Lajme Futbolli

Cahill ready for England battle

2012-09-05T10:43:00.004-07:00

Chelsea defender boosted by Champions League success

England defender Gary Cahill believes he has answered any lingering doubts about his ability to play at the highest level.

The centre-back, 26, has seen his push for a regular place in the national side increased by his move to Champions League winnersChelsea in January.

He produced a series of assured displays during the Blues' shock triumph in Europe's elite competition and put himself in pole position to start Euro 2012 alongside John Terry in the heart of England's defence.

But the ex-Bolton player was ruled out of the tournament after breaking his jaw in the Three Lions' final warm-up against Belgium.

Hungry

Now he is hoping to start England's first competitive match since Euro 2012 when Roy Hodgson's men open their World Cup qualifying campaign in Moldova on Friday.

"I think the Champions League success with Chelsea, the wins overBarcelona and Bayern Munich, have helped me, have progressed me and given me the experience of playing in those games," he said.

"Before that, there was always that question mark above my head because of where I'd come from and I'd not played in those sort of games.

"People were saying 'can he play in those situations, in those sort of games?'

"It has made me more hungry to be part of those games, but experience wise, coming to England, which is top of the tree, it will help me going forward."

During Cahill's Euro 2012 absence, Manchester City's Joleon Lescott impressed alongside Terry in England's defence, while Everton's Phil Jagielka, another centre-back contender, scored in last month's friendly win against Italy.

Fight

But Cahill also started against the Italians and is aiming to retain the shirt for the Moldova clash.

"Now I'm back fit but there is real competition and I think myself not making the Euros has made it harder," he said.

"I thought the lads did well in the Euros so for me not being able to stamp authority in that tournament has made it another fight for me to get back involved and get the starting place.

"There is great competition and the lads who are picked want to keep hold of the shirt.

"It is going to be tough but it is a fight I've had since I've joined because we're blessed with some good players in England."

Lukaku - I'm not Drogba

2012-09-05T10:42:00.003-07:00

Belgium striker ready to make his own name at West Brom

West Brom's on-loan striker Romelu Lukaku has vowed to make a name for himself at The Hawthorns - after growing tired of comparisons with former Chelsea team-mate Didier Drogba.

The Belgian, 19, was dubbed the "new Drogba" when he joined theBlues last summer, because of his similar playing style and physical presence to the Ivorian.

But he found his path to Chelsea's starting XI blocked by Drogba and managed just one Premier League start following his £18million move from Anderlecht.

Despite the Blues legend leaving Stamford Bridge for a new career in China, Lukaku also opted to move away from west London this summer in his quest for regular first team football.

Now, he is desperate to step out of Drogba's shadow during his season-long loan spell at West Brom.

Personality

"Didier and I have a similar playing style, but I don't think he would have wanted to be compared to someone when he was young," said Lukaku, who is hoping to recover from an ankle injury ahead of Belgium's World Cup qualifier against Wales on Friday.

"Every player wants to be their own person, their own personality. I don't want to be the new anyone.

"At first it was OK - but now I'm bored of it. It isn't necessary and I don't like it now.

"I have my father's surname, I am Romelu Lukaku - I'm not anybody else. This is my own name and the name I want people to remember."

Russell to step in for Rhodes

2012-09-05T10:41:00.005-07:00

Dundee United man aims to replace Blackburn star

Johnny Russell is well aware he has big boots to fill as he aims to fire Scotland Under-21s to qualification for the UEFA European Championships.

The Dundee United forward is aiming to cope with the pressure placed on himself in the absence of Jordan Rhodes and rise to the challenge.

Rhodes - who sealed a move from Huddersfield to Blackburn last month - has been promoted to the senior squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Macedonia after scoring eight goals for the young Scots last season.

Rhodes was also on target 40 times for Huddersfield and netted on his full international debut against Australia last month but Russell is ready to take over from the star striker as the under-21s' campaign reaches its climax.

He said: "There is a lot of expectation, especially dealing with the loss of somebody like Jordan.

"There are a lot of goals that need to be made up for. Hopefully myself and the rest of the boys can live up to that and hopefully show that we don't miss him too much."

Billy Stark's side host Luxembourg tomorrow night, before travelling to Austria for their final qualifier on Monday. The last meeting with Luxembourg resulted in a comprehensive 5-1 victory for the Scots last October.

