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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Gazza makes Garforth return

England legend Paul Gascoigne has been appointed as the new manager of non-league club Garforth Town.

Gascoigne's previous management role at Kettering lasted just 39 days in 2005 amid claims from owner Imraan Ladak that he was"under the influence of alcohol"at times during his tenure.

But Gascoigne has insisted the claims were"totally untrue"and, in an exclusive interview withSky Sports News HDlast month, he said he was now dealing with his well-documented personal problems and was ready to give something back to the game.

And the 43-year-old is back in management with the West Yorkshire side, who are currently in the Evo Stik First Division North League.

Big challenge

Gascoigne told theNews of the World's official website:"I feel strong right now. For me personally it's a big challenge. It's whether the players want to join me in that challenge.

"I never knew when I'd get back into football. I want to take the club forward and I want the players to develop. I will give commitment to the club."

The former Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio and Rangers midfielder added:"I am excited. I can't wait to get in and get started - but of course I will be nervous."

Garforth owner Simon Clifford added:"This is not a publicity stunt. When we signed Socrates and Careca, that was.

"I want him to be an inspiration to someone who might have depression or problems in their lives. He's walked through hell but he has kept on walking."

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Holtby won't consider England

Mainz midfielder Lewis Holtby has insisted he wants to play for Germany rather than England.

The 20-year-old was born in Germany but would be eligible to represent to represent the Three Lions because his father is English.

He would be able to switch allegiance under Fifa rules, despite being captain of the Germany Under-21s, because he has not yet played an official senior international.

The winger has earned rave reviews for his performances this season with surprise Bundesliga leaders Mainz, and is willing to wait for a chance with Joachim Low's Germany even though he supported England as a child.

"I have made up my mind and I would like to play for Germany,"Holtby told Germany'sZDFtelevision.

"My father accepts that."

Holtby could be set for his first senior call-up by Germany in November when Low has promised to take a look at several young talents for the friendly in Sweden.

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Redknapp - Wenger's now a nutter

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp believes that the pressures of English football have turned Arsene Wenger from a quiet, reserved manager into a"nutter"on the touchline.

Wenger was found guilty of improper conduct and fined£8,000 by the Football Association for confronting fourth official Martin Atkinson after Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Sunderland last weekend.

The Gunners boss was fuming at officials after they permitted play to exceed the allotted four minutes of added time, allowing Darren Bent to grab Sunderland's last-gasp equaliser and deny Arsenal all three points.

The sight of a frustrated Wenger prodding officials on the touchline is in complete contrast to the cool, calm and reserved image which the Frenchman cast when he arrived in England from Japan to replace Bruce Rioch 14 years ago.

Wenger has had has run-ins with the FA before. Last season he was sent to the stands during Arsenal's match at Old Trafford and he was involved in a touchline spat with then West Ham manager Alan Pardew in 2006.

Redknapp, who maintains he has a good relationship with the Frenchman, believes that the intensity of the English game has caused the Wenger to change.

"When Arsene first came to England I remember reading articles and they said that he was like a professor watching the game,"said Redknapp.

"All the other nutters were jumping up and down shouting and screaming, hollering and hooting - and this man is not like those idiots. He just sits there and is studying every move that goes on on the pitch like chess. They didn't lose a game all season.

Nutters

"Now he has joined the nutters, you know! In fact, he is one of the key nutters! That is the tension that you are under. It has affected him now."

Redknapp continued:"He is no longer sitting there now. He is up there arguing with everybody and gets into it all.

"I think he has changed. He was the quietest man of the lot at one point.

"I don't have any problems with him at all, he's always been good. Sometimes I go into his office at Arsenal."

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Gerrard - We'll get it right

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has urged the supporters to keep the faith as the Reds look to get their season back on track against Sunderland this weekend.

After taking just five points from the first five Premier League games of the season, Liverpool's season took a turn for the worse on Wednesday night when they were dumped out of the Carling Cup by League Two Northampton Town.

The results have seen new Reds boss Roy Hodgson come under increasing pressure early into his reign.

And Gerrard, who did not feature against the Cobblers, has issued a timely rallying call to some of the more experienced players ahead of Saturday's visit of Sunderland.

Trust

"Football isn't just about highs,"said the 30-year-old.

"Throughout my career I have experienced both highs and lows and probably learnt more from the lows because you look at yourself first, look at what went wrong and try to learn from your mistakes.

