Latest Football news

MILAN WILLING TO 'HELP' BECKHAM MOVE

2009-02-10T19:56:00.000-08:00

Beckham at England training on Tuesday

AC Milan are increasingly confident of securing David Beckham on a permanent deal.

The Italian club are prepared to help the England midfielder extricate himself from his Los Angeles Galaxy contract and provide him with the opportunity to stake a claim to play in the 2010 World Cup finals.

Galaxy have rejected one bid from Milan, but the Italian club have pointed out that they cannot be expected to stump up a big fee for a 33-year-old who will be a free agent in November if he exercises a clause in his contract.

The main problem surrounds the complexity of Beckham's agreement with Major League Soccer and the Galaxy, but if the player has to buy himself out of his contract then Milan are prepared to help him.

A Milan insider told PA Sport: "The biggest driving force in any transfer is the will of the player, and we know David wants to play for us.

"It is a very complicated contract in the USA but we will do what we can to help him move."

Beckham could expect a deal with Milan at least until the end of next season, but the club insist they are not targeting him for his 'brand'.

The insider said: "We have Kaka, Ronaldinho, Pirlo and Pato already so we don't need him for our profile."

CAPELLO: BECKS IS IN ON MERIT

2009-02-10T19:51:00.000-08:00

Capello talks to the press on Tuesday.

Fabio Capello insists David Beckham is in the England squad on merit not out of sympathy for the former Three Lions skipper.

Beckham will earn a place in the history books if he plays some part in Wednesday night's friendly with Spain in Seville.

The appearance would allow him to pick up his 108th cap and equal Bobby Moore's record for an outfield player.

The accolade has irritated some of Beckham's fiercest critics, who feel the 33-year-old is not fit to lace Moore's boots.

However, any thought that Capello has picked the former Manchester United player out of kindness can be dismissed immediately. The Italian does not pick any team from such motives - and he never will do.

"I choose players in the best form," said Capello.

"When I picked a squad last February Beckham was not in it because he was not playing.

"Now he is here, But that is solely because he is a good player. He is not here for sympathy. I would never pick a player for those reasons."

Beckham has expressed a desire to remain with AC Milan when his short-term loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy comes to an end in March.

Capello is not one for offering public pieces of advice, especially to someone who handles his own public relations so diligently.

But the Italian is stating the obvious when he describes life in Italy as far tougher than Beckham's experiences in Major League Soccer.

"It is David's choice whether he stays in Milan," said Capello.

"But the US championship is not the same as Italy. The level is a lot different."

For that reason, Capello can give no guarantees about whether he will pick the Leytonstone-born star in future.

"I don't like talking about ifs," he said.

"It is important for the squad he is here at the moment. He is playing well with AC Milan and perhaps he will play tomorrow.

"But I don't know what will happen in the future."

Capello has flatly refused to discuss the issue of racism and will only break his silence should trouble occur at a game that, following the prompting of FA officials, is being played away from Spain's traditional home at the Bernabeu Stadium.

But he is not expecting trouble and, after two spells as Real Madrid manager, has no difficulty in stressing his belief that Spain does not have a problem with racism.

Of more concern to Capello is his team selection. James Milner and Carlton Cole are two of the more interesting options available to the England coach on Wednesday.

It is likely Cole will start only if Emile Heskey fails to overcome an ankle problem that prevented him from training on Monday but had eased sufficiently for the Aston Villa striker to be put through his paces at the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium this evening.

Frank Lampard has an obvious claim on a midfield spot but after their performances in Germany last November, so do Michael Carrick and Gareth Barry.

England's win in Berlin that night established them as a contender for South Africa 2010.

However, Capello knows there is still plenty of work ahead before his side can really start punching their weight at international level.

The same comments used to be said about Spain before they won Euro 2008, ironically on the back of major improvement that began with a victory at Old Trafford in February 2007.

And, as a keen student of the game, Capello knows Wednesday's hosts will provide just the right opposition for a team that still needs to learn some key lessons about international life.

"Spain have a different style to Germany and a different style to us," said Capello.

"Tomorrow will be a very important test for us because when you play against Spain, it's not easy.

"They only play with one forward but with a lot of technically very good players in midfield.

"We will have to press these players a lot.

"In Berlin we got a fantastic result against the runners-up at the last European Championship. Now we must play the winners.

"I need to find out what the value of our team is against those different styles."

ROBINHO STARS FOR BRAZIL

2009-02-10T19:50:00.000-08:00

Robinho celebrates his goal.
Manchester City duo Robinho and Elano combined to help Brazil beat Italy 2-0 in their friendly international at the Emirates Stadium.

The clash was expected to be an enthralling affair and the match certainly lived up to the billing.

Fans in London were treated to an end-to-end affair with superb first-half goals from Robinho and his Eastlands team-mate Elano settling matters.

With just four minutes gone left-back Fabio Grosso superbly volleyed home after a long ball from Andrea Pirlo into the Brazil box, but his effort was ruled out for offside, although replays suggested he was not beyond the last defender.

Elano gave Brazil the lead in the 13th minute as he put the finishing touch to a slick passing move involving City team-mate Robinho and Ronaldinho.

And it was 2-0 after 27 minutes as Pirlo lost possession on the edge of his own box to Robinho, with the Eastlands favourite leaving defenders Gianluca Zambrotta and Nicola Legrottaglie bamboozled by a series of step-overs before drilling a shot into the net.

Italy responded with Daniele De Rossi warming Julio Cesar's hands with a powerful right-foot effort from outside the box.

Elano then came close to a spectacular third for Brazil when he cut in from the right and unleashed a vicious effort with the outside of his boot which swerved and dipped just after it cleared Buffon's crossbar.

Italy made four changes at the interval with one of the new arrivals, Giuseppe Rossi, firing into the side-netting soon after as Marcello Lippi's men pressed for an early response.

Luca Toni, who was also introduced at the break, thought he had pulled one back in the 65th minute after another searching ball from Pirlo, but referee Howard Webb had spotted a clear handball from the striker and the effort was ruled out.

Julio Cesar produced an excellent late stop to deny Toni from close range after Rossi's cut-back from the touchline had found the striker in space inside the six-yard box.

And the Brazil goalkeeper was called on again in the 87th minute, diving to his left to keep out a curling free-kick from Grosso before gathering Toni's header from the resulting corner.

NO PLANNED RESPONSE FROM ENGLAND

2009-02-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

Ferdinand - not fazed.

Rio Ferdinand insists England's players are not planning to walk off tomorrow if they suffer the same racist abuse endured on the last visit to Spain.

Ashley Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips were singled out for sustained abuse by the Spanish fans at the Bernabeu in Madrid four years ago.

It is one of the main reasons Wednesday's friendly will take place in Seville.

But there have also been suggestions a repeat of what happened in Madrid will result in similar action being taken to that of Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o, who walked off the pitch when he was subjected to the same treatment in Zaragoza during 2006.

"You don't plan stuff like that," said Ferdinand.

"It is not something we have discussed over lunch or at training.

"Samuel Eto'o walked off. That was his own reaction, his point of view.

"You have to be in that situation before you make a decision like that. You can't say, 'I'll do that if this happens'.

"If anything like that does occur, it will be dealt with after the game."

The 30-year-old's assessment suggests he is ready to let FIFA and UEFA deal with the fall-out from any unwanted reaction.

But, in the year Barack Obama moved into the White House, it seems wrong Ferdinand should still have to even talk about the issue.

"I don't want to get too holed up on the idea of racism and what happened in the past," said Ferdinand.

"A lot was said after the event four years ago and we would rather not dwell on it.

"We would hope football does the talking but in today's age, it is surprising that we're talking about things like that."

As one of the most articulate voices in the England camp, Ferdinand would have been the perfect platform from which the players could express their concerns.

Instead, the Manchester United defender claimed minds were purely focused on the not inconsiderable task of beating the Euro 2008 winners rather than what the Spanish fans might do.

"It doesn't really faze me," he said.

"As players, we are there to play football. Whatever the side-show is, it is in the back, not in the forefront, of our minds."

GRANT IN FRAME FOR SURPRISE RETURN

2009-02-09T23:57:00.000-08:00

Grant - linked with return.

Chelsea are hoping to appoint their new manager before the weekend with Avram Grant emerging as a leading contender to return on a caretaker basis until the end of the season.

The 53-year-old Israeli was fired last summer to make way for Luiz Felipe Scolari who was himself axed by Chelsea yesterday after just seven months in the hot seat.

Grant, a personal friend of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, was given the job following the sacking of Jose Mourinho in September 2007.

He steered the Blues to the final of the Champions League and Carling Cup as well as pushing champions Manchester United all the way to the finish in the Barclays Premier before being sacked.

Chelsea are understood to want to make a speedy appointment following Scolari's sacking but are happy to wait until the summer before choosing a permanent successor.

The Blues, according to club sources, have only targeted coaches who are currently out of work so that would make any move for Gianfranco Zola at West Ham, Roberto Di Matteo at MK Dons and Russia's Gus Hiddink unlikely, while unemployed Roberto Mancini has already ruled himself out of the running.

Grant and former Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard are both contenders, while former midfielders Gus Poyet and Dennis Wise are considered outsiders.

But speculation that Grant is the man in the frame continued to gather pace yesterday particularly as he was being linked with a return to Portsmouth following the dismissal of Tony Adams.

Grant was director of football at Pompey before joining Chelsea and the speculation may have acted as the spur for the Blues to ditch Scolari in order to get the Israeli before the south coast club pounced.

Scolari paid the price for a season in which Chelsea have dropped 16 home points, were bundled out of the Carling Cup by Coca-Cola championship side Burnley and slipped to fourth in the Barclays Premier League.

A statement issued by Chelsea yesterday confirmed his departure: "Luiz Felipe Scolari has been dismissed as manager of Chelsea with immediate effect.

"The Chelsea board would like to place on record our gratitude for his time as manager. Felipe has brought many positives to the club since he joined and we all feel a sense of sadness that our relationship has ended so soon.

"Unfortunately the results and performances of the team appeared to be deteriorating at a key time in the season.

"In order to maintain a challenge for the trophies we are still competing for we felt the only option was to make the change now.

"The search for a new manager has already started and we hope to have someone in place as soon as possible.

"While that continues Assistant Coach Ray Wilkins will take charge of the team on a temporary basis."

Scolari looked increasingly like a man out of his depth in the Premier League and Saturday's goalless draw with Hull only highlighted the Brazilian's inability to get the best out of his squad.

He was taunted with chants of, 'You don't know what you're doing' by fans who also booed the players off the pitch at the final whistle.

The Brazilian's pedigree remains undeniable at international level. He won the World Cup as Brazil boss in 2002 and took Portugal to the final of Euro 2004, where they lost to Greece.

But the consensus of opinion was that the 60-year-old had been out of league football too long and found himself unable to cope with the rigours of the English game.

Scolari generally under-achieved when it came to tactics and his insistence on a 4-3-3 formation was ultimately responsible for his downfall. However, Scolari claims he paid the price for failing to rejuvenate Chelsea's ageing squad after the board lost the battle to sign Brazilian striker Robinho last summer.