Russell said: "We went into that game expecting to win and being expected to win but you need to guard against complacency in games like this.

"If we just do the things that we do right, then we will definitely get a result."

Richardson vows to come good

2012-09-05T10:41:00.001-07:00

New Fulham signings eyes improvement

Kieran Richardson insists better things are to come for him at Fulham, after admitting he disappointed on his debut.

Richardson had a game to forget after being thrown in at the deep end in

Saturday's defeat at West Ham and was hauled off after an hour.

That was 24 hours after the midfielder's reported £2million deadline-day switch from Sunderland and he told his new club's official website that he was not happy with his debut.

"I was upset with the way the game went. I didn't feel sharp at all, I felt sluggish," he said.

"I hadn't really trained with the team so I didn't know the way they played that well but I've got a break now before the next game and I'll get my fitness up and understand more on how the team play."

Back home

Richardson, who was born in Greenwich and was on West Ham's books before joining Manchester United, was delighted to be back in London.

He said: "I'm so pleased. Me and my family are so chuffed to be here," he said.

"I first heard that Fulham were interested in me towards the end of last season, so I've always had it in the back of my mind that I could be coming here.

"Finally, it did happen for me and I want to thank the manager and the chairman. I want to do well for the club and for the fans.

"I've spoken to the manager and we've had a good chat. I'm hoping he'll get the best out of me.

"Saturday was a bad performance but I've put that behind me and I'll be working hard on the training field to prepare for West Bromwich Albion."

Richardson spent five years at Sunderland and does not regret his time in the North East.

"I enjoyed it at Sunderland," he said. "I had a really good relationship with the fans.

"But I'd been there for five years and I felt like I needed a change. My family wanted to come back south as well."

The 27-year-old was relishing linking up with another deadline-day signing, and another ex-United player in Dimitar Berbatov.

"He's got a great touch and he just seems to float around the pitch," Richardson said.

"He holds the ball up well and, as midfielders, it's our job to support him.

"Hopefully, he'll score a lot of goals for Fulham."

Malaga deny sale claims

2012-09-05T10:40:00.004-07:00

Qataris insist they are not selling up

The Qatari owners of Primera Division side Malaga have denied the club is for sale after making several new appointments to the non-playing management team.

Having sold Santi Cazorla and Jose Rondon there were reports that owner Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani was ready to sell a club he bought for 120million euros in 2011.

But with the team third in the table and set to open their Champions League campaign against Zenit St Petersburg on September 18, Sheikh Al-Thani and vice-president Abdullah Ghubn are keen to hang on to their investment.

Executive vice-president Moayat Shatat told a press conference: "We've invested a lot into this project and have no intention of leaving.

"We love this club, and both Sheikh Al-Thani and Abdullah Ghubn are in full support, and very excited about this season. The club is not for sale.

"The important thing is to find a balance with regards to investment, and do what's best for the club.

"We've never said that we'd stop investing. We will continue to invest, but in the best way for the club.

"We're looking into a new strategy, and have now created a new organisational structure so we can have more control over the club."

The new appointments include Vicente Casado as general manager and Mario Armando Husillos as first team sports manager.

Ince - Dad's my mentor

2012-09-05T10:40:00.000-07:00

Blackpool youngster planning to follow father Paul's footsteps

Blackpool winger Thomas Ince admits father Paul is his biggest mentor - and harshest critic - as he looks to make his England Under-21 debut on Thursday night.

Ince, 20, hopes to feature for Stuart Pearce's men in their crunch European Championship qualifier in Azerbaijan.

Group Eight leaders England need victory to edge closer to qualification ahead of Monday's potential decider against Norway.

And Ince has already been given plenty of advice from his dad, who won 53 England caps during an illustrious career, about international football.

"Of course, I couldn't have had a better mentor than my dad," he told FATV.

Guidance

"I have my critics - he'll be the main one. I've had double guidance in everything I've done. He can help me off the pitch.

"I've got [Blackpool manager] Ian Holloway on the pitch and I've also got Stuart Pearce, the gaffer here, who's currently with me now.

"So I've got help from all angles and that can only benefit me in the long run."

Ince, previously capped at Under-17 and Under-19 level, said he was "elated" at his latest international call-up from Pearce.

"I've been through a couple of the youth set-ups with England, but the Under-21s is something special," said the ex-Liverpool youngster.

"It's one step away from the first team, so to get that call was fantastic."