"The players are allowed to be down today but it's up to players like myself to pick them back up.

"Playing for this club there are big games every two or three days and we need to get everyone's head focused on Sunderland now.

"What I would ask all the supporters is to trust the players and what the players are saying.

"I've been reading and listening to what they've been saying and they've all said we'll get it right in the end - and we will."

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Blues duo to miss City date

Salomon Kalou and Yossi Benayoun are facing a few weeks on the sidelines after picking up injuries in Chelsea's Carling Cup defeat by Newcastle United.

Ivory Coast forward Kalou hurt his thigh just 10 minutes after coming on as a half-time substitute against the Magpies, while Benayoun's departure with a calf problem left Chelsea with just 10 men.

Both players seem certain to miss Saturday's trip to Manchester City where Chelsea will be looking to maintain their 100 per cent start in the Premier League.

Gael Kakuta also suffered an injury in the 4-3 home loss to Newcastle and Ancelotti is awaiting confirmation of the extent of the problems.

Unlucky

"Kakuta had a problem on his leg after the tackle in first half while Benayoun's injury is his calf and Kalou hurt his thigh,"said Ancelotti.

"We will know more tomorrow, but they don't look good. They will miss the next few games.

"These things can happen in football. It was a strong tackle on Kakuta and he was unlucky. The problem with his back is from the fall."

Kalou has enjoyed an impressive start to the new campaign after scoring four Premier League goals, while Benayoun has largely been used as a substitute since his move from Liverpool.

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Cesc out for three weeks

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has been ruled out for two to three weeks following the hamstring injury he picked up against Sunderland at the weekend.

The 23-year-old midfielder suffered the problem as he scored a bizarre goal at the Stadium of Light, with Black Cats defender Anton Ferdinand smacking the ball into him before seeing it loop into the net.

Fabregas had just returned to his form of old after a difficult summer which saw intense speculation linking him with a move to former club Barcelona.

The World Cup winner did not secure a switch to the Camp Nou despite constant press talk, and is now set to remain with the Gunners for the immediate future.

Fabregas put in a great performance against Bolton in the Premier League earlier in the month and he followed it up with a top showing against Braga in the UEFA Champions League last Wednesday.

However, he now faces a spell on the sidelines after scans on Monday revealed the extent of the injury.

A statement on the club'sofficial websitesaid:"Arsenal Football Club have confirmed that Cesc Fabregas will be out for two to three weeks.

"The Spanish midfielder gave the visitors an early lead at Sunderland on Saturday but then picked up a hamstring injury.

"He was substituted just before the half-hour. The extent of the injury was discovered after a scan on Monday afternoon."

The news is a blow to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger as Fabregas is now set to miss the league showdown with Chelsea on 3rd October, as well as ties against Tottenham, West Brom and Partizan Belgrade.

Arsenal already have Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner out injured, and the strength of their squad is sure to be tested in the upcoming weeks.

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Moyes fumes at bottle incident

Everton manager David Moyes claims a Brentford fan threw a bottle at the travelling Toffees supporters after his team's shock Carling Cup defeat at Griffin Park.

The Merseysiders' woeful start to the season continued at the League One outfit, who secured a place in the fourth round of the competition thanks to a dramatic 4-3 penalty shoot-out triumph.

But Moyes was angered by the post-match incident, which came as the home supporters spilled onto the pitch to celebrate one of the biggest results in their history.

The Scot, who claimed he held himself back from the person he thought was responsible, said:"I thought it was terrible. I saw a fan throw a bottle into our supporters.

Right bloomer

"I said to him 'I saw your face. I saw who you were'. He got a bottle and went right up and threw it right into the middle of our supporters."

The shootout was held in front of the Brentford fans - a decision Moyes questioned the logic of.

"I think the Police decided to take the penalty kicks at the end for security reasons. That proved to be a right bloomer, didn't it?"he fumed.

"If the police want me to follow it up and try to find the individual that threw the bottle into the crowd then that would be fine by me, it wouldn't be a problem.

"I didn't grab him. I wanted to but obviously that would have brought more attention to the situation."

Counterpart Andy Scott hailed his players as they dumped out their higher-ranked opponents to reach the fourth round for only the second time in their history.

Scott's team recovered from an early set back to enjoy periods of dominance in the clash and the Londoners could count themselves unlucky not to have won the clash in normal time as Charlie MacDonald saw a penalty saved by Jan Mucha.

