Manchester United will not jeopardise Wayne Rooney's fitness by rushing him back to action for Sunday's FA Cup tie at Derby.

 

Rooney has been absent with a hamstring injury for almost two months and was expected to return at West Ham last Sunday.

 

However, the England striker was left out for the win at Upton Park and seems unlikely to be risked this weekend either as the Red Devils chase a quarter-final place.

With the first leg of their Champions League knock-out clash against Inter Milan due to be played at the San Siro on February 24, United are not keen to risk Rooney just now.

So, the chances are Rooney will not be considered until next Wednesday's Premier League encounter with Fulham at Old Trafford.

"We are still assessing Wayne,'' said United assistant-boss Mike Phelan. "He has done a little bit of work but we are not going to rush that situation because we have important games. We will ease him back in as quickly as we can.

"If he is available terrific, if not we will look at it for the next game against Fulham because we would never jeopardise anything.''

Real Madrid youngster, Javi Garcia, has declared today that the reserve team players feel "bad" about the winter signings made by the club.

The trio of Lassana Diarra, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Julien Faubert have all been bought in and Garcia is not pleased as "when a lower player has had the chance to prove himself he has done well".

Unsurprisingly, he also told Marca that his aim is to get more minutes with the first team this season.

"What I want is to play. One is ambitious and wants to play as much as possible. I have to keep on fighting and show that the coach can count on me," he mused.

Regarding the arrival of Juande Ramos, Garcia acknowledge that the main change has been the "defensive attitude" and that he understands the criticism because "to play for Real Madrid means winning and playing well".

The youngster also spoke out about the upcoming game against Sporting Gijon, who Madrid thrashed earlier in the season, and declared that this time the key will be to "not concede goals".

If they can manage to do that they will hope to close the gap on Barcelona at the top of the table and he confirmed that they are "doing very well" but they are not invincible and "everyone has a bad day".

Finally Garcia spoke about the Champions League and declared that they are "not thinking about the game against Liverpool right now," as one must focus on the league first.

Milan ace Ronaldinho is keen to impress in the derby, in fact so much so that he has taken time off to have a new haircut, so he looks his best during Sunday's showdown clash with Inter.

The Brazilian, who was in hot form against Italy on Tuesday, is likely to regain his place in the starting XI as Kaka will miss the game through injury.

Ronaldinho was not able to escape the photographers and cameramen who chased him around Milan and into a luxury hair salon.

Sport.es claims the play-maker was a little fussy with his style and the hairdresser worked patiently to ensure the 2002 World Cup winner was happy with his new look.

According to the Spanish publication, Ronaldinho was never previously seen having a new hairstyle done in public and he never went to Manolo Garcia, a hairdresser who is reputedly popular amongst many Blaugrana players.

The talented player then left and went home to show off his new hair to the rest of the family. He is likely to play in the derby and he will be hoping for a repeat performance from the reverse as he was the match-winner on that occasion.

Milan will need Ronaldinho to be in top form against Inter as they are currently eight points behind the league leaders. If the player is not at his best, then he will at least be looking like it with his new chop.

MORRIS POWELL's REGAL SELECTION should win his third straight race tomorrow afternoon when he faces seven rivals in the Grade Two King's Plate, a 1500-metre open allowance event.

Set to be a real cracker from start to finish, the King's Plate should set up nicely for the much-improved REGAL SELECTION to catch rivals in the stretch run.

Wayne DaCosta's MR SKILL, caught and beaten into fifth place by ROMEZ and an unlucky MINISTEROFJUSTICE at 1000 metres round on January 24, will again try making all, but is bound to shut off inside the final furlong and a half.

Instead of stealing a march, MR SKILL will instead drag REGAL SELECTION's main threats, SLOGAN and MINISTEROFJUSTICE, off their bridles down the backstretch, making them go too fast for their own good.

This will be perfect for REGAL SELECTION, who has come on a ton since late September when he clocked 1:32.3 for 1500 metres.

The four-year-old colt has seemingly got over his habit of drifting in the stretch run and looks good after posting a solid 1:38.0 for a mile on December 17 before returning to romp the overnight allowance Fan Appreciation Day Trophy on New Year's Day.

Three-year-old filly

Powell has had REGAL SELECTION galloping out of the chute every Saturday morning since January 17, clearly programmed with the King's Plate in mind.

Another runner who has been programmed for a win is Richie Todd's three-year-old filly, HIGH SOCIETY, in the eighth event at 1100 metres.

HIGH SOCIETY has two runs under her girth, both at 1000 metres straight last month. However, her switch to the round course has been accompanied by a bullet work, 1:15.3, at 1200 metres in the company of stablemate UNDAUNTED last Friday morning.

UNDAUNTED posted a decent 1:40.3 for a mile on last after his fast-finishing second to REGGAE RUCKUS in his previous effort at 1300 metres.

Having kept pace with the colt at exercise, HIGH SOCIETY will be tough to beat unless Spencer Ching's debutant, SAINT CECELIA, is special.