Robinho signed for Manchester City instead and only Portugal midfielder Deco arrived to boost the ranks at Stamford Bridge.

Scolari's spokesman Acaz Fellegger also insisted it was Abramovich's decision to get rid of the Brazilian coach.

Fellegger told Lance! newspaper's website: "It seems that Abramovich made the decision."

"He (Scolari) was not in a comfortable situation despite he had the support of the squad and Peter Kenyon.

"The Chelsea squad are old. Felipe tried to rejuvenate it, but unsuccessfully. He asked (the board) to sign Deco and Robinho, but they only brought Deco."

Late last night, Russia coach Hiddink confirmed he had not heard from Chelsea.

"Right now I am preparing for dinner with the squad and don't want to think about where or what people are saying about me or what the bookmakers believe," he said.

"I've heard about Scolari's departure, but there have been no calls from Chelsea. And as you know, I never comment on rumours - it serves no point or purpose."

The president of the Russian Football Association, Vitaly Mutko, added: "Guus Hiddink has a valid contract that expires in 2010 and I have no doubt that he will see it through."

Lecce 0-3 Internazionale

2009-02-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

Leaders Inter Milan returned to winning ways in Serie A with a comprehensive victory at lowly Lecce this evening.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic opened the scoring for Jose Mourinho's side in the first half while further goals from Luis Figo and Dejan Stankovic made sure of a comfortable victory at Stadio Via del Mare.

The win lifted Inter nine points clear at the summit for a few hours at least, although AC Milan could bring that gap back to six points with victory in the evening encounter at home to Reggina.

Inter were keyed up for this game after being held to a 1-1 draw by Torino last weekend, setting about their task with vigour and going close after just nine minutes when Stankovic headed wide.

And the visitors went ahead just moments later as Esteban Cambiasso picked out Ibrahimovic in space on the edge of the area and the Sweden international fired home from 20 yards.

Inter had Julio Cesar to thank for keeping their noses in front after 18 minutes, the goalkeeper making a great reflex save to deny Guglielmo Stendardo.

Lecce were far from overawed by their illustrious visitors and created another chance after 33 minutes when Simone Tiribocchi let fly from 25 yards with a shot that went just wide of the right-hand post.

Inter began to assert themselves after the break and 11 minutes in Maicon should have done better than fire over when inside the area.

Stankovic then had another chance after 62 minutes but Francesco Benussi was equal to the chance, making a good save.

Lecce were struggling in the final third and often resorted to long-range efforts, one of which, by Dimitrios Papadopoulos midway through the half, only just sailed wide of the mark with Julio Cesar struggling.

Inter were still only a goal away from seeing their lead wiped out, however, and a weight was lifted from their shoulders when Figo netted the clincher after 72 minutes, the veteran Portuguese winger heading home Maicon's left-wing cross.

Papadopoulos, who entered the fray as a 66th-minute substitute, was proving to be a lively addition to the Lecce team and the striker again got the attention of Julio Cesar with a testing long-range effort that again missed by a whisker.

Inter were never in any real danger of being breached at the back, however, and increased their winning margin with eight minutes left to play.

The impressive Maicon was again at the heart of the move, the Brazilian's right-wing free-kick finding its way to Stankovic who planted a firm header beyond Benussi to seal three valuable points for Inter in their bid to claim a fourth Scudetto in a row.

Catania 1-2 Juventus

2009-02-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

Substitute Christian Poulsen's stoppage-time winner gave 10-man Juventus a vital three points against Catania and pushed them into second spot in the Serie A standings.

Vincenzo Iaquinta had given the visitors an early lead with an 11th minute header but instantly went from hero to villain as he was sent off for two yellow card offences in less than a minute.

The Bianconeri clung on despite heavy pressure from Catania but goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who put in a stunning performance to keep the hosts at bay, was eventually beaten six minutes into the second half by Takayuki Morimoto.

It looked like it was going to end all square at the Stadio Angelo Massimino but Poulsen snatched all the points for Claudio Ranieri's men in stoppage time.

It was unfortunate for plucky Catania who were well worth a point at least but the victory sends Juve a point above AC Milan following the Rossoneri's draw against Reggina yesterday, although they remain seven points behind leaders Inter Milan.

Catania slip to 14th.

Juve were eager to get back to winning ways after back-to-back league defeats and they were boosted by the return of Mauro Camoranesi from injury.

He was to have an immediate effect as he put in a cross from the right which Iaquinta headed home in the 11th minute.

The Italy World Cup-winner picked up his first booking for taking off his shirt in celebration and was given his marching orders very swiftly after for a foul in midfield which saw him handed a second yellow.

Catania would have been back on level terms in the 18th minute were it not for a fantastic save by Buffon who somehow kept out Alessandro Potenza's close-range header.

Juve enjoyed a rare opportunity four minutes from half time and should have doubled their lead as Amauri flicked a fierce Pavel Nedved free-kick inches over the bar.

The Bianconeri had Buffon to thank for remaining in the lead and the Italy number one pulled off yet another fine stop in first-half stoppage-time to deny Jorge Martinez.

Juve's goal was finally breached six minutes after the restart as Buffon could only parry Giuseppe Mascara's shot and Morimoto was on hand to head home the equaliser.

Catania should have taken the lead four minutes later but Davide Baiocco's deflected effort crashed back off the corner of the goal frame.

The home fans were up in arms in the 72nd minute when they felt they had two decent shouts for penalties turned down as first Morimoto was tripped in the area and seconds later Juve winger Marco Marchionni looked to have handled the ball.

The narrow escape seemed to spur Juve on and Amauri came close to restoring their lead five minutes from time as he attempted to finish off a good counter attack but Catania goalkeeper Albano Bizzarri managed to tip the Brazilian's lob over the bar.

However, there was still time for Juve to snatch all three points as Poulsen, who had come off the bench less than 10 minutes earlier, scrambled the ball into the Catania net from a corner.

2009-02-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

italian Serie A 2008/2009
DATE	Home	SCORE	OPPONENT
02/07	Lecce	0 - 3	Internazionale
02/07	AC Milan	1 - 1	Reggina
02/08	Cagliari	0 - 1	Atalanta
02/08	Udinese	1 - 0	Bologna
02/08	Torino	1 - 1	Chievo Verona
02/08	AS Roma	3 - 0	Genoa
02/08	Catania	1 - 2	Juventus
02/08	Fiorentina	1 - 0	Lazio
02/08	Sampdoria	2 - 2	Siena
02/08	Palermo	2 - 1	Napoli
2/14 17:00 UK	Lazio	VS	Torino
2/14 19:30 UK	Napoli	VS	Bologna
2/15 14:00 UK	Chievo Verona	VS	Catania
2/15 14:00 UK	Genoa	VS	Fiorentina
2/15 14:00 UK	Cagliari	VS	Lecce
2/15 14:00 UK	Reggina	VS	Palermo
2/15 14:00 UK	Atalanta	VS	AS Roma
2/15 14:00 UK	Juventus	VS	Sampdoria
2/15 14:00 UK	Siena	VS	Udinese

Pato still focused on Scudetto despite setback

2009-02-09T10:11:00.000-08:00

AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato is confident his team can still win the Scudetto despite their latest setback.

Saturday's 1-1 draw against Reggina left the Rossoneri eight points behind Serie A leaders Inter heading into this weekend's Milan derby.

''The important thing for us is not to give any more easy points away,'' said Pato. ''I am certain we can still win the Scudetto. Inter are an organised team but Milan are stronger.''

The Rossoneri go into Sunday's sold-out encounter at the San Siro having to do without team's top scorer, Kaka.

The Brazilian playmaker, who scored the winner in Milan's last victory at Inter back in 2005, is sidelined for two weeks with a knee injury.

Kaka's absence will put more pressure on Pato, who has struck 10 goals this season for AC Milan, one fewer than compatriot Kaka.

Carlo Ancelotti's men are third in the standings, one point behind Juventus, that host struggling Sampdoria on Sunday.

latest papertalk

2009-02-09T10:08:00.000-08:00

Latest Paper Talk at 18:09 GMT

DAILY MIRROR

Tony Adams has been sacked as Portsmouth manager after just 22 games in charge.

AC Milan general manager Adriano Galliani admits their offer for David Beckham is a long way off what LA Galaxy want for the England midfielder.

Wigan are lining up a summer swoop for Wolves' £5million-rated England Under-21 international Michael Kightly.

Arsenal are eyeing Swindon right-back Nathan Thompson and Spurs, Everton and Newcastle are also watching him.

Birmingham are set to take Matt Mills on loan from Doncaster for the rest of the season.

Stoke have agreed a £1million fee to make the loan deal of Birmingham right-back Stephen Kelly permanent.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is ready to win the race for Huddersfield goalkeeper Alex Smithies.

Mick McCarthy has persuaded Matt Jarvies to sign a new contract at Wolves.

THE SUN

Tony Adams was last night sacked as Portsmouth boss after just 15 weeks in charge.

Joe Kinnear will find out today if he is fit enough to stay on as Newcastle manager.

DAILY STAR

Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear is hoping to receive the all-clear today after his latest health scare.

Titus Bramble fears the team that has Wigan fans dreaming of Europe will get ripped apart in the summer.

DAILY EXPRESS

Shay Given believes Craig Bellamy's outspoken abrasiveness will be as important to Manchester City as his goals.

DAILY MAIL

Tony Adams will be sacked as Portsmouth manager today after a run of poor results that has left the club one point off the relegation zone.

DAILY RECORD

Murdo Macleod reckons Artur Boruc has lost the Celtic dressing room after his clash with Aiden McGeady.

RIO READY TO PUT RACISM TO ONE SIDE

2009-02-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

Ferdinand talks to the press on Monday.

Rio Ferdinand insists his England team-mates have not considered what they would do if they were subjected to the same racist abuse on Wednesday that they encountered on their last visit to Spain four years ago.

Shaun Wright-Phillips and Ashley Cole, both members of the present England squad, bore the brunt of the abuse last time around.

The Football Association made strong complaints immediately after the game and are believed to have privately informed their Spanish counterparts they would have been uncomfortable with Wednesday's game being played at the Bernabeu Stadium.

Instead, the contest will take place in Seville in the hope it does not get overshadowed by off-field matters.

As one of the most articulate voices in the England camp, Ferdinand would have been the perfect platform from which the players could express their concerns.

Instead, the Manchester United defender claimed minds were purely focussed on the not inconsiderable task of beating the Euro 2008 winners rather than what the Spanish fans might do.

"It doesn't really faze me," he said.

"As players, we are there to play football. Whatever the sideshow is, it is in the back, not in the forefront of our minds."

Three years ago, Samuel Eto'o famously attempted to walk off the pitch in disgust at the racism being meted out towards him during a Primera Liga game for Barcelona at Zaragoza.

It is easy to envisage Ferdinand harbouring similar thoughts.

Yet if he does, the 30-year-old is keeping them to himself.

