

"We had a long discussion,"he said.

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Barton wins N Ireland call

Preston youngster Adam Barton has been called up to the Northern Ireland squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Italy and the Faroe Islands.

Barton has broken into the Preston side this season and he has been rewarded with his first call-up to the senior Northern Ireland squad.

Celtic duo Paddy McCourt and Niall McGinn also return to the fold after missing the win over Slovenia earlier this month.

Craig Cathcart maintains his place in the squad after earning a recall for the Slovenia tie.

Wolves winger Johnny Gorman also retains his place in the squad along with Corry Evans who scored the winner against Slovenia.

Nigel Worthington has named a 22-man squad for the clash with Italy at Windsor Park on 8th October before travelling to the Faroe Islands four days later.

Worthington has no worries at introducing Barton and has been impressed by the midfielder's development.

"I am delighted to bring Adam in. I have monitored him very closely and he has always caught the eye.

"I have no qualms about bringing him into the senior group."

Squad:Taylor (Birmingham), Tuffey (Inverness), Blayney (Linfield); J Evans (Manchester Utd), Craigan (Motherwell), Cathcart (Blackpool), McAuley (Ipswich), Hughes (Fulham), Baird (Fulham); McCann (Peterborough), Brunt (West Brom), Gorman (Wolves), C Evans (Manchester United), Davis (Rangers), McGinn (Celtic), Barton (Preston), Clingan (Coventry); Healy (Sunderland), Feeney (Oldham), Lafferty (Rangers), McCourt (Celtic), Patterson (Plymouth).

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Hughton rejects Wickham link

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton has dismissed reports linking him with a move for Ipswich hot-shot Connor Wickham

Wickham is one of the hottest properties outside the Premier League after bursting onto the scene at Portman Road.

A whole host of clubs have been credited with an interest in Wickham, who has been tipped for the top since breaking into Roy Keane's side.

Hughton was an interested observer for Ipswich's 1-1 draw at Scunthorpe on Saturday, fuelling rumours of a move for Wickham.

However, the Magpies boss has moved quickly to dispel the speculation by saying Wickham was not the reason for his visit to Glanford Park.

"There is absolutely nothing in it,"Hughton told theEvening Chronicle.

"I went to Scunthorpe on Saturday because it was one of the closest places to get to after training."

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Sagna turns focus to Blues

Bacary Sagna is looking towards Sunday's clash at Chelsea after helping Arsenal defeat Partizan Belgrade 3-1 in Serbia.

After an unbeaten start to the Premier League season, the Gunners suffered a shock 3-2 home defeat to West Brom last weekend.

But Arsene Wenger's men bounced back against Partizan as goals from Andrey Arshavin, Marouane Chamakh and Sebastien Squillaci allowed them to record their first UEFA Champions League away win in over a year.

France full-back Sagna feels Tuesday night's European triumph was crucial in restoring Arsenal's confidence ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Confidence

"We had to win against Partizan because we did not play well at the weekend, conceding three goals,"said Sagna.

"Every game is a test because the season is long, where you have to play match after match.

"Now we need to stay focused and look forward to the next game, and we have to make something at Chelsea.

"We have to play our football. We know we have the quality to beat them.

"It will be an open game, but it will be about us, not them."

Doubt

There was doubt over whether Tuesday evening's match would actually go ahead following a series of power failures in the main stand, with the players having to change in the dark before the game.

Sagna says he and his Gunners team-mates saw the funny side of things, but remained fully focused on the match.

"The lights went off, so we had to use the lights from the phones to get ready,"he said.

"It was quite funny, but we stayed focused and came on the pitch to get the win."

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Drogba may look elsewhere

Didier Drogba has hinted that he may not end his career with reigning Premier League champions Chelsea.

The Ivorian striker has been at Stamford Bridge since 2004 when he moved from Marseille.

Drogba, who has two-years left on his current deal, has played over 250 games for The Blues and previously stated he would end his career with the West London giants.

But the 32-year-old admits that things could change, and he toldCanal Plus:"When I signed a new contract at Chelsea, I always said I wanted to finish my career here.

"But I am well placed to say that anything can happen.

"When I was at Marseille I said I would finish my career there but, one week later, everything changed."

Lesson

Chelsea play Marseille on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League, and Drogba is upset at missing the chance to line-up against his former club as he is suspended.

But he is desperate to make the second leg in France, adding;"I hope I don't miss the return match as the Velodrome has an exceptional atmosphere.

"I did not think I would miss this game, but that is a lesson in life.