Chung's runner clocked 1:15.2 for 1200 metres the morning after HIGH SOCIETY galloped, beating stablemate GUAN YU, a far less impressive runner than UNDAUNTED.

Quick double

The champion team of Omar Walker and Wayne DaCosta should log an easy double, five-star bankers for Track Price Plus Pick-6 tipsters - Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes runner-up THE GUMMER in the third at 1300 metres and SKETEL hunting a quick double in the 1200-metre 10th event for non-winners-of-three.

THE GUMMER has been working like a 2000 Guineas winner and ought to be followed right up to that fateful day in April after having just failed to catch MISS RUTH in the Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes in December with BRUCEONTHELOOSE almost seven lengths behind in third.

SKETEL is out-of-class despite stepping up in class and cannot be opposed after galloping 1:08.4 for 1100 metres last Sunday morning.

Anthony Nunes' PALATINE has been beating stablemate C'EST MOI at exercise and should make a winning debut in the fourth at 1200 metres.

Close those bets with KEELER, who was impressive enough in victory on last to be given every chance to notch a quick double among $220,000 claimers in the seventh at 1400 metres

An incredible four teams were still in with a chance going into last weekend's schedule, but Morris Cyrus' 17th-minute goal proved decisive in a closely fought contest against his old team, Georges Valley. Downs' place was secured from two rounds ago and their 1-0 home win over Porus put them on 17 points, seven points more than their counterparts in the final.

Former Major League champion and Super League representatives, Downs are favoured for the final, having won their last three games, while also holding a psychological edge having beaten Kendal 2-1 earlier in the season.

Meanwhile, the battle for survival will continue for both Young Diamonds on six points and Mandeville United on one point, who drew 1-1 in their encounter last weekend.

Tivoli Gardens claimed their first major football title in three years when they edged Meadhaven United 1-0 in the final of the Western Union KSAFA Jackie Bell Knockout competition at the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex last night.

A heated and controversial affair, Tivoli, whose last major title was the Champions Cup in the 2005-2006 season, won the enthralling encounter with a goal from former national defender Christopher Jackson, who netted seven minutes into extra time, after both teams played to a 0-0 draw in regulation time.

Caught unaware

The defender was the recipient of a drop-ball from the referee, who stopped the taking of a corner to remove another ball, which had been thrown on the field. The Meahaven players were caught unaware and with the goalkeeper off his line, Jackson fired a curling shot with his trademark left foot, which found the roof of the net.

Incensed Meadhaven players then swarmed the referee; however, this only resulted in a player, Lennox Creary, getting booked.

Meadhaven, had lost their key player Keammar Daley after he was issued with a red card on the stroke of full time for violent play.

"It was an exciting game. I expected them to come at us and give us a real run and they did. But congratulations to my players, they were disciplined and kept their cool throughout the game," said Tivoli coach, Lenworth Hyde Sr who, along with his assistant Max Straw, was winning the trophy for the third year in a row, having done so previously with beaten semi-finalists Harbour View in 2007 and 2008.

Gracious in defeat

Tivoli, for their exploits, in addition to the trophy, took home $350,000, while Meadhaven, whose coach Alrick Clarke, was gracious in defeat, pocketed $200,000.

"It was a very good game. One of the most exciting finals I have seen in a while," said Clarke

"It's just one of those games. It's a tough one to lose, but they are learning," he added.

Before his dismissal, Daley, who was a thorn in the sides of the Tivoli defence, created the first real scoring opportunity of the match when he dismissed a marker and fired a powerful volley that hit the crossbar and rebounded into play in the 61st minute. However, after his dismissal, Tivoli pressed home the extra-man advantage.

"It feels real good to bring back a trophy to west Kingston. It's been a while," said Jackson.

With the Premier League title seemingly slipping out of Arsenal's reach this season, manager Arsene Wenger has stated that it is his intention that his team win the FA Cup this season.

The Gunners face Championship outfit Cardiff City in the fourth round of the competition on Monday, a rescheduled fixture after their initial replay fell victim to the wintry weather last month.

"We want to prepare well because we know it is a very important game for us and we need to focus," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.

"We are unbeaten and want to keep that going in every competition - the longer that lasts, the stronger you will be.

"If the three draws put together don't look good, then you must put the whole 11 games together and that looks like we are on a run.

"We want to transform that bit of disappointment from a draw into a convincing victory, and [then] the team is in a good way."

The fixture's rescheduling means that Arsenal face some fixture congestion over the next few weeks, with a Champions League knock-out tie with Roma on the way shortly. The Frenchman, unlike many other high-profile Premier League managers, does not see it as a problem. Indeed, he believes his squad is more than adequate to cope with the demands placed upon it.

"It does not bother me too much. We have to deal with that and I do not think it is a big problem," he added.

Arsenal last won the FA Cup in 2005.

Portsmouth's sacking of Tony Adams has been overshadowed by events at Chelsea, but it still leaves a very interesting managerial vacancy open. Adams was never going to have an easy task in succeeding Harry Redknapp and, indeed, the job was beyond him. Pompey crashed out of the FA Cup as holders, failed to survive their UEFA Cup group and have dropped into the Premier League relegation battle.

