Sheva set to return

Andriy Shevchenko is set to return for Ukraine in Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland after shaking off a viral infection.
The Chelsea striker returned to training on Monday evening after having missed Saturday's 2-0 reverse against Italy and is now expected to line up in Kiev.
The news will come as a boost for Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin, who's side desperately need points to get their qualification campaign back on track.
Ukraine currently lie second bottom of Group G, with just two points from three games, but a win against surprise group leaders Scotland would drag them back into contention.

Rio back in training

England defender Rio Ferdinand took part in training on Monday and is likely to be in Steve McClaren's side to face Croatia on Wednesday. A back problem had kept him out of the weekend's goalless draw against Macedonia.
But Ledley King, who replaced Ferdinand at Old Trafford on Saturday, sat out the training session as a precautionary measure. The Tottenham defender underwent surgery on his knee over the summer and sometimes suffers a slight reaction after some games.
"Rio trained today and it's good to have him back with us," said McClaren.
"He will be travelling with the squad and we expect him to train tomorrow in Croatia, providing there's no reaction.
"Ledley King missed training but is also expected to train with the rest of the squad tomorrow."
Ferdinand is set to partner captain John Terry in the heart of England's defence once again, but not necessarily at the expense of King. The Spurs stopper could be moved into a holding role in midfield if McClaren decides to tinker with his side.

Carrick: "we'll bounce back"

Midfielder Michael Carrick believes England are capable of bouncing back from their dismal goalless draw against Macedonia at the weekend, despite a tough test in Croatia awaiting them.
Steve McClaren's honeymoon period in charge of England ended with a bang at Old Trafford on Saturday as his charges failed to score against an obdurate Macedonian side, and they will be further tested by a tricky trip to Croatia on Wednesday.
McClaren came in for some stiff criticism following the result, but Manchester United's Carrick believes the best team always bounces back.
"It's a test for us to go there and win," he said. "Confidence and belief hasn't been knocked.
"You just have these days and we're trying to get it out of our system as quickly as possible.
"You've got to forget about the Macedonia game. What's happened has happened. It didn't quite go our way but even if we'd won the game it would still be difficult in Croatia.
"We spoke after the game about keeping our heads up and doing the right things.
"The confidence is there, the belief is there, the attitude is there but sometimes you have those games.
"It's a new manager and a new regime and we want to be doing things right."
Standing in their way is a Croatia side who are on top form and high in confidence after a 7-0 drubbing of Andorra on Saturday. With four points from two games, the Croats will leapfrog England should they win in Zagreb.
"This is a big game for them, with England coming to town, and they want to do well but we've got our own agenda and we need the three points," Carrick continued.
"We won't go into the game thinking about what happened on Saturday.
"We know we're better than that and we have to get on with it."

Berbatov threatened with fine

Bulgaria striker Dimitar Berbatov has been threatened with a fine following his comments about Bulgarian Football Union vice-chief Iordan Lechkov.
The Tottenham Hotspur goal ace reacted angrily to a perceived jibe made by Lechkov following the nation's 1-1 draw against the Netherlands on Saturday in a Euro 2008 qualifier.
"Some of the team leaders didn't give everything they can give," Lechkov said, to which Berbatov replied: ""If he (Lechkov) thinks so, we should let him play."
The comment from the former Bayer Leverkuen player was out of character, but he is expected to be punished nonetheless.
"He will be fined for his remarks in accordance with the regulations," said Lechkov. "But don't expect me to tell you the amount of the fine."
Berbatov is somewhat of a national icon, and his effort has never been brought into question before. Indeed, he played for more than an hour in Bulgaria's 2-2 draw with Romania last month after a pain-killing injection.
Bulgaria have five points from three games in their qualification campaign and currently lie in third place in Group G.

Podolski banned for two

Germany striker Lukas Podolski has been hit with a two game ban for the red card he received on Saturday, although he will only be suspended for friendly matches.
The Bayern Munich hitman saw red for kicking out at defender Zurab Khizanishvili in Germany's 2-0 friendly win over Georgia at the weekend, prompting action from the German Football Association.
As the game was a friendly, neither UEFA nor FIFA wished to sanction the World Cup star, leaving him free to play against Slovakia in Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier.
Podolski was thought to have lashed out in frustration at not being a fixture in Bayern's first XI since his summer move from Koln, according to German daily Bild.

Defence the key, says Rio

Rio Ferdinand believes a sound defensive platform will allow England to build for future international success. England have not conceded a goal since Steve McClaren took over from Sven-Goran Eriksson after the disappointing World Cup performance in the summer.
And defender Ferdinand says the whole team should take the credit for the much-improved displays.
"It's down to the whole unit," Ferdinand said as England prepare for the visit of Macedonia to Old Trafford on Saturday.
"Defensively for quite a few games we've been consistent, but I wouldn't just put that down to the keeper or the back four. It's the whole team.
"If we are going to be successful then the front boys have to start the defensive duties and we have to follow it through to the goalkeeper."
Meanwhile, although goalkeeper Paul Robinson admits he has not been in the best of form for club Tottenham Hotspur this season, he says he is full of confidence and ready to help his country to a fifth successive clean-sheet.
"If you don't count the penalties against Portugal in the World Cup, then I've only conceded in one game out of the last nine and hopefully I can extend that record," Robinson explained.
"My recent record is very good and I'm going into these games feeling confident of extending that run. Myself and the defence work as a unit and we pride ourselves on keeping clean sheets.
"We know that if we keep the other side out and the strikers can score, then we will obviously be winning matches."

Basile tells Argentina duo to move on

Argentina coach Alfio Basile has told Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano to leave West Ham for the sake of their careers. Both players have struggled for form since joining the Hammers in a shock deadline-day move from Brazilian club Corinthians at the end of August.
The Hammers have failed to win since their arrival, and Basile claims the two young players - stars for Argentina during the summer World Cup - are simply going through the motions in the Premiership.
"I hope both of them leave that club as soon as possible," he told TyC Sports.
"I think they are half-hearted and I'm really worried about that. They play as if they are unenthusiastic.
"I hope for God's sake that Mascherano can go to Juventus as it has been said, even if he has to play in the second division (in Italy).
"And Tevez can play in any position in the attacking line, but not as a left-winger like he is currently playing."