"I have already warned my team-mates about the Stade Velodrone, I said forget about Stamford Bridge, Old Trafford, St James' Park - the Velodrome is unique."

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Wenger eyeing Serbian success

Arsene Wenger is targeting a first European away win in more than a year when Arsenal travel to Partizan Belgrade on Tuesday night.

The North London giants opened their UEFA Champions League Group H campaign with a 6-0 demolition of Braga while the Serbs lost 1-0 against Shakhtar Donetsk.

But the Gunners go into the clash in Serbia on the back of a shock 3-2 Premier League home defeat to West Brom, although the French tactician is hoping his side will show no effects from the loss.

With a trip to leaders Chelsea next Sunday afternoon in Wenger's mind, both the result and the performance in Belgrade take on an extra significance.

"It is important to get a good result against Partizan Belgrade,"said Wenger, whose team last won a Champions League away fixture at Standard Liege in September 2009.

"First of all, it gives us a good opportunity to qualify if we can then win our home game afterwards.

"As well, it is important before going to Chelsea that we have a good performance."

Song hopeful

Meanwhile, Alex Song believes Arsenal's squad is much stronger this season and can progress even further in Europe.

"We have more people behind the attack now,"he said.

"When we have the ball, we can go forward and help create things, but I think we now have a midfield which can switch over quickly when we lose the ball and look quite solid.

"It is important for the midfield to have that good balance, and I think this shape has started well for us. We are enjoying playing this way.

"We started playing very well and just need to keep working on the way we are set up in training."

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Hodgson - Reds must improve

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has admitted his misfiring side are not playing like UEFA Champions League contenders.

The Reds dropped two more Premier League points on Saturday as they were forced to come from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw against a determined Sunderland side at Anfield.

Steven Gerrard headed home a second-half leveller after a brace from Darren Bent - the first coming from the penalty spot after Christian Poulsen was penalised for handball - had given the Black Cats hope of an upset.

Dirk Kuyt bagged a controversial opener after referee Stuart Attwell ruled Michael Turner had taken a free-kick, with the Sunderland defender feeling he was only trying to knock the ball back to goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to restart play.

It has been a season of struggle so far for Liverpool, with just one win to show from their opening six fixtures, and they remain in the lower reaches of the tightly-packed table.

The clash with the Wearsiders was billed as an opportunity for redemption following Wednesday's shock Carling Cup exit at the hands of Northampton - albeit with 11 different players - but Hodgson's replacements fared little better.

The Anfield boss was keen to take the positives as his side hit back from 2-1 down and dominated the closing stages without forcing a winner, but accepted Liverpool have work to do to claim a place back in the top four.

"It wasn't the result we wanted - we wanted a victory - but in many ways it was the performance we wanted,"he said.

Spirit and determination

"I think that the penalty they got was fairly compensatory. I don't subscribe to accidental handball. Handball should be intentional, and there is no way anyone is going to persuade me that was an intentional handball.

"I'm always a little bit surprised by how dismissive you can be - as journalists - of opponents. Sunderland are a good team, they have got good players. If we don't defend as well as we should do they are going to cause problems.

"But over the 90 minutes I thought we were certainly worth more than the point we got. I'm sure the fans will appreciate the effort, the spirit and the determination of the players and that is another little step forward.

"The league is very, very tight. Had we won today we probably would have found ourselves in fourth or fifth place.

"I don't think we're playing like a team from fourth or fifth place at the moment, but that is how close the league is. There is not an awful lot to put between players.

"One of the things that is lacking is we need to play and work much more together. We've got a lot of new players coming into the team and we haven't had that much time.

"The more we work and the more the team plays together the better you will see them become. Rome wasn't built in a day and we've got to keep working at it.

"Certainly I've got a group of players here who will work and try to get better and give their all."

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McEachran - I'm ready

Chelsea starlet Josh McEachran insists he is ready for first-team action.

The 17-year-old midfielder has featured in a number of Chelsea matches in recent weeks, coming off the bench on three occasions.

The young left sider was being tipped as a future England international before he even made his Chelsea debut, and he insists he is confident he can step up to the task of first-team football.

"I am quite a quiet boy but on the pitch I think I am quite confident and know what I am doing,"he said.

No loan

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has the same belief that McEachran can become a first-team player this year and he has already ruled out the prospect of letting him leave on loan.

"We won't be sending him on loan,"said Ancelotti.

"He will stay here and play here. We now have one more player.

"It's a surprise because he is a very talented player and we prepared a programme for him to improve but I think he is improving very quickly.

