Debutant Downing stars as quartet give Capello a nudge December 1, 2009 PORTSMOUTH (2) vs ASTON VILLA (4) ENGLAND hopeful Stewart Downing scored on his full debut to help Aston Villa cruise into the last four of the Carling Cup at the expense of struggling Portsmouth. Summer signing Downing was making his first start for Martin O’Neill’s men after breaking his foot playing for Middlesbrough in May. [...]
Wenger in the hunt for Van Persie replacement December 1, 2009 ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger admits he is looking to dip into the transfer market this January to cover the loss of striker Robin van Persie. The Dutchman has been ruled out for up to five months after suffering ankle ligament damage, leaving the Gunners desperately light up front. Wenger has already been linked with moves [...]
Confident Bresnan targets Test place December 1, 2009 ENGLAND and Yorkshire seamer Tim Bresnan has set his sights on a place in the Test side following a clutch of impressive one-day performances in South Africa. The 24-year-old has tightened his grip on a spot in the limited-overs set-up and helped England take a 2-1 series lead with some economical displays against a powerful [...]
Ireland rage at Boks after Heaslip cleared December 1, 2009 IRISH chiefs have blasted South Africa after No8 Jamie Heaslip was cleared of eye-gouging in Saturday’s win over the Springboks. South Africa accused Heaslip of gouging Heinrich Russow and asked independent citing commissioner Douglas Hunter to review footage of the clash at Croke Park. But Hunter yesterday declared Heaslip had no case to answer, prompting [...]
Challenger Salita confident of dethroning ‘chinny’ Khan December 1, 2009 DMITRIY SALITA believes he can steal victory over “chinny” Amir Khan in Newcastle on Friday night. The New York-based fighter puts his unbeaten record on the line when he takes on Khan for the WBA light-middleweight title. Khan, defending his title for the first time following his victory over Andreas Kotelnik in July, claims to [...]
SPORT IN BRIEF December 1, 2009 Fifa reject Ireland pleaFOOTBALL: World governing body Fifa have confirmed it will not create an extra place at the 2010 World Cup for Republic of Ireland. The Irish had asked to be allowed to play as a 33rd team in South Africa after losing their play-off to France through Thierry Henry’s infamous handball goal. Fifa [...]
Irish ask for extra World Cup place November 30, 2009 WORLD governing body Fifa are set to turn down the Republic of Ireland’s extraordinary request that they be allowed to play at next summer’s World Cup as an extra team. Fifa president Sepp Blatter revealed Irish chiefs suggested the unprecedented move following last month’s play-off defeat to France, which featured Thierry Henry’s now-infamous handball. The [...]
Drogba: Blues have title edge November 30, 2009 CHELSEA striker Didier Drogba insists his side’s mental strength gives them the edge in the biggest games – and will help them stay in front in the title race. Drogba scored a ruthless double in Sunday’s 3-0 demolition of Arsenal to restore the Blues’ lead at the top of the Premier League to five points. [...]
Forget cups, top four spot is our goal, says Bassong November 30, 2009 TOTTENHAM defender Sebastien Bassong admits he would be happy to be knocked out of the Carling Cup tonight as long as Spurs finish the season in the top four. Harry Redknapp’s men travel to Old Trafford for a last-eight clash against Manchester United, who defeated them on penalties in last season’s final. And Bassong says [...]
City spend eight times as much as United on agents November 30, 2009 MANCHESTER CITY’S lavish recruitment policy saw them splash out almost £13m in agents’ fees alone last year – more than eight times as much as champions Manchester United. City, who have spent close to £120m on signing a host of big-name players in the last 12 months, paid agents £12.9m for transfers and contract negotiations. [...]