Wenger: No distractions please!

Manager Arsene Wenger maintains Arsenal must stay focused on securing a "formidable" end to the current season.

All the talk this week has been about captain Cesc Fabregas leaving the club.

The Gunners captain is set to return after three months out with a serious knee injury for the visit of Manchester City on Saturday.

Even though the Spain international has been out of action, that has not stopped Barcelona president Joan Laporta once again declaring his wish to one day see the 21-year-old back at the Nou Camp, sparking speculation of a big-money summer transfer swoop for the central midfielder.

Leading scorer Robin van Persie - out on Saturday with a groin problem - and England forward Theo Walcott, who returns from a minor knee injury, have yet to have agree new deals with the Emirates Stadium club.

Much has been made of whether Arsenal are able to meet the expectation levels of their top men with silverware.

But as the Gunners, currently fourth in the Premier League, enter the defining period of the campaign - which includes a Champions League quarter-final with Villarreal and an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley - Wenger has called for the players to keep their attentions firmly fixed on the job in hand.

"Our success depends on how well we focus on short-term and how intelligent we are to rule out all the long-term speculation," the Arsenal manager said.

"We have answered that question [on Fabregas] for five years now.

"What is important is that a player like Cesc can come back into the squad and help us be successful."

Wenger maintained: "What is important for us is not who stays in July or who goes, it is how much we focus on the next game.

"It is how well we deal with that kind of thing inside the club; that is more important than what people say.

"Any distraction would be a weakness from our side and a wrong excuse. We do not want that.

"We cannot influence what people say, or write or think.

"We can influence how much success we can achieve together.

"The period which is in front of us can be a formidable human experience for our players, and that is what I want it to be."

Emmanuel Adebayor is also back in contention following a successful return to action with Togo following a hamstring injury during the international break.

Although Eduardo (groin), Abou Diaby (thigh) and Samir Nasri (virus) are all set to miss out tomorrow, Nicklas Bendtner (knee) is expected to be fit.

Despite the mixed news in terms of selection, Wenger maintained: "There is only a key team. There are no key players.

"What I expect is a performance from the team and not of just one given player.

"We know the players will come back and need some time."

Wenger added: "We have eight games in 24 days and that means our success will be determined by the squad and not by any given player.

"We just focus to win any game with the players who are playing and not any individuals."

Arsenal have not lost in over 16 Premier League matches since they went down 3-0 at Eastlands in late November - and Wenger does not want all that effort thrown away.

"We have put ourselves in a very strong position because of the hard work we have done now," he said, "but it is the final part of the season where every single game becomes massively important, nearly a decider.

"We have to do as well as we can, and after you can accept every verdict."

Even though the Gunners have now clawed themselves back into the Champions League places as Aston Villa falter, Wenger's men remain 10 points adrift of leaders Manchester United - who have a game in hand - and six behind third-placed Chelsea.

Wenger accepted: "Unless Manchester United collapse completely, it would be a bit pretentious at the moment to say we are in it - but you never know.

"What is high in our mind is to get as close as possible to the teams who are at the top and then if something happens, not to have any regrets."


Fabregas cannot wait for his return to action.

Speaking in the official Arsenal programme for Saturday's clash with Manchester City, the Gunners captain said: "I feel good and I am available for selection, although I do not know what the extent of my involvement will be yet.

"During the past week I have felt really sharp - I do not know if I can cope with 90 minutes in my first game because I have not played competitively yet - but whether I start or am on the bench the good thing is that we cannot say I am injured anymore.

"I will be very happy because I will feel like a footballer again."

Hiddink: Please let me go

Guus Hiddink is adamant that even a Champions League and FA Cup double would make him extend his stay at Chelsea.

Hiddink is in temporary charge at Stamford Bridge and, despite reports claiming otherwise, has continually stressed he intends to resume sole charge of Russia in the summer.

The Dutchman has impressed at the helm since taking over from Luiz Felipe Scolari in February, and has booked an FA Cup semi-final meeting with Arsenal and a UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie with Liverpool.

With Chelsea's Premier League title hopes fading of late, it seems the two cup competitions are their most realistic paths to glory this campaign - in what would be a memorable double.

But while Hiddink would savour such a feat, he insists the glory would make no difference to his allegiance to Russia.

Hiddink said in the Evening Standard: "It would be a beautiful scenario to win both cups.

"In that case I will not walk away from Stamford Bridge in my mind, but I will have to literally walk away because I have my full-hearted obligations in Russia and that is not going to change if we win those two cups.

"There is an emotional attachment with the Russian Federation and the people I work with - it would not be a good thing to leave them."

He added: "I look at the upcoming games this month and I'm excited. I won the European Cup in 1988 with PSV as a young manager, but it would be a dream fulfilled to win it again near the end of my career with Chelsea.

"Everyone knows that going to Anfield is like a hurricane. The atmosphere doesn't worry me, it excites me."

Gerrard: Now for the title

Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool's string of new contracts will help in their bid for the coveted league title.

Skipper Gerrard agreed a two-year extension to his contract today, believed to be worth around £130,000 a week, which means he will be at the club until 2013.

Forward Dirk Kuyt also signed a two-year extension today, and he will stay at Anfield until 2012.

And with more deals to come for the Liverpool players, Gerrard claims it can only boost their challenge for honours.

He said: "This news has given me a boost and hopefully it will help us in our remaining games.

"We have got big matches to play, all of them cup finals as we have to win them all to stay in the title race and go all the way to Rome for the Champions League final."

He added: "It is a fantastic feeling to have agreed the deal. This is what I wanted, to see out the rest of my career with Liverpool.

"I have said all along that as long as the club wanted me then I would stay at Liverpool.

"I have been a fan all my life and it will be fantastic at the end of my career to look back and say I have been with Liverpool all the way through.

"The main priority is to be successful and I want to achieve success at the club I love. If we can win more trophies together then I will be really happy."

The King is ready for battle

Tottenham skipper Ledley King has put his England spat aside and is now focused on a push for European qualification.

The 28-year-old's recall to the England squad angered Spurs boss Harry Redknapp as his club captain suffers from a chronic knee condition that prevents him playing matches in quick succession.

His recall lasted approximately 40 hours before he was sent back to Spurs to prepare for the Barclays Premier League trip to Blackburn on Saturday, with Redknapp's men in the hunt for a seventh-placed finish that should see them reach next season's Europa League.

"Things are looking up, we're in good form and these are the games you have to go and win when you are in that form," said King.

"We've been in good form in the past and notoriously we'd go and slip up in a game like this. It's a big test for us now.

"It's always a tough place to go, they are a physical side and over the last few seasons most of the games have been very close. You know that you are in for a difficult game up there and I'd expect nothing different.

"Their fans will get behind them and it's up to us to keep them quiet and play our game.

"We've been better away from home of late, we've found a formula that works for us and we'll be looking to that again."

Redknapp has been encouraged by his side's recent form but is still expected to alter his squad in the summer.

Spurs are still looking for a solution on the left side of midfield - they are admirers of Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing, with Manchester City's Martin Petrov also emerging as a possible target.

Jamie O'Hara has staked his claim for a place on the left, and he is determined to prove himself after returning from injury.