Internacional won't budge on their valuation of reported Manchester United target Leandro Damiao

2012-09-05T10:38:00.001-07:00

Internacional president Giovanni Luigi insists the club will not let Leandro Damiao leave unless his buyout clause is met amid rumours linking him with a move to Manchester United.

The Brazil international striker was heavily tipped for a switch to Tottenham during the summer transfer window but Internacional have claimed they turned down an offer from the White Hart Lane club because it did not match their valuation.

Luigi has previously revealed the youngster has a €60million (£47million) buyout clause in his deal at Inter, where he is contracted until 2016.

It is also believed Damiao was offered to Liverpool on loan but the deal was considered too expensive by the Merseysiders.

Speculation has now surfaced that United are targeting a January swoop for the 23-year-old, who starred for his country at the Olympics, finishing the tournament as top scorer with six goals.

Luigi says Internacional will stand firm on their valuation if United do come knocking and is adamant the Premier League giants must speak directly to the Brazilian club.

He told Zero Hora: "We aren't talking about a small team. We are talking about Internacional. They (Manchester United) have to talk with Internacional, not with the player.

"If Manchester United came here today, I would ask them to pay his buyout fee. They have to know that Internacional are a big club.

"Now, Leandro Damiao only leaves if the buyout fee is paid."

Eye surgery for Balotelli

2012-09-05T05:54:00.007-07:00

Italian striker may miss Manchester City's next match after minor operation

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli could miss the Premier League champions' next match against Stoke after undergoing laser-eye surgery in Italy.

Balotelli, 22, returned back to his homeland for Wednesday's minor operation, which he needed after suffering from conjunctivitis associated with wearing contact lenses.

Balotelli's surgeon suggested he could return "in around 10 days" meaning he faces a race against time to be ready for City's trip to the Britannia Stadium on September 15th.

"He had a few problems with contact lenses some years ago," surgeon Emanuele Scuri told Sky Sport Italia.

"We waited for the defect to stabilise over the last four years and this was the right time to have the operation. His eyes did not tolerate the contact lenses and had problems at the start of the season.

Paparazzi

"I think in around 10 days he should be ready to play again. Already this morning he asked if he could drive and I suggested he should get a lift until Thursday.

"We brought the operation forward by a day to avoid paparazzi. This surgery will enable Balotelli to see very well."

City waited until the international break to book Balotelli in for the procedure, which has ruled him out of Italy's World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Malta.

Should Balotelli fail to return in time for the Stoke match he could be available when City open their UEFA Champions League campaign against Real Madrid three days later.

Moxey calls for patience

2012-09-05T05:54:00.003-07:00

Chief executive admits it will take time for Wolves to rebuild

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey has warned disgruntled supporters that things may get worse before they get better, as the club opens a new era.

After suffering relegation out of the Premier League last season, the Molieux outfit are struggling to get to grips with life back in the Championship.

They are, however, working under a new boss in Stale Solbakken and have seen influential figures such as Matt Jarvis and Steven Fletcher head through the exits.

Returning stability to the ranks and bringing about an improvement in performances on the field is now the order of the day, but Moxey admits that will take time.

He told the Express and Star: "It may need to get worse before it gets better and maybe people need to understand that.

"We have to be realistic about what we can achieve given the scale of change. We have seen that some foreign players take longer to settle compared to their British counterparts, and that is natural.

"I wouldn't say we are relaxed about the situation because we are never relaxed when we lose."

Difficult

Another change to have occurred at Molineux is the removal of Terry Connor from the coaching staff.

After 13 years at the club, which included a spell as manager last season, the services of a highly-respected figure have been dispensed of by Solbakken.

The Norwegian tactician told the Birmingham Mail: "It was not a conversation I wanted to have. It was one of the most difficult decisions.

"But I have to do what I think is right for the club. I can't sit here in two or three months' time having not done what I think I should do.

"I'm the one who has to make the decisions to bring us forward and this is not a decision you want to take but it is a decision I felt was very right."

Saints eyeing Donnelly deal

2012-09-05T05:53:00.004-07:00

Lomas looking to line up move for midfielder

The 24-year-old is available as a free agent after being released by the Swans over the summer.

He has spent much of the last two seasons on loan at Wycombe having found it difficult to make an impact in South Wales.

Trial spells at Bradford and Southend were taken in following his exit from the Liberty Stadium, but he remains without a club.