LuaLua: not ready yet

Portsmouth striker Lomana LuaLua has admitted he is not yet ready for Premiership football after making his first start of the season in Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Tottenham.
The Congolese goal ace damaged his ankle celebrating a goal against Arsenal with a trademark somersault at the back end of last season, and has struggled to regain fitness ever since.
The 25-year-old was set for a return to action at the beginning of the current campaign, but he aggravated the injury pre-season and only made his first appearance of the season, as a substitute, last weekend.
But his performance did not fill the Kinshasa-born player with confidence, and he still feels some way off full fitness.
"I wasn't happy with how I played against Spurs. It was disappointing.
"But it was my first real game, and on reflection I'm not as fit as I could be. I'm lacking sharpness.
"I just wanted to play. But on balance, it might have been better waiting. When I was injured I was trying to get over the ankle problem. I wasn't concentrating on my running and fitness so much.
"I would like a run in the team, but to do that I need my sharpness. I would be happy with just some kind of run-out against West Ham (Pompey's next Premiership opponents) - but to be honest, I would understand it if I didn't start."
LuaLua is currently away on international duty with the Democratic Republic of Congo for an African Nations Cup qualifier against Libya, and with it comes the chance to get some playing time under his belt.
"I have a game for Congo now and I need to play for my fitness," he said. "I need to play - and they need me.
"I know I have to fight for my place at Pompey, and so I want to get back to the right level quickly."

Luque targets return

Tyneside flop Albert Luque has targeted Newcastle's next Premiership match for his first-team comeback. The 28-year-old Spain forward has shown little since his £9.5million move from Deportivo last year, scoring once in 16 games, although a midweek brace for the reserves makes a case for his return.
Newcastle play Bolton a week on Saturday and Luque feels he has a chance at making the first team after scoring a brace in the 4-1 reserve team win over Liverpool on Wednesday.
"I will continue to work hard and maybe I can get back into the team for the next game against Bolton," he told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.
"I was very happy to score the two goals - I remembered how to score them from when I was in Spain!" joked the Barcelona-born forward.
Luque endured a torrid start to his St. James' Park career, picking up a hamstring injury in his second league game for the Magpies after being bought by Graeme Souness. By the time he had regained fitness, Glenn Roeder was in charge and Luque was out of favour and lacking in confidence.
"It is hard for me to play in the reserves," he continued. "I have to be honest and say that I did not expect top be playing in the second team when I moved from Spain."
"But life changes and when Glenn asks me to play in the reserves I will play - no problem."
"I am a professional and I know I have to show the right attitude. The team against Liverpool was a very young one and I as a senior player I know I have to help them and try and give an example."

Alonso hits back at critics

Xabi Alonso has hit back at Liverpool’s critics telling them to wait to the end of the season before judging the side.
Liverpool have received criticism from sections of the media after making a poor start to the season but Alonso thinks they are too quick to criticise.
“In England I have found that the media are not interested in the bigger picture,” he told the club's official magazine.
“As far as they are concerned you are only as good, or as bad, as your last result. If you have won comfortably then you are great team and you are going to be challenging for the title at the top of the league.
“Yet if you have lost, then you have big problems and something has to be done to change things. All week they will talk about it but then if you win the next week you are a much better team again.
“We know that we can still do better things than we are doing now, but it is not a problem for us. We have nothing to fear if we keep playing like we did against Newcastle, Chelsea and Spurs.”
Alonso also claimed that the World Cup and Champions League qualifiers had played their part in Liverpool's slow start.
“With the way that FIFA have the schedule now, with all the international matches to be played, it's only normal that teams are taking time to find their feet and it's no surprise to me, or anybody at the club, that around Europe a lot of big teams are starting their seasons slowly,” he added.
“I would say that none of the so-called giant teams have started the season they ended last season but not every club receives the same level of criticism.
“But that's okay because we are only interested in ourselves. We have just started the season and we will see where we are in May.”

Rio "gutted" about captaincy

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was left upset by the club's decision not to appoint him as captain after Roy Keane exited Old Trafford, but the central defender refuses to give up hope of one day wearing the armband.
Manager Alex Ferguson made the decision to make Gary Neville the United skipper after Keane left for Celtic, leaving Ferdinand "gutted" not to have been chosen.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't gutted about not getting the captaincy," the England stopper said.
"The manager said in the past I could be the next captain after Keaney," he continued. "The lads were asking what had happened between me and the gaffer, but nothing had happened.
Ferdinand was embroiled in a contract dispute at the time of Keane's departure and many United fans were angered by what was seen as a lack of loyalty on the player's behalf. Ferdinand believes this was the reason he was overlooked.
"I figured it was because of what had gone on with the contract," he said. "But there weren't any explanations and I didn't expect the manager to speak to me. I didn't need to be spoken to about it or reasons given. I wasn't captain before Gary so there was no need for him to say anything to me and tell me why he'd done it."
Despite his disappointment, Ferdinand remains 100% behind United, and Neville, saying his England colleague is "a great captain."
"There are no arguments from me on that score. He is a Manchester lad, United through and through, and you couldn't ask for anyone better.
"However, I would definitely still love to be captain and carry the great traditions on. It remains an ambition."

Chelsea respond in Real row

Chelsea have hit back at Real Madrid after being accused of inflating European transfer fees. The Premiership champions were accused by Real president Ramon Calderon of having a "very dangerous" affect on prices, but responded by saying they were investing money in football.
Calderon had said Roman Abramovich's massive wealth had made it impossible to compete with the Blues in the transfer market.
"It's a problem, prices are high. It's very dangerous," said Calderon.
"Abramovich is paying a lot of money for players but we have to compete with it. In his case he admitted to having lost £150million last season."
But Chelsea director of communications Simon Greenberg said: "The money that we have spent has been invested into football - the majority of it.
"A very small amount of Roman's investment went on purchasing the club. The rest of it has gone into football and filtered down through football.
"Although we made a substantial loss last year, there were a number of one-off payments that won't be repeated this year.
"We run ourselves as much as we can as a plc (public limited company) and we are completely transparent about our accounts - which is something that cannot be said for many European clubs including, I would say, Real Madrid."