"I just want to get back into the first team and keep progressing as a player and hopefully I can get a few more games under my belt," O'Hara said on Setanta.

BPL Team News & Predictions

We bring you the latest team news and preview for all eight crucial Barclays Premier League matches for Saturday.

Another exciting weekend of top flight football. Will Liverpool defeat Fulham and move to the top of the table? 

West Brom vs Stoke City

A game between two relegation candidates. 

Man-to-watch: James Beattie

Shebby: 2-1
PJ Roberts: 3-2
Jamie Reeves: 1-0
Steve McMahon: 1-0
Paul Masefield: 2-1

Hull vs Portsmouth

Will we see Peter Crouch repeating his England goalscoring celebrations at the KC Stadium?

Man-to-watch: Peter Crouch

Shebby: 1-1
PJ Roberts: 2-1
Jamie Reeves: 1-1
Steve McMahon: 1-1
Paul Masefield: 0-0 

Bolton vs Middlesbrough

One more defeat and it could be end of the road for Gareth Southgate.

Man-to-watch: Kevin Davies

Shebby: 1-0
PJ Roberts: 1-1
Jamie Reeves: 1-0
Steve McMahon: 2-0
Paul Masefield: 1-0 

Blackburn vs Tottenham

Sam Allardyce knows his team needs to start taking three points before it is too late.

Man-to-watch: Luka Modric

Shebby: 2-1
PJ Roberts: 1-1
Jamie Reeves: 1-1
Steve McMahon: 1-0
Paul Masefield: 2-1 

West Ham vs Sunderland

Ricky Sbragia and Gianfranco Zola go heads-up at Upton Park.

Man-to-watch: Steed Malbranque

Shebby: 1-0
PJ Roberts: 2-1
Jamie Reeves: 2-0
Steve McMahon: 1-1
Paul Masefield: 2-0 

Arsenal vs Manchester City

All eyes will be on Cesc Fabregas who makes his return to Arsene Wenger's side.

Man-to-watch: Andriy Arshavin

Shebby: 2-2
PJ Roberts: 2-0
Jamie Reeves: 2-0
Steve McMahon: 2-0
Paul Masefield: 3-0 

Newcastle vs Chelsea

Geordie hero Alan Shearer's debut as manager. Can he mastermind a eight-game undefeated run?

Man-to-watch: Obafemi Martins

Shebby: 1-1
PJ Roberts: 1-1
Jamie Reeves: 1-2
Steve McMahon: 1-3
Paul Masefield: 1-2 

Fulham vs Liverpool 

Will it be Fernando Torres or Steven Gerrard who will take Liverpool to the top of the table?

Man-to-watch: Steven Gerrard

Shebby: 0-2
PJ Roberts: 1-1
Jamie Reeves: 0-2
Steve McMahon: 1-2
Paul Masefield: 0-1 

Laporta: Valdes is world's best

Barcelona’s Joan Laporta has claimed that Victor Valdes is the best goalkeeper on the globe, bar none at this point.

Valdes has been linked with a move out of Barcelona due to contractual problems, mainly due to salary issues. 

However, Laporta has told the Spanish press that he has the "the best goalkeeper in the world" and will get "what he deserves" as far as his salary goes.

"I believe that he wants to continue and we will be fair with the amount we say so that we can arrive at an agreement," Laporta said in an interview.

Laporta went on to claim that being a Blaugrana goalkeeper is "more difficult than at any other team" as "he saves few shots but always has to be on form".

The president also commented about the possibility of signing Cesc Fabregas, and revealed that it is something he would look forward to.

"I would very much like to have Fabregas in a Barcelona shirt but the opinions of the coach is what makes the decisions. We know that he is a big player and that he would fit our style perfectly," added Laporta.

When queried if Fabregas' ‘arrival' would give La Blaugrana the best midfield in the world, Laporta declared that they already "have the best". 

"Everything can improve, but the coach decides on things like this. I am sure that he would adapt to the system," he said.

In a rather contradictory statement, when asked about the rumoured interest of Real Madrid in Fabregas, the president said that he sees him at his current club, and "not" another.

"He is a player who is at home and is comfortable with Arsenal, it would show a lack of respect towards Arsenal to speak about this," he concluded.

Grp 5: Turkey 1-2 Spain

European champions Spain bounced back from a half-time deficit to defeat Turkey in Istanbul to dominate Group Five.

Spain, who had beaten the same opponents 1-0 in Madrid on Saturday, had to do it the hard way after falling behind to Semih Senturk's 26th-minute tap-in but second-half goals from Liverpool duo Xabi Alonso and Albert Riera earned Vicente del Bosque's side the spoils.

The victory means Spain, who have a 100% record after six matches in qualifying, are now a massive 10 points above Turkey - who many felt would be their biggest challenger in the pool - and six clear of second-placed Bosnia-Herzegovina, who were 2-1 winners over Belgium tonight.

Aside from that, the win also extended Spain's current unbeaten run to 31 matches - equalling the national record set under Javier Clemente in the 1990s.

Turkey enjoyed the better start at the Bernabeu on Saturday but this time it was Spain who threatened first through Riera's dipping 25-yard thunderbolt in the 13th minute.

It looked destined for the back of the net but Turkey goalkeeper Volkan Demirel produced a brilliant save to keep it out, sticking out his right hand and somehow managing to divert the ball over the crossbar.

Demirel was then called into action again seven minutes later, although this time he had a much easier job of saving Fernando Torres' low shot.

Six minutes after that, though, Spain found themselves a goal down.

Tuncay Sanli got in behind the visitors' defence to collect a dinked Arda Turan pass, and although the Turkey number 10 was unable to get a shot in himself, he poked the ball away from Iker Casillas and gave team-mate Senturk an open goal in which to slot home.

That was the only the second goal Spain had conceded since the group stages of Euro 2008 last summer, and on the previous occasion they managed to fight back from an early deficit against Belgium in October to record a 2-1 win.

A similar feat looked unlikely tonight though as hosts Turkey created two decent openings to increase their advantage either side of half-time.

Both were created by good work by Senturk and both were wasted by Nihat Kahveci, who opted to go for power over precision on each occasion and succeeded only in smashing his shots well off-target.

Turkey were made to play for the Villarreal hitman's profligacy as Spain drew level on the hour mark through Alonso's penalty.

Demirel made a hash of dealing with Xavi's corner and Torres, standing at the far post, sent a header goalward that was blocked at point-blank range by Ibrahim Uzulmez's arm.

The referee immediately pointed to the spot and Alonso coolly sent Demirel the wrong way to level the scores up.

With their tails up, Spain continued to press forward in search of second goal and Torres almost broke clean through only to lose the ball due to a heavy touch.

The Liverpool man had looked out of sorts up front on his own but he almost put the Spanish ahead in the 73rd minute when he latched onto a Santi Cazorla pass before sending a rising shot towards the top corner, only to see Demirel tip the ball over.

Turkey were not without an attacking threat of their own though, and Tuncay brought a good save out of Casillas diving away to his right with 10 minutes remaining.

Then came the knockout punch from the visitors as Riera slotted home his side's winner a minute into stoppage time.