St Johnstone boss Steve Lomas could, however, be about to offer the former Queens Park Rangerstrainee a route to Scottish football.

Lomas was at Loftus Road with Donnelly as he graduated out of the academy ranks and is well aware of what the goalscoring midfielder could add to his squad.

Distin - Toffees can compete

2012-09-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

Stopper hails quality in Toffees squad

Everton defender Sylvain Distin feels the club are in a good position to 'compete for something interesting' this season.

Manager David Moyes started his summer business early, bringing in Steven Naismith and re-signing Steven Pienaar.

He added £6million forward Kevin Mirallas last month and brought in Bryan Oviedo, 17-year-old Kilmarnock winger Matthew Kennedy and midfielder Vadis Odjidja-Ofoeon loan late on.

Strength

The Toffees are still waiting for FIFA to rubber-stamp the latter's move from Club Brugge as the deal was completed so close to the deadline but are hopeful that confirmation will come later this week.

And despite the departures of midfielders Jack Rodwell and Tim Cahill, with defender Joseph Yobo finally completing his move to Fenerbahce after two seasons on loan, Distin believes the squad has plenty of strength.

"When you see new players coming in you know everything is moving in the right direction and that is what every single player wants," said Distin.

"It's a bit early to say this is the best squad during my time here.

"We need a bit of time for players to adapt and see how well they are going to do but I rarely remember the squad having so much quality.

"We have enough quality to compete for something interesting this season."

Unusually for Everton they got off to a flying start, winning their first two matches, although defeat atWest Brom clipped their wings somewhat.

However, Distin believes there is a different mood around the club this season.

Good feeling

"We are not used to this and it is a good feeling," he told evertontv. "We have started well and the squad is only going to get better and bigger.

"We want our team to get better and for there to be more competition between the players.

"But we should never expect too much too soon. It is a good start, which is very positive, but we are so far from the end [of the season]."

Feeney blow for Millwall

2012-09-05T05:52:00.003-07:00

Lions winger faces two months out with ankle injury

Championship side Millwall have suffered an injury blow with winger Liam Feeney ruled out for eight weeks.

Feeney, 25, injured his ankle during Saturday's 3-1 win againstMiddlesbrough at the Den.

He suffered damaged ligaments after replacing James Henry as a 83rd-minute substitute in the Lions' first home win of the new campaign.

"Liam suffered significant ankle ligament damage and he will be out for a minimum of eight weeks," saidLions physio Bobby Bacic.

But there was better injury news for boss Kenny Jackett as skipper Paul Robinson and midfielderTamika Mkandawire made their much-anticipated returns this week.

Step

Mkandawire has been sidelined for almost a year with a knee injury, but played 90 minutes for Millwall'sUnder-21 Development side against Barnet on Tuesday.

"I'm glad to come through unscathed," he told the club's official website.

"The plan was to play 60 minutes and take it from there, but I played the full game and I'm glad I did. It's a massive step for me."

Defender Robinson, yet to feature this season after a hernia operation, also completed 90 minutes in the 3-1 win.

Fergie could call on Bolt

2012-09-05T05:51:00.004-07:00

Olympic sprinter invited to play in charity match

Sir Alex Ferguson has offered Olympic champion Usain Bolt the chance to play for Manchester United in their annual charity match against Real Madrid legends.

A lifelong Manchester United fan, Bolt has already been to Old Trafford since his triple gold medal-winning exploits, telling the crowd ahead of last month's 3-2 win over Fulham that they needed to persuade Ferguson to sign him.

That is clearly not going to happen.

However, Ferguson has raised the possibility of Bolt fulfilling his dream in a rather different way.

"He's been to Carrington a couple of times and he did help Ronaldo with his sprinting," Ferguson toldInside United.

"He's a bit of a character and a big United fan. But it's interesting he says he would like to play in a charity game.

"It could be brilliant, and next year, when we play Real Madrid's Legends again, there could be opportunities to bring him in and see how he does."

Bet

Ferguson certainly owes Bolt a favour after he took a rather personal interest in the Jamaican's stellar performances at London 2012.

"I must thank him because that was my biggest bet," he said. "Bolt was 4/5 to win each of them, the 100m and 200m, a week before the tournament started.

"It was a brilliant bet. I couldn't believe it.

"He's the fastest man in the world and the others would have to have taken half a second off their running to beat him. He is phenomenal."