"I don't have a fear of rushing him because his character is good, he is focused.

"He has balance. He is not afraid or quiet. And for this reason I can say he can play."

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Reina pleads for patience

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina remains confident the side will soon turn around their season after a tough start to the campaign.

The Reds find themselves languishing in 16th spot with just six points from their opening six games.

Reina believes their tough fixture schedule as well as adapting to a new manager and new players still getting to grips with the team have all contributed to Liverpool's slow start.

"Six points from our first six games is not what we wanted,"Reina told the club'sofficial magazine.

"People who criticise us about it should look at the fixtures we've had. It has been a difficult start. Arsenal at home and then going to play Manchester City, Manchester United and Birmingham away was never going to be easy.

"Not many teams will go to the City of Manchester Stadium, Old Trafford or St Andrews and win. Those three teams have very good records at home."

Changes

Reina has also pleaded for patience as the players look to get used to Roy Hodgson's new methods at Anfield.

"When you have so many changes moving in a new direction under a new boss, things don't happen instantly,"added Reina.

"It can take between three and six months before you see improvements. Obviously the quicker we adapt and improve as a team the better it will be for everyone.

"That doesn't just happen overnight. Each of us has to adjust to working in a new way.

"With the passing of each day I get used to it and what the manager wants. It's the same for all of us. We need to be patient."

Defender Martin Skrtel echoed Reina's sentiments and he remains hopeful of finishing in the top four to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Aim

"A lot of people think that when a new manager comes in everything should be perfect but we need time,"said Skrtel.

"Our aim is to fight for a place in the top four. That won't be easy as there are a lot of good teams also going for it, but if we continue to improve as the season goes on, we can get back into the Champions League - that's our aim.

"A lot of things have changed here. We have a new manager, new players, new medical staff and some different people around the team. It's always going to be difficult when you change so much."

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Kidd eyes trophy boost

Assistant boss Brian Kidd hopes Manchester City's England stars can help fire the club to a trophy this term.

The Blues ended up with six players on the field as England dismantled Switzerland in Basel earlier this month.

While Kidd is pleased City's contingent helped England to the win, he is more concerned with the Blues claiming their first trophy since 1976.

Kidd, who represented both Manchester clubs as a player as well as in management, said:"It is wonderful to have these players in the England team.

"But as a Manchester lad, who has been lucky and blessed to have been involved with both local clubs, I just want Manchester City to win a trophy.

Something big

"Once we can put that to bed, it will be the start of something big.

"Winning is intoxicating. When you get your first trophy, you want more.

"The staff want it and so do the players. It goes without saying it is the same for the fans."

Roberto Mancini's side next take on Juventus in the Europa League on Thursday, with Kidd believing City will be well up for the challenge.

The Blues are currently top of Group A and are favourites to win the game against the Turin giants, whom Kidd scored against in City's Uefa Cup first-leg win in 1976.

Pressure

He added:"Pressure comes with the territory.

"Quite rightly, the expectation is there.

"But everybody is up for it. Nobody is a wilting flower at this club.

"We all know the demands. That is how it should be.

"With this particular competition, the boss wants first place in the group. He won't take anything less."

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Jacobsen - Let's kick on

Lars Jacobsen is eyeing more victories after West Ham notched their first Premier League win of the campaign against Tottenham.

Avram Grant's side lifted themselves off the bottom thanks to Frederic Piquionne's first-half winner in last Saturday's derby.

The welcome win came after a draw at Stoke and Carling Cup victory at Sunderland and Jacobsen hopes the Hammers can now push on.

The defender, who joined from Blackburn on transfer deadline day, told the club'sofficial website:"Everybody is buzzing about the win.

"First of all, it's the three points and the first victory of the season in the Premier League and it also came in a local derby against Spurs and you don't get anything better than that. We're all very pleased.

"Derby matches are the same everywhere. It's a special atmosphere and the stadium is always packed. The games are always tight, as it should be, and that's what football is all about.

"They are the most intense games and that's what you want as a player and as a spectator as well."

Recent upturn

West Ham had a dreadful start to the campaign, losing their first four Premier League fixtures before the recent upturn in results.

Jacobsen is now looking to the future and hopes the Hammers can pick up more points as quickly as possible.

He added:"I can only talk about the four games that I've been here, but I think we can take a lot of positives. The Chelsea game, even though we lost, was a positive and from that moment on we seem solid on the pitch.

"Drawing at Stoke and winning at Sunderland gave us a boost in the right direction and we managed to get the three points today.