"That is not in my mind at all," he said.

"It is not something we have discussed over lunch or at training. All we are talking about is the kind of result we are looking for."

On that ground, Ferdinand feels far more at home, especially in considering David Beckham's presence.

Beckham requires just one more cap to equal Bobby Moore's record for an England outfield player. Yet, as he approaches that 108-cap milestone, Beckham's critics are out in force once more, claiming the former Three Lions skipper is not fit to lace his illustrious predecessor's boots.

As a graduate of the famed West Ham academy, Ferdinand does not require a history lesson on Moore, the only Englishman to captain a World Cup-winning side.

But he feels Beckham's many detractors and being unfair to his former Old Trafford colleague.

"David has had a lot of challenges throughout his career and he seems to have come through them all with flying colours," said Ferdinand.

"It is only a couple of years ago that people said he was finished. But he is still a fantastic footballer and an integral member of the squad.

"Just to reach 100 caps is an unbelievable achievement. To then get to the record of a man the stature of Bobby Moore is phenomenal.

"I am sure in his wildest dreams Becks would not have thought about getting to that level when he was pulling his boots on as a seven-year-old kid.

"But he could go on to set new records and he deserves them."

Beckham is presently trying to find a way of extricating himself from an exceptionally lucrative contract with LA Galaxy in order to sign a full-time contract with AC Milan.

At 33, he is enjoying a fabulous autumn to his career. And it has only taken a matter of hours for Ferdinand to see what a different life in Serie A had made to his long-time friend.

"He looks to be very happy at Milan and really enjoying his football," said Ferdinand.

"There is a zest about him and speaking to Becks since he has been here, he is clearly having the time of his life."

In much the same way as coach Fabio Capello thought the game last March in France was the perfect yardstick with which to measure his team, even though they lost, so Spain can provide the acid test for 2009.

By the end of the year England expect to be confirmed as one of 32 challengers for the World Cup in South Africa, which in itself is a major stride forward in terms of the perception by which the Three Lions will be judged.

But, win or lose this week, Ferdinand feels England will continue to build, with the final judgement on Capello coming in the middle of 2010.

"Spain are one of the best two teams in the world at the moment," said Ferdinand.

"We have got to put in a performance and acquit ourselves in the right way.

"It will show how far we have come under the new manager but it won't make or break our team because this is only the start.

"Managers are judged my their tournaments. It is quite cut-throat in that sense but that is the way it is.

"I am sure that is the same for Fabio and that is how he will want to be judged."

HOLLINS: SCOLARI COULDN'T ADAPT

2009-02-09T10:05:00.000-08:00

Scolari - has departed Chelsea.

Former Chelsea manager John Hollins believes Luiz Felipe Scolari paid with his job for failing to make the impression on the club scene that he did as an international manager.

Scolari, who coached Brazil to World Cup glory, was sacked on Monday afternoon with the Stamford Bridge club fourth in the Premier League - seven points behind leaders Manchester United having played a game more.

And former Blues midfielder Hollins, who was himself manager of the club from 1985-88, believes his failure to adapt to club management proved his downfall.

He told Sky Sports News: "You can't knock him for what he's done internationally but club football is a different ball game.

"I feel he couldn't adapt to the every day thing (of club management). Internationally he's had time to look at a game and pick a team but (Chelsea) is instant."

Hollins continued: "Every day is very, very busy and I have to say I don't think there was enough in there from him to carry it through.

"He had to have the players every day - some players have massive egos, it's the case all over the country. But Chelsea are a big side and he had to pick the team that could win a match."

Scolari's last game was a disappointing 0-0 home draw against Hull on Saturday and Hollins continued: "I've seen five games where things didn't change a great deal - and they couldn't beat the lesser sides.

"They were winning home games and had that fabulous unbeaten home record but suddenly they looked an ordinary team.

"He was the man who was going to put the discipline into everything. I feel he appeared to be quite relaxed on the line, yet he shouted and screamed when he was doing his international bit."

Guus Hiddink and Avram Grant are already being talked about as potential replacements, with former Blues favourite Gianfranco Zola - now at West Ham - also being linked to the post.

Hollins highlighted the connection with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich as he added: "Hiddink is big news. He was in the frame I believe prior to Scolari taking the job.

"It's the Russian connection and he is respected for the work he did with the Russian international team and he is also held in the highest esteem with Chelsea.

"Avram Grant got them to the final of the Champions League and but for one penalty kick he would have been a hero."

As for the remainder of the season, Hollins added: "Of course the season can be saved.

"All the equipment is there but its how you juggle with it and adjust it.

"Someone coming in has to be positive and get that winning back into the pattern again - Chelsea need that - they need to lift the supporters."

Former Chelsea defender Ron Harris believes West Ham manager Zola and his assistant Steve Clarke - who left Stamford Bridge shortly after Scolari's appointment - would be the fans' choice.

Harris told Setanta Sports News: "I think that if it was a choice with the supporters, I think that 90 per cent would like to get Zola and Stevie Clarke."

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin urged the Chelsea board to take their time finding a replacement for Scolari.

"His popularity has been plummeting the past few weeks," Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"The question is, who is going to be able to do it with a squad that is clearly not strong enough.

"They've had a few changes over the past year or two. Since Jose Mourinho left it's not really been settled.

"This is a club that a year ago was one of the biggest in world and quite clearly it seems to have gone downhill quite quickly.

"I hope for Chelsea's sake they don't have a knee-jerk reaction and dive for the first name that comes into their mind, the first big name that becomes available.

"They need to give it an awful lot of thought and maybe consider someone that isn't the biggest name in the world."

SCOLARI SACKED BY CHELSEA

2009-02-09T10:03:00.000-08:00

Scolari - leaves Chelsea.

luiz Felipe Scolari has been sacked as Chelsea manager, the club announced on Monday afternoon.

A statement on the club's official website revealed the move had been made "to maintain a challenge for the trophies we are still competing for".

Brazilian Scolari was appointed last summer as the replacement for Avram Grant.

The statement on the club's official website added: "Felipe has brought many positives to the club since he joined, and we all feel a sense of sadness that our relationship has ended so soon.

"Unfortunately the results and performances of the team appeared to be deteriorating at a key time in the season.

"In order to maintain a challenge for the trophies we are still competing for, we felt the only option was to make the change now.

"The search for a new manager has already started, and we hope to have someone in place as soon as possible."

Scolari's final game in charge was a goalless draw at home to Hull on Saturday, a result which was met with boos at the final whistle.

Assistant coach Ray Wilkins has been placed in temporary charge.

LUIZ FELIPE SCOLARI FACTFILE

1948: Born Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, November 9.

Playing career as a defender with Aymore, Caxias, Novo Hamburgo, Juventude and CSA.

1991: Coached Criciuma to the Brazilian Cup (Copa do Brasil) and to the Santa Catarina state title (Campeonato Catarinense)

1993: Joined newly-promoted Gremio, one of Brazil's most high-profile teams and leads them to the Brazilian Cup.

1995: Won Copa Libertadores de America, an annual competition between the top clubs in South America, after defeating Atlitico Nacional of Colombia in the final.

Reached the final of the Intercontinental Cup, contested by the European and South American champions but loses to Ajax in a penalty shoot-out.

Runners-up in the Brazilian Cup.

1996: Claimed national championship (Campeonato Brasileiro) defeating Portuguesa in the final.

1997: Joined Palmeiras, one of the top supported clubs in Brazil based in Sao Paolo.

1998: Won the Brazilian Cup. Runner-up in the Mercosur Cup, played between clubs from Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Chile.

1999: Won Copa Libertadores de America beating Deportivo Cali of Colombia. Lost 1-0 to a Roy Keane goal against Manchester United in the Intercontinental Cup final.

2000: Joined Cruzeiro.

2001: June - Invited to become Brazil coach to replace Emerson Leco with the team in danger of missing out on the 2002 World Cup after a poor qualifying tournament. Lost first game 1-0 to Uruguay but secures qualification.

2002: May/June - Withstood public pressure to include 1994 World Cup legend Romario in his squad for the tournament in South Korea and Japan despite being the leading goalscorer in Brazil. Scolari unmoved by Romario's tearful appeal on TV and unaffected by criticism of what were seen as defensive tactics.

Brazil won World Cup for the fifth time in Japan and South Korea as two goals by Ronaldo secured a 2-0 win over Germany.

December - Took over as manager of Portugal.

2004: June/July - Led Portugal to another quarter-final win over England in a penalty shootout after the teams were level after extra-time.

Became the first foreign coach to lead any team to the finals of the European Championships after beating Holland in the semi-final but loses 1-0 to shock winners Greece.

2006: Emerged as leading contender to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England coach.

April 28 - Ruled himself out of England job.

June/July - Led Portugal to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Germany, losing 1-0 to France. Portugal also lost the third-place play-off 3-1 to the hosts.

July 14 - Signed new two-year contract with Portugal.

December - Confirmed his intention to quit Portugal at the end of his contract.

2007: February 6 - Revealed desire to work in England in the future

September 20 - Handed a four-match ban by UEFA following a clash with Ivica Dragutinovic during the Euro 2008 qualifier with Serbia. The ban was later reduced on appeal.

November 21 - Portugal secured place at Euro 2008 with a 0-0 draw against Finland. Scolari stormed out of post-match press conference after the team's performance was criticised.

November 23 - Again linked with England job after Steve McClaren left the post, but vowed to see out Portugal contract.

2008: April 10 - Revealed he had been approached by Mexico about vacant coaching job.

May 7 - Denied he had been approached by Manchester City.

May 31: Chelsea denied making contact with Scolari.

June: Led Portugal to victory in their first two games at Euro 2008, 2-0 against Turkey and 3-1 against Czech Republic.

June 11: Confirmed as new manager of Chelsea, to take over on July 1.

June 30: Oversaw the signing of Portugal midfielder Deco from Barcelona.

August 17: Led Chelsea to a 4-0 win over Portsmouth in his first Premier League game in charge.

October 26: Suffered his first league defeat as Chelsea as Liverpool ended their 86-game unbeaten home league record with a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

November 12: Chelsea crashed out of the Carling Cup beaten on penalties by Championship side Burnley.

December 9: Chelsea only secured qualification for the Champions League knockout stages in the final game after beating CFR Cluj 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

2009: January 3: Could only manage a 1-1 draw with League One Southend in the FA Cup third round.

January 11: Crushed 3-0 by Manchester United at Old Trafford with Scolari's Chelsea future increasingly under the spotlight.

February 1: Saw his hopes of the title dented with a 2-0 defeat at Liverpool as Fernando Torres scored two late goals.

February 7: Fans protested against Scolari after the 0-0 home draw with Hull which saw Chelsea drop to fourth in the Premier League table behind Aston Villa.

February 9: Chelsea confirm Scolari has been dismissed.

QUEIROZ CALLS ON UNITED PAIR

2009-02-05T16:48:00.000-08:00

Ronaldo - called up by Queiroz

Manchester United pair Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani have both been named by Carlos Queiroz in his Portugal squad to face Finland in a friendly next Wednesday.