Seamus Coleman put Everton in front on six minutes, only for Gary Alexander's header to send the tie into added-time.

Played terrifically well

It was the second scalp of the season in this competition from the League One side, who also disposed of Hull City in the previous round on home soil.

And the manager felt his players were rewarded with a richly-deserved win after a combination of keeper Richard Lee and clinical spot-kicks from Weston, Nicky Forster, Michael Spillane and MacDonald saw off their higher-ranked opponents.

Scott toldSky Sports News:"No-one gave us a hope of winning the game but we had a game plan. We worked hard, made sure our shape was good.

"We didn't want to defend - put loads of numbers behind the ball - we wanted to play our way. We played 4-4-2, the way we know how and we were brave with that.

"We had to be organised behind the ball. We made them put balls in from areas they were used to and so it worked. We had a bit of luck. Our goalkeeper has played terrifically well but their keeper has had to play well as well - he's had to make good saves."

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Pool display frustrates Ollie

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway slated his side's first half showing as"absolutely useless"but admits his tinkering failed to come off in their defeat to Chelsea.

The Tangerines went down 4-0 to the Blues with each goal coming inside the opening period before the visitors re-shaped after the interval.

Salomon Kalou opened the scoring after less than two minutes before a Florent Malouda double either side of Didier Drogba's strike put Chelsea in cruise control.

Despite a drastic improvement after the break, Holloway believes the home side eased up their urgency and allowed Blackpool to see more of the ball.

The former Plymouth boss admits his side had given themselves too much to do and never expected a comeback to materialise.

"I thought we were absolutely useless first half, but they showed a champion's mentality from the first corner,"Holloway toldSky Sports.

"And all our game plan went out the window after a minute or so. I was much happier with the second half but they took the foot off the gas.

"We drew the second half and created a couple of chances but it was all about pride then, it was too late.

"We're all very proud people here and I thought we would have given them a much better game than that but sometimes you have to say how good they are."

Tactic

Holloway admits he tried to thwart Chelsea's game by playing a defender in an advanced role in order to break up the play but his tactic failed to pay off and Blackpool reverted to their usual formation.

"I put a centre-half in midfield today and we didn't get near anyone,"he revealed.

"The minute we switched it and went back to what we normally do, we looked a little bit better.

"But you try and do things, you look at things, and I've learnt today."

Despite the defeat, newcomers Blackpool have taken seven points from a possible 15 and now have away fixtures to Chelsea and Arsenal behind them.

Holloway has reason to be pleased with the start his unfancied side have made but he admits he has one or two reservations about their defensive qualities.

"I think we've got to look about going forward because defensively we're not good enough at this level, collectively.

"They're[Chelsea] light years ahead of us, but everyone expected that anyway."

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Given wants loan switch

Shay Given has confirmed that he will seek a loan move if he cannot wrestle the No.1 jersey back from Joe Hart at Manchester City.

Hart, who has become England's first choice since the World Cup, spent last season on loan at Birmingham City.

Upon his return to Eastlands, Roberto Mancini handed him the No.1 spot - meaning Given has been left to kick his heels on the bench.

"It's very, very frustrating. I know it doesn't matter what I do on the training pitch, I won't be playing at the weekend. If I'm flying around like Clark Kent in goals, I still won't play on Saturday. That can be demoralising,"he toldthe Sunday Times.

A move away from the club before the transfer window closed was vetoed by City, but Given insists that he will not just sit on the bench.

"The club said I wasn't going anywhere and that was frustrating,"he continued.

"We'll see what happens come January and hopefully if the situation's the same I can go on loan and try and get some games in.

"I've never said I want to leave Man City. I believe it's a big club that in the next couple of years is going to do big things. I want to be part of that but I also want to be playing football.

Loan

"I wouldn't mind where a loan was and wouldn't rule out abroad if it was a good club and a good team, no disrespect to a club that's fighting relegation and getting pummelled every week - though at the minute that probably seems better than what I'm doing."

Many expected Given to be handed a chance to impress during the club's Europa League campaign, but Hart was again given the nod against Red Bull Salzburg on Thursday.

And the Irishman admits he was disappointed, adding:"I thought I'd have played but I don't know what the manager's thinking because he hasn't told me."