Substitute Dani Guiza, who plies his trade for Fenerbahce in Turkey, collected a long punt forward and eased past his marker before feeding a low ball across the face of goal where Riera, in acres of space, had the fairly simple task of side-footing past Demirel.

Del Bosque still wary of failure

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque insists the race to finish top of their World Cup qualifying group is still open.
The veteran coach believes qualification is not yet secure despite his all-conquering side boasting a 100% record from their six matches so far and a six-point lead over the rest of the field.

The European champions continued their remarkable run of success in Group Five with a comeback victory over Turkey in Istanbul last night, Albert Riera sealing a 2-1 win in injury-time.

That victory saw Spain stretch their unbeaten record to 31 matches and equal the national record set under Javier Clemente in the 1990s, and it also allowed them to maintain their stranglehold on their pool.

In second place are Bosnia-Herzegovina, while Euro 2008 semi-finalists Turkey, who were considered by many to be Spain's biggest threat in the pool, are now 10 points adrift in third after losing both matches in their double-header against Del Bosque's men.

With only four games remaining, Spain are holding all the aces in the race to reach the World Cup finals, but Del Bosque has warned his side that there is still work to be done.

"We have the threat of Bosnia, who are six points behind. The group remains open, there are still 12 points to play for," Del Bosque said.

Despite his reluctance to look too far ahead, Del Bosque was inevitably quizzed about his in-form side's chances of adding the World Cup crown to their Euro 2008 title if, as expected, they make it to South Africa next year.

He said: "We have to recognise that Spain are one of the best teams in the world. There is no difference between the players on the pitch and those who are on the bench. They change positions and you don't notice. They are truly great.

"With regards to the World Cup title we have to look at Brazil and Argentina, but Spain have the game and the luck you need to win the World Cup.

"We'll see if we can maintain this great level against these two teams."

Spain had beaten Turkey 1-0 at the Bernabeu on Saturday but they needed to do it the hard way to make it two wins from two in Istanbul after falling behind to Semih Senturk's 26th-minute opener.

The European champions fought back after the break though and Xabi Alonso levelled the scores up from the penalty spot before Riera slotted home Dani Guiza's pass in injury-time to secure the points.

Although they had it far from easy, Del Bosque felt his side were full value for the victory.

"I think that we were better and we deserved the victory. The important thing were the three points," he said.

"This reflects very positively on the players. They showed the desire to win the game.

"A draw was not bad, but the players have wanted to win. We are in good form and a great situation, and we need to take advantage of it."

Pires still targetting trophies

Robert Pires has set his sights on helping Villarreal win some silverware after penning a one-year contract extension.

The 35-year-old former France international and team-mate Javi Venta, 33, both signed 12-month extensions tying them to the Primera Liga outfit until June 30, 2010.

Pires, who joined Villarreal from Arsenal in 2006, was delighted with the agreement and admitted his aim now was to try to help the club end their long search for a first major honour.

"My big dream is to win a title with Villarreal," said Pires, who had won a host of medals prior to moving to Spain, including World Cup and European Championships success with France.

"This team has a lot of quality and I'm sure they can win something in the future."

Regarding his contract extension, the ex-Marseille winger added: "Everything was signed very quickly. I was never nervous and had a lot of confidence in the president (Fernando Roig) and the coach (Manuel Pellegrini).

"We came to an agreement and personally I'm very happy because it's what I wanted and Villarreal have given me a great opportunity to continue here.

"This is great for me because I'm already 35 and there are very few players who can have an opportunity like this.

"I feel fine physically. At the moment I've signed for another year and then we will see what happens."

Brown: Wenger not a good manager

Arsenal's FA Cup win at the Emirates Stadium led to Phil Brown accusing referee Mike Riley of bowing to crowd pressure.
Arsenal's late FA Cup win at the Emirates Stadium led to Hull boss Phil Brown accusing referee Mike Riley of bowing to crowd pressure.

Brown was also furious with Arsene Wenger as he felt the Gunners boss was attempting to get his players booked for time-wasting, and he believed William Gallas was offside when he struck the winner in the 2-1 victory.

Brown felt Riley "succumbed to local pressure" in the second half after his players were jeered for time-wasting.

"Mr Wenger decides to join in and the result is my goalkeeper getting booked in the second half," he said.

"I can't say what went on at half-time, I have no idea."

He added: "Arsene Wenger got my goalkeeper booked. You call that good management? He was complaining about time-wasting."

Hull had taken the lead through Nick Barmby in the 13th minute, then the former Tottenham midfielder had a strike chalked off for offside.

The visitors then soaked up pressure until Robin van Persie struck with 16 minutes remaining, then Gallas appeared fortunate not to be flagged for the winner.

"There is no excuse for the first goal, it was definitely a mistake by us, no excuse about the second goal it was definitely a mistake by the officials," Brown said.

"That is why we are out of the FA Cup. Ask Mr Riley how much that will cost to the city, I don't think he'd understand and I don't think he'd care."

Brown stopped short of saying his players had been cheated.

"I can't use that word, but that is the case," he said.

Wenger, contrary to television replays, felt Gallas was onside.

"It is not offside because the ball was deflected by the fist of the goalkeeper," the Frenchman said.

"(Johan) Djourou first, the goalkeeper after, then a foul on Gallas. We should have got two goals."

Wenger was upset with Boaz Myhill time-wasting in the second half.

"If I asked you if their goalkeeper wasted time I'm confident that you would say yes," Wenger said.

Hibbert targets Wembley comeback

Everton's Tony Hibbert is winning his battle to be fit for the FA Cup semi-final, while Tim Cahill could make a return.

Cahill damaged a calf muscle in the 3-1 win at home to Stoke last Saturday and did not appear in the second half of the match.

It had been believed the Australian would be unlikely to recover in time to play in the Saturday lunchtime match at Portsmouth.

But he is responding well to treatment and is now considered to have a chance of facing the relegation threatened south-coast side.

Hibbert has been out with a thigh strain since the February 28 home win over West Brom.

And although he has not set a date for his return, the trip to Wembley to face Manchester United on April 19 is now a possibility.

Hibbert has been concentrating on strengthening his calf muscle to reduce the chance of similar injuries in the future.

He said: "It's settled down a lot quicker than was first thought. I'm not going to push it yet, and we've got a game in mind for my return.

"It's just a waiting game now. I'm running which is good, and the injury has settled down an awful lot.

"I'm concentrating on working hard and building up the muscle more so in future I don't have the same problems again, although I haven't started kicking a ball yet.

"I hate watching matches when I'm injured. It's frustrating, and it's even worse because of the run we were having.

"I hate watching but it was just one of those situations you have to put up with, if you're a footballer you'll get injuries.

"And as far as the semi-final is concerned, that would be a massive game at Wembley and what an occasion to play in."

Everton have received 31,825 tickets for the Wembley semi-final, and they will go on sale from next Monday, March 23.

Season-ticket holders and executive members have priority, and Everton will allocate tickets based on match attendance history.

The club expect a few tickets to remain for general sale, but again attendance history will take priority.

Horton gets Brown support

Hull is mulling over an official FA complain over their allegation Cesc Fabregas spat at assistant manager Brian Horton.

Tigers boss Phil Brown claims to have witnessed Fabregas - who categorically denies the accusations - spitting in Horton's direction as they went down the tunnel following the Gunners' controversial 2-1 victory in Tuesday night's FA Cup quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium.