Also included are Chelsea's Deco and Paulo Ferreira.

However, the Blues' other Portugal regular, Ricardo Carvalho, remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Malaga midfielder Eliseu, Braga's Orlando Sa, and Siena defender Goncalo Brandao are the three new facesthe 20-man squad.

Queiroz has also made changes in the goalkeeping department, resting regulars Ricardo and Quim to call up Braga stopper Eduardo and Bochum's Daniel Fernandes.

Portugal Squad: Eduardo (Braga), Daniel Fernandes (Bochum); Bruno Alves, Goncalo Brandao (Siena), Pepe (Real Madrid), Miguel (Valencia), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea) and Rolando; Deco (Chelsea), Joao Moutinho (Sporting Lisbon), Maniche (Atletico Madrid), Raul Meireles, Duda (Malaga CF), Tiago (Juventus) and Eliseu (Malaga CF); Danny, Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen), Nani (Manchester United), Orlando Sa (Sporting Braga) Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United).

CAPELLO HINT OVER BECKHAM'S ENGLAND SPOT

2009-02-05T16:46:00.000-08:00

Beckham - could face Spain. England coach Fabio Capello has given the clearest hint yet that David Beckham will be given the chance to equal Bobby Moore's 108-appearance record for the Three Lions in Spain next week.

Beckham is man of the moment again after confirming he wants to tear up his lucrative contract with LA Galaxy to join AC Milan on a permanent basis.

Although he has only played three matches for the Serie A giants since arriving on a short-term loan, the former England skipper has been a revelation.

Each start has brought more praise and now Milan executive director Adriano Galliani is attempting to broker a deal that would allow Beckham to remain at the San Siro, probably until the end of his amazing career.

The developments must be satisfying for Capello, who informed Beckham last autumn that he could not expect to be picked for England unless he was playing regularly, standing by his words by leaving the former Manchester United star out of the squad that overcame Germany in Berlin last November, after the MLS season had come to an end.

It was to overcome that problem Beckham came to Milan in the first place.

And, after watching the 34-year-old in action last week in a league victory over Genoa, Capello praised Beckham's form, and his decision to explore the option of remaining in Milan, words which seem certain to be followed by a place in the squad named by the England coach on Saturday evening for next week's friendly in Seville.

"I'm very happy for David (Beckham) and for AC Milan," said Capello at the LMA President's Dinner in London this evening.

"He is a media star and for this reason all the fans spoke about him in this way before he arrived; like a star not a player. But now he has played three games, and every game has been better.

"Milan want him to stay, and the fans are very happy for his style of play and the performances for the team."

If Beckham gets the cap that would see him equal Moore's record for an England outfield player, he would have the chance to break it against Slovakia at Wembley on March 28.

Meanwhile, Capello is slowly piecing his squad together to face the Euro 2008 winners, who the Italian regards as the world's number one just now.

He will be at West Ham on Sunday, where Wayne Rooney is expected to return for Manchester United after a recent hamstring injury, although he already knows Steven Gerrard will be missing with a similar problem picked up in Liverpool's FA Cup defeat at Everton last night.

"I think England will be strong in Spain, I am very confident in my team," he said.

"Spain play fantastic football. They are very quick but I enjoy this kind of challenge

NO ARSHAVIN COMPLAINT FROM VILLA

2009-02-05T02:22:00.000-08:00

Arshavin - has joined Arsenal

Aston Villa will be making no complaint to the Premier League over the deal which saw Arsenal sign Russia playmaker Andrei Arshavin after the closure of the winter transfer window.

Villa's chief operating officer Paul Faulkner will be attending a meeting of the Premier League in London on Thursday at which the deal between the Gunners and Zenit St Petersburg is expected to be raised.

But Faulkner himself will not be raising the issue at what is a routine quarterly get together of the top-flight clubs.

Villa and Arsenal are locked in a battle for the fourth Champions League spot with Martin O'Neill's side currently holding a five-point advantage.

But the capture of Arshavin will strengthen Arsenal's hand in trying to close the gap in the final third of the campaign.

O'Neill is keeping his cards close to his chest at this stage over the Arshavin transfer - after earlier this week branding the transfer window "a waste of time".

He said: "I would have nothing to say at this minute because Paul Faulkner has told me there is a Premier League meeting on Thursday and I think some points are being raised - although not necessarily by us as Aston Villa.

"I think there is going to be clarification about the transfer window extension. Absolutely. Am I concerned by it? Listen, I'm not."

Villa defender Curtis Davies also played down the significance of the timing of the Arshavin deal.

The former West Brom player said: "The Premier League would not have allowed the Arsenal deal to happen if it wasn't all above board.

"It is a matter of hours. It is not like he signed two months down the line."

RICHARDS ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED ASSAULT

2009-02-05T02:21:00.001-08:00

Micah Richards - arrested.
England and Manchester City footballer Micah Richards was arrested over an alleged assault outside a nightclub.

The 20-year-old defender was questioned by police yesterday after the alleged assault of a man in Hale, Greater Manchester, at around 12.30am on Christmas Eve.

Richards has been bailed until April.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "A 20-year-old man has been arrested after an assault outside a Hale nightclub, at about 12.30am on December 24 2008.

"The man was arrested on suspicion of section 47 assault by appointment on Wednesday February 4.

"He has been bailed until April 8 pending further inquiries."

Richards, who joined Manchester City from Oldham Athletic as a 14-year-old, signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract with the club in February last year.

The alleged victim is thought to be an 18-year-old male

RICHARDS ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED ASSAULT

2009-02-05T02:21:00.000-08:00

England and Manchester City footballer Micah Richards was arrested over an alleged assault outside a nightclub.

The 20-year-old defender was questioned by police yesterday after the alleged assault of a man in Hale, Greater Manchester, at around 12.30am on Christmas Eve.

Richards has been bailed until April.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "A 20-year-old man has been arrested after an assault outside a Hale nightclub, at about 12.30am on December 24 2008.

"The man was arrested on suspicion of section 47 assault by appointment on Wednesday February 4.

"He has been bailed until April 8 pending further inquiries."

Richards, who joined Manchester City from Oldham Athletic as a 14-year-old, signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract with the club in February last year.

The alleged victim is thought to be an 18-year-old male

Spanish Liga BBVA

2009-02-05T01:01:00.000-08:00

Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Barcelona	21	18	2	1	65	15	56
Real Madrid	21	14	2	5	44	27	44
Sevilla	21	11	5	5	28	19	38
Valencia	21	11	4	6	42	32	37
Villarreal	21	9	7	5	33	29	34
Deportivo La Coruna	21	10	3	8	26	28	33
Atletico Madrid	21	9	5	7	44	33	32
Malaga	21	9	5	7	34	31	32
Athletic Bilbao	21	8	5	8	31	33	29
Racing Santander	21	7	7	7	24	25	28
Valladolid	21	8	3	10	30	32	27
Sporting Gijon	21	9	0	12	28	44	27
Getafe	21	6	7	8	31	33	25
Almeria	21	6	6	9	24	32	24
Recreativo Huelva	21	6	6	9	19	29	24
Real Betis	21	6	4	11	27	29	22
Numancia	21	6	2	13	25	43	20
Osasuna	21	3	8	10	22	30	17
Espanyol	21	3	8	10	19	34	17
Mallorca	21	4	5	12	21	39	17

Italian Serie A

2009-02-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Inter Milan	22	15	5	2	37	16	50
AC Milan	22	13	5	4	39	22	44
Juventus	22	13	4	5	36	19	43
Genoa	22	11	7	4	32	19	40
Fiorentina	22	12	2	8	31	20	38
Roma	22	11	4	7	33	28	37
Cagliari	22	10	4	8	30	25	34
Napoli	22	10	4	8	30	25	34
Palermo	22	10	2	10	30	28	32
Lazio	22	9	4	9	32	35	31
Atalanta	22	9	3	10	27	26	30
Udinese	22	7	6	9	32	35	27
Catania	22	7	5	10	20	27	26
Siena	22	7	4	11	16	23	25
Sampdoria	22	6	6	10	20	26	24
Lecce	22	4	10	8	22	32	22
Bologna	22	5	7	10	25	36	22
Torino	22	4	6	12	22	37	18
Chievo	22	4	6	12	15	31	18
Reggina	22	3	6	13	19	40	15

EPL

2009-02-05T00:52:00.000-08:00

Team	P	Home					Away					Pts	Goal Diff
Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	W	D	L	F	A	Pts	Goal Diff
Man Utd	23	10	1	0	25	4	6	4	2	15	6	53	30
Liverpool	24	7	5	0	19	7	7	4	1	20	8	51	24
Chelsea	24	6	4	2	21	7	8	2	2	23	8	48	29
Aston Villa	24	5	6	1	18	12	9	0	3	20	12	48	14
Arsenal	24	7	3	2	18	11	5	4	3	20	14	43	13
Everton	24	3	5	4	15	16	7	2	3	16	12	37	3
Wigan	24	6	3	3	13	11	3	3	6	13	13	33	2
West Ham	24	6	1	5	18	16	3	5	4	13	15	33	0
Fulham	22	7	3	1	19	9	0	5	6	3	10	29	3
Man City	23	7	0	5	27	12	1	4	6	14	20	28	9
Hull	24	3	3	6	13	25	4	4	4	18	21	28	-15
Bolton	24	4	2	6	11	14	4	1	7	16	20	27	-7
Sunderland	24	4	2	6	13	15	3	4	5	12	18	27	-8
Tottenham	24	4	4	4	11	9	2	2	8	15	22	24	-5
Newcastle	24	4	5	3	19	20	1	4	7	11	20	24	-10
Portsmouth	23	4	2	5	14	18	2	4	6	9	20	24	-15
Stoke	24	6	3	3	13	11	0	3	9	8	27	24	-17
Blackburn	23	3	4	5	15	19	2	4	5	12	19	23	-11
Middlesbrough	24	3	5	4	10	15	2	2	8	8	20	22	-17
West Brom	24	5	2	5	16	21	1	2	9	6	23	22	-22

FIFA: SOUTH AFRICA ARE ON TRACK

2009-02-05T00:50:00.000-08:00

Valcke - confident South Africa will be ready.

FIFA are optimistic that South Africa's preparation for the 2010 World Cup will be completed on time, despite having a very tight schedule.

On Monday, the country celebrated the 500-day countdown to the global showpiece with several events held nationally, including the launch of the official posters of the nine host cities.

The embassy of reigning world champions Italy as well as World Cup ambassadors Phil Masinga and Mark Fish also visited schools in Bloemfontein/Mangaung as part of the Organising Committee's (OC) schools campaign which has seen schools in all provinces adopt a participating country for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup - a tournament that will kick-off in 140 days.

Speaking in Johannesburg, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke expressed his confidence in the Rainbow Nation.

He said: "We have come a long way since the 15 May 2004 (when the bid was won), and a lot has been achieved so far, with impressive stadiums taking shape and so many infrastructural improvements changing the face of South Africa, as we lead up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

"We have a great deal yet to accomplish in a very short time and we are on a very tight schedule. Despite the pressure, we are confident the preparations will be completed on time."