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Gers close to Kerkar deal

Rangers boss Walter Smith has confirmed he is hoping to sign Salim Kerkar after the winger impressed on trial.

Kerkar has been training with the Gers for the past month after spending the past few seasons in France with Gueugnon.

The Algerian has done enough to warrant a contract with the SPL champions and is set to link up with his compatriot Madjid Bougherra at Ibrox.

Smith said:"He has been with us for about a month. Martin Bain will speak to his agents and I hope we manage to get him.

"He will be a good addition to our pool if we can reach agreement."

Kerkar said:"Unless there's a huge last minute change I will be signing for Rangers.

"Madjid is like a brother to me and it's thanks to him this is happening. I dream of doing what he's done."

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Coyle accuses Wenger

Bolton boss Owen Coyle has accused Arsene Wenger of having double standards following his post-match criticism of Paul Robinson's tackle on Abou Diaby.

The Arsenal midfielder will miss the club's next two matches after sustaining an ankle knock in a robust challenge with Robinson in last weekend's 4-1 win over Bolton.

Wenger felt Robinson should have been punished for the over-zealous challenge and that the Football Association should be doing more to protect his players in domestic action.

Coyle, who lost Gary Cahill to a red card in the game, has hit back by stating that Kieran Gibbs could easily have been sent for an early bath for catching Kevin Davies.

The Bolton boss also points to an incident last season when ex-Arsenal man William Gallas went unpunished for a tackle described as an 'assault' on Bolton's Mark Davies.

Compliment

"I sent Arsene a text after the game to apologise for missing him as we had to catch a train back north,"said Coyle."He sent me back a text saying we were a very good team.

"I understand if people say things after games when a player gets injured. We all do that. I have no problem people having things to say. But if I am there, say it to my face.

"Maybe Arsenal know they were in a really tough game and that is a compliment.

"I could say Kieran Gibbs should have been booked and then sent off for going into the back of Kevin Davies. I like to think we have endeavour, commitment and quality.

"If we want to harp back, look at the tackle on Mark Davies by William Gallas last season. People have to give balance and look at their own team."

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Championship round-up

Jamie Mackie ensured Queens Park Rangers continued their storming start to the new season as his brace inspired a 3-0 victory at Ipswich.

The forward notched both of his goals in the first half before a Heidar Helguson penalty completed the triumph to keep Neil Warnock's men at the top of the table, with five wins from their opening six encounters.

Leedssuffered a 5-2 defeat at the hands of Yorkshire rivalsBarnsleyat Oakwell. The Whites went ahead after just three minutes courtesy of a Jonny Howson strike, but goals from Garry O'Connor and Jim O'Brien put the Tykes in front.

Diego Arismendi notched after the break and a Neill Collins own-goal followed by an Adam Hammill strike piled on the visitors' woe. Substitute Davide Somma managed to pull one back four minutes from time, but it was not enough to overthrow the triumphant home side.

Heroics

James Coppinger's hat-trick liftedDoncasterto a 3-1 home win overNorwich. The Canaries could only manage a Russell Martin consolation goal as midfielder Coppinger's heroics kept Rovers at the right end of the table.

Sheffield Unitedsaw their brief winning streak brought to an abrupt halt as managerlessScunthorpesecured a 4-0 triumph at Bramall Lane. Chris Dagnall grabbed a goal either side of a David Mirfin strike before a 90th-minute Martyn Woolford effort sealed the road win.

Watfordlanded their first league win since the opening weekend with a 2-0 road victory overBristol City. Marvin Sordell got the visitors off to a flying start as he fired home in only the third minute before Danny Graham wrapped up the triumph just after the restart.

Hull Citysecured a welcome 2-0 win overDerbyfollowing a sluggish start to their campaign. After suffering defeats in their last two league games, the Tigers were boosted by Daniel Ayala and Robert Koren, who scored for the three points.

Leicesterpulled out of the basement of the standings after claiming a 2-1 home triumph overCardiff City. The Bluebirds went ahead in the first half with a Lee Naylor goal, but Andy King grabbed a brace for the hosts to complete the win.

Middlesbroughbounced back from two consecutive league defeats with a 2-1 triumph overBurnleyat the Riverside. Boro fell behind after Andre Bikey netted for the visitors in the second half, but a double from substitute Tarmo Kink saw the home side take the three points.