Barker extends Rams stay

2012-09-05T05:51:00.000-07:00

Injured skipper commits to club until 2015

Derby captain Shaun Barker has signed a year-long contract extension to keep him at Pride Park until the summer of 2015.

Barker, who has made 105 appearances for the Rams since his arrival from Blackpool in July 2009 for an undisclosed fee, will miss the whole of the current campaign with a serious knee injury he sustained in March.

The 29-year-old centre-back dislocated his right kneecap and also suffered ligament damage during a 1-0 home win over East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest towards the end of last season.

"Shaun remains very much part of our plans and it's important for him to know that, and we're very pleased he has extended his contract," Derby boss Nigel Clough told the club's official website.

"We've strengthened the defence in Shaun's absence with the arrival of Richard Keogh, and the availability Jake Buxton, while Mark O'Brien, Valentin Gjokaj, Tom Naylor and James O'Connor provide us with quality and experience.

"Shaun is a true leader and while we're missing his qualities on the pitch, we're not missing out off the field. He is playing a pivotal role in the changing room with the lads, which we knew he would do.

"He has a huge part to play this season despite not being available for selection and he's making steady progress. As we said when the injury was announced, we're going to be with him every step of the way."

Lyon star Cris joins Galatasaray

2012-09-05T05:50:00.003-07:00

Ex-Brazil international leaves "special" club for new challenge

Brazilian defender Cris has left Lyon to join Turkish champions Galatasaray on a one-year deal, the French club have confirmed.

Cris, 35, admitted it was a wrench leaving Lyon, who he helped to win four league titles during his time in Ligue 1.

The centre-back spent eight years at the Stade de Gerland, making over 200 appearances following his arrival from Cruzeiro in 2004.

But he is relishing his new challenge with the Istanbul club.

Special

"One door closes, another one opens," he told Lyon's official website. "This is a new chapter in my life. I'm happy on one hand, but also sad on another.

"I'm leaving the club where I spent eight seasons and experienced some wonderful moments. Lyon will always have a special place in my heart, and so will the supporters.

"It's not easy leaving this club, this city - but that's football. I wanted to finish my career at Lyon, but this is a good offer for me and the club."

England stay third in rankings

2012-09-05T05:49:00.007-07:00

Portugal climb to fourth, while Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all tumble

England remain third in the latest FIFA rankings following their recent 2-1 victory against Euro 2012 finalists Italy.

Portugal are the only nation to move up inside the top 10, with Paulo Bento's team climbing from fourth to fifth at the expense of Uruguay.

Reigning world and European champions Spain stay top, with Germany second ahead of Roy Hodgson's men.

Republic of Ireland remain 26th, Wales drop eight places to 45th, Scotland slip to 47th and Northern Ireland tumble 28 places to 129th.

Switzerland break into the top 20 with a three-place rise from 23rd, while big movers Slovenia are up nine spots to 24th. Belgium also make a huge leap from 53rd to 40th.

New Blues deal for Bertrand

2012-09-05T05:49:00.003-07:00

Chelsea man handed long-term contract until 2017

Chelsea have announced that Ryan Bertrand has put pen to paper on a new five-year contract to commit his future to the club until 2017.

Bertrand has been with the Blues since 2005 and has always been regarded as an exciting prospect, but he has had to wait patiently for first-team opportunities.

The presence of Ashley Cole at left-back has allowed him to develop away from the limelight at Stamford Bridge, with loan spells taken in at several lower league clubs.

As well as playing for Chelsea's youth and reserve teams, Bertrand has spent time out at Bournemouth, Oldham, Norwich, Reading and Nottingham Forest.

Big break

He eventually made his Chelsea debut as a substitute against Birmingham in April 2011, and gradually became more involved last season.

Bertrand, now 23, got his big break at the Allianz Arena in May when he was selected from the start in the victorious UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

He operated in a more advanced role in front of Cole and Roberto Di Matteo has clearly been impressed by his progression, as he has continued to pick the 23-year-old as an attacking option at the start of the current campaign.

Bertrand also played for Great Britain at the Olympics and has now been rewarded for all his good work with a new deal that ties him into Chelsea's long-term project.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill hopes to put Russia under pressure

2012-09-05T05:48:00.003-07:00

Michael O'Neill believes the expectation on Russia to perform under Fabio Capello provides Northern Ireland with an opportunity to cause an upset in Friday's World Cup qualifier between the sides.