OC chairman Irvin Khoza, added: "The hosting of the World Cup will leave a substantial legacy for our country.

"But today is a day of celebration of the substantial progress we have made. I would like to thank each and every host city for the magnificent work they are doing, in particular I would like to pay tribute to the tens of thousands of men and women around the country who are tirelessly striving to make this event a reality."

CAPELLO KEEPS TABS ON IN-FORM BECKS

2009-02-05T00:48:00.000-08:00

Beckham - one cap to equal Bobby Moore's record.

England coach Fabio Capello will check on David Beckham's form on Wednesday night before finalising his squad to face Spain in Seville next month.

Capello has always insisted he would pick his team solely on form and Beckham could not expect to be chosen if he was not playing regularly, even though he only requires a single cap to equal Bobby Moore's record 108 appearances for an outfield player.

Consequently, Beckham was left out for England's excellent win over Germany in November.

However, a short-term loan from LA Galaxy, that AC Milan want to extend, has proved to be successful for the former skipper and Capello will be at the San Siro to check on the 33-year-old's form in the Serie A clash with Genoa.

Capello is not due to name his squad for another 10 days once he has seen Beckham in action but a positive performance, in keeping with his previous three for the Rossoneri, would almost certainly catapult him back into the Three Lions reckoning.

The England boss will be keen to have as many of his senior players on duty in Seville for what represents the last chance he will have to work with his players before they gather for the crucial April 1 World Cup qualifier with the Ukraine at Wembley, which is preceded by a friendly against Slovakia four days earlier.

It has been suggested Everton's Phil Jagielka may be included, although the return of Rio Ferdinand for Manchester United at West Brom tonight may scupper the former Sheffield United man's chances as skipper John Terry and West Ham's Matthew Upson are certain to be involved, if fit, after their excellent performances in Berlin.

TRIESMAN SEES WORLD CUP BID BATTLE

2009-02-05T00:44:00.000-08:00

Triesman - not over-confident.

Football Association chairman Lord Triesman has played down England's status as favourites to host the 2018 World Cup after a visit by bid leaders to FIFA headquarters.

Triesman, who is also chairman of the bid, led a delegation to Zurich, including England head coach Fabio Capello, to meet FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Afterwards Triesman said: "I am not going to start with the belief that we are favourites.

"We have to demonstrate that we can win it on merit but very often it is the toughest competition that sharpens your game the most.

"I welcome this like I would welcome the kind of match between two clubs at the top of their game."

Andy Burnham, secretary of state for culture, media and sport, also travelled to Zurich to affirm the Government's backing for the bid.

Triesman added: "It was extremely helpful to be able to confirm the Government's support for the initiative."

Capello is one of the bid vice-presidents and said it was time football "came home".

The Italian told Sky Sports News: "I think England would be a fantastic place for the World Cup.

"The stadia are okay, the people are fantastic as well so I think it needs to come back here after so many years.

"I hope this will be in 2018 because England is the place where football was born. I think England needs football to come back home."

Bidding for the 2018 World Cup will be conducted simultaneously with the 2022 tournament and candidates can bid for either or both - both winners will be announced in December 2010.

Other members of the England delegation were bid chief executive Andy Anson, ex-FA chairman Geoff Thompson, who is now a FIFA and UEFA vice-president, and England women's coach Hope Powell.

Their meeting with Blatter plus FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke and Jerome Champage, Blatter's special delegate, lasted four minutes.

Anson said: "We came to listen to what FIFA were looking for from a World Cup tournament and we had some very constructive dialogue with the FIFA president.

"What was clearly understood was the importance of a legacy that a tournament can and should provide and we will be looking to show that we can deliver what FIFA wants on all fronts."

Burnham added: "I came here today to show that the Government stands right behind the bid team. I think we got off to a good start today but we'll take nothing for granted and make no assumptions.

"As far as I am concerned, an important part of the process is not what the world can do for England with a World Cup tournament but what England can do for the world."

England face competition from Spain/Portugal, Russia, Holland/Belgium, USA, Mexico, Australia, Japan, Qatar, Korea and Indonesia.

ALL-ENGLISH LAST-16 TIE POSSIBLE

2009-02-05T00:43:00.000-08:00

Martin O'Neill's Villa could face Tottenham.
The prospect of an all-English clash between Aston Villa and Tottenham in the UEFA Cup has been thrown up by the draw for the first knock-out round - but both clubs have to see off testing opponents from eastern Europe first.

Villa face CSKA Moscow, the only team in the group phase to win all four of their matches, in the round of 32 while Spurs have to play Shakhtar Donetsk of the Ukraine.

The draw appears to have handed Manchester City the better chance of becoming the first English side since Liverpool in 2001 to win the tournament after they were paired with FC Copenhagen.

Villa's opponents CSKA won the competition in 2005 and Villa captain Martin Laursen admits it will be a challenge to visit Russia at that time of year.

He said: "The first thought was 'it is not the best to have to travel to Russia at the end of February'.

"I've been told it is a plastic pitch but I am sure we will make the necessary preparations.

"We have no need to fear anyone. We have a good chance to beat Moscow."

Tottenham's draw is similarly uncomfortable - Shakhtar Donetsk drop down from the Champions League where they finished third in their group, but achieved decent results including victory over Barcelona in the Nou Camp.

Manchester City's task looks more straightforward but manager Mark Hughes is not taking anything for granted.

He said: "There are all tough games at this stage of the competition but they will be going into the game on the back of their mid-winter break so maybe we can take advantage of that fact.

"It's one of the tougher draws we could have had from the teams available to us, but we did what we needed to do to avoid teams like AC Milan and Valencia and that was top the group, so we're pleased with that."

Should City progress past Copenhagen they could face further Danish opposition after they were drawn to play either Aalborg or Deportivo La Coruna in the round of 16.

Holders Zenit St Petersburg will face another trip to Germany after they were drawn to play Stuttgart.

On their way to last season's title Dick Advocaat's side overcame German outfits Bayer Leverkusen, in the quarter-finals, and then Bayern Munich in the last four before beating Rangers 2-0 in the final.

In what proved a tough draw for the German sides Werder Bremen were paired against AC Milan while Wolfsburg face Paris St Germain, who booked their place last night with a 4-0 rout of FC Twente.

Martin Jol will take his Hamburg side to his homeland with a tie against NEC Nijmegen while their Dutch rivals Ajax face Fiorentina, who were beaten in the semi-finals last season.

Steve McClaren's Twente will also face a Champions League team in the form of Marseille.

The last-32 ties will be played on February 18 and 19 with the return legs on February 26, with the final of the tournament to be played at Fenerbahce's Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul on May 20.

WEMBLEY GETS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

2009-02-05T00:41:00.000-08:00

Wembley - will host Champions League final.

The most prestigious match in European club football will return to Wembley following a 19-year absence after UEFA chose the stadium to host the 2011 Champions League final.

The Republic of Ireland is also to host its first major European club final after Dublin's Lansdowne Road was chosen as the venue for the 2011 Europa League final - the new name for the UEFA Cup.

Munich will stage the Champions League final in 2012 and Bucharest's National Stadium the Europa League final in that year.

Football Association chairman Lord Triesman said: "We are delighted that UEFA have chosen Wembley Stadium to stage the Champions League final in 2011.

"This is fantastic news for London and the UK and is acknowledgement of Wembley's ranking alongside the very best football stadiums in the world. Wembley is a stadium for the big games and has a unique history that is sure to inspire Europe's finest players."

Wembley's win is Arsenal's loss - the Emirates Stadium had been up against Lansdowne Road for the Europa League showpiece however one nation cannot stage both UEFA finals in the same year.

Triesman explained: "As Wembley has been chosen to host the Champions League final this means the Emirates Stadium can't stage the 2011 UEFA Europa League final.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Arsenal for all their valuable support during the bid process and recognise the very strong bid that they put together."

London mayor Boris Johnson also welcomed the announcement.

He said: "It is splendid news. There is a huge sense of excitement and passion in London for sports and indeed for the 'beautiful game' of football. London is delighted to have been successful in the bid to host the 2011 final and Wembley is a suitably dramatic and superb backdrop for the event."

Roger Maslin, acting managing director of Wembley Stadium, added: "It is an honour that Wembley Stadium has been chosen to host the 2011 Champions League final. The old stadium staged some of the most important games in football history, including five European Cup finals."

The final will return to the UK for the first time since 2003 when AC Milan defeated Juventus at Old Trafford, and to Wembley Stadium for the first time since 1992, when Barcelona beat Sampdoria in the European Cup final during the season before the competition became the Champions League.

Sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "Wembley hosting the Champions League Final in 2011 will be another highlight in a decade of fantastic sporting events to be held in Britain.

"With English clubs' recent form in the competition we could well see one or even two teams from the Premier League featuring but I am sure that club sides from abroad will be made more than welcome if they make the final in 2011."

BECKS COULD MAKE EURO CUT

2009-02-05T00:38:00.000-08:00

Will Ancelotti include Beckham?

AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has not ruled out the possibility of including David Beckham in their UEFA Cup squad list.

Beckham is tipped to make the cut despite only being available for the last-32 tie with Werder Bremen.

Subsequently, any inclusion is likely to increase speculation that the former England captain will remain in Milan beyond March 9 when he is scheduled to return to duty with LA Galaxy.

But for now, Ancelotti insists that any decision to include Beckham in their European squad would be Milan's prerogative.

"The possible inclusion of Beckham in our list would simply be our right," Ancelotti said.

"The choice of players is always delicate and will be made considering that Gennaro Gattuso is likely to return earlier than expected.

"The decision will also take into account the fitness of the other players."

Though, regardless of Beckham's possible inclusion, Ancelotti maintains that he is continuing to plan for the 33-year-old's departure next month.

"Even when Beckham leaves, the midfield is covered because we have Mathieu Flamini available," he added.

Knockout Draw

2009-02-05T00:35:00.000-08:00

First Knockout Round

Chelsea v Juventus
Villarreal v Panathinaikos
Sporting Lisbon v Bayern Munich
Atletico Madrid v FC Porto
Lyon v Barcelona
Real Madrid v Liverpool
Arsenal v Roma
Inter Milan v Manchester United

First legs to be played February 24/25.

Second legs to be played March 10/11

ANELKA PREDICTS ENGLISH TREBLE

2009-02-05T00:33:00.000-08:00

Anelka - fancies English sides.

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka believes his team will beat Juventus in their Champions League last-16 clash - and that Manchester United and Arsenal will have similar success against Italian opposition.

United face Inter Milan, while Arsenal take on Roma and Anelka is confident it will be the English sides who reach the quarter-finals rather than their Serie A counterparts.

However, the France forward is well aware that Chelsea will have to contain the threat of his former international team-mate David Trezeguet who is back playing after a lengthy injury lay-off.

"It's really bad news for us," Anelka told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I admire David, a goalscorer like few others, he was born to score.