Brace

Nottingham Forestwere finally able to grab three points after four consecutive league draws as they saw offPreston North End2-1 at Deepdale. Jon Park put the home side ahead in the first half but Lewis McGugan notched a brace in the second to upset the Lilywhites at home.

Swansearecovered from last weekend's defeat at Leeds with a 2-1 home victory overCoventry. Darren Pratley and Scott Sinclair put the hosts ahead, and the Sky Blues could only manage a consolation strike courtesy of Ben Turner.

StrugglingPortsmouth'sleague woes continued as they suffered a 4-1 away defeat at the hands ofCrystal Palace. Pompey, sitting rock bottom of the standings, could only manage one goal through Dave Kitson as a James Vaughan hat-trick and a Neil Danns penalty sealed the victory for the home side.

MillwallandReadingboth had to settle with a point apiece following a goalless draw at The Den, which will not sit well with the promotion hopefuls.

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Pearce lacking experience

Stuart Pearce has distanced himself somewhat from the England job by stating he lacks the experience of the other names in the frame.

With current incumbent Fabio Capello recently confirming he would be leaving his post after the 2012 European Championship, the list of possible candidates to replace him is being speculated upon.

Pearce is among those names being mentioned alongside the likes of experience Premier League bosses Harry Redknapp and Roy Hodgson, of Tottenham and Liverpool respectively.

While the former England international and current Under 21 head coach is flattered to be linked with the position, he feels he needs a lot more games at the helm in order to challenge his rivals.

Flattering

"If you ask me the question today, I've not got the experience to do that job, but it's very flattering for people to mention my name,"said Pearce.

"It's an honour to be mentioned. Whether I've supported the nation as a player, Under 21 coach, or coach with the first team, it's a massive honour.

"It's like all people that get mentioned, I've got a lot of things going in my favour - I've captained England, played in tournaments and coached Under 21 tournaments. This summer I've been to a major tournament as a coach.

"I tick a few boxes, but I've not got a thousand matches behind me like the Harry Redknapps and Roy Hodgsons of this world."

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Samba hails Rovers spirit

Blackburn Rovers defender Chris Samba insists money cannot buy team spirit following their impressive 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

City were the favourites to see off Sam Allardyce's side in Saturday's meeting at the City of Manchester Stadium, but the game did not go according to plan.

A mix-up between Joe Hart and Kolo Toure gifted Nikola Kalinic Rovers' opener and while Patrick Vieira equalised for City they were unable to find that all-important winner.

The point provided a much-needed boost for Blackburn and Samba believes that having team spirit is half the battle in winning matches rather than simply playing the game as individuals.

Spirit

Samba insists that spirit is high in Rovers' camp and that the players' respect for each other means they will always fight for the cause.

"We know what is happening at Manchester City, with them spending big money and their massive wages,"said Samba."But football is more than that. You have to believe and that's what we showed.

"Of course, it is normal that to attract the best players they have to pay the big wages. But team spirit is something you can't buy. We are a couple of years together now and showed how important desire and team spirit really are.

"Is our team spirit priceless? Yes definitely. We know the qualities we all have. We have respect from each other. It is no time for let-downs and small performances."

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Beattie relishing United trip

James Beattie is relishing the prospect of facing Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League next week.

Rangers travel to Old Trafford this week for their opening game of the group stages.

The 'Battle of Britain' clash - which you can see live onSky Sports HD2- is a mouth-watering prospect and Beattie admits that this sort of game is one of the reasons why he opted to move to Ibrox from Stoke this summer.

"The fact Rangers would be playing in the Champions League was obviously pointed out to me when I was signing. It was something that was very important to me,"he told theNews of the World.

"When the draw was made I was sitting with Vladimir Weiss and there were pots with Real Madrid, Inter, Manchester United and Valencia and we both said we would settle for any of them.

"To be playing Champions League football at my age is very good and it is something I am looking forward to very much.

"I played in the Uefa Cup with Southampton, then played and scored in the Champions League qualifiers with Everton against Villarreal.

"But we were knocked out in the return leg in controversial circumstances when referee Pierluigi Collina disallowed a perfectly good Duncan Ferguson goal.

"But going to Old Trafford in the Champions League will be that extra bit special

"I have played United there nine times now but I still haven't scored at Old Trafford, which has been pointed out to me.

"I've hit the bar a couple of times, once on my birthday, and I hit it again playing for England there - ironically enough against Liechtenstein.