Shevchenko in Italy doubt

Ukraine talisman Andriy Shevchenko could be a doubt to face Italy on Saturday because of a fever. The Chelsea striker had been expected to lead the charge against an Azzurri side featuring former Milan team-mates Andrea Pirlo, Gennaro Gattuso, Alessandro Nesta and Filippo Inzaghi.
Shevchenko has something to prove at international level having failed to impress at the World Cup in Germany, where he was hampered by a lack of match fitness.
The break for Euro 2008 qualifying has given the 30-year-old a timely break from club football, where he has now gone seven games without a goal and is struggling to adapt to life in the Premiership.
However, both he and Milan have rubbished reports that he could be about to return to the San Siro, where the misfiring Rossoneri have gone three games without a goal.
Club vice president Adriano Galliani denounced the rumours as a media invention.
"Sheva is a Chelsea player and he will end his career there. It's useless feeding false hopes to the fans," Galliani said.
Meanwhile Shevchenko insisted: "There is no chance of me returning to Milan."
"Players go through difficult times and it happens to everyone. But I feel young and full of energy.
"I chose Chelsea and I will continue on this path. Nothing can change my choice. Life goes beyond football."

Crouch wants Rooney partnership

Liverpool attacker Peter Crouch is keen to forge a striking partnership with Manchester United star Wayne Rooney for England.
The pair have only played together in the draw with Sweden during the World Cup but many pundits feel their styles can complement each other.
Although Rooney has been out of touch domestically, by his own admission, the former Everton striker is keen to rediscover his best form for his country after returning from suspension.
England face Macedonia on Saturday at Old Trafford after winning in Skopje courtesy of Crouch's strike.
"Maybe it's not going for you at club level so it's nice to get away and have a fresh start again," opined Crouch at a press conference.
"He's looked lively in training and I'm sure he'll be right come the game.
"Given the chance to play together, I think we can work well. We've played together in training and complement each other well.
"Wayne likes to drop off deep and it gives me opportunities to get into the box so I think it could work well.
"I'm not sure if the manager's saying that [Rooney is an automatic selection], maybe for this game he could be, but Wayne's a top, top talent.
"People are making a big thing of a couple of games when he's not been the best player on the pitch. Remember how young he is. He's a top player and, given the opportunity, he'll probably prove a few people wrong on Saturday.
"It's not for me to give Wayne any advice. He's his own man - a great player in his own right. Even if he's not scoring, he gives the team so much. I think it's only a matter of time before he is scoring goals again. Other than that, he works so hard for the team and creates so much, he's one of those players you want in the team.
"I've played with a few partners recently for England. Wayne's another one now. I think he's such a creative player and that can only be good for me.
"I think I'll be the one to try and play as high as possible and get Wayne in and around me. Hopefully, my job will be to hold things up, play people in, get into the box and get on the end of things."
Crouch is delighted with his form as he has bagged 11 goals in his last 10 England caps.
"You can analyse it but I just want to get on and continue it," he said. "Hopefully, it'll be the case but they are two important games here and it's important whoever scores the goals but I'd love to keep that record going.
"Macedonia did surprise us to be honest. They did surprise us how much ability they had and the pitch was difficult but, at Old Trafford, hopefully we can beat them by a bigger margin.
"It's been an amazing year for me. Any time I walk out on the pitch for England at the moment, I feel I'm going to do well and score as well. I'm as confident as I've ever been.
"It's been a great year for me international-wise."

Coupet ready for "hot" Glasgow

Goalkeeper Gregory Coupet is confident that France can respond to the "hot" Hampden Park atmosphere and maintain their 100% record in Group B when they meet leaders Scotland in Euro 2008 qualifying on Saturday.
Les Blues beat world champions Italy 3-1 last month and defeated the Scots 5-0 when the sides last met at the Stade de France four years ago.
But France's only previous visit to Glasgow in a competitive game ended in a 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat in 1989 and the Lyon shot stopper is aware of the hostile reception he will face but remains confident.
He said: "Scotland is a good and strong team and particularly at home with their supporters, so it will be very 'hot'.
"But I'm expecting that, it will be a pleasure and if we manage to win that challenge we will get out of it stronger.
"We can be very ambitious after the way we played in particular against Italy. We will be very disappointed if we cannot manage to make something in Scotland.
"So we are conscious that it will be a difficult match but we are optimistic because we're feeling well and we're play well."

Kuyt unhappy with Van Nistelrooy

Holland hit-man Dirk Kuyt is unhappy with Ruud van Nistelrooy's public spat with coach Marco van Basten.
The Liverpool forward is one of the players profiting from Van Nistelrooy's continued international exile but he was not pleased to hear the Real Madrid marksman explaining his frustration in the media.
"Ruud has an opinion and we must respect that opinion," Kuyt informed NOS Langs de Lijn.
"But I do find that you should always keep your criticism private.
"This is not an attack on Ruud because I really rate him highly - both as a person and as a footballer."
Van Basten's side face Bulgaria and Albania during the next programme of Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Dida calls time on Brazil career

Brazil goalkeeper Dida has effectively called time on his international career, coach Dunga said on Sunday.
"He has called us saying that it is not in his plans to play for Brazil any more," Dunga said in a television interview.
The new coach implied that he was unlikely to be sympathetic to any future change of heart on the part of the softly-spoken goalkeeper.
"We don't want any player who doesn't want to represent Brazil, who doesn't have any pleasure in being here," said Dunga, who replaced Carlos Alberto Parreira following the World Cup.
"The player has to put his soul and his heart with the team as well as his body."
Dida, 32, has not played for Brazil since the World Cup quarter-final defeat against France.
The AC Milan player was in Brazil's squad at the last three World Cups, although he had to wait until the 2006 tournament to get a game.
He played in all five of Brazil's games in Germany conceding only two goals.
He made his international debut against South Africa in 1997 and went on to win 92 caps. He also played in the 1996 Olympic Games when Brazil won the bronze medal.
Meanwhile, Brazil and Ecuador will play their October 10 friendly in Stockholm, Swedish media reported on Sunday.
The match, which was originally scheduled to be played at the Nou Camp in Barcelona, will take place at the Rasunda stadium in Solna, a suburb just north of the Swedish capital.
"This will be an interesting test on how many people an international game without Sweden can attract," the Swedish FA chairman Lars-Ake Lagrell told the daily Dagens Nyheter's website.
The stadium will be rented by Swiss company Kentaro Group, who own the rights to Brazil's training matches.