Neither referee Mike Riley nor any of the other match officials mentioned such an incident in their report, and so the FA have written to Hull asking for their version of events.

The League Managers' Association confirmed they had been contacted by Horton, saying in a statement: "As the incidents fall firmly within the jurisdiction of the Football Association, who are making their investigations in the prescribed manner, neither the LMA nor Brian Horton will be making any further comment at this time".

Until any such official notification is received, the FA cannot take the matter any further.

Brown, meanwhile, remains unrepentant in the ferocity of his criticism of Fabregas.

"The pictures in the national papers verify the aggression he was showing towards players and staff after the game," said Brown.

"I could go on but I am not one for crying over spilt milk.

"I then witnessed him going down the tunnel and turning around and spitting at my assistant manager's feet.

"Whichever way you want to look at it, he addressed that spitting incident at my assistant manager, who has managed probably 1,200 games in his career. Disgraceful act.

"I am not going to report it, I am not going tittle-tattling to the FA - if they want to investigate that is their decision, and if Brian Horton wants to take it further he will get the full support of Hull City."

Even though Fabregas - who is on the verge of a comeback after three months out with a knee injury - was not in the Arsenal playing squad on Tuesday and only came onto the pitch to celebrate at full-time, the FA still maintain disciplinary jurisdiction.

However, because the alleged incident was not during normal game time, it would not fall under the 'fast-track' system, so any investigation would seek submissions from all parties involved, as well as any potential television evidence - although if a confrontation occurred in the tunnel, there is unlikely to be any footage.

Aside from the post-match row, Brown was upset about Gunners boss Arsene Wenger attempting to get Hull players booked for time-wasting.

The visitors - who took the lead through Nick Barmby in the 13th minute before Robin van Persie levelled in the second half - were denied a replay and another chance to secure a Wembley semi-final date with Chelsea when William Gallas headed in a winner, despite looking offside.

Brown felt Riley "succumbed to local pressure" in the second half after his players were jeered by the home crowd.

Those comments could land the Hull manager in hot water with the FA, after implications his team had been cheated.

FA charge could help Hull

Hull have been encouraged by the FA's actions ahead of the deadline for a complaint over the Fabregas spitting row.

Cesc Fabregas was accused of spitting at Hull assistant boss Brian Horton just after the final whistle of Arsenal's FA Cup quarter-final win, with an extension now granted until Monday for formal statements to be submitted.

Swansea midfielder Leon Britton accused Wellens of spitting at him during a Coca-Cola Championship match last month, with the FA this week charging Wellens and giving the Doncaster midfielder until April 7 to respond.

Hull need to submit written documents to Soho Square if they want the FA to investigate the alleged incident involving Fabregas and Horton at the Emirates Stadium, and it is understood the extension was granted as Horton is abroad.

Tigers boss Phil Brown was furious with William Gallas appearing offside when he scored Arsenal's winner, then with Gunners skipper Fabregas being on the pitch celebrating despite being out injured with a knee complaint.

Brown then accused Fabregas of spitting at Horton when the pair were down the tunnel.

"I was there and I witnessed it, he spat at my assistant manager down the tunnel," Brown said afterwards. "That is their club captain, hopefully he is proud of himself. He spat at his feet."

Tigers submit Fab statements

Hull have submitted their version of events to the FA following allegations Brian Horton was spat at by Cesc Fabregas.

The accusations from the Hull camp followed their 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in last month's stormy FA Cup quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium.

Tigers boss Phil Brown maintains he saw Fabregas - who was out injured but came on the pitch to celebrate with his team-mates following the final whistle - spit towards Horton in the tunnel at the end of the match.

Although the Press Association understands no formal submissions have yet been received into the relevant departments at FA headquarters in Soho Square, Hull say statements from Brown, Horton and fitness conditioner Sean Rush have now been sent.

"My evidence has gone in, Brian Horton's evidence has gone in and Sean Rush's evidence has as well. That is all that has been necessary as regards to us up to now," Brown told the Hull Daily Mail.

"There is an independent solicitor representing us and hopefully there will be no bias towards any one club."

Fabregas strenuously denies the allegations, but Brown added: "We really just want the truth to come out.

"If the truth comes out, then we have got nothing to worry about."

Once the FA receive any relevant documentation, the governing body can then consider whether the alleged incident merits any further investigation.

The FA confirmed the relevant documents from Hull have now been received and will be taken into consideration.

Both Arsenal and Fabregas could, in due course, also be contacted for their observations before any decision is made by the FA over whether to take the matter further.

Ancelotti impressed by Reds

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti believes Rafa Benitez's Liverpool are the hardest team to play against in Europe.

The Reds overturned a 3-0 deficit to beat Milan on penalties in the Champions League final in 2005 and they have consistently excelled in the competition in recent years.

Liverpool crushed Real Madrid last month to advance to the quarter-finals, while they are also mounting a strong challenge for the Premier League title.

Manchester United remain in pole position to clinch top spot but Ancelotti admits he is always more wary of Liverpool.

The Italian has great respect for Rafa Benitez and feels the Merseysiders can be unstoppable at times. 

"Liverpool are the hardest team to play against in Europe," Ancelotti said in the Daily Mirror.

"Benitez is a great coach. He has a well-organised defence and the perfect counter-attack.

"To play against them is always dangerous. Manchester United are stronger, but they let you play. Liverpool don't."

Ancelotti, who has been linked with the manager's role at Chelsea, has also paid tribute to Guus Hiddink.

Hiddink will stay in charge of the Blues until the end of the season and Ancelotti would not be surprised if he was successful at Stamford Bridge.

He explained: "Hiddink is the coach I regard most highly. Professionally he is really good.

"He has done well everywhere he has gone. I like him as a person."

Verbeek: Moyes should thank me

Australia boss Pim Verbeek feels Everton manager David Moyes should thank the Socceroos for getting Tim Cahill back to fitness.

Cahill has spent the last week in Sydney recovering from a calf injury and did not play any part in the Socceroos' 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Uzbekistan on Wednesday night.

Moyes has often been scathing of Australia's use of the 29-year-old, especially in regards to him suffering injuries while on national duty.

But Verbeek hit back at Moyes, suggesting the English Premier League club should be grateful for the medical rehabilitation Cahill has undergone during his time with Australia.

"Timmy is 100%, if he can play 90 minutes, that's up to my colleague at Everton," Verbeek said. "We bring him back fit, and I think they can be very grateful to our medical staff that they did that job, when he came in, he could not walk.

"So they will be happy with us this time, normally they are not."

Davies warns of United threat

Curtis Davies has warned Aston Villa to be wary of a Manchester United backlash in Sunday's Premier League clash.

The Villa defender is aware the Red Devils will be smarting after the home mauling by Liverpool and the shock away defeat against Fulham in their last two games. 

United will be without the suspended Wayne Rooney after his red card at Craven Cottage but Davies knows they have the strength in depth to cope at Old Trafford.

He said: "This weekend's game is obviously going to be a very tough test for us. I actually think it's made even harder by the fact that United have lost their last two games.

"They will be looking to win to keep Liverpool at arm's length at the top of the table.