"If you give him half a chance in the area he will take it.

"It's going to be a very tough match, Juve are a really top team. Against Italian sides it's always hard, tactically they're the best in Europe.

"If Chelsea don't find their feet, don't score a goal, we will be risking a lot.

"We have to score in the first leg, and especially not concede, so we can play for it all in Turin.

"Juve are right up there with Inter. (Alessandro) Del Piero is an inexhaustible talent. (Pavel) Nedved, (Gianluigi) Buffon...all of them.

"To beat this Juve, Chelsea have to put the maximum effort in."

He added: "If I had to bet though I think it will end 3-0 to the English sides. Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal will all progress.

"Just look at history. But anything can happen."

Anelka currently heads the Barclays Premier League goalscoring charts with 14 - needing three more to match his season's best at Manchester City and Arsenal.

However, Chelsea have shown signs of faltering in the league and the recent 3-0 loss to Manchester United saw them slip to third spot.

Anelka knows the team cannot afford any more mistakes.

"We're two points off United and Liverpool, the race is very open," he said. "But it is a very hard race.

"Up until now we've had bad games against United, Liverpool and Arsenal. It's obvious that we can't continue dropping points against our direct rivals, otherwise we can say goodbye to the title.

"On February 1 at Anfield we have to absolutely beat Liverpool."

Recent reports have hinted that Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari's job could be on the line, but Anelka insists the former Portugal coach is the right man for the job.

"He's Brazilian: he wants good football, attacking football, which is ideal for me." added the 29-year-old.

"But he has only just arrived in England. He's still learning, English football is not like that of Brazil or Portugal.

SAN SIRO SELL-OUT FOR UNITED VISIT

2009-02-05T00:31:00.000-08:00

San Siro - sold-out.

Manchester United's Champions League game against Inter Milan at the 80,000-capacity San Siro on February 24 is a sell-out.

The Italian club have confirmed they sold the remaining tickets for the first leg of the last 16 clash against the defending champions within two hours.

Inter also announced the tickets allocated to them from Manchester United for the return leg at Old Trafford on March 11 had been sold.

GAZIDIS - GUNNERS CAN LIVE WITHOUT CL

2009-02-05T00:28:00.000-08:00

Arsenal - the race is on for fourth spot.

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis believes the club are well-placed to survive a potential failure to qualify for the Champions League.

The Gunners are currently fifth in the Barclays Premier League, five points behind Aston Villa in the fourth qualification place, and face the possibility of not being in Europe's premier club competition next season.

While reaching the Champions League is viewed as imperative for the finances of clubs likes the Gunners, Gazidis believes they could cope with missing out.

Gazidis told The Times: "This club is in a position to withstand a year without Champions League qualification, not that we are anticipating it."

The 44-year-old took up his new post at the Emirates Stadium last month after a 14-year association with Major League Soccer which he helped establish.

The South Africa-born Oxford graduate, though, is uncertain whether the Premier League could adopt practices such as the salary cap or even discarding promotion or relegation.

"I'm not sure you can ever take the US sports business model and transplant it into European football," Gazidis continued.

"I don't think it would work for a range of different reasons, some of them logistical.

"How do you get your arms around a worldwide market to impose a salary cap, for example? But there are cultural issues also.

"Abandoning promotion and relegation may be a sounder business model, but culturally that is not acceptable."

RAFA: 'TIRED' GERRARD HAMSTRUNG

2009-02-05T00:12:00.000-08:00

Gerrard is substituted at Goodison.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is waiting to learn the extent of captain Steven Gerrard's injury after he was forced off during the FA Cup defeat at Everton - and says fatigue was to blame.

Gerrard was taken off early in the game at Goodison Park with a hamstring injury, will not play at Portsmouth on Saturday and is almost certainly out of England's friendly next Wednesday against Spain in Seville.

Benitez said: "Steven Gerrard will have a scan on Thursday to see the extent of the injury, we do not really know yet.

"Steven was tired, and he gets injured. He was tired, too, at Wigan but when I took him off there everyone was saying he had to play every single minute of every match. Now you have seen the consequences.

"He asked to be taken off, you could see at Wigan he was struggling and the same thing happened here."

Benitez also made a sarcastic reference to the fact England made Gerrard travel to London to assess a previous injury before accepting he was injured earlier this season.

He continued: "Maybe he will have go down to London again like last time for a scan to prove he is injured."

Liverpool were struggling from the moment Lucas was sent off in the second half of normal time and an extra-time goal from youngster Dan Gosling sent the Toffees through.

Benitez said: "We are really disappointed, to play for a long time with 10 men and to concede like that from a deflection at the end, you have to be disappointed.

"The turning point of the game was the second yellow card for Lucas, I was not happy, but I do not want to say anything about the referee."

latest transfer papertalk

2009-02-04T20:51:00.000-08:00

DAILY MIRROR

Rafa Benitez claimed he had to sell Robbie Keane because the striker was not good enough for Liverpool.

Harry Redknapp has buried the hatchet with Robbie Keane - and made him the club's new captain.

Arsenal are facing a storm of controversy after Andrei Arshavin completed his move nearly 24 hours after the transfer window shut.

Kevin Nolan has revealed his hurt at being offloaded by Bolton to Newcastle.

Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon has held clear-the-air talks with Ricky Sbragia.

Jose Mourinho made a late chase to try and take Didier Drogba to Inter Milan as part of the deal which saw winger Ricardo Quaresma go to Chelsea.

Leyton Orient are closing in on former Watford striker Moses Ashikodi.

Hull boss Phil Brown has blasted greedy agents for ruining his hopes of signing Christian Panucci.

Nathan Dyer will return to Southampton after Swansea refused to raise their £500,000 offer.

DAILY MAIL

Manchester City failed in a deadline-day bid to take Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner on loan.

Coventry chairman Ray Ranson laughed off a £1.3million Newcastle offer for defender Danny Fox, saying: "It wouldn't pay for his big toe!"

Arsenal were heading into a major transfer storm last night after Andrei Arshavin completed his £12million move almost 24 hours after the January deadline.

Rafa Benitez absolved himself of any blame for Robbie Keane's Anfield failings yesterday and claimed Tottenham's new signing could not cope with the demands of being a Liverpool player.

Roque Santa Cruz has been told he can got to Manchester City in the summer - once he has led Blackburn Rovers to Barclays Premier League safety.

DAILY STAR

Andrei Arshavin's move to Arsenal went through at last yesterday - but only after the FA threatened to block it.

Manchester United have sparked a £25million bidding war for Carlos Tevez after failing to take up their first option on the striker.

Unsettled Sunderland stopper Craig Gordon has held talks with boss Ricky Sbragia - after being told he faces a big fight to win his place back from Marton Fulop.

Sam Allardyce has urged Roque Santa Cruz to earn a summer move from Blackburn by saving the club's staff from the dole queue.

Bournemouth have completed a double non-league raid by signing Weymouth midfielder Anton Robinson, 22, and Salisbury winger Liam Feeney, 19.

Gillingham are threatening to recall midfielder Andrew Crofts, 24, from his loan spell at Peterborough unless the League One side agree to take over his contract.

DAILY EXPRESS

Arsenal pushed through the £15million signing of Andrei Arshavin last night, almost 24 hours after the transfer window was supposed to have shut.

Rafa Benitez has insisted his conscience is clear over Robbie Keane's ill-fated stay at Anfield and claimed the striker simply could not handle the demands of life at Liverpool.

Tony Adams believes he now has the midfield strength to help ease Portsmouth away from the relegation zone.

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has told Roque Santa Cruz to join the goal queue in a bid to keep nearly half of the backroom staff out of the dole queue.

THE SUN

Andrei Arshavin finally sealed his Arsenal move yesterday - amid concerns over why it happened 24 hours after the transfer window closed.

Victor Anichebe was thrown out of training yesterday after telling Everton boss David Moyes to "f*** off".

Kevin Nolan admits he was shocked Bolton sold him to relegation rivals Newcastle.

West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury reckons his club have come out of the January transfer window completely unscathed.

Reading manager Steve Coppell has rapped the January transfer window and reckons FIFA chief Sepp Blatter should explain why it exists.

Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon has held clear-the-air talks with Ricky Sbragia after being told he faces a big fight to win back his place.

Jose Mourinho is ready to use Ricardo Quaresma as bait to finally nab Chelsea superstar Didier Drogba.

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has told disappointed striker Roque Santa Cruz: You helped get us in this mess, so now get us out of it.

THE TIMES

Andrei Arshavin was finally confirmed as an Arsenal player yesterday, 24 hours after the transfer window closed - leaving the Premier League to defend their decision to sanction the £12million deal after some of the paperwork was not received in time.

THE GUARDIAN

Rafael Benitez said his conscience is clear over Robbie Keane's abrupt career at Liverpool and that he had to "cut our losses" with a player who struggled to adapt to a more pressured environment compared with Tottenham.

The Football Association are facing a test of their independence as the Premier League and agents push for a reversal of regulations governing transfers introduced as recently as the summer of 2007.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Arsenal finally ended their 228-day quest to land Andrei Arshavin for £15million yesterday, but the Russian's registration 23 hours after the transfer deadline will anger some of the club's Premier League rivals - notably Aston Villa, who are duelling with Arsenal for the fourth Champions League place.

THE INDEPENDENT

Arsenal were last night facing a potential controversy over their signing of the Russian international Andrei Arshavin when it emerged that the player's transfer was not completed in time for the Monday 5pm deadline.

DAILY RECORD

Scott McDonald insists Celtic are strong enough to retain their SPL crown despite failing to splash out.

Walter Smith admitted he was delighted to survive the transfer window with his Rangers squad still intact but will conduct a summer clearout.

Artmedia Bratislava have opened the door for Hearts to swoop for Slovakia international Pavol Farkas.

Mixu Paatelainen has told Steven Fletcher and Rob Jones sulking won't land them dream summer moves.

fa cup 4th round replay

2009-02-04T20:39:00.000-08:00

Dossena is pursued by Osman.
Everton 1 Liverpool 0 (aet)

Teenager Dan Gosling won the Merseyside FA Cup battle with a winner deep into extra-time.

The 19-year-old from Plymouth, in only his fifth appearance for the club, scored in the 118th minute to finally break the spirit of 10-man Liverpool.

Everton now face Aston Villa in the fifth round on February 15.

Liverpool ended in disarray. Robbie Keane sold, Steven Gerrard limping away after just 16 minutes, while Fernando Torres was withdrawn, exhausted, in extra-time.

They had been facing defeat from the moment Lucas was sent-off with 14 minutes of normal time left.

The Brazilian midfielder became the 23rd player to be dismissed in Merseyside derbies, with 16 of those coming in the last 10 years.

It summed up a fourth-round replay that was a war of attrition from the start between sides meeting for the third time in 17 days.

Everton had Marouane Fellaini back from suspension after missing the two derbies last month, while Liverpool left out Javier Mascherano and Fabio Aurelio, utilising Lucas and Andrea Dossena.

A simmering disdain was obvious. A match that was once the friendly derby turned into a nasty, spiteful one.