Capello slams "cheat" Torres

Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello has slammed Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres for his part in getting defender Sergio Ramos sent off in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 21-year-old dropped to the ground holding his face after tussling with Ramos in the 62nd minute of the game, and referee Undiano Mallenco promptly showed the centre-back his second yellow card, infuriating Capello.
"Torres is a cheat and must be punished," the Italian raged. "He has deceived the referee and it is not fair."
The Atleti skipper insisted there was contact, saying: "Capello needs to do less talking and watch the video."
The match finished level after Mista had put the visitors ahead after six minutes, only for Real to reply through captain Raul just before the break, though Capello admitted he was unsatisfied with his side's showing early on.
"In the first half, Guti, (Mahamadou) Diarra and Emerson did not play in their positions," he said. "In the second half we were better, until the sending off."

Beckham: No complaints

David Beckham has admitted he has no grounds for protest after bring dropped from the Real Madrid team for four consecutive matches. The former England captain has failed to impress new Madrid coach Fabio Capello, with the Italian preferring loan signing Jose Antonio Reyes.
"I can't complain about not starting," Beckham told As newspaper. "There are a lot of players on the bench who are in the same situation."
"I've got to adapt to this new situation and work hard to win Capello's confidence."
Beckham has been a virtually automatic choice for Madrid since his arrival from Manchester United in 2003, having never been left on the bench for two consecutive games until this season.
Having also been left out of the England squad, Beckham has targeted the international break as an opportunity to gain match fitness and work his way back into first-team contention.
"Now there is a break coming up which will be very good for some of the players to improve their fitness," he said.
Madrid have nearly two weeks before their next Liga match, away to Madrid rivals Getafe. They drew 1-1 against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, with Beckham making a brief substitute cameo.
The 31-year-old is currently in talks over a new contract, with his current deal expiring next summer, leaving him free to negotiate an exit from the Santiago Bernabeu as of January.

Mancini attempts to quell unrest

Internazionale coach Roberto Mancini responded to Adriano’s angry reaction at being substituted at the weekend, by stating that the changes he made were for the good of the team. Adriano was hauled off just five minutes before the end, and replaced by Argentinian forward Mariano Gonzalez.
But the burly Brazilian showed his disgust at the change, kicking a water bottle lying by the side of the pitch and refusing to acknowledge his manager.
"I only make changes for the good of the team," Mancini insisted. "I sent on Gonzalez because he is a quick player who has good movement off the ball.
"Adriano didn't do enough, just like everybody else in the team."
Goalscorer Fabio Grosso was also reportedly unhappy, and exchanged angry words on the touchline with Mancini as the coach debated whether to replace him with Argentinian defender Nicolas Burdisso.
Though he later sought to diffuse any talk of discontent, stating: "Those comments were not addressed to anybody in particular. They were just expressing personal frustration."

Moore could miss season

Aston Villa striker Luke Moore could miss the rest of the season after aggravating a shoulder injury against Chelsea at the weekend. The 20-year-old is likely to have an operation on the long-standing problem and boss Martin O'Neill thinks it will be the end of the campaign for the youngster.
Moore was taken off after a challenge with Frank Lampard on 38 minutes and O'Neill admitted: "I believe Luke's injury could be a season-threatening injury. It looks like - and I don't want to pre-empt things - he will need an operation.
"It's the first time he has not been able to put the shoulder back in again straight away after it's come out.
"If Luke needs an operation, it will be a major blow to us because it will take months and months. It's a real blow for him but he needs the shoulder tightening up and he needs it strengthened."
O'Neill is reportedly lining up a short-term move for former Celtic forward Chris Sutton, recently released by relegated Birmingham, as he is desperately short of striking cover with Juan Pablo Angel, Milan Baros and teenager Gabriel Agbonlahor - who has been playing wide right this season - the only senior attackers left in his squad.
The 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Saturday leaves Villa sixth in the Premiership and unbeaten in eight competitive matches.

Solskjaer hails team-mates

Manchester United's returning hero Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed on Monday that Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney inspired him while he suffered his injury hell.
"The prospect of playing with Cristiano and Wayne was one of the things I used as inspiration when I was injured," said Solskjaer.
"I was really motivated to play with them. I am 33 now but I don't believe I am too old to learn, and I can definitely learn a lot from both of them."
Ronaldo in particular has been on top form recently. Against Newcastle on Sunday he hit the post with shots on three separate occasions, the first of which Solskjaer followed up to open the scoring.
The Norwegian then scored a lucky second, deflecting home a Nemanja Vidic shot to put United top of the league on goal difference from Chelsea as the Premiership embraces a two week break from action, due to the Euro 2008 qualifying calendar.
"When you are top at any stage it gives you a good feeling," Solskjaer continued. "We will definitely be there for two weeks and we intend to be there for longer than that."

Jol: "Campbell has respect"

Spurs boss Martin Jol has stood up for Portsmouth's Sol Campbell after the defender suffered more abuse from the fans on his return to White Hart Lane.
"I think [Campbell] is one of the best defenders of the last 15 years and everybody respects him," Jol said. "I even think that our crowd respects him."
Campbell has withstood a hate campaign ever since he left Tottenham for bitter North London rivals Arsenal in 2001. Jol's comments are unlikely to be appreciated by Spurs fans, many of whom saw fit to chant obscenities at Campbell throughout Sunday's match.
"I'm not someone who can make the world better," Jol continued. "Everybody can make their own decisions and we should leave it in the past."
Jol also said that defender Michael Dawson will be monitored this week after he suffered concussion in the game. He should be able to resume training by the end of the week.