"Now we have to draw a line and say we need to get some more points on the board and look forward."

Meanwhile, West Ham have been boosted by the news midfielder Kieron Dyer should return against Fulham on Saturday.

The former England man was forced off in the 41st minute against Spurs after feeling ill but he has recovered and should return against the Cottagers at Upton Park.

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Win delights relieved Terry

John Terry declared himself pleased with his team-mates after a real captain's performance helped Chelsea end a losing run by beating Marseille in the UEFA Champions League.

Chelsea headed into the European clash on the back of two successive defeats, with Saturday's Premier League loss to Manchester City having followed on from a Carling Cup elimination to Newcastle.

Terry's early goal and Nicolas Anelka's penalty earned them a 2-0 win over Marseille to stop the rot and leave Carlo Ancelotti's side top of Group F with maximum points.

"Coming here, we'd had two losses which is very unusual for us,"he toldSky Sports 2.

"So we're pleased to pick up three points, keep a clean sheet and extend that lead at the top of the group.

"In the second half we had a few chances to make it three or four. We didn't start the brightest in the second half but we stayed solid and kept a clean sheet.

"With Sunday in mind we maybe took our foot off the gas a little bit, saving a bit of energy for the weekend.

"We'd have liked to have got a third and killed the game off but they had a lot of possession."

Describing his goal, he said:"I just made a run to the near post and it was a flick with the outside of the foot.

"I'd like to dedicate that goal to a young girl named Ruby from Make a Wish (Foundation) - she had a serious operation a couple of weeks ago and thankfully she pulled through."

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Fightback flabbergasts Fergie

Darren Ferguson hailed his side's sensational comeback after Preston came from three goals down to beat Leeds 6-4.

North End took an early lead via Jon Parkin but found themselves 4-1 down after a Davide Somma brace and goals from Alex Bruce and Luchiano Becchio.

But Parkin completed a hat-trick - with other goals from Keith Treacy, Iain Hume and Callum Davidson - as Preston stormed back to stun Elland Road and jump out of the Championship's bottom three.

Ferguson said:"I have never been involved in such an amazing game.

"But all credit to my players for their sensational comeback.

"It's brilliant to get six goals, it would have been nice if we had not conceded four. But all credit goes to my players.

"The spirit and character was remarkable, the boys were magnificent and I am incredibly proud of the team."

Ferguson was quick to pay tribute to hat-trick hero Parkin, as well as partner in crime Hume.

Brilliant

"Parkin was brilliant,"he admitted.

"He was absolutely unplayable and caused all sorts of problems for their defence.

"He is fantastic technically and he showed that tonight.

"Iain (Hume) was excellent as well, though. He has been a breath of fresh air since coming to the club.

"He had a bad injury when he was at Barnsley, but he has been a breath of fresh air since coming here."

Parkin made it 4-2 on the stroke of half-time and Ferguson believed that goal was the catalyst for his side to go on and win the game.

"The goal just before half-time was the most important because if we went in at the break 4-1 down it would have been a big ask,"he added.

"As a manager you always say if you are only two goals behind, you always have a chance.

"And I was calm at the break because I still felt we had a chance. We always had goals in us."

Grayson disappointed

Leeds boss Simon Grayson was bitterly disappointed with the turnabout, labelling the result as"embarrassing".

"I am hugely disappointed,"he said."Football never surprises you, you are going well and suddenly it kicks you where it hurts again.

"I still had a go at the players at half-time, because we had given them far too many opportunities.

"When we were 4-1 up, we needed to be more professional but we gave them a chance to get back into the game.

"There were far too many errors - both individually and collectively. We made stupid mistakes and it cost us.

"To lose 6-4 at home is unbelievable really, and embarrassing."

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Hegarty blow for Buddies

St Mirren have suffered a blow with the news that Nick Hegarty faces three months on the sidelines after breaking his ankle.

The 24-year-old sustained the problem during last weekend's defeat to Inverness.

The news is a major blow to Hegarty having only joined the Paisley club on transfer deadline day.

St Mirren manager Danny Lennon told the club'sofficial website:"Nick Hegarty fractured his ankle and the outlook isn't too good. It looks as if Nick will be out for a minimum of three months."

Meanwhile, Lennon has had two players on trial this week - former Clyde full-back Michael McGowan and midfielder Toufik Zerara, who had a brief stint at Falkirk last season.

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SA reveal Nations Cup interest

South Africa have confirmed their interest in hosting the 2015 African Nations Cup.