"That England game was the only time I've won at Old Trafford. I played alongside Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen yet we were still drawing 0-0 with Liechtenstein after an hour.

"Fortunately we went on to win 2-0. Scotland discovered for themselves how difficult it can be if teams come and just sit in against you and make themselves hard to break down.

"It's something you probably see a lot at Ibrox and I'm going to experience for myself.

"I even heard a story about a Scottish team coming to play Rangers and setting themselves up in a 4-6-0 formation but I haven't seen that for myself yet!"

United link

Beattie himself was once very strongly linked with a move to United, when in the 2003 season he finished as the top scoring Englishman in the Premier League with Southampton.

"I heard a few years ago, when I was doing well at Southampton, that Sir Alex was maybe having a look at me, but that was about it really,"he continued.

"I think they went out and signed Cristiano Ronaldo instead!

"I was only a goal or two away from winning the Premiership's Golden Boot award that year so perhaps there was something in it.

"There was Ruud van Nistelrooy, Thierry Henry and then me all trying to finish as the Premiership's top scorer, so it wasn't bad company to be keeping.

"I went on to sign for Everton but I used to drive past Old Trafford quite a lot because I lived in Manchester, and still have my house there.

"I would always look across to Old Trafford and have a little thought to myself.

"I'm from Blackburn and a Blackburn fan. But when I was a youngster, Manchester United were always the biggest team and the one that you grew up in the playground wanting to play for.

"Then when you're older and have been playing football for a while, you can't help imagining it must be a special place to play your football."

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Mancini praises English core

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is pleased with the core of key English players he has at his disposal.

City had six players on international duty for the Three Lions against Switzerland on Wednesday, with Gareth Barry, James Milner, Adam Johnson, Joleon Lescott, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joe Hart all playing a part.

The Eastlands outfit have recently been criticised for restricting the progress of home-grown stars with their lavish spending.

However, Mancini insists having a side with an English spine is vital and was delighted that so many of his players featured in midweek.

"I believe it is important that we have that because of the English mentality,"he said.

Core

"I want the core of the squad to be Englishmen, and we have signed English players despite what sometimes gets said.

"I want a core of English players in my squad because they all know about the Premier League.

"They know about the players we are facing every week. The English mentality is also very strong.

"It was very important for the club because it is the first time there have been six of our players (for England).

"It has happened in Italy before with Juventus players but I think it is unusual here in England."

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Bougherra had no offers

Madjid Bougherra admits he had little choice but to stay at Rangers as there were no offers for his services.

The Algeria international defender had been tipped to leave Ibrox as Walter Smith attempted to raise funds over the summer.

However, despite being linked with numerous clubs throughout Europe the 27-year-old ultimately stayed with Gers.

Bougherra is now looking forward to UEFA Champions League football and is relishing the prospect of taking on Premier League giants Manchester United.

Decision

"The Champions League is one of the factors in my decision to stay with Rangers,"he told theDaily Record.

"But I have to say I stayed put at the club because there was no serious offer to buy out my contract.

"A game against a team like Manchester United motivates any player. It will be the second time I've faced Rooney but he's not the only threat. There are other strikers who are rated dangerous, such as Dimitar Berbatov.

"In a team like Man United the danger can come from any player and that's why it's so special to play them.

"It can also help us because even though our group is harder than last year's - with United, Valencia and Bursaspor - we're highly motivated and want to do better.

"Our aim is to qualify for the last 16 or, at the very least, finish third to go on and play in the Europa League."

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Buckle handed monthly award

Torquay manager Paul Buckle has been named npower League Two Manager of the Month for August.

The Gulls, who finished last term on an eight-game unbeaten run, hit the ground running again this season and won their opening four games to sit pretty at the top of the table at the end of the month.

They did not concede any goals in their first three games and when Port Vale finally breached their solid defence on August 28, they had gone an astonishing 998 minutes without conceding, a run stretching back to April.

And Buckle has been rewarded for his side's fine start to the season by landing the monthly gong, although they did suffer their first defeat of the season when they eventually beaten 2-1 at Southend last week.

Buckle said:"This award is testament to all the hard work put in by the players, backroom staff and everyone connected with the club.

"It is lovely to be rewarded in this way and I am extremely proud to pick up the npower League Two manager of the month trophy."

Buckle, 39, beat off competition from Shrewsbury manager Graham Turner, Rotherham's Ronnie Moore and Chesterfield boss John Sheridan for the award.