"They have three suspensions to key players - Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and Paul Scholes - but they're able to bring in international replacements in all those positions.

"This just shows the depth of their squad."

Davies knows Villa have to bounce back from their own 5-0 hammering by Liverpool as they look to end a run of eight games without a win in all competitions.

Villa have slipped three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal after collecting only one point from their last five matches.

Davies said: "We have to be positive. We certainly can't feel too sorry for ourselves after the defeat at Anfield. We just have to pick ourselves up for another big game.

"We have to stay positive about our top-four chances too. If we don't we might as well give up now.

"We have had a bad March but we have to stay mentally strong and pick up as many wins as possible. We can't worry what Arsenal or Everton are doing."

Berbatov: All well at United

Dimitar Berbatov has insisted that Manchester United will stay strong as they bid to recover from their mini-slump.

After successive Barclays Premier League defeats to Liverpool and Fulham, United host Aston Villa on Sunday - by which time they may have been replaced at the top of the table by Rafael Benitez's men, who are at Craven Cottage themselves 24 hours earlier. 

Anderson has been forced to pull out of World Cup duty with Brazil after picking up a thigh injury and Berbatov is also struggling to be fit after suffering an ankle problem at Fulham which ruled him out of Bulgaria's draw with the Republic of Ireland last weekend.

However, the former Tottenham striker is not getting too downhearted - and insists the atmosphere within the Old Trafford camp is still good.

"We are a strong team and we all support each other," he told MUTV.

"We know how to react after defeats.

"International breaks are sometimes difficult, because you have two games and you come back and can be a little bit tired; then you have a game immediately after that.

"But that's our job - there's no need to complain."

Although they appear to be in turmoil as they try to resist Liverpool's recent rally, United are still well placed to complete an unprecedented quintuple.

The loss of Anderson would be a blow if he fails to recover, considering Ferguson wanted all his squad back before considering his options for the double-header with Villa and then Porto in the Champions League.

But Berbatov still feels there is plenty of reason to look on the bright side.

"Everything is possible," he said.

"If you believe and have faith, and you really want it, it can happen.

"We need to believe in our quality and our ability. I think the gaffer will know the right encouragement to give us to prepare for the games we have. We will stay strong to the end."

Most of the United players have the experience of winning major trophies to fall back on - but not so Berbatov, who was an onlooker last month as his team-mates overcame his old club Tottenham to win the Carling Cup.

It was a taste of glory the 27-year-old is anxious to enjoy himself.

"I told the boys in the dressing room, 'you have already won the Champions League and Premier League'.

"The only one who hasn't is me. I really want to win those trophies so I can say to the other players 'I am one of you'."

Shearer ready for Toon fight

New manager Alan Shearer has called on Newcastle's fans to forgive and forget as they fight for their Premier League survival.

Wednesday's news of Shearer's appointment for the remaining eight games of the campaign has been met with wild celebrations on Tyneside, where fans have spent most of the season in open rebellion against the regime of club owner Mike Ashley.

Addressing the supporters at his unveiling this afternoon, Shearer, the club's all-time top scorer, said: "They know me as well as anyone and know they will get 100%, 24 hours a day for next eight weeks.

"I hope that will be good enough because it would sadden me and thousands of supporters if we were in the Championship. They don't deserve that, they deserve better.

"The powers that be have admitted mistakes were made this season and it's important that whatever mistakes have been made, they're gone. It's history - we can't do anything about it."

Shearer added: "We've got a massive fight on our hands, in very difficult circumstances, we've got injuries - but we'll face it head on and give it a right good go."

Maniche not joining Black Cats

Atletico Madrid have confirmed Maniche will be staying at the Vicente Calderon despite reports linking him with a move to England.

Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia had been linked with making a move for the player, after reports had indicated that a disappointing season for Maniche, coupled with behind-the-scenes bust-ups and dissension, meant that the former Chelsea man wanted to leave Madrid.

However, Atletico club chairman Enrique Cerezo has confirmed today that the club are looking to retain the that Portuguese midfielder's services for the foreseeable future.

"Atletico want to have the best players and Maniche is one of them," Cerezo told Sky Sports News.

"What happened with Maniche happens within every team. Problems occur in every dressing room but at the end of the day they are forgotten.

"He is still under contract for a year-and-a-half and we count on him."

Voronin: No reason to fear England!

Andriy Voronin is confident Ukraine can match the big-name England players and is looking to attack rather than defend.

Voronin, currently on loan at Hertha Berlin, has warned England that they hold no fears for the Ukrainians, and said: "I consider England to be the strongest team in our group but we also have very good players.

"We need not be afraid of the names on the back of the English team jerseys.

"The biggest mistake would be to play defensive football. We won't have any chances even for a draw should we make that mistake.

"The English do not like opponents who use short passing against them and make them run around without getting possession of the ball."

Former Chelsea striker Andrei Shevchenko, now at AC Milan, will also be lining up against Fabio Capello's men, and said: "I will be happy if we get a point on Wednesday."

Huge offer turned down for Rossi

Villarreal rejected a £19 million bid for Giuseppe Rossi at the end of last season, according to his agent.

Federico Pastorello has stated that an unnamed club tried to lure the Italy international out of the Madrigal last season, but the Yellow Submarine's directors opted against selling their best scorer.

The agent understands that capturing the striker would cost a lot of money, and possibly close to £37m.

Manchester United still have first option to re-sign Rossi, who never broke into Sir Alex Ferguson's team.

"They [Villarreal] rejected €20 million last summer, and as his buy-out clause is set at €40m, his value is closer to €40m than to €20m," Pastorello told the Corriere dello Sport.

Ancelotti committed to Milan

Carlo Ancelotti has reiterated his desire to remain with AC Milan as they clinch a place in the Champions League.

The 49-year-old, who is under contract with the Rossoneri until June 2010, has also denied reports that he recently held talks with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich about taking up the coaching reins at Stamford Bridge next season.

"My wish is to remain at Milan," he said in today's Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I have always maintained that, in order to go forward, two sides need to be in agreement and I am. That is, as long as we finish third to qualify for the Champions League.

"My aim, I repeat so that everyone understands, is to coach Milan next season."

Ancelotti has been linked with both Real Madrid and Chelsea but, when asked if he had had recent contact with Abramovich, Ancelotti replied: "No."

As to whether he had had dinner with Madrid presidential candidate Florentino Perez, he responded: "Let's be serious, let's not joke around."

Ancelotti is the longest serving manager in Serie A, having joined Milan in 2001.

"I haven't found a good reason to leave Milan," he said. "I feel well here and I want to stay for a long time."

Ancelotti also intends to keep his top stars, with Brazil playmaker Kaka a reported target of Real Madrid.

"With Kaka and (Alexandre) Pato, Milan can push on having great seasons," said Ancelotti. "Ricky (Kaka) will stay."

When asked who he regards as the strongest team in Europe, Ancelotti said: "Liverpool are the most difficult team to face.

"Rafa Benitez is a great (coach). Their defence is tight, they have a perfect counter-attack and to play against them is risky.

"Manchester (United) are strong but at least they allow you to play. Liverpool don't."

Ederson would consider France

Lyon's Brazilian playmaker Ederson would seriously entertain with the idea of playing for France.