The country, which hosted the World Cup finals in the summer, has already staged the tournament in 1996, when they won the title.

Now, following the success of this year's global spectacle, South Africa are looking to bid for the event once again.

Request

South African Football Association (SAFA) president Kirsten Nematandani toldThe Sowetannewspaper:"Yes, we have put in a request to the Confederation of African Football.

"We are still (enjoying) the success of the World Cup and we hope it will be good for us in our bid to host the African Nations Cup."

Egypt, Tunisia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Ghana and Nigeria have all hosted the event more than once.

The next edition in 2012 will be hosted jointly by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, followed by Libya in 2013, when the tournament is moved for the first time to odd years to avoid a clash with future World Cups.

Nematandani added:"There will be no question of infrastructure because it is here, accommodation is here.

"There will be no question of transport because it is here. World-class stadiums are here too. We have everything.

"We are going to update the government about this development."

When the event was held in the Rainbow Nation in 1996, it was due to unforeseen circumstances after original hosts Kenya failed to meet with the CAF deadlines.

Nematandani feels that factor could work in the country's favour as they look to stage the tournament this time around.

"Effectively, we have never bid to host the tournament and this will be our first time,"he continued inBusiness Day.

"We believe there is no better way to thank Africa for supporting us during the World Cup than to host the Nations Cup in the same match venues.

"Of course we need the support of our government and we will also be talking to them."

Problem

A potential problem may be which of the 10 World Cup venues to use for the continental showpiece, which requires far less stadiums for the event, with a maximum of four having been used in previous years.

Nematandani said:"That is why I think that we have to give all the cities a chance and that means they (cities) would have to make bid presentations to become hosts.

"We cannot use all the venues and it would be fair for us to do it that way."

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Wales accept Bellamy absence

Wales caretaker boss Brian Flynn has confirmed that Craig Bellamy will not be available for the must-win Euro 2012 double-header against Bulgaria and Switzerland.

The Wales captain is struggling with an ongoing knee injury and, even though he could play against Barnsley on Saturday, he will not be on international duty next month.

Bellamy sustained the injury in Wales' 1-0 Euro qualifying defeat to Montenegro at the start of September and the on-loan Cardiff forward is now to miss the home meeting with Bulgaria on 8th October and the trip to Switzerland four days later.

The defeat to Montenegro has left Wales facing a tough task in qualifying and, after holding talks with Cardiff boss Dave Jones, Flynn has reluctantly accepted that they will have to make do without Bellamy.

Flynn, who has stepped in as a temporary successor to John Toshack, told theWestern Mail:"I've had a detailed conversation with Dave Jones about this issue and I'm more than happy with his explanation.

"Dave and I go back many, many years, from the time when I was in charge of Wrexham and he was Stockport manager. We were in the trenches together.

"Yes, I stated originally that we needed Craig in our team, but once you are aware of a certain situation you make plans accordingly.

"We'll just have to get on with it without Craig."

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League Two round-up

Leaders Port Vale won on Tuesday to move four points clear at the top of League Two, while rock bottom Hereford lost again.

Gary Roberts netted a 73rd minute winner as leadersPort ValebeatShrewsburyin a top-of-the-table clash, with the Shrews dropping from second to fourth with the defeat.

Chesterfieldcame from behind to beatNorthampton2-1 and jump up to second, whileRotherhamremain in third after being held to a goalless stalemate byBradfordin a Yorkshire derby at the Don Valley Stadium.

Steven Schumacher hit a brace asBurymoved up to fifth with a fine 4-1 win atMorecambe, while early leadersTorquayfell further to sixth after a 1-0 home reverse toAldershot, with Marvin Morgan netting the all-important winner four minutes from time.

Hat-trick hero

Chris Holroyd was the hat-trick hero asStevenagejumped from 11th to seventh with a 4-1 hammering of bottom sideHereford.

Second-from-bottomBarnetwere also on the end of the drubbing, going down 4-2 atWycombe Wanderers, who leapt from 16th to ninth with the win.

Substitute Tom Fisher and George Donnelly were on target as resurgentStockport Countycame from two goals down to salvage a home point againstAccrington Stanley.

Jack Midson equalised Wesley Thomas' opener asOxfordcame from behind to draw atCheltenham, while it was the same scoreline atCreweas substitute AJ Leitch-Smith netted a late equaliser for the home side after Tyrone Barnett's 52nd minute effort forMacclesfield.

In the last of League Two's games, there were no goals betweenGillinghamandSouthendas well asLincoln CityandBurton Albion.

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