Russia are regarded as one of the strongest teams in Group F, along with Portugal, and will be determined to make it through to the finals in Brazil after appointing Capello to replace Dick Advocaat following a disappointing showing at Euro 2012.

Northern Ireland manager O'Neill is under no illusions as to the size of the task awaiting his men in Moscow, but is determined to make a fast start.

He hopes to take advantage of any extra pressure that might be on Russia in Capello's first competitive match at the helm, with a home clash against Luxembourg to follow next week.

"I think the expectation will obviously be very high on Russia," O'Neill told Sky Sports News.

"They had a disappointment at the Euros and there is a very high-profile coach going in, so we have to try and use that to our advantage.

"We have to try and make life difficult for Russia and see how they deal with that level of expectation, and that will be a key factor in how we approach the game."

O'Neill added: "We want to take as much out of the campaign as we can and obviously getting off to a good start with a good performance, and hopefully a positive result, will help us as we progress.

"With the second game on Tuesday it is important that what happens on Friday night doesn't damage us in relation to the game on Tuesday."

Snodgrass eyes World Cup spot

2012-09-05T05:48:00.000-07:00

Scotland squad confident of reaching Brazil, says winger

Scotland winger Robert Snodgrass says Craig Levein's men are refusing to "make up the numbers" as they look to reach their nation's first World Cup finals in 16 years.

Scotland begin their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign against Serbia at Hampden Park on Saturday, before entertaining Macedonia in another Group A clash next Tuesday.

And they must also overcome Croatia, Belgium and Wales in a tough-looking group to book a place in Brazil.

The Tartan Army has not enjoyed a trip to a major international finals since the national side qualified for the 1998 World Cup in France.

Mood

But Snodgrass insists there is a steely determination among the current crop of players to match the success of Craig Brown's team.

"We are not here to make up the numbers," said the Norwich star. "There is a firm belief about this squad that we can go and pick up maximum points and qualify.

"There is a good mood about the camp, there always has been every time I have been here.

"We have a job to do as footballers and we will approach each game thinking we can win it. It starts on Saturday and everybody is raring to go."

Rodgers - Cole making progress

2012-09-05T05:47:00.003-07:00

New signing Assaidi also on the mend at Liverpool

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says midfielder Joe Cole is on the 'right track' as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Cole suffered the problem during the Reds' defeat to West Bromin their opening Premier League game at The Hawthorns.

The injury will no doubt be frustrating for the 30-year-old as he looks to establish himself in the Liverpool first team under Rodgers, having spent last season on loan at Lille.

The manager says Cole is on the way to recovery and hopes he will resume full training soon.

Rodgers told Liverpool's official website: "Joe is working well and the medical department are pleased with his progress.

"He was out onto the pitch over the weekend doing some work, so there's still a little way to go with Joe yet but he's on the right track, which is important."

Hopeful

Rodgers also revealed new signing Oussama Assaidi is on the mend after withdrawing from Monday's Under-21s clash with Manchester City due to tightness in his groin.

The Morocco international winger, who arrived at Anfield from Heerenveen this summer, is yet to feature for the Reds but the boss says he is close to re-joining the group for training.

Rodgers added: "He should train today. He was due to play in the reserve game, but after training with the reserves in preparation for the game on Sunday, he felt a little bit of tightness.

"We're hoping in the next couple of days he'll be ready to train and re-join the group."

Espanyol deny Heskey interest

2012-09-05T05:46:00.004-07:00

La Liga club not targeting free agent striker

Espanyol's sporting director Ramon Planes has denied the club are interested in signing former England striker Emile Heskey on a free transfer.

Heskey is without a club following his release from Aston Villa at the end of last season and is thought to be on the radar of several sides.

But Planes insists the Periquitos are not targeting the 34-year-old, who has also been linked withLiverpool, Stoke and Norwich.

The Espanyol chief told Catalan newspaper Sport: "I know about the rumours in the papers but we are not interested in Heskey or any other footballer.

"The squad is closed and the coach has not demanded any more players.

"Espanyol have a mix of experience and youth this season and that is sufficient to obtain our objectives."

Scholes hails 'healthy' United

2012-09-05T05:46:00.000-07:00

Players must take their first-team chances, warns Red Devils midfielder

Veteran midfielder Paul Scholes believes the future is looking "healthy" for Manchester United following their summer signings.