Neither manager had helped in the build-up as they sniped away at each other.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez had moaned about Everton's defensive tactics and physical approach while David Moyes claimed Liverpool were treated leniently by officials while asking for referee Alan Wiley to take a firm stance.

On the pitch the atmosphere was no better, and the Staffordshire official needed to be right on top of things.

He booked Tim Cahill after just 19 minutes for a flaying arm into Jamie Carragher's face, and lectures were dished out to Xabi Alonso, Lucas, Fellaini and Steven Pienaar.

There had been disruption for both sides beforehand.

Everton left out Victor Anichebe from their squad following his training-ground bust-up with Moyes, while Liverpool were surely distracted by the Keane saga.

And with the ink barely dry on transfer forms that had taken him back to Spurs, it was predictable that Liverpool found need for the Irishman after just 16 minutes.

They suffered the a savage blow when Gerrard pulled up with a hamstring problem and was replaced by Yossi Benayoun. If Keane had been around he would have been the ideal replacement to play behind Torres.

As it was Dirk Kuyt was shifted into a more central role, and Liverpool had lost their driving inspiration.

Liverpool tried to impose their passing game on Everton, who responded in their usual way.

Pienaar was booked a foul on Lucas, while the only genuine shots in the first half came from Alonso with a 25-yarder that skidded wide, while Leon Osman volleyed over from the edge of the box.

The second period started with Benayoun and Kuyt switching roles while Phil Neville and Lucas both picked up bookings.

Everton were soon to lose the injured Fellaini, teenager Gosling taking over.

That left Everton without any real threat in the air, and they were forced into another change when Pienaar - who had seemed to be struggling with a hamstring problem - was replaced by youngster Jack Rodwell.

Tim Howard needed to make a decent smothering save when Alonso's angled pass sent Albert Riera into the box.

Mikel Arteta had been pushed forward to help Cahill, Everton's resources stretched almost to breaking point.

Chances were rare. A Gosling shot failed to worry Jose Reina, while Howard pulled down a Kuyt header.

Liverpool's own sloppiness eventually allowed Everton the best chance so far.

Possession was squandered and Arteta passed for Leon Osman to hit a post.

Arteta was booked for a foul on Riera, but after 76 minutes Liverpool were reduced to 10 men when Lucas's daft trip on Joleon Lescott gave Wiley no choice but to brandish a second yellow and then red.

Mascherano was soon sent on to shore up the centre, Riera being sacrificed.

The flow of cards continued. Alonso being cautioned for a foul on Tony Hibbert with a minute of normal time to go.

In the first period of extra-time, Everton penned Liverpool back, Cahill having two efforts wide and missing a Leighton Baines cross.

Osman also went close twice before Liverpool took off Torres - played off the park by Phil Jagielka - and sent on Ryan Babel.

Andy van der Meyde came on for Neville, Everton searching for the moment to break Liverpool's resistance. Hibbert became Everton's fifth booking for a foul on Alonso.

And in the 118th minute, Everton went ahead.

Van Der Meyde's cross from the right was controlled by Gosling on the left, and his deflected shot went in off the far post.

Cue mass hysteria.

Teams:

Everton Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Osman, Fellaini (Gosling 52), Neville (Van der Meyde 106), Arteta, Pienaar (Rodwell 60), Cahill.

Subs Not Used: Nash, Yobo, Castillo, Jacobsen.

Booked: Cahill, Pienaar, Neville, Arteta, Hibbert.

Goals: Gosling 118.

Liverpool Reina, Dossena, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Kuyt, Alonso, Gerrard (Benayoun 16), Leiva Lucas, Riera (Mascherano 80), Torres (Babel 101).

Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Hyypia, Agger, El Zhar.

Sent Off: Leiva Lucas (76).

Booked: Leiva Lucas, Alonso.

After Extra Time

Att: 37,918

Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).

Price heads on watched by Saliou.
Aston Villa 3 Doncaster 1

John Carew scored on his first start for three months as Aston Villa reached the fifth round of the FA Cup for only the second time in nine years.

The Norway international struck for the eighth time this season, proving his fitness after a lengthy lay-off with a back problem.

Steve Sidwell and Nathan Delfouneso were also on the mark for Martin O'Neill's drastically changed team, with Jason Price netting a consolation effort for visitors Doncaster.

But the Coca-Cola Championship side could be proud of their efforts and attempted to play constructive football from the first to the final whistle.

Villa will just be happy to be through to the next round after resting star names like Gabriel Agbonlahor, Gareth Barry, James Milner and Brad Friedel ahead of the weekend Barclays Premier League clash at Blackburn.

O'Neill, who made seven changes to the side which drew with Wigan at the weekend, has admitted clinching a Champions League spot is the main priority for the midlands club this season.

Carew managed to get the full 90 minutes under his belt and Ashley Young marked his return from a three-game ban by playing for 75 minutes.

Central defender Curtis Davies and midfielder Sidwell also caught the eye for Villa while James Chambers was impressive at left-back for the visitors.

Before the kick-off a minute's silence was held in memory of former Villa and Doncaster midfielder Paul Birch who died after a lengthy battle against cancer on Monday.

Rovers were cheered on by 4,000 fans as they looked to cause Villa further problems after the goalless draw at the Keepmoat Stadium 11 days ago.

Ashley Young cut inside former Villa reserve player James O'Connor before firing over the crossbar.

Sidwell blocked a shot from Brian Stock in a lively start by the visitors who had Sam Hird booked for for handball.

But after 15 minutes Villa broke the deadlock through Sidwell's fourth goal of the campaign.

Doncaster goalkeeper Neil Sullivan managed to parry a low drive by Craig Gardner but Sidwell had the easiest of tasks to knock the loose ball into an empty net.

Then after 19 minutes Carew marked his comeback by doubling Villa's lead - although he needed a slice of luck.

He tried to pick his spot from the edge of the Doncaster box and his shot deflected off Hird and looped over a stranded Sullivan into the roof of the net.

Rovers had a mountain to climb but they came close to pulling a goal back almost immediately.

Richie Wellens advanced unchallenged into the Villa box but dragged his low shot wide of Brad Guzan's goal.

Luke Young came to Villa's rescue by blocking a fierce effort from Price who appealed in vain for handball by the former England defender.

The visitors were still attempting to play constructive football and Sidwell became the first Villa player to be yellow-carded for a challenge on John Spicer after 33 minutes.

Doncaster eventually reduced the arrears on the stroke of half-time when Price steered home a low centre from James Coppinger after Delfouneso had lost possession.

A reverse pass from Wellens almost played in Martin Woods as Doncaster continued to play some probing football at the start of the second half.

Guzan had to be alert to tip a 20 yard piledriver from Spicer around the post as Villa looked jittery at the back.

It was against the run of play when Delfouneso restored Villa's two-goal advantage after 61 minutes.

Nicky Shorey made good ground down the left before supplying an inviting cross for the teenage striker whose glancing header sailed past Sullivan into the corner of the net.

It was his first goal in domestic football for Villa after netting two previous goals in the UEFA Cup this season and finally killed off Doncaster's brave challenge.

Teams:

Aston Villa Guzan, Luke Young, Davies, Cuellar, Shorey, Gardner, Salifou, Sidwell, Ashley Young (Osbourne 78), Delfouneso, Carew.

Subs Not Used: Friedel, Barry, Milner, Agbonlahor, Knight,

Lowry.

Booked: Sidwell.

Goals: Sidwell 15, Carew 19, Delfouneso 61.

Doncaster Sullivan, O'Connor, Mills, Hird, Chambers, Coppinger (Byfield 76), Wellens, Woods, Stock, Spicer (Guy 75), Price (Heffernan 75).

Subs Not Used: Roberts, Van Nieuwstadt, Taylor, Lockwood.

Booked: Hird.

Goals: Price 45.

Att: 24,203

Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire).

Healy fires Sunderland in front.
Blackburn 2 Sunderland 1 (aet)

Benni McCarthy stepped off the bench to steer Blackburn into the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The South African striker struck deep into extra-time to break Sunderland's spirit and set up a home meeting with Coventry a week on Saturday.

McCarthy headed home with three minutes remaining following a free-kick from Carlos Villanueva.

Villanueva should have scored himself just beforehand but sent his effort wide of the target from close range.

It was a dramatic end to a game that seemed to be heading for a penalty shoot-out.

David Healy had opened the scoring for Sunderland in the seventh minute only for Aaron Mokoena to pull Blackburn level 30 minutes later.

The home side almost took the lead as early as the third minute when Zurab Khizanishvili's effort came back off the inside of the post following a corner from Villanueva.

Sunderland again found themselves on the back foot a minute later and Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon - back in the side after an ankle injury - did well to push away a shot from David Dunn.

The visitors, however, took the lead in their first attack in the seventh minute through Healy.

The Northern Ireland striker, making only his third start, was the first to react when Daryl Murphy's shot spun off Ryan Nelsen.

It was a cool finish by Healy and his second goal for Sunderland, his only other strike coming against Nottingham Forest in the Carling Cup in August.

That goal gave the visitors a boost and Steed Malbranque rattled a shot narrowly over the bar in the 16th minute following some sloppy defensive play.

Blackburn hit back and Gordon reacted quickly to push out Keith Treacy's effort two minutes later.

Gordon was showing no rustiness after his 10-week absence and reacted well to deny Jason Roberts in the 25th minute.

Blackburn should have equalised nine minutes later but Roque Santa Cruz squandered a glorious chance.

The Paraguay striker, who looked on his way to Manchester City in the transfer window, screwed a header wide from four yards following Villanueva's corner.

It was a clear chance but Blackburn regrouped and drew level in the 37th minute.

Mokoena sent a 25-yard thunderbolt into the corner, leaving Gordon stranded, after Villanueva's effort had been blocked.

It was the South African's first goal in almost two years and a timely one at that.

Mokoena's last goal came in the FA Cup as well - against Manchester City in March 2007.

Blackburn almost went ahead two minutes into the second half when Santa Cruz peeled away from his marker after Villanueva had delivered the free-kick.

The striker's header was clean enough but Gordon was equal to it and pushed the ball over the bar.

There was little to choose between the sides and Grant Leadbitter went close in the 58th minute following a surging run down the left from George McCartney.

Play switched down the other end and Roberts turned quickly in the penalty area, only for Gordon to block his effort.

Gordon then kept his side on level terms in the 73rd minute when he pushed over a superb free-kick from Villanueva that seemed goal-bound.

Then Khizanishvili sent a free header over the bar nine minutes later following Villanueva's corner.

Sunderland hit back and Reid failed to take advantage in the 85th minute when Carlos Edwards played the ball to him at the back post but he got a poor first touch and the match went into extra-time, paving the way for the dramatic finish.

Teams:

Blackburn Robinson, Simpson, Khizanishvili, Nelsen (Ooijer 87), Givet, Villanueva, Mokoena, Dunn (Kerimoglu 61), Treacy, Roque Santa Cruz (McCarthy 72),Roberts.

Subs Not Used: Bunn, Pedersen, Olsson, Doran.