The FA Cup win last season was a euphoric moment for modern day Portsmouth and one which raised the bar. Once 'Arry jumped ship to Tottenham Hotspur, then, the decision to promote assistant Adams raised eyebrows. As far as failures go, he didn't disappoint. This was seemingly a gamble, not a long-term project, and reports suggest that Avram Grant was always waiting in the wings in case it didn't pay off.

Ex-Chelsea boss Grant, who has already spent time at Fratton Park as technical director, has indeed been mentioned in connection with the post. However, another frontrunner has emerged in the shape of ice-cold, hot-under-the-collar Swedish enigma Sven-Goran Eriksson. Could the former England and Manchester City boss really be the answer to the south coast side's problems?

Selling Club

Supremo Alexandre Gaydamak has, by all accounts, all but washed his hands of the Pompey project. Even after the January sales of Jermain Defoe and Lassana Diarra, what is essentially a small operation remains deep in the red financially. Redknapp brought happy times to the club with his well-known man management skills and charisma, also using every morsel of his patience, underrated tactical nous and transfer market savvy to compliment initial big-spender Gaydamak and help the club to punch well above their weight.

However, Adams brought little of that. The young gaffer has admitted that he's not a people person and it was clear from the outset that he'd have no money to spend in January, which largely proved to be the case. Perhaps Adams was expected to survive on borrowed momentum, but that momentum is now well and truly tapped out - so what can Sven bring to the job?

First, Portsmouth still have a slew of above-average players and even a couple of diamonds who, without the grandstand appointment of a big name like Eriksson, are likely to leave. Niko Kranjcar, Glen Johnson and Peter Crouch, to name a few, won't stay without an ambitious figurehead, and head-in-the-clouds Sven would certainly bring that. The veteran core - Sylvain Distin, Sol Campbell, David James et al. - would also relish working under a more glamorous regime. Looking through the squad, there's a lot for a manager to get excited about, and this is probably the last chance for the club to keep it together before it's stripped for parts.

As England manager, Sven exposed himself as a tactically questionable. He could occasionally facilitate greatness but, more often than not, led the Three Lions to massive disappointment. However, he did reach the quarter-final stage of three elite tournaments and, although his side couldn't come good at the business end, Pompey won't be expecting to either. Mid-table football in the top-flight has to be the target for the next couple of seasons.

Sven then moved onto Manchester City and clawed back must of the respect he'd lost at international level. Under Thaksin Shinawatra, he was allowed to spend big and, at the beginning of the 2007-08 season, he looked like a genius. His side flew high and were tipped for a Champions League place. It all went belly-up, of course, with the controversial Shinawatra making Sven's life a misery from behind the scenes and performance levels dropping rapidly. His last game was an 8-1 defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough - shocking.

Would this happen again under the disillusioned Gaydamak? Best case scenario: Sven brings results quickly, enjoying the 'new manager effect', and keeps the core of the squad together, adding sensibly in the summer once the ship is steadied. Worst case: it doesn't work at all - the placid boss can't get a reaction and Pompey tumble out of the league, wishing they'd appointed a more down-to-earth boss like Bolton Wanderers and Fulham did with Gary Megson and Roy Hodgson previously.

Either way, the wheels are already in motion. Eriksson's former England No.2 Brian Kidd has been brought in to help caretaker Paul Hart in the interim, forming a decent, ready-made backroom. Furthermore, Eriksson's flight-of-fancy with Mexico seems doomed to failure. His appointment was controversial in the first place and by all accounts he hasn't clicked with the players. The country's FA could avoid paying compensation by offloading the Swede and both parties could avoid further embarra**ment like the defeat at the hands of the United States in midweek.

Although Eriksson would have to get his manicured hands dirty, I'd say that he'd be interested in taking a step back up from the unfamiliar CONCACAF scene in order to return to the Premier League and club management. However, his long-term future at Fratton Park would be in doubt from day one and perhaps Pompey should look for someone who can guarantee survival, even if it does mean losing a few more players.

Gabriel Heinze should be fit to play against Sporting Gijon on Sunday despite working in the gym today.

Marca reports that the Argentine, who was on international duty against France in midweek, did not train with the team due to a slight injury, but will be fit for the weekend.

The news means that Juande Ramos will have nearly a full strength side to choose from for the match, not including those who are injured long-term.

Pepe, Wesley Sneijder, Fernando Gago and Javi Garcia all trained with the rest of the team after they had worked in the gym yesterday, and they should all be fit to play now.

The only concerns are Christoph Metzelder, who is likely to miss the game, and Michel Salgado, who is out for around three weeks with injury.

The team will have a final training session on Saturday morning before  making their way to play Sporting Gijon.

When these sides met earlier this season in La Primera, it was Madrid who ran out winners, as they hammered the newly-promoted side 7-1 at the Bernabeu.

On this occasion it is unlikely to be such a convincing scoreline but it is no secret that Sporting like to attack - and this could play into the hands of Madrid.