Robin's Reds Best

Arsenal attacker Robin van Persie has hailed the stunning strike at Charlton Athletic on Saturday as the best goal of his career.
The outstanding volley from Emmanuel Eboue's clever cross enabled the Gunners to pick up a 2-1 victory and was Van Persie's second goal of an entertaining game.
Although the Dutchman had earlier survived a possible red card incident involving fellow countryman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, his moment of magic lit up The Valley.
"I have seen the goal on TV and yes, it was my best goal," said Van Persie.
"Before that, there was the goal against Blackburn but now there is this one.
"It was a fantastic cross and there was a little bit of a curve at the end. When I saw the ball coming to me I was just focused on one thing, hit it straight and in the heart of the ball.
"When I did that I thought I had put it a bit high. I thought at first the ball would go over the bar. At the end, it came just under the bar.
"It was a fantastic goal but it was important as well.
"Liverpool lost 2-0 [to Bolton Wanderers] and Chelsea dropped some points as well. It was a great goal but it was important for the team.”

Pompey pay the penalty

Tottenham beat Portsmouth 2-1 at White Hart Lane to lift themselves out of the bottom three, but the victory was not without controversy. Their second goal came after referee Chris Foy awarded the home side a penalty in the first half but Didier Zokora clearly dived.
Pompey fought back from the injustice but they couldn"t do enough to earn a point in a thoroughly entertaining game.
Tottenham had not scored in the Premiership for 433 minutes and welcomed Dimitar Berbatov and Ledley King back from injury. Hossam Ghaly was also handed a first league start.
Portsmouth also handed first starts of the season to Lomana Lua Lua and new signing Niko Kranjcar. Andy Cole was also handed a place on the bench, alongside Benjamin Mwaruwari.
Spurs' goal drought ended in emphatic fashion as Danny Murphy put the home side ahead with just 39 seconds on the clock. Jermain Defoe crossed for Berbatov who headed straight at David James.
The former England keeper could not hold it and as Glen Johnson attempted to shield the ball from Berbatov he fell on it, pushing it into the path of Murphy who improvised cleverly to flick home.
It was all Tottenham in the early stages, and it was Murphy again who came close to making it 2-0 with a curling left footed strike from just outside the box. This time however he was denied by James at full stretch, who tipped the ball over the bar.
Portsmouth were beginning to get into their stride when Foy awarded a penalty to the home side in the most unjust fashion. Zokora blatantly dived as he turned Pedro Mendes in the box, there was no contact but the ref pointed to the spot.
Jermain Defoe was the man who doubled Spurs' lead, scoring his first goal of the season with a coolly taken penalty into the bottom corner.
The injustice seemed to invigorate Pompey and within five minutes they were back in the game. The impressive Gary O'Neil delivered an inch perfect cross from the right and Kanu headed home his fifth goal of the season to make it 2-1 at the interval.
The second half saw some good football from both sides, but clear cut chances were few and far between. Jermaine Jenas drew a good save from James but it was the visitors who had the better of things.
Despite the majority of possession Pompey could not find the net and indeed Jenas twice came close before Defoe drew a great one handed save from James.
Portsmouth's best opportunity came deep in injury time as Mwaruwari's cross was met by the head of Lua Lua at the far post. However the DR Congo hitman was denied brilliantly by Paul Robinson.
A very important win for Tottenham and their season could now be up and running after two victories in four days.

Cisse optomistic

France and Olympique Marseille striker Djibril Cisse could resume training next month as he continues his recovery from a broken leg, the Ligue 1 club said on Wednesday.
"What I've heard from the medical staff and from the lad himself let me think he could resume training in October," OM chairman Pape Diouf told the club's Web site.
"Let's be optimistic, we might see him on the pitch at the end of October," he added.
Cisse missed the World Cup finals in Germany after he broke his leg during France's last warm-up match against China on June 7.
The striker joined Marseille from Liverpool in a season-long loan in July.

Cisse a month away from fitness

Olympique Marseille striker Djibril Cisse says he is on target to return from his broken leg next month. Cisse, who joined Marseille on a season-long loan from Liverpool in July, has set his sights on returning in the Ligue 1 match against champions Lyon on October 21.
"That is my challenge," Cisse told French newspaper L'Equipe on Friday. "But we shall see as I have been injured for three and a half months."
The 25-year-old Cisse broke his leg during France's last warm-up game for the World Cup finals against China on June 7, but has started jogging and will begin light training soon.
This is the second time in two years Cisse has been sidelined with a broken leg following a horrific break during a Premier League game against Blackburn in October 2004, although the France international remains positive.
"What happens makes you stronger. You have to put things in perspective," he said.

Henry reveals Liverpool affection

Arsenal attacker Thierry Henry claims that he would have liked to represent Liverpool, had he not become such a firm favourite in North London.
Speaking at the launch of 'Impact Art', a charity which looks after seriously ill young adults, the Frenchman admitted he could never play for another Premiership side.
However, he does respect Liverpool and made the revelation that, had things worked out differently, he could have been an Anfield idol.
"I could never play for another English club after spending so long at Arsenal but, maybe, if there could ever have been another team, it would be Liverpool," he told The Mail.
"I say them because I would have loved to play with Steven Gerrard and then also I love their fans.
"There is something special about Anfield which is amazing and, when I see The Kop with their scarves in the air, singing 'You'll Never Walk Alone', that is awesome."

Morientes critical of Premiership

Valencia striker Fernando Morientes has admitted that he is not a fan of Premiership football following his disappointing spell at Liverpool.
The 30-year-old has rediscovered his best form at La Mestalla, scoring two goals in two league matches and bagging a superb hat-trick at Olympiakos in the UEFA Champions League.
It has left some pundits scratching their heads as to why Morientes could not produce the goods at Anfield following a &euro9.4 million (£6.3 million) move from Real Madrid in the 2005 January window.
After claiming only eight goals in 41 Premiership appearances, the former Monaco marksman believes the style of the league simply did not suit him.
"I wanted to return to what I knew and play the kind of football in which I felt more comfortable," said Morientes.
"I didn't like the physical nature of the game in England or the referees who let more things go, and who blow for fewer fouls than they do here.
"I wanted to return to what I knew and play the kind of football in which I felt more comfortable.
"A striker isn't protected from rival defences there and they gave me a really hard time," he told Sport.