The 23-year-old is a world champion for Brazil in the under-17 category but he has never appeared for the Selecao's senior team.

And having now played in France's Ligue 1 for four and a half years, during spells with Nice and then Lyon, he could soon claim French nationality and turn out for Les Bleus.

Ederson has not dismissed the idea out of hand.

"After spending five years in France, I have the right to ask for French nationality," he told L'Equipe.

"My supreme objective is to wear the Brazil shirt again but I could claim to play for Les Bleus.

"Up until this point, I haven't received an official request but anything is possible in football.

"If, one day, I was confronted by this question, I would have to weigh up the pros and cons."

Ederson moved to Nice from Brazilian side Juventude in 2004 and impressed in his last couple of years for the southerners, earning himself a move to the French champions last summer for 15 million euros.

After a slow start to his first season with Les Gones, the attacking midfielder has established himself as a first-team regular, scoring five goals in 26 games this campaign.

'Business as usual' at Arsenal

Ivan Gazidis maintains it is "business as usual" at Arsenal after Stan Kroenke paid out £42.5million to increase his stake.

Kroenke, 61, accepted the offer to become a non-executive director in September last year as ties with his Kroenke Sports Enterprises group were strengthened, after the Gunners had at first been less than receptive to the billionaire American - with chairman Peter Hill-Wood claiming "we do not need his sort".

The remainder of the Arsenal board who were subject to their internal 'lockdown agreement' gave consent to the transaction of 5,000 ordinary shares between Danny Fiszman and Kroenke, which was set at a price of £8,500 each and will be paid to Swiss-resident Fiszman rather than the club itself.

Nevertheless, it remains a significant move behind the scenes for the Gunners.

Kroenke's influence has increased significantly as he now owns just over 20% - perhaps to ward off any potential hostile takeover by Uzbekistan metals magnate Alisher Usmanov, whose Red & White Holdings group are currently the largest individual shareholders with 25%.

Any notion, however, this would have any direct influence on the running of the Emirates Stadium club have been dismissed by Arsenal's chief executive.

"It is business as usual", Gazidis declared. "On a day-to-day level, it has absolutely no impact at all.

"It is a transaction between two board members, both of whom believe in the self-sustaining philosophy of the club."

Gazidis added in an interview with Arsenal TV Online: "On the business side, we remain doing business just as we were yesterday and it is the same on the playing side.

"Arsene Wenger and the players remain focused on the end of this season - we are in three important competitions and making some progress."

Kroenke is already an established pedigree in terms of sports ownership, backing the St Louis Rams American Football franchise, as well as the Denver Nuggets basketball team, Colorado Avalanche ice hockey club and Major League Soccer outfit Colorado Rapids.

The Kroenke Sports Enterprise group owns the Pepsi Center in Denver and in 2004 also launched its own cable television sports channel.

However, Gazidis - who took up his new role with Arsenal in January after being deputy commissioner of the MLS - firmly believes the American billionaire will help the Gunners remain true to the club's own traditions.

"Stan really is a model owner," Gazidis said. "He takes the long-term view and believes in the model that Arsenal has been run on, of self-sustainability, and has developed a good relationship with other members of the board.

"This is somebody who shares the philosophies of the current board and who will be influential as we go forwards, and is going ensure we have continuity in the traditions of the club."

Gazidis added: "This is a club which has over 120 years of history.

"What has happened in terms of the adjustments of the shareholdings between current board members does not affect the direction we are headed in.

"We have some tremendous underpinnings at this club - a tremendous stadium that we play in, a very exciting and developing young squad which would be the envy of any team in the world, and a fantastic manager.

"The club continues to make progress and we are looking forward to the end-of-season run-in.

"We think it is going to be a very successful year for Arsenal."

Gazidis revealed the club would have "on-going dialogue" with Red & White Holdings, and also look to speak to Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith, who holds some 15.9% of shares but left the board in December.

Gazidis added: "I will be reaching out to her to initiate that dialogue and I am sure that will be productive going forwards.

"Certainly if she were to say she was a seller, then I am sure there would be interest among the current Arsenal board."

The Arsenal Supporters Trust, meanwhile, welcomed Kroenke's further investment.

"The fact that Stan Kroenke is already a member of the board at Arsenal should ensure that this change does not create any instability," a statement from AST read.

Cesc still believes in Gunners

Arsenal captain Cesc Febregas has refused to write off Arsenal bid for the Barclays Premier League title this season.

Many have counted the Gunners out in the current campaign, dismissing Arsenal's chances of ending a five-year title drought as Arsene Wenger's men are ten points adrift of league leaders Manchester United.

However, Fabregas has not thrown in the towel and has set overtaking Chelsea at third place as the first barrier to be crossed.

The Spaniard realises that a title coup would be an upset, but he strongly believes that a hundered percent effort to the Gunners' cause would make anything possible.

"I believe in miracles. It has happened before in football so why not this year?" asked Fabregas rhetorically. "But it is going to be difficult. Right now we have to think about catching Chelsea and then we will think about the others."

"But what we have to think about is winning the eight games we have remaining."

The Arsenal skipper is also looking forward to linking up with Andrey Arshavin upon his return from injury.

"You can see he (Arshavin) is a special player and when he plays everyone expects him to do something," added the 21-year-old. "We are very happy to have him.

"It is a shame he cannot play in the Champions League, but I am sure he can have a very big impact until the end of the season."

Arsenal target Everton's Lescott

Everton's England defender Joleon Lescott is reportedly a priority target for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger this summer.

Wenger will be seeking to bolster his young squad especially in defence where they are short of experienced centre-backs like Lescott.

The 26-year-old defender has been a revelation since making the move to Merseyside from Wolverhampton Wanderers back in 2006.

News of the World reported that Wenger wants Lescott in at the Emirates stadium due to the uncertainty of Kolo Toure's future as a Gunner.

Toure has been rumoured to be a target for Manchester City while defensive partner William Gallas' future is also in doubt after turning on his teammates earlier in the season.

Lescott could be tempted into a move with Champions League football a likelihood for Arsenal next season.

Old Lady to Bale out Gareth

Juventus have turned their attention to Tottenham defender Gareth Bale as part of their plans to rebuild their defence.

The teenager is still considered a great prospect in Europe and Juve are interested in signing him to provide competition at the left-back spot for regulars Cristian Molinaro and Paolo De Ceglie.

However, the Bianconeri will have to battle Chelsea and Manchester United if they want to get their man, with the Premier League duo also interested in signing the Southampton product.

Spurs are rumoured to be seeking out Real Madrid's Gabriel Heinze as a possible replacement. The 30-year-old has already tasted success in the BPL, ruling the left flank for Man United between 2004 and 2007.

Bale has made 27 appearances in all competitions for the Lilywhites this season.

Wright-Phillips "is a top player"

Pablo Zabaleta claims that Man City team-mate Shaun Wright-Phillips is one of the best talents in the Premier League.

Zabaleta has usually taken on a defensive midfield role with the Sky Blues, filling in at right-back occasionally. There, the Argentine midfielder teams up with Wright-Phillips, and it is the winger's workrate that Zabaleta feels is what distinguishes his City team-mate from other players.