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Rossi keen to head home

Giuseppe Rossi has announced that he intends to return to Italy once the transfer window reopens.

The 23-year-old striker has spent the last three years in Spain with Villarreal.

In fact, a loan spell at Parma in 2007 is the only time he has spent in his homeland during the course of his professional career.

Having joined the academy ranks at Manchester United while still in his teens, Rossi made the breakthrough at Old Trafford.

He found first-team football hard to come by, though, and moved to Spain in 2007.

Rossi now feels that it is time to bring that chapter to a close, as he has set his heart on securing a switch to Serie A in the New Year.

Desire

Reports have already suggested that Fiorentina and Juventus may be willing to strike a deal, but for now the Italy international is keeping his options open.

"I hope to return to Italy in January,"Rossi toldtuttomercatoweb.

"Fiorentina or Juventus? I don't know if they were interested over the summer.

"Any team will be fine, we will just have to see what happens.

"The most important thing, I repeat, is that I come back to the Italian championship."

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Evatt relishing Toon test

Blackpool defender Ian Evatt has warned Newcastle they face a stiffer test when the sides clash at St James' Park on Saturday.

Evatt was part of the Blackpool side which lost 4-1 at the venue back in April but Ian Holloway's side still managed to achieve promotion via the Championship play-offs.

The defender believes the Seasiders have pushed on a lot since the defeat and he is looking forward to renewing rivalries with the Magpies again this weekend.

He told the club'sofficial website:"I think last year we were maybe the rabbit in the headlights, we just weren't ourselves on that day.

"We were in a great run of form before and after that, but that day we just let ourselves down.

"We were a new team last year learning new things and I think we've come a long way since then.

"We've got a lot of new players that need to bed in, but they're all settling in really well."

Cathcart praise

Evatt is enjoying playing alongside one of the new recruits - former Manchester United defender Craig Cathcart - who he believes is top quality.

"He's been different class, I really enjoy it,"he said."He's a really nice lad and a really good footballer.

"It's really good for the team that we're signing players of his quality, and to sign him at 21-years-old is something that will bode well for the future."

Evatt believes the international break will have done Holloway's side good and he cannot wait to take on first Newcastle and then Chelsea in the next two top flight games.

"It's been a nice little break, everyone knows the Premier League is high intensity and sometimes you need a rest from it all,"he said.

"We're ready to work again now with two massive games away from home that we could do with getting something out of.

"It's a massive period for us really, this is a time that will test just how good we are and if we're ready for it.

"The boys are full of confidence and will give it their best shot."

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Fortune happy to be back

Marc-Antoine Fortune admits he is glad to be back at West Brom after a disappointing spell at Celtic.

Fortune left West Brom for Celtic in the summer of 2009 before rejoining to the Hawthorns last month in a surprise move.

The 29-year-old claims he has no regrets about leaving West Brom for Celtic last summer, but is relishing his return to the Baggies.

"I'm a footballer, I like a challenge and went to Celtic. But I never regretted it,"Fortune told theBirmingham Mail.

"Celtic were a big club and I played well up there, though I'm glad to come to West Brom.

"It's good to be back. I had a good time here, with some good memories."

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Dossena relishing Reds return

Former Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena is relishing facing his old club in the Europa League.

The Reds take on Napoli and Dossena in the Europa League with Liverpool travelling to Italy on 21st October before welcoming the Serie A side to Anfield on 4th November.

Dossena failed to impress at Liverpool after arriving in the summer of 2008 from Udinese and he left last January to join Napoli.

The 28-year-old is keen to prove a point to the Liverpool fans when he returns to Anfield in November when his new side visit Merseyside.

"I cannot wait to go back and play at Anfield Road,"he toldRadio Marte.

"The first thing that popped into my head when I heard the news was that I'm returning to Anfield Road. The second was that I can finally show the Liverpool fans who Dossena really is.

Pressure

"I feel the pressure of this appointment and it means a lot to me to play in that stadium. There's no desire for revenge or feelings of rancour. I just want to put in a great performance."

Dossena is also looking forward to coming up against former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez who is now in charge of Italian champions Inter Milan.

"I have a good rapport with him,"added Dossena."He's also a person who likes to joke around, so the moment he sees me I'm sure he'll make me laugh.

"It'll be nice to see him again."