Beckham to sign new deal soon

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has revealed that David Beckham will sign a new contract with the club within the next three weeks.
The ex-England captain was dropped for Sunday's clash with Real Sociedad but came off the bench to score in a 2-0 victory.
After ruling out a Premiership return, because he could never face playing against former club Manchester United, a new deal at the Bernabeu seems the likeliest option for the 31-year-old.
"In the next 15 or 20 days, we will resolve it [Beckham's contract]," Calderon told City FM. "Because [coach Fabio] Capello, like the club, is extremely happy with the player."
Beckham is facing a fight for his place at club and international level and, despite his ambition to reach 100 England caps, it seems unlikely that coach Steve McClaren will recall him to the fold.

Villarreal will not replace Pires

Villarreal will not delve into the transfer market to replace crocked summer signing Robert Pires, according to the club's general manager Jose Manuel Llaneza.
The transfer deadline has passed, but FIFA rules allow clubs to replace seriously injured players. Llaneza, however, told Spanish sports newspaper Marca that they have no plans to sign anyone.
"We don't have an urgent need to find a player," he said. "If we saw something important was lacking we would act on it.
"As this isn't the case, we have decided not to use the moratorium."
Pires tore the cruciate ligament in his left knee before the season started after joining from Arsenal and will not be available until March.
Villarreal are yet to score a goal after three league games so far this season and are 17th in La Liga.

Henry - "Wenger is unique"

Thierry Henry has praised his manager Arsene Wenger's contribution to Arsenal, declaring him "unique" in changing perceptions of the club. Wenger took Arsenal from derided as "boring" days under George Graham to being heralded as one of the most attractive footballing sides in Europe.
"The way he sees the game and the way he wants his players to play. He is unique," Henry said.
"It's like when you used to see Ajax, they had this tradition of passing the ball and that's what Arsene has brought here."
Henry understands that there are still times when Arsenal have to scrap for a result - highlighting his side's epic battles with Manchester United over the years.
"We did win some ugly games like the FA Cup final against Manchester United - if that was a boxing match they would have stopped the game.
While Arsenal are now generally regarded to be one of the top passing sides in world football, Henry admits that the old style was effective too.
"Everybody has their own way. I don't know if 'boring, boring Arsenal' was fair. They won some stuff too, even playing like that.
"But now we are winning stuff, playing like this. Arsene has changed the view people have of the club."
"When I walk in London or even abroad, people come up and say: 'I'm not an Arsenal fan but I love to see you play'.
Despite a poor League season in 2005/6 and - until the win against Manchester United at the weekend - Arsenal have won seven major trophies including three Premiership titles and two doubles under Wenger and went the entire 2003/4 season unbeaten in domestic competition.

Jol blames midfield for goal drought

Spurs boss Martin Jol blames their goal drought on a lack of creativity in midfield. Tottenham have not scored for almost six hours. He feels the problem is due not being able to field a settled side, although the loss of Michael Carrick to Manchester United has a part to play.
"We have not played with the same midfield and I don't like to chop and change the team around. I like a settled side," Jol said.
"It's not about having a bad spell. Our defence is better than ever but it's up to the imagination of the midfield and attacking players. We have to be creative."
Midfielder Danny Murphy is likely to continue in the starting line-up by returning to face his former employers at Anfield this Saturday:
"Danny did pretty well against Fulham. You cannot say he is not a creative player," Jol admitted.
"It's about chances and if he gets his chance he must grab it. He showed me last year he is a good player."
Aaron Lennon, meanwhile, will be out for at least another five weeks after undergoing surgery.
Jol said: "Lennon has started training but needs another five weeks. He is looking okay. He had a little bit of pain but that's normal after a cartilage operation. He had a bit of cartilage removed.
"He is doing light training and trying to get power back in his leg because after an operation you lose all the strength in it."

Berbatov facing groin operation

Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after aggravating a groin injury in training, which could now require surgery to fix.
The Bulgarian international is now doubtful for his country's Euro 2008 qualifiers against the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
"He is going to take some time to recover," confirmed Spurs' manager Martin Jol. "It could take another couple of weeks for him to come back.
"We pushed him to come back because we needed him and he was pushing himself. But he could not come back against Fulham last week and it has proved the case again this week.
"He is still feeling pain and we will have to wait for him to come back. We are having problems scoring goals at the moment and we are looking for the attacking players to be more productive for us."
Since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, the target man has played just three times, scoring once, but was expected to return to the side for this weekend's match against Liverpool.
The setback comes as a blow to Jol, who's side has struggled to find the back of the net this term

McDermott hits out at 'upstart' Bellamy

Newcastle United coach Terry McDermott has hit out at Craig Bellamy by describing the Liverpool striker as a 'little upstart' following an altercation in the tunnel at Anfield on Wednesday.
McDermott, who starred for Liverpool in his playing days, rowed with Bellamy after Newcastle's 2-0 defeat and confirmed that an incident took place away from the public eye.
Although he worked with the Wales international at St James' Park, there is no love lost between the pair.
"I was talking to the referee at the edge of the tunnel when Bellamy appeared on the scene and suddenly started calling me names," revealed McDermott to The Evening Chronicle.
"I thought he was just joking and I put my arm around him. But he kept on calling me names and that's when it all kicked off.
"I had my say and, when he got to the top of the stairs, he started shouting at me again, but of course he had security guys around him.
"I was talking to the referee - it had nothing to do with anyone else and I take exception to little upstarts like him.
"I do not like it when people like to think they are bigger than clubs.
"When he was at Newcastle, he thought he was a big cheese.
"When he went to Blackburn, he caused trouble there and everywhere he has been he has been in bother - and it is all starting again at Liverpool.
"There was no need for it at all and he was 100 percent out of order."