Booked: Simpson, Treacy, Mokoena.

Goals: Mokoena 37, McCarthy 118.

Sunderland Gordon, Kay (Bardsley 56), Ferdinand, Collins, McCartney (Luscombe 106), Edwards, Leadbitter, Reid, Malbranque (Yorke 76), Healy, Murphy.

Subs Not Used: Colgan, Whitehead, Richardson, Colback.

Booked: Kay, Leadbitter.

Goals: Healy 7.

Att: 10,112

Ref: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).

Tyson rounds the keeper and is pulled down.
Nottingham Forest 2 Derby 3

Kris Commons' goal settled an enthralling FA Cup fourth-round replay between east midlands rivals Nottingham Forest and Derby to ensure a winning return to the City Ground for Nigel Clough.

Former Forest winger Commons sent the Rams through to a last-16 tie at home to Manchester United later this month with a deflected second-half effort.

Derby had seemed down and out when they quickly fell two goals behind.

Chris Cohen gave the Reds a dream start with a goal after only 60 seconds before Nathan Tyson doubled their lead from the penalty spot in the 14th minute.

Rob Hulse halved Derby's deficit with a well-placed header as the half-hour mark approached and another header from Paul Green restored parity before Commons struck.

The Arctic conditions did little to detract from the white-hot atmosphere inside the City Ground at kick-off.

And Cohen was soon to raise the noise levels by several decibels.

The midfielder collected a return pass from his own short corner and, after taking a touch to make the shooting angle more favourable, curled a left-foot shot past the unsighted Stephen Bywater from the edge of the area.

The Forest fans that jeered Commons' every touch momentarily stopped to hold their breath when his curling shot looped inches past the far post after seven minutes.

Matt Thornhill looped a header narrowly wide and Lewis McGugan stung Bywater's palms with a fiercely-struck volley before Forest extended their advantage.

Tyson broke the offside trap and raced goalwards before being tripped by Bywater as he took the ball round the Derby keeper.

Referee Chris Foy wasted no time in pointing to the penalty spot. Bywater was shown a yellow card and was arguably fortunate not to see red after denying Tyson a clear-cut scoring opportunity as the last man.

Tyson dusted himself down, however, and fired the ball into the top corner.

Derby responded well and Commons forced Paul Smith to block a powerful shot from the right-hand side of the area midway through the first half.

The Rams halved their deficit in the 28th minute when Hulse rose unchallenged at the far post to guide Gary Teale's left-wing cross into the opposite corner.

Cohen's low shot had to be palmed away by Bywater at the start of the second half.

But Derby were in the ascendancy and they equalised on the hour when Green took advantage of some more statuesque Forest defending to head home another Teale cross.

A swift counter-attack almost saw Forest retake the lead four minutes later.

Tyson led the charge, collecting Smith's long throw on the halfway line before advancing to the edge of the area where he swung a low cross into the six-yard box.

But Garath McCleary did not get the desired contact and his prod goalwards hit Bywater and rolled agonisingly wide.

Green dribbled a shot narrowly wide midway through the second half before a thunderous shot from Commons - reminiscent of the one he unleashed in the Carling Cup semi-final first-leg defeat of Manchester United - cannoned back off the foot of the post.

However, Commons finally did find the net in the 73rd minute and it proved to be decisive.

The Scotland international wrong-footed Wes Morgan and created a yard of space for himself.

His shot clipped Morgan as the Forest defender tried to recover and the ball looped beyond Smith and into the far corner.

Substitute Mark Byrne had a golden opportunity to force extra-time with two minutes remaining but the youngster took a heavy touch when trying to control Morgan's cross and scuffed his far-post shot wide as Bywater closed in on him.

Teams:

Nottm Forest Smith, Chambers, Morgan, Breckin, Wilson, McCleary (Heath 81), Perch (Byrne 70), McGugan, Thornhill, Cohen, Tyson (Newbold 85).

Subs Not Used: Darlow, Bencherif, Reid, Whitehurst.

Booked: McGugan.

Goals: Cohen 2, Tyson 14 pen.

Derby Bywater, Connolly, Albrechtsen, McEveley, Nyatanga, Barazite, Green, Savage, Teale, Commons, Hulse (Ellington 81).

Subs Not Used: Carroll, Stewart, Villa, Sterjovski, Todd,

Pearson.

Booked: Bywater, Nyatanga.

Goals: Hulse 27, Green 60, Commons 74.

Att: 29,001

Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside).

David Robert Joseph Beckham

2009-02-04T19:16:00.000-08:00

Beckham - wants to stay in Italy.

David Beckham confirmed he hopes to stay at AC Milan on a permanent basis.

The England midfielder's loan spell from Los Angeles Galaxy expires on March 9 and the Italian club were hoping to extend it.

But, after playing the first half of Milan's 2-2 friendly draw against Rangers at Ibrox, Beckham revealed he hoped to make it a permanent transfer.

He said: "At the moment my lawyers are not talking to the Galaxy but I have expressed my desire to stay at AC Milan now and it's just down to Milan and Galaxy to come to an agreement.

"I have enjoyed my time here. I knew I would enjoy it but I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I have and enjoy it as much as I have."

Beckham is closely watched by Mendes.

David Beckham was undoubtedly the star attraction as 45,197 supporters braved freezing conditions to watch him in action for AC Milan in a glamour friendly against Rangers at Ibrox.

But, ironically, it was only after the former England captain was substituted at half-time that the goals began to flow.

Another former star of Major League Soccer, DaMarcus Beasley, opened the scoring, only for his moment in the spotlight to be overshadowed by Brazil's latest star Pato, before Kaka and Sasa Papac both netted late on.

AC Milan's arrival at Glasgow Airport earlier in the day had sparked a frenzy, with Beckham mobbed by adoring fans as speculation raged over his future, with the Rossoneri keen to retain his services beyond his three-month loan spell in Serie A.

Fans were treated to the sight of the LA Galaxy midfielder from the outset, with Ronaldinho and Andriy Shevchenko also among those in the starting line-up, while £100million-rated Kaka started on the bench.

There were more surprises in the Rangers line-up, with captain Barry Ferguson and leading scorer Kris Boyd named as substitutes and Lee McCulloch, Maurice Edu, Steven Naismith and Lyle Lafferty all given a run-out from the start.

Beckham's first couple of touches were met with a combination of jeers and whistles, before Edu attempted to spark the game into life with an ambitious run into the box which brought no end product.

Lafferty went closer when he threw himself in front of a teasing John Fleck cross from the left only to nod over, before Allan McGregor did well to block a mis-hit Filippo Inzaghi effort.

The Rangers goalkeeper was called into action again when Ronaldinho was fouled just outside the box by Naismith, leaving Ibrox wondering which of Milan's deadball specialists would step up for the free-kick.

The job went to Ronaldinho himself, and his ferocious effort drew an excellent save from McGregor, who did well to push the stinging shot past his right-hand post.

Rangers had a couple of decent chances of their own before the break, with McCulloch drawing a save from Dida with a point-blank header and Pedro Mendes dragging narrowly wide of the upright.

Beckham was among those withdrawn at half-time, with both teams making a whole host of changes for the second half.

Neil Alexander - on for McGregor - was given an early taste of the action when he was forced to race off his line and claim a long ball from Andrea Pirlo before Inzaghi was able to unleash the shot 10 yards out.

Ronaldinho then stepped up for another free-kick 25 yards out but saw the effort crash off the Rangers wall.

That proved to be his last real involvement of the game and he was sacrificed for the introduction of Kaka, who earned one of the biggest cheers of the night when he was thrown into the action with half an hour to go.

Another big cheer arrived with 65 minutes on the clock when second-half substitute Beasley picked up the ball outside the box, bore down on goal and slotted low past Dida into the bottom corner.

Milan simply upped the tempo and restored parity five minutes later. Kaka's powerful cross was blocked on the by-line, cannoned off the body of Steven Whittaker and fell kindly to Pato, who tapped home from just outside the six-yard box.

The Rangers net was bulging again with 12 minutes to go when Kaka demonstrated his class, embarking on a 20-yard run before unleashing a low shot from the edge of the area which left Alexander with no chance.

Walter Smith threw Boyd into the action but it was Papac who had the final say, with a close-range shot at the near post after 83 minutes, after Spanish youngster Aaron had done all the hard work.

Beckham - could extend stay in Italy.

AC Milan general manager Adriano Galliani has revealed David Beckham's lawyers are in talks with Los Angeles Galaxy over extending the midfielder's stay at the San Siro.

Beckham has been a revelation since arriving at Milan, where he has scored two goals, and on Sunday provided two key assists to help his side to a 3-0 win at Lazio - a result which propelled them to second in the Serie A table.

The England midfielder's loan deal is set to end on March 9 but Galliani has already admitted the club would love to keep him at the San Siro for longer and he has now revealed the wheels have been set in motion for that to happen.

"Beckham's lawyers are talking to the Los Angeles Galaxy, who are the rightful owners of his registration," said the Milan chief. "If they show themselves to be ready to look at a deal, we would be really happy to do so.

"At the moment there's neither optimism nor pessimism.

"The player belongs to Galaxy. We wish they decide to release him, but if they don't change their minds the player is theirs.

"We are looking to get him either on loan until the end of the season or on a permanent basis. Otherwise, with the greatest regret from everyone - starting with me - Beckham will have to go."

Galliani added: "Players can make their choices but their clubs can refuse their wishes.

"Moreover, the Los Angeles Galaxy have always been very nice to us and have behaved in a very gentlemanly manner.

"In any case at this moment there are no dealings and we haven't made an offer, but Beckham's lawyers are talking with Los Angeles.

"There is time until March 8 to get us round a table and close a possible deal."

Beckham's arrival has boosted the Rossoneri, who have avoided defeat in their last five league games while climbing to second in the Serie A standings, six points behind league leaders Inter Milan.

Beckham remained tight lipped as he arrived in Scotland on Wednesday.

The former England captain touched down just before midday at Glasgow Airport with the rest of his team-mates ahead of the friendly with Rangers.

But in an atmosphere reminiscent of the chaos which greeted Argentina boss Diego Maradona when he visited the city in November, Beckham refused to answer any questions.

However, a leading employment lawyer has warned the Los Angeles Galaxy "hold all the cards" as Beckham's future comes under the spotlight again.

Any attempt to sign for the club on a permanent deal could prove costly though, according to Peter Mooney, head of consultancy with Employment Law Advisory Services.

Mooney believes Galaxy have the advantage in negotiations.

Mooney said: "He has to get himself out of his contract with LA Galaxy so he'll be wanting to get a fair deal out of it, but if he doesn't take out proper advice then it could end up being quite expensive, even by his standards.

"LA Galaxy hold all the cards at the moment. They have to agree to a change in the deal whether it is in terms of an extension or a sale.

"They will have invested a lot of money in the player. When he went there was a huge fanfare of publicity.

"Perhaps Galaxy are thinking they are not getting their money's worth but no doubt they are getting a handsome fee from AC Milan for the loan."