"I enjoy playing with Shaun so much because he makes life easier for the full-back," Zabaleta said in an interview. "He is very quick, works all the time and helps me on the pitch which is important. The winger must help the full back or there will be problems."

"He is a top player and has helped me settle in well. I like to get forward too, and when I do, I know he will be covering for me. Hopefully we have developed a bit of an understanding even if we have both played in different positions at times."

Zabaleta has filled in at numerous positions throughout the season, something he admits to enjoy, especially when the position poses a challenge on his abilities.

"I am used to being moved around the team in Spain and Argentina. I can play wherever I need to - midfield is no problem and it adds to the experience of my first season here. Right-back is my natural position but I have no problem in midfield even if it means a different workload. I enjoy it," added the Argentinean right-back. "It is the first season for me in England and that is always the hardest at any club abroad. I hope to be even better next year when the number of games, the intensity of the games and their frequency, the training, and the opposition - and language - will not be new to me."

And 'Zaba' concluded on a very positive note, assuring City fans that he intended to be playing at Eastlands for many years to come, adding, "I want to be at City for a long time, and if international recognition comes with that, then perfect."

Adebayor: What could have been

Emmanuel Adebayor maintains the BPL title race could have been close if all of their players had stayed fit.

The Gunners recovered from an inconsistent start to produce an unbeaten run of 16 league matches which moved them back into the top four.

However, they remain some 10 points behind leaders United, who have a game in hand, and six off third-placed Chelsea.

Arsenal set the pace for much of last season before fading over the run-in, but still finished only two wins shy of beating the Red Devils to the crown.

Adebayor, who netted an impressive 30-goal haul during the previous campaign, had been sidelined since the start of February with a hamstring problem, but returned to action for Togo at the weekend scoring in the 1-0 World Cup qualifier victory over Cameroon.

Captain Cesc Fabregas is expected to be in contention following his serious knee injury when domestic action resumes against Manchester City on Saturday.

And with England forward Theo Walcott - who had been missing since November because of a shoulder problem before picking up a knee problem ahead of the international break - also set to return, manager Arsene Wenger is close to having a complete squad to chose from again.

Adebayor is in no doubt of just what a fully-fit Gunners side could have achieved.

"Most of our players have been injured. We have missed Eduardo for several months, Tomas Rosicky for about a year, Theo Walcott for three or four months, Cesc Fabregas for almost six months and I have also been injured for two or three weeks," Adebayor said in an interview with www.fifa.com.

"If Manchester United had to do without Ronaldo, Rooney, Giggs, Berbatov and Nani, they would not have the same team as they have now - they would not be winning every game.

"When we get those players back, we will have a chance of winning something."

Adebayor added: "What we did last season was unbelievable, but this season, we could have done better. Everything has gone wrong.

"But we just have to focus on our jobs and try and finish fourth.

"We know what we have to do."

The Togo striker was linked with a big-money move away from the Emirates Stadium last summer, but eventually agreed a new deal with the Gunners.

"I am very happy. I never regret anything," the 25-year-old declared.

"I want to stay and it is my desire to win the Premier League with Arsenal."

Nearly all of the Gunners' first-team squad are away on international duty this week.

Both Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue played for Ivory Coast in their World Cup qualifier against Malawi, which was overshadowed by the death of at least 22 people in a crush at the Houphouet-Boigny Arena.

While content to see Adebayor get some much-needed match practice, Wenger will be hoping his other strikers, Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner, return to London without only major injuries.

Holland forward Van Persie, who is the Gunners' leading scorer, missed today's training session after picking up a groin problem against Scotland.

Denmark frontman Bendtner, meanwhile, is being assessed for a knock to his knee ahead of the midweek game with Albania.

Assistant coach Peter Bonde told Danish newspaper Sporten: "He is here with us right now. If he is ready then he is ready. We cannot be thinking about Arsenal.

"We treat players well, but we will play them if they are fit."

Arsenal winger Rosicky could, meanwhile, make his long-awaited comeback in a reserve match against Tottenham at Barnet's Underhill ground next week.

Elsewhere, the Football Association are understood to have set a deadline of close of business today for Hull to submit any formal observations following allegations Fabregas was seen to spit at their assistant manager Brian Horton after the stormy FA Cup quarter-final tie at the Emirates on March 17.

Pearce: Door not closed on Owen

Stuart Pearce has echoed Fabio Capello's sentiments by stating the international door is still open for Michael Owen.
The 89-cap and 40-goal England ace was not included in Capello's last squad despite making his Newcastle United comeback recently following a stint on the sidelines.

Despite a number of knocks to England's frontline ahead of Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine, Owen remains overlooked raising question marks whether his international days are behind him.

However, Pearce believes Capello was right not to include Owen over due to recent match practice and says the former Real Madrid and Liverpool man will be recalled once he proves his form and fitness.

When asked if Pearce had an opinion on Owen's omission, he replied on Sky Sports News: "Yeah the same as Fabio's. He hadn't played enough football.

"The one thing Fabio doesn't do is shut the door for anyone. It's been mentioned maybe that certain individuals may be out of time and that the door has been shut, but that's not the case.

"I don't find that. They are not the words that Fabio uses and his actions are not like that either. Anyone that's on form, that's fit and playing for their club will get the opportunity.

"He's certainly shown that with the squad of Under 21s where he's been happy to call up the likes of Gabby (Agbonlahor), James (Milner), Theo (Walcott) and Aaron (Lennon) and Joe (Hart). All of these players have been given the opportunity because their form is good enough."

Frank Lampard believes when Owen is back to full fitness and scoring goals that Capello will hand the Newcastle United striker a chance to win back his place in the side.

"Everyone has an opinion on the England team. Michael Owen no doubt is one of the best strikers to play for England. He's got unbelievable ability.

"When it comes down to any individual Capello's shown that it's down to whether you're fit and ready to play in the England team which I think Michael's been injured for a long time.

"For me it's understandable that he would say himself that he's not ready. If you deserve to be in the England squad you'll be there. He'll pick the squad on its merits."

Rooney is England Player of the Year

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has been voted the England Player of the Year 2008 by the fans on TheFA.com.
Rooney played in eight of England's ten games during last year, scoring five goals - all in competitive matches.

Rooney becomes the first forward to win an award that has been running for six years - the trophy was previously awarded to four players, all of whom were midfielders.

Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry, the only outfield player to play in all ten matches last year maintaining a run of games that now stretches to 19 consecutive for his country, came second. Arsenal winger Theo Walcott was third on the list after thousands of England fans logged on to TheFA.com and registered their vote at the start of 2009.

Wayne Rooney said: "I am absolutely delighted to win this award especially as it has been voted for by the England fans. Having said that, it would not have been possible without the help and support of my England teammates, Fabio Capello and his coaching staff.

"Last year we had some great results and performances in our qualifying games and now we have some important matches coming up and must not get complacent, hopefully we can maintain the form of last year. Fabio Capello, the coaching staff and players are confident that we can maintain the performance level and results that will hopefully see us qualifying for next year's World Cup Finals in South Africa.

"The results on the road last year have put us in a good position and now we have some massive games coming up at Wembley. If the fans can show the same level of support and commitment they showed last year - and again on Saturday - it will be a big help to the players. To play at Wembley with the fans and country behind us is amazing and I can't stress enough how important their support and encouragement is.