Ronaldo happy at United

Cristiano Ronaldo insists that he is happy to remain at Manchester United and is in no rush to leave Old Trafford despite making comments in the summer that he wanted to move to Spain.
Ronaldo was the subject of a strong negative media campaign in England after he was judged to have influenced the referee in Wayne Rooney sending off during England's World Cup quarter-final loss to Portugal.
The press back-lash – as well as the reception he received from neutral fans during his country's semi-final loss to France – led Ronaldo to announce that he did not want to return to the Premiership.
But he now believes that returning to Manchester United was the best thing for him and that his comments in the summer were ill-advised.
“It is true that – before returning to Manchester – I said in an interview that anything could happen,” the Portugese star told PortuGOAL.net.
“But this was a club that gave me a lot of support, and where I have won a lot of things, and the situation needed to be analysed calmly. With the support of the president Jorge [Mendes] and of Alex Ferguson I took the decision to stay very calmly and I really think it was the best decision.
“When we are hot-headed sometimes we say things we don't mean to or, at least, that are not appropriate. If that happens we don't want to accept that we were wrong or that some people were wrong. What's important is that things turned out well.”
Ronaldo went on to say that he believes that United is the perfect club for him.
“I have been here since I was 18-years-old. I have felt and I still feel very happy about that,” added Ronaldo.
“I hope that things will continue to carry on in the same way for me, or even better. There's one thing I'm sure of: Manchester United is the ideal club for me.”
The 21-year-old also admitted that he wishes to leave a permanent mark at the club.
“What I want to do is leave a permanent mark on Manchester, leave my mark on the club as the first Portugese who played there, to leave the door open for others, my colleagues, to go there to play one day.”

Harper devastated by goal

Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper has admitted that he will be haunted by Xabi Alonso’s goal that saw Liverpool sink them 2-0 on Wednesday.
Spain midfielder Alonso won the ball in his own half and - spotting Harper off his line put up a lob that bounced into the bottom right hand corner of the net leaving the keeper desperately backtracking in vain.
"I was really enjoying the game," Harper told The Evening Chronicle.
"I felt great, and I don't understand it. I was playing quite high up to counteract Craig Bellamy's pace, but I was no further out than the penalty spot. I was just backpedalling to try and catch it, and as I tried to change direction I went over.
"I'm going to see that for the rest of my life now - it's just devastating."
It was not the quite the start that Harper wanted to his life as Newcastle's number one goalkeeper - standing in for Shay Given who is expected to be out for at least six weeks recovering from abdominal surgery after he tore his bowel in Newcastle's 2-0 victory over West Ham last week.
Harper had been relishing the chance to play at Anfield but is well aware that people are going to remember the goal he let in rather than the saves he did make.
"I was straight at it, and made a few saves but nobody's going to remember that," he added.
"They're just going to remember the goal. It was just one fatal slip at the wrong time. If you're an outfield player and you slip, there's somebody there to cover it for you.
"I'm not looking forward to seeing it, but its history now and we've got to go out there on Sunday and put it right.
"It was a horrible thing to happen, but it happened. The good thing is that I've got a chance to go out there and get it out of my system."

Ancelotti: We'd have Sheva back

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he would welcome Andriy Shevchenko back at the club - but not for the €45 million fee that Chelsea splashed out on him.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich bankrolled a deal in excess of £30 million such was his determination to bring his favourite player to Stamford Bridge.
The Ukrainian, who was idolised in Milan, has struggled to adapt to life in the Premiership and toiled again in Sunday's win over Liverpool before being substituted for Arjen Robben.
The Rossoneri were sad to lose their leading striker and Ancelotti made the cheeky remark at a press conference.
"We want to do well in the next games in order to make our mark in the league and Champions League," he stated. "But, for the moment, we have done nothing [the club are still on -2 points in the Serie A table].
"We have only demonstrated that we are competitive and the new players are valid acquisitions for this squad.
"If Shevchenko wanted to return, we would have him back. But not for &euro45 million!"
Jose Mourinho has urged Shevchenko to start displaying his best form and there is little doubt that he has the class to make a massive impact in West London.

Rooney admits dip in form

Striker Wayne Rooney has admitted that his form for Manchester United has been poor in recent games. Rooney struggled to make an impact after serving out his three-match ban for a pre-season dismissal, with lacklustre performances against Celtic and Arsenal last week.
And the England international has spoken of his frustration:
"I am disappointed with my own form in the last two games", he told the club's TV station.
"It has not been up to the standard I normally play. I am disappointed with that but I will keep working hard and hopefully my game will come back again."
PRESSURE
Rooney was substituted along with Paul Scholes towards the end of the 1-0 defeat against Arsenal, a decision which was greeted with jeers by sections of the Old Trafford crowd, although the player himself believes that his manager Sir Alex Ferguson as right to take him off.
"It was a big game and there was a lot of pressure on us to win it", he said.
"I spoke to Paul (Scholes) after the match and we were both quite tired. Nevertheless, losing against Arsenal was a big blow. We have made a good start to the season and we wanted to continue".
"Sunday's game was one we could have won and we let ourselves down in that respect".

Lennon: "I'll come back stronger"

Aaron Lennon has vowed to come back even stronger than before after being forced to miss six weeks of the season with a knee injury.
Lennon underwent surgery on Saturday to cure a cartilage injury he sustained prior to Tottenham's clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The England winger initially thought that the injury was nothing serious when he first felt the pain in his knee but he will now miss England's two Euro 2008 qualifiers with Macedonia and Croatia as well as a number of Premiership games.
“I tried to do a sharp turn and felt a pain in the side of my knee. I didn't think much of it but the physio said to go and have a scan.
“The scan showed a little tear in the side of my cartilage. I am a fast healer so I shouldn't be out for too long.
“It is horrible, there are big games coming up and there is also Europe. It is a part of football and a learning experience. I'll be strong and come back stronger – I'll be alright.”
Meanwhile, Egypt striker Mido insists that it will only be a matter of time before Spurs start smacking in the goals in the Premiership.
Only Jermaine Jenas and Dimitar Berbatov are on the scoresheet so far this season and Spurs have failed to score in the last three games.
The lack of goals and victories is causing real concern to coach Martin Jol as he tries to compensate for the loss of Michael Carrick in midfield.
Carrick joined Manchester United in the summer and so far Tottenham have failed to replicate the king of service strikers like Mido, Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane thrived on last season.
But Mido – who joined Tottenham on a permanent basis in the summer following an 18 month spell on loan from Roma – believes that the slow start to the season is not a cause for concern in the long run.
“A lot of teams who didn't start strongly last season played very well and finished strongly in the end – like Blackburn for example,” said the Egyptian.
“Others started well and faded. We still have a lot of games and a lot of things to do to get results. We will get started very soon.”
Mido could find himself back on the bench against Liverpool this weekend if Berbatov recovers from his groin injury.
But the Egyptian is not worried.
“It is unusual to play every game and if you do, you won't be able to play your best all the time.
“With Martin Jol, I know how it is. He picks the best players for each game and each one is different. Different games call for different strengths and I understand his thinking.
“When you are sure the manager is fair to you – even if you are not playing – you don't have a problem with it.”