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Malouda blames naivety

France captain Florent Malouda has lamented his team's naivety after their shock 1-0 defeat to Belarus in their opening Euro 2012 qualifier.

In what was supposed to be the dawning on a new era under new boss Laurent Blanc, Les Bleus were stunned in the Stade de France as Sergei Kislyak caught the home defence cold to score an 86th minute winner.

It proved to be decisive in a game the French press branded a 'catastrophe' and 'nightmare' in what has been the end to an atrocious summer for the 1998 World Cup winners, after being eliminated from the group stage of this year's tournament with just one point and a public enquiry over the team's behaviour.

"We showed our naivety toward the end. When we were going for victory we forgot to ensure the draw, which is the minimum requirement,"Malouda said.

"It was hard to take, I don't think many players expected us to lose this game."

Face up

Blanc fielded a team full of inexperienced and young players due to suspensions surrounding France's World Cup debacle, but it proved to make little difference as the side lacked a cutting edge when it mattered.

Malouda, who was promoted to skipper following the international retirement of Thierry Henry and the ban of Patrice Evra, called on their younger players to take the criticisms and learn from them.

"You have to be ready whether you have one cap, two or 100,"he added.

"I told the young players before the match that you have to face up to your responsibilities."

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Houllier in Villa frame

Sky Sports Newsunderstands that former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has been interviewed for the vacant manager's job at Aston Villa.

The Frenchman is said to be in contention to form a management team with Kevin MacDonald, who is currently in a caretaker role after Martin O'Neill resigned shortly before the start of the season.

Houllier left Liverpool in 2004, having led the Reds to a famous domestic-European Treble in 2001, and went on to take in a spell in charge of Lyon between 2005 and 2007.

Ex-England manager Sven Goran Eriksson and former West Ham and Charlton boss Alan Curbishley are also understood to have been interviewed, but the pair are no longer in contention.

Meanwhile,skysports.comunderstands former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni has applied for the Villa manager's job.

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Agbonlahor advises youngsters

Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has urged the latest batch of academy graduates to be patient as they adjust to the rigours of Premier League football.

Young duo Marc Albrighton and Ciaran Clark have caught the eye during the opening matches of the season while Barry Bannan, Andreas Weimann, Eric Lichaj and Jonathan Hogg have also been elevated into first-team action under caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald.

Agbonlahor is eager to help his junior team-mates having developed into one of Villa's star players since coming through the ranks to make his debut in 2006.

And the England international has advised his counterparts to remain level-headed.

Agbonlahor toldAVTV:"I think if you look at the likes of Marc Albrighton and Ciaran Clark and the impression they have made - and Barry Bannan too - they have been terrific.

"Sometimes it doesn't happen for you every game. That happens with everyone that comes through. Not every game is going to be perfect.

"But if you look at the West Ham game, the way they played in that game and in the European game, it shows they have got the talent. Hopefully they can keep it going."

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Rio poised for return

Manchester United reserve team boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has declared Rio Ferdinand fit to make a first-team comeback.

The defender, who has been recovering from a major knee ligament problem, came through Wednesday night's second string clash with Oldham unscathed.

The reserves encounter marked the first time Ferdinand had seen action since sustaining the injury in a freak collision with Emile Heskey on the first day of World Cup training with England.

The knock ruled the 31-year-old out of the South Africa tournament, dashing his hopes of captaining his country for the event.

It also saw him miss the opening three games of United's Premier League campaign, as well as the start of England's Euro 2012 qualifying challenge.

However, it appears Ferdinand could return for United's league clash with Everton at Goodison Park on September 11th after a solid display at the low-key arena of Bower Fold in Stalybridge.

Delighted

"Rio is always the same player,"said Solskjaer."It is a while since he has played but he was still calm.

"He has got through an important 45 minutes, straight after two very hard training sessions yesterday and the day before so we are delighted with him."

Solskjaer was quick to dispel any concerns that Ferdinand's failure to play the entire 90 minutes was down to a recurrence of the injury.

"There was no problem whatsoever,"he added.

"It was always planned that he would play 45 minutes. I am not sure he needs any more games. Rio is a naturally fit lad.

"Today was about distances and getting tighter to the ball. Now he is available for selection again."

Wednesday's match, which was goalless when Ferdinand departed but ended in a 2-1 win to United, also saw midfielder Anderson play a full 90 minutes as he recovers from a cruciate operation.

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