"Finally, on a personal note I would like, once again, to thank all the fans that voted for me and helped make the winning of this award possible"

Eto'o on Rafa's shopping list

Samuel Eto'o has emerged as a target of Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez who is looking to expand his attacking options.
Reports on Tuesday suggest that Benitez is ready to make an £18million offer to Barcelona for the Cameroon international.

The former Valencia coach is eager to partner the 28-year-old with Fernando Torres in attack for the Merseyside giants.

A source close to the player told English newspaper The Sun: "Benitez likes Samuel a lot. Everything is possible for this summer.

"It will depend on Barcelona's results as well if they decide to buy David Villa.

"Eto'o is not a player to sit on the bench."

The former Mallorca hitman's contract with Barca comes to an end at the conclusion of next season.

With that fact in mind, La Blaugrana may well sell their prize asset in the summer, or risk losing him for nothing in 12 months time.

Spurs want Madrid's Heinze

Tottenham Hotspur are poised to bid for Real Madrid's Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze at the end of the season.

The 30-year-old defender played in England before for Manchester United but was sold to Madrid for seven million pounds in 2007.

Often deployed as a left-back, the Argentine can also operate as a central defender.

Heinze's contract with the Los Merengues expires in 2010 and English tabloid The People reported that Spurs are ready to put in a four million pound bid to take him back to England.

Dutch side PSV Eindhoven are also tracking the player's progress.

Heinze is said to be on a 60,000-pounds-a-week deal which falls nicely into Spurs' current wage structure.

Liverpool's Rafa Benitez attempted to sign the player in 2007 and might be keen to renew his interest if Daniel Agger leaves for AC Milan.

Barcelona want Hernanes

Primera Liga giants Barcelona are back in the hunt for Sao Paulo's talented Brazilian midfield general Hernanes.

Barca made a 11 million euros bid last summer for the player but was rejected by his club who claim he has a buy-out clause 25 million euros.

The Catalan club went on to sign Arsenal's Aliaksandr Hleb instead but the Belarusian midfielder has failed to shine this season.

According to Sport, club representative Pepe Costas who was due to fly back to Spain has delayed his trip in order to watch Hernanes in action in the Sao Paulo-Palmeiras derby.

Hernanes was part of Brazil's Olympic squad and is widely regarded as the best midfielder still plying his trade in Brazil.

Owen's England career in limbo

Manager Fabio Capello has hinted that Newcastle United striker Michael Owen's England career may be over.

England's fourth highest goalscorer has endured a miserable time with injuries of late.

The latest in a succession of problems with Newcastle has been ankle ligament trouble, which ruled him out for five games, before he was promptly dropped for the defeat by Arsenal at St James' Park last week.

Yet Owen is only 29, four years younger than David Beckham and still harbours strong ambitions to increase his 40-goal tally for the Three Lions and get closer to Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time record of 49.

Unfortunately for the former Liverpool star, Capello is only interested in what lies ahead rather than glories of the past.

He has given Owen just one cap during his reign so far, as a substitute in the friendly defeat to France in Paris 12 months ago.

And the Italian has offered no indication another will be forthcoming soon, providing a withering assessment as he explained why Owen did not even enter his thinking as a replacement for thigh injury victim Carlton Cole ahead of England's vital World Cup qualifier against the Ukraine.

"I have to choose players to play against the Ukraine, not against history," said Capello.

"I have chosen the best players who are in good form at the moment.

"It is impossible to choose someone who has only played for 20 minutes. Why didn't he play the last game?"

Capello did state if Owen were to "play three or four games he would be with us" but alongside the comment about the striker's past glories it seemed pretty insignificant.

And more importantly than either assessment, was confirmation, moments earlier, of how Capello envisages his team for the future.

"We play with three midfielders, two players like Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard and one forward," he declared.

As Rooney and Gerrard are such pivotal figures, operating in the gap between midfield and a centre forward capable of holding the ball up and bringing others into play, as opposed to one who plays on the shoulder of the last defender, it is difficult to see how Owen could possibly fit in.

It is stating the obvious to declare Rooney and Gerrard to be automatic choices and Capello only has to point at England's results over the past few months to provide more than adequate justification for his position.

"I want Rooney and Gerrard to be very free to move around when we have the ball," he said.

"That is the way I want them to play."

Rooney in particular has a special place in Capello's heart.

The Manchester United striker has now scored seven times in four games, so even if the leading man up front does not find the target that often - and Emile Heskey broke a six-year drought by getting the opener in yesterday's 4-0 romp over Slovakia - it is not that much of a problem.

"I am very happy when Rooney plays," said Capello.

"He is different to the other players and has always done well with the national team.

"I was sure he would score goals for us. I told him some things about the movement he needed to do in front of goal.

"But he is a very big talent. He can do everything."

Capello will be without Carlton Cole and Emile Heskey through injury against Ukraine, although the fact he moved so quickly to draft in Darren Bent suggests he is loathe to split the Rooney-Gerrard axis by playing his in-form striker further up the field.

Whatever Capello decides, it is fair to assume his players will buy into the idea such is the confidence England have in their Italian leader.

And Aaron Lennon is among those set to prosper as Capello revealed it was always his intention to preserve the Tottenham flyer's fitness by replacing him with record-breaking David Beckham at half-time.

"I decided before the game that Lennon would play until half-time and it was the same with Gerrard," he said.

"They are both in fantastic form so I didn't want to play them too much. I want them to be fresh for the next game.

"Lennon in particular I tried to protect. He is so quick and sometimes when they are playing against someone like that, the defenders will try to bring them down."

Robin admits Scotland were robbed

Holland's Robin van Persie admits Scotland were robbed of a "good" goal in Saturday's World Cup qualifier in Amsterdam.

George Burley's men were trailing by two goals when Gary Caldwell thought he had pulled a goal back - only to watch in disbelief as the effort was disallowed by French referee Laurent Duhamel.

Holland killed the game off a couple of minutes later and both Caldwell and Burley were furious at the controversial decision after the 3-0 defeat.

Van Persie told the Daily Record: "The goal Scotland scored was good - I didn't see anything unusual when I watched the replay on television."

And he also seemed to agree with Burley that goalkeeper Allan McGregor had been blocked on his line when he netted Holland's second on the stroke of half-time.

Van Persie added: "Klaas-Jan Huntelaar made a good block. There were still two players in front of me and one other there but I was able to make it."

Van Der Vaart denies Blues link

Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has denied reports suggesting that he wanted to English side Chelsea.

Reports in England last week attributed quotes to van der Vaart saying he would be interested in leaving Real Madrid to move to Stamford Bridge.

Van der Vaart's future at the Bernabeu has been the subject of speculation with him failing to hold down a regular place in the Real side this term.

The Dutchman has moved to clear up the confusion and insists he will make a decision on his future in the summer once the situation at Madrid is clear.

"I hear there are rumours about me wanting to go to Chelsea. But I have never said that," Van der Vaart told his official website fobazo.com.

"I have not yet decided on my future. I don't know anything about it.

"At Real Madrid a lot of things are gonna happen in the summer. A new president and maybe a new coach. So far I I'll just wait and see."