Good news for Magpies

Roeder bemused by reactionNewcastle United manager Glenn Roeder has received three pieces of positive news on the injury front ahead of the Premiership clash with Liverpool on Wednesday.

The Magpies boss feels Shay Given, who suffered a nasty stomach injury at West Ham, will only be out for a matter of "weeks not months" while there are positive updates on Kieron Dyer and Shola Ameobi.

Given tore his bowel after being caught by Marlon Harewood and required surgery in a bid to repair the damage.

"The surgen said he has never seen an injury like this happen through football," explained Roeder.

"He has seen it happen in car crashes where there has been impact, and I suppose that is what has caused it this time.

"Shay is going to spend a few days in hospital. He had an operation in the lower part of his stomach where he had a one-centimetre tear in his lower bowel that had started to leak.

"I don't know the period of time before Shay plays again - whether it'll be five, six or seven weeks. Our doctor said they're not talking about a long period of time and it'll be a period of weeks rather than months."

Meanwhile, Dyer is back in training but is not being considered yet for selection and Ameobi is set for a place in the squad for the trip to Liverpool, despite being troubled by a hip injury.

There may be the need for Ameobi to undergo surgery but, for the time being, he seems prepared to play through the pain barrier.

Benitez not concerned

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez says he is not concerned by his side’s slow start to the season, despite the fact that they have only taken four points from their first four games.
Liverpool play Newcastle on Wednesday and already nine points behind the early leaders Portsmouth, although they do have one game in hand.
Their four league games have so far produced a 2-1 win over West Ham, a 1-1 draw with Sheffield United and defeats to Everton (0-3) and Chelsea (0-1).
They also have not scored any of their last three games which includes the Champions League 0-0 draw with PSV Eindhoven.
“It's a long race and after four games you need to be calm,” Benitez told reporters.
“You need to look at the bigger picture. We want to be top of the table from the beginning of the season. But we are thinking about the whole season and we want to win one of more trophies at the end of the season not just one or two games now.”
Benitez has also been critical of the treatment referees are given to midfielder Mohammed Sissoko – who has been booked in all three of his Premier League games this season.
“Some of football's big names do not see a lot of yellow cards and their tackles are worse than Momo's,” Benitez added.
“It's hard for a young player like Momo as he does not have the reputation of a big player yet and is booked for lesser tackles.”
Sissoko was on the receiving end of a stamp from German international Michael Ballack at Stamford Bridge on Sunday which earned an immediate red card for the Chelsea player.

Trio in for Sutton

Three clubs are believed to be jostling for the signature of free agent Chris Sutton, including his former club Blackburn Rovers.
The former Ewood Park favourite, who formed a lethal partnership with Alan Shearer dubbed 'SAS' in the press, is looking for a new club after recovering from a groin injury.
After a spell with Birmingham City last term, the versatile forward is keen to resume his career and has no shortage of admirers.
Aston Villa are also reportedly in the frame with Martin O'Neill well versed in Sutton's abilities after managing him at Celtic.
The third bidders are not yet known but a decision on his future is expected to be taken soon.
The 33-year-old is able to move on due to his current status as an out-of-contract player despite the fact that the transfer window closed last month.

Park: I'm doing fine

Manchester United winger Park Ji-sung has revealed that his ankle operation was a success as he starts the long road back to full fitness.
The South Korea international damaged his ligaments towards the end of the recent win over Tottenham and faces several months on the sidelines.
Park is in plaster and will have been disappointed by United's defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, a game in which he scored last season.
However, he is keen to get back in action for club and country as soon as possible.
"The operation went well," he told Chosun Ilbo. "The doctors told me that I am doing fine, and my ankle is in plaster.
"Apart from my leg, I feel fine.
"I will be out of action for about three months.
"I feel frustrated that I won't be able to play but am confident that, after the operation, I will be stronger than before."

Carrick looking forward to challenge

Michael Carrick has admitted that he is still struggling for match fitness but has already targeted a regular spot in the Manchester United team as his aim for the season.
Carrick - who was Sir Alex Ferguson's only major signing of the summer – insists he has settled at the club despite playing only two games before picking up an injury.
The 25-year-old will have been disappointed to have started United's biggest game so far this season – against Arsenal – on the bench.
But Carrick – rather than being discouraged by the set-back – is viewing it as a challenge.
“Match fitness will take a few games, but I'm looking forward to it. I'm taking everything as it comes, I just want to get in the team and stay there.
“But I'm not taking anything for granted, there is a lot of quality here.”
Ferguson has no worries about Carrick living up to the expectations of United fans.
“He's an excellent footballer, and definitely a Manchester United player,” Ferguson told the club website.
Meanwhile Ferguson has also been playing down fears that fellow midfielder Ryan Giggs is facing yet more long-term hamstring trouble.
The veteran Welshman is set to miss at least another three weeks after injuring his right hamstring in United's Champions League win over Celtic last weekend.
Ferguson has been quick to play down the latest fears but admits that given the form Giggs was producing it is a massive blow for the team to lose him.
“It was absolute agony to lose him. He has been the leader of the team in many ways,” the Reds boss told Manchester United radio.
“It is the first time Ryan has ever suffered a hamstring injury in his right leg, so we are hoping it won't take too long to heal.”

Pedersen getting back to form

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes believes Morten Gamst Pedersen coming back in to his best form. Pedersen scored one and played a part in another as Rovers beat Manchester City 4-2 on Sunday and recorded their first victory of the season.
And Hughes is hoping the Norwegian winger is returning to the sort of form that saw him net 10 goals as Rovers finished sixth last season.
"At times this season his set-play work has not been up to the level of the past.
"He has struggled for form of late, and struggled to affect games as much he has done in other seasons, but he is slowly getting there.
"Certainly his delivery at set plays was much improved against Manchester City. It caused them plenty of problems.
"Every time we had a set piece, be it a corner or a free kick, we always looked dangerous.
"That's an important factor for us. We need Morten putting balls in the right areas because we will get goals from it."