United signed Robin van Persie, Shinji Kagawa, Nick Powell and Alexander Buttner before last week's transfer deadline and Scholes, 37, has been impressed by the quality of the new additions.

The ex- England international believes the Red Devils are stronger in every department as they look to regain the Premier League title, which they lost to neighbours Manchester City on the final day of last season.

And this strength in depth means underperforming players will face the axe with other players waiting in the wings, Scholes has warned his team-mates.

Exciting

"You always like to see new players come in even if they're in your position because it's healthy for the team and exciting to play with the new players," he told Manchester United's official website.

"We've got strength everywhere in the squad. We've struggled with injuries to defenders, but when we have everyone fit I think there are two teams that the manager has available to him and that could compete in the Premier League and cup competitions.

"It all looks very healthy and, as players, we know when we get given our chance we have to take it. If you don't, you'll be out of the team, simple as that.

"All the new signings have settled in well. There's great competition for places with so many good players here and there are plenty of games to come for everyone to be involved in."

Savic happy with Viola switch

2012-09-05T05:45:00.001-07:00

Young defender has no regrets over leaving City

Montenegro defender Stefan Savic feels his move to Fiorentina was the right decision after finding playing opportunities limited at Manchester City.

The 21-year-old centre-back departed the Etihad Stadium to join the Viola on transfer deadline day, with teenage Serbian defender Matija Nastasic moving the other way.

Savic has no regrets about leaving City, where he made just 11 Premier League appearances last season, and is targeting success with his new club.

He said: "I have had few occasions to play for Manchester City and talking with coach (Roberto) Mancini I realised it was better for me to change team.

"I'm young and I need to play with continuity to grow. I think that Fiorentina is the right choice, also because Serie A is one of the best leagues in Europe.

"After playing in the Premier League, I should have not have a problem familiarising myself with Italian football.

"We are a good team and I think we can finish fifth or sixth in the Serie A table."

O'Shea - Gibson will be back

2012-09-05T05:44:00.003-07:00

Trapattoni offers update on Duff and McClean

John O'Shea has backed former Manchester United colleague Darron Gibson to return to the Republic of Ireland squad in the not too distant future.

Gibson pulled himself out of Giovanni Trapattoni's plans for the start of 2014 World Cup qualifying, claiming he was not in the right state of mind after enduring a frustrating time Euro 2012 to compete internationally.

Sunderland defender O'Shea, who played alongside the Everton midfielder during their time together at Old Tafford, understands Gibson's decision but is confident this is not the last Irish fans will see of the 24-year-old.

"I'm sure he will be back sooner rather than later," he said ahead of a meeting with Kazakhstan on Friday.

"I have not spoken to him but I spoke to the manager about it and they have had a chat and they have come up with this decision.

"Darron felt he was not right at the minute to come in, but fingers crossed when he is ready he will be because he would be a good addition to the team."

Future

Meanwhile, Trapattoni has echoed comments made by his assistant Marco Tardelli regarding Ireland's chances of coaxing Damien Duff out of international retirement.

He said: "My philosophy is never say never.

"In the near future we will speak with him. I think he can change his opinion."

Trapattoni has also revealed that Sunderland winger James McClean is a slight doubt for the Kazakhstan clash as he continues to struggle with a cold.

He added: "McClean came here with a sore throat.

"I think he will be okay in one day. Then we will make a decision. That's all we can do."

Row restored Tevez focus

2012-09-05T05:43:00.006-07:00

Striker says Argentina is 'not his priority'

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez admits his bust-up with manager Roberto Mancini last season has turned out to be a blessing after rediscovering his passion for club success.

The frontman did not appear for City for almost six months last term after his refusal to warm-up during a UEFA Champions League game last September sparked a row with Mancini and the club.

However, Tevez has made a bright start to the current campaign, scoring in City's first three Premier League games.

The 28-year-old Argentina international, who is not in Alejandro Sabella's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru, says the national team is not his priority and he is focused on his club.

Focused

He was quoted as saying in The Guardian: "I am focused on my club and on the Premier League and the Champions League.

"This is what I wanted - to have this hunger for success back again.

"The disagreement with Roberto has ended up being good for me because it has helped give me back this hunger.

"Before, I was playing just to attract the attention of the national team manager. Now I'm playing for the enjoyment and because I have that desire to win things.

"The national team is not my priority. I am concentrating on my club. I have had my first good pre-season in four or five years and I feel good."