Jan Molby made his name as a Liverpool midfielder during the 1980s, with his rotund physique and the strong Scouse accent he acquired making him something of a cult figure in the English game.

Molby was a classy performer though, despite the light-hearted baggage he carried, and was a player with a keen football brain who went on to enjoy some success coaching in the lower echelons of the English pyramid.

The Dane is also a friend of Liverpool's current Danish star, Daniel Agger, a player who has spent the majority of this season frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities. That frustration has seen him linked with a move away from Anfield, with AC Milan often touted as a potential destination.

"I know Daniel wants to stay in Liverpool and to become a real Liverpool legend," Molby told The Liverpool Echo today.

"He feels hes at the best possible place to achieve his footballing dreams."

Agger has made 71 appearances for the Mersysiders since arriving in 2006 from Brondby, and Molby insists that the defender possesses true quality, although he admits that Agger has not been the same player since injuring his foot.

"Prior to his metatarsal injury he was very, very good in terms of his defending and forward play," the former midfielder added.

"He probably hasnt reached that level again since his return maybe because he hasnt been playing every week but potentially he is one of the best ball-playing central defenders in the world."

Jan Molby spent 11 years at Anfield, making over 300 appearances and winning three league titles and two FA Cups. Should Agger go on to match that record then Reds fans would be more than pleased with the young Dane.

After Rafa Benitez left stars like Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt on the bench for Liverpool's dramatic 3-2 victory at Portmsouth last week, he endured some pretty harsh criticism.

However, the Reds' Brazilian midfielder, Fabio Aurelio, usually deployed as a left-back or left-sided midfielder but selected by Benitez to play in central midfield against Pompey, feels that fans should show more patience, and understand that Benitez is trying to do what is required for the team.

"The boss had problems in Spain, too, with people saying he makes too many changes," Aurelio told The Liverpool Echo today.

"But he is just the same now. I have been with him a long time so I know his methods are like that. He always does what is best for the team.

"He has a personality which doesnt mind what people think, which is good for the team."

The Brazilian, who was managed by Benitez whilst at Valencia, also believes that Liverpool are still very much in the hunt for the league title, despite many observers seemingly feeling that Manchester United have as good as made it theirs already.

"We can fight for the title, and we can win the title. If we do then the boss will be the best coach ever. But if he doesnt people will try to say it is because of squad rotation," Aurelio added.

"The results in football are always the important thing and we got a good result at Portsmouth. We were very happy with the result.

"People dont understand the changes that he made, but he knows how the players are feeling. He knows who is tired and who is not, and he knows how to use his squad.

"We know when he selects his team for a game, it will be the best players at that moment to do the job. We are with him.

"If we had lost the game it would have been a terrible two weeks to be here, with no game. But we did a job and won the game and put ourselves in a very good position."

Aurelio also expressed some bemusement as to why the focus was always on the changes made by Benitez, when the managers of other so called 'big teams' tweak their line-ups with comparable frequency.

"It is the same with the other big teams. They all have big squads with good players, so I dont understand it," he added.

"We are in a good position in the title race and are in a good position in the Champions League as well, so maybe its people trying to find weak points to try to stop us or create trouble. But we are used to it.

"We had our job to do and we had to be focused on that and not what people were talking about."

Alan Hansen was a colossus on the pitch for Liverpool and Scotland, becoming a true Anfield legend and collecting a host of medals in a glittering playing career. And since hanging up his boots he's become a giant of football punditry too, renowned for his forthright views and analyses which are eagerly anticipated by millions of viewers of BBC TV's 'Match of the Day' every week.  

Hansen reckons a divided dressing room became the damning legacy of Luiz Felipe Scolari's brief reign at Chelsea, but that his replacement Guus Hiddink will benefit from having a fit Michael Essien available for selection...

Sharp Reversal Of Fortune

"Big Phil Scolari was replaced at Chelsea this week with Guus Hiddink taking the managers position until the end of the season. It has been an amazing turnaround for the Brazilian and the team from September/October time, when he was being hailed as the messiah," said Hansen. 

"The full-backs Jose Bosingwa and Ashley Cole were b****ing down the flanks terrorising the opposition, heralding a new-look adventurous Chelsea team. It was all happy days at the Bridge. However, it is incredible how quickly things have changed culminating in an absolutely appalling display at Old Trafford and a not much better one at Anfield recently.

"The price of success and of failure has never been so high so it doesnt surprise me he was sacked. The rewards these days are so high and even failure like Scolaris will cost the club a lot of money.  The current team is a million miles away from winning the Championship so you have to say Big Phil was a failure in his time at the club. Even under the much maligned Avram Grant the team was close to winning both the title and the Champions League but they look a shadow of their old selves now.

Divide And Fall

"The old Chelsea were a very tight group of players but now you can see there are different factions in the camp. Ive seen them on a number of occasions of late and you can see all is not right within the club. If the dressing room is divided then cliques appear which in turn destroys team spirit which is so important in the modern game. Of course you cant be friends with everyone in the dressing room but once you step onto the pitch you have to be united.

The lack of unity must be blamed on Scolari too as his job is to unite the dressing room, to harbour a good team spirit and winning mentality. Guus Hiddink is now in the hot-seat, at least until the end of the season and he has a great track record. Then again, so did Big Phil. One huge bonus for him and for Chelsea should be the return of Michael Essien next month. He will be like a new signing and Chelsea have missed him. The Ghanaian adds pace and strength to the team and he could have an important role for the last stretch of the season.

Spanish Lesson

The Spain v England game in Seville will have given Fabio Capello and his players food for thought as at times they were given a footballing lesson by the European Champions. The Spanish side is packed full of class players, they play great football and have so much technical ability throughout. England are trying to emulate that ability but it will be difficult as Spain are a very settled team not to mention the fact England were without lots of their top players.

"Despite out-playing England for large parts of the game, the two goals conceded were not defended well. For the first Phil Jagielka lost possession far too cheaply and for the second Matthew Upson committed a rash tackle to give away the free-kick in the first place, and was then beaten in the air by the big Spanish forward. It just goes to show the importance of defending at the highest level. This result should at least give England a bit of a reality check before they continue their qualifying campaign.

Moyes Deserves A Medal

The highlight of this weekends FA Cup fixtures for me is the Everton v Aston Villa game. Both teams are doing remarkably well this season and have very good managers in charge. A draw looks a likely result but in some ways I think that Villas priority now will be a top-four finish as they are in an incredible position to do just that. On the other hand a good result in the Cup could really spur either of these two sides on for the rest of the season. David Moyes deserves a medal for the job he has done at Everton in terms of the progress at the club, he really has done unbelievably well. Whichever of these two form sides go through will receive a huge lift for the final Premier League run-in."

Newcastle United's next opponents in the Premier League will be Everton at St James' Park on February 22. In the normal run of events, one might expect two competitive managers in Toffees' boss David Moyes and Toon gaffer Joe Kinnear to indulge in a spot of good natured 'mind games' in the run up to what is an important fixture for both sides.

But events this week have, of course, put football into perspective a little, as Kinnear, after suffering from high-*lo** pressure prior to the Geordie club's match at West Bromwich Albion last weekend, is set to undergo a triple heart bypass operation over the weekend.

And Moyes, a man who gives the impression of being one of the game's more reasoned and reasonable characters, has nothing but good wishes for his counterpart on Tyneside.

"I sent Joe a message wishing him good luck and hoping everything goes well," Moyes told Everton's official website earlier.

"We compete against each other week in week out and I think in the end, behind it all, there is an understanding and a job that everybody has to do.

"You might be someone with money or someone without money, someone at the top of the league or at the bottom. There's still a similarity in the job."

And the Everton manager, speaking to reporters at his Friday press conference, added that there was still a culture in the game of looking out for one's colleagues, despite the highly competitive nature of the Premier League.

"I'm sure in the world of journalism you look after your own and we look after ours as well," the Scotsman added.

"Hopefully Joe will get through the operation and gets back strong again."

Everton are the inspiration for Aston Villa's current surge towards a Champions League berth, Villa boss Martin O'Neill has asserted, ahead of his team's visit to Goodison Park in the fifth round of the FA Cup this weekend.

Everton managed the feat in 2004/05, and pipped Liverpool, one of the modern giants and a member of the so-called 'big four,' to a spot at Europe's top table, before crashing out of the competition, somewhat unfortunately, to Villarreal in the qualifying stages, and going on to struggle for the rest of that season.

But the Irishman has hailed the achievement of his Scottish counterpart at Goodison Park, David Moyes, claiming that the Toffees helped show Villa that the feat was manageable.

"The season they were in the Champions League I thought they were unlucky to go out to Villarreal, and that was the season I think they went on to struggle a little bit," ONeill told The Birmingham Mail earlier.

"But the overall picture at Everton has been one of really steady progress. Theyre the only side to have broken through against the top four, so from that they must take great credit."

Even though the Villans have a slightly higher-status European past than their rivals from the city of Liverpool, O'Neill still feels the West Midlanders can learn much from Everton's progress.

"Villa have a history and have actually won the European Cup," the former Celtic manager continued.

"But in recent seasons Everton are as good an example as anybody of a side that can compete and who are at it every single week. Thats what we want to do.

"My own view is that were a different style to Everton but that does not mean we shouldnt take the good ingredients of what theyve done and try to emulate them."

Milan midfield warrior Gennaro Gattuso is currently out injured, and will likely be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Today, the 31-year-old talked to Sky about his career with the Rossoneri leading up to his recent injury, the first serious one of his career.

"At first, when I arrived at Milanello it wasn't easy to see all those photos and those trophies," he admitted. "The first few years when we didn't win anything, I almost thought it was my fault."

Gattuso admitted his biggest joy was winning the Champions League in 2003 against Juventus.

"It was an incredible joy to win the Champions League against Juventus, I felt indescribable feelings. I had always dreamed of winning it, so it was a liberation," 'Ringhio' commented.

"However, after the Istanbul final [against Liverpool in 2005] I felt very responsible for that defeat because I felt I didn't play well in that final. I thought maybe it was right to change environment."

In the 2006-07 season Milan won the Champions League again, and subsequently also lifted the European Supercup and the Club World Cup.

Asked if he thought that was his best season ever, Gattuso said: "I don't know if that was the best season. The first five months we did not play well and we always struggled. Then, after the Malta training camp, we started playing incredibly well.

"Perhaps the best years were when we won the Champions League in 2003 and 2004, when we lost at Deportivo La Coruña. In those years we went around in Europe and won against everyone."

Coming back on his injury, he said: "After the match against Catania I said, 'Today God watched over me, today I risked shattering my knee.' Instead it was already broken and I didn't even notice.

"During the game I felt some pain but not the way I felt it afterwards. However, I've had to wait 31 years for my first serious injury, so to even out everything that football has given me, I would have to break something 10 times."

Boca Juniors coach, Carlos Ischia, responded to declarations made by River Plate striker Cristian Fabbiani, by affirming that his team win their matches because they are the best team in the country.

Ischia marked his territory after Fabbiani stated that River need "to learn from Boca, who always win with luck."

"Boca win because they are the best, without any doubt. The other day, when they consulted me after the match in Jujuy, the first thing I asked was for them to revise the match, for them to take a good look and they would find out that the team created more goal scoring opportunities, that the team had four or five one on-one-opportunities," stated Ischia.

When asked whether he thinks River should learn from Boca, the coach said: "It is not me who has to decide that. It isn't my problem, it is their problem."

Ischia then turned his attention to Saturday's Clausura Championship round 2 encounter with Newell's Old Boys at the b*m**onera.

"Newell's were already a very difficult and complicated team last season. They performed very well. It costed them a little at the end, but still with only a few rounds left they were one of the teams who had possibilities of fighting for the title."

Boca Juniors will he hoping to win their second consecutive match of the season. Last weekend they defeated Gimnasia y Esgrima de Jujuy 2-1.

Fernando Llorente could not hide his delight after scoring his first goal for Spain in the win against England, describing the moment as the most important of his life.

The Athletic Bilbao forward, who had arrived as a substitute, stooped to meet Xavi's free-kick, nodding home the hosts' second goal of the evening.

Despite being a controversial pick by coach Vicente del Bosque, the lofty striker justified the faith placed in him. Naturally, he was very pleased with to have netted.

"I am delighted to have scored my first goal and hope that I can score many more, Marca quote him as saying. It is the most important moment of my life.

Having entered the game as the second half approached its midway point, Llorente had to go back-off in the last few moments after feeling some pain in his leg.

"I felt some discomfort in the last few minutes and I preferred not to risk it, he added. I was determined to be careful and not to risk making anything more serious.

Last night's success ensure that Spain extended their unbeaten run to 29 matches and recorded their third consecutive triumph against England.

Its a step, a step to reality. That is how Fabio Capello described England's friendly defeat against Spain, a result that burst the bubble which had been swelling ominously in the wake of their impressive start to World Cup qualifying.

The Three Lions went down 2-0 at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in Andalusia, with David Villa opening the scoring after some sublime first-half footwork and Fernando Llorente heading home the sealer late on.

Capello said in The Sun, Spains percentage of possession is always very high. Spain didnt have a lot of chances to score goals and we had the same number. But they played better because possession of the ball is very important to them.

Our style is good against some teams but when you play against the South American style you have to understand what you have to do. You have to change something.

They are the European champions. We tried to play like we do usually but the pressing Spain did to win the ball back showed they are a very good team.

England were found out somewhat in the absence of Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand, and Capello hinted that certain players need to sharpen up.

We learned a lot. The next time we are together we will look at this game and understand what it is we have to do, the Italian said. Some of the players have the intelligence to understand what we have to do in the next game.

"The groundsmen have their buckets and spades out and are digging out huge quantities of sand. We don't know why they are doing this, but that's what's happening. It's an unmitigated shambles out there, and there's isn't much more we can tell you for the time being. For now, we'll say goodbye, and we may or may not see you tomorrow for the second day's play."

The quoye from a blog on Cricinfo tells the story...

Carles Puyol has failed to recover from injury in time to face Real Betis this weekend after struggling all week to shake off a knock he sustained last Sunday.

The Blaugrana captain withdrew from the Spain squad in midweek against England after limping out of his club side's win against Sporting Gijon.

Now doctors have said that the bruising to a muscle in his left leg has not subsided enough to risk playing against Betis, and Pep Guardiola has agreed.

Rafa Marquez returned from playing for Mexico against the United States on Friday and has gone straight into the Barcelona squad for the trip to Andalucia.

Whether he plays alongside Gerard Pique or Martin Caceres remains to be seen, while Guardiola decides whether to employ a muscular or a technical midfield.

The Barca coach has options after Seydou Keita was declared fit having missed the last three matches and he could take Andres Iniesta's place in the middle to start the match.

While Puyol and Gaby Milito are both out through injury, Victor Sanchez and Pedro have not travelled as they will play for Luis Enrique's B team on Sunday.

There is no end in sight for Christian Panucci's Roma nightmare as he comes under further criticism. This time it's the Giallorossi fans who have blasted the player.

The Italian stopper was the first to leave Roma's Trigoria training ground this afternoon, but he stopped to sign autographs and have photographs taken with fans.

However, not all of them were friendly to the player as some of them began to ask questions over his recent behaviour towards the club.

Romanews.eu claim a female fan was angry and began to use strong words against the player as she demanded answers for his falling-out with the club in January. Reports suggest the fan told Panucci he needs to change his attitude and show some respect.

There was little reaction from the defender as he sat in his Ferrari; the player limited his words to, "I will speak very soon," as reported by Romanews.eu.

The Giallorossi were busy this morning as they trained hard ahead of the game with Atalanta this Sunday.

Roma travel to the Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium hoping for maximum points as they edge closer towards a Champions League place.

Bojan Krkic was hailed as one of the many young rising young stars at Barcelona last season, but the 18-year-old has struggled to make his mark under Pep Guardiola.

Forced to compete against the likes of Lionel Messi, Samuel Etoo and Thierry Henry, the forward has seen little playing time so far this season. His first team chances have been largely restricted to Copa del Rey matches and substitute appearances in the league.

According to El Mundo Deportivo, the teenager was given a chance to exit the Camp Nou during the winter transfer window in order to seek regular football elsewhere, but he adamantly turned down a number of offers from abroad.

Ajax Amsterdam were one of those clubs interested in his services as the Dutch side had been looking for a replacement to cover Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who had left for Real Madrid.

Bundesligas Cinderella side, Hoffenheim, had also declared their interest in Bojan after the newly-promoted outfit were hit by the news that leading scorer Vedad Ibisevic would be ruled out for the remainder of the season.

And it was a similar case with French side Olympique de Marseille, who deemed that the Spaniard with Serbian heritage would be an ideal deputy for Mamadou Niang, who is only just returning now after breaking a bone in his foot.

But the Blaugrana No. 11, who has a contract with the Catalan giants until 2013, rejected all three approaches in favour of staying, training and playing with Barcas star-studded squad.

Despite his limited playing minutes, he has recorded an impressive tally of goals. In seven Copa del Rey games he has netted four times. Meanwhile, he has amassed three goals in six Champions League matches. He has yet to score in La Liga, however, after 13 appearances.

Robert Acquafresca is having another excellent season at Cagliari. With nine goals to his name so far, he is only one strike short of last seasons tally.

The 21-year-old is presently on loan to the Sardinian side from Inter. However, the Nerazzurri are expected to add him to their ranks next season as coach Jose Mourinho apparently holds the youngster in high esteem.

If I concentrate and close my eyes, I see lots of fog in front of me, Acquafresca joked in an interview with Tuttosport.

I will go back to Inter next June because they still own my contract. The Nerazzurri represent a dream for me and a target to achieve. It will be up to me to persuade them to gamble on Acquafresca.

And at the same time, I will need to live up to the expectations. I strongly want [to play for] Inter and playing at San Siro every fortnight is one of the goals I have set for my career.

When Cagliari held Serie A leaders Inter to a 1-1 draw on January 10, Acquafresca netted a goal, doubtless making Mourinho take further note of his talents for finding the net.

In a week of international friendly matches, for which coaches called up new faces to defend their countrys colours, there remained a common thread of youthful exuberance. Featuring a number of up-and-coming players, national team coaches provided an opportunity for the next generation of the worlds best to prove their worth on the global stage. In Spain, Gerard Piqué and Sergio Busquets - yet two more exceptional youth products to come out of the Barcelona system - were called up to defend La Roja. Selección coach Vicente del Bosque even chose Piqué to start the high-profile Spain vs. England friendly, leaving the already-established Carlos Marchena to warm the bench. Although the Barcelona No. 3 looked a bit shaky in some stretches of the match, he appears to be well on his way to serving as the future replacement for the solid, but aging, Carles Puyol.

With one of the best farming systems in the world, Barcelonas youth program has yielded some the best players in the game. Considering some of the worlds stars that developed their football in Catalunya, the list is an impressive one: Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Bojan, Piqué, Busquets, Fabregas, and Pepe Reina, among others. Whats more impressive is the fact that all of these players, save Fabregas and Reina, still play at Barcelonamany of them integral cogs in Pep Guardiolas attacking machine and, in the case of Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, and Puyol, pivotal players for their club and respective national teams. 

Perhaps its the clubs commitment to its youth system, or perhaps its phenomenal scouting. Maybe its the Gaudí architecture, or maybe its just something in the tapas. One way or another, Barcelona have not only been able to develop some of the best talent in football, but they have, more importantly, been able to retain a bulk of that talent for promotion to the first team. Whats more, many of those players grow into the very best at their position. For current Barcelona players, Puyol could well be the best defender in the world, Xavi tops the list as the most creative architect in midfield, and Messiwell, if there are still some doubts about his status as the worlds best player at 21 years of age, surely in a few years those will evaporate. 

In Real Madrids case, however, the philosophy of youth development leaves much to be desired. While Los Blancos have successfully scouted exceptional players with enormous potential, the club has utterly failed in grooming those players to transition for positions in the first team. The list of Madrid youths who've had to seek alternative addresses to realise their potential is woefully long: Samuel Etoo (now of Barcelona), Álvaro Arbeloa (now of Liverpool), Juan Mata (now of Valencia), Álvaro Negredo (now of Almería), Jurado (now of Mallorca), Esteban Granero (now of Getafealthough he does have a buy-back clause in his contract), and many more exemplify the exodus from Castilla, the Madrid second team.

During Florentio Pérezs galáctico era, a philosophy of Zidanes and Pavones was adopted, with the goal of spending large sums on the worlds best players (the Zidanes) and recovering the talent of the cantera (the Pavonesnamed for Castilla defender, Francisco Pavón). But the expectation for Madrid youth players to learn and play alongside from the worlds most famous blockbuster signings backfired; the squad instead became polarized and along with a merry-go-round of coaching changes, the team chemistry became volatile. 

It took Fabio Capellos second stint as Real Madrid coach to restore a sense of balance and order to the club, but the Italian was under such pressure to stabilize the rocking Bernabéu that youth players were allowed little time to gain a sturdy foothold in the first team. Instead, Madrid began to adopt a new strategy of adoption by taking on three relatively raw and unproven players in Marcelo, Gago, and Higuaín. Under Schuster, the cantera seemed to be allotted more opportunities for first team play (as winning a trophy does ease the pressure and allow for such risks to be taken), but the frustration with the development of Real Madrid Castilla continued to grow, culminating in the resignation of Castilla coach and former Madrid youth/first team legend, Míchel, who cited irreconcilable differences with Madrid management on the direction of Madrids youth system. Meanwhile, more youth products were adopted in the form of Drenthe, Huntelaar, and (next season) Garay.

Thus, in the absence of youth players coming up through the cantera, Madrid cultivated a class of transfer studentsyoung players who have shown promise elsewhereto form the next generation of Real Madrid. And slowly, but surely, the transfer students are beginning to adapt and score high marks. After a superb showing for Argentina at the summer Olympics, Gago has become a fixture in both the albiceleste and merengue midfields; Higuaín has shown he is a true marksman with a club-leading 13 goals; and despite frequent jeering from the Bernabéu faithful, Marcelo put on a show in the midweek friendly between Brazil and Italy. Playing with Holland in a midweek match against Tunisia, Madrids latest transfer student, Huntelaar, found the back of the net on a brilliant volley and, back in Madrid, Drenthe, who was chosen as the UEFA Player of the Tournament in the European U-21 Championships little more than a year and a half ago, scored an impressive free-kick in a friendly between the first team and Real Madrid Castilla. 

But as an upcoming regime change looms nearer in Madrid, the transfer students have come under a bit of fire. Higuaín and Gago seem to have successfully won fan favour, but the media, the pundits, and even the fans have ostracized players like Marcelo, Huntelaar, and Drenthe. Like them or not, it is important to remember that these players are effectively the new Madrid youth, and that despite the price tags, they are young and unpolished. They need the opportunity to grow with their team, but more urgently, these players need to be welcomed and supported by the fans as one of their own (à la Sergio Ramos, who despite being a Sevilla youth product, has successfully been afforded the Madrid identity to such a degree that he looks on his way to wearing the captains armband). 

Unlike the Barcelona youth system, which effectively has been allowed to raise the worlds best footballing talent, the Madrid youth system, despite enormous potential, has been given limited opportunities. The next generation of youth products seems promising and players like Rúben De la Red, Dani Parejo, Miguel Torres, Javi García, and Miguel Palanca will hope to fill the shoes of cantera icons Iker Casillas, Guti, and Raúl. But for now, good or bad, the Madrid youth consists of foreign exchange students. If the midweek friendly matches were a window into the extraordinary abilities of these players, with a bit of club and fan support, these players could quick be speaking the same footballing language that has made the Barcelona youth players so impressive.

He was the instrumental midfielder of the Marcello Lippi era and one of the best enforcers of recent times; now Edgar Davids has been stressing the virtue of patience as he paid an unexpected visit to Juventus training ground.

Accompanied by team manager and ex-team-mate Gianluca Pessotto, Davids, who now plays in one of the Dutch lower leagues, was greeted warmly by all, especially David Trezeguet and Mauro Camoranesi.

The 35-year-old spent a few minutes observing the training match going on and then spoke with great affection of his time in the peninsula, according to Tuttosport. I always keep an eye on Juve and the Italian league, he said.

The fans must be patient, when you are reconstructing a winning team it takes time; it cant all be done in two days. I follow the youngsters particularly and things are looking good, but they too need time.

When he was questioned as to who his heir might be, Edgar was diplomatic. I dont like to make those kinds of comparisons, he stated.

he replay of Ryan Giggs' recent winner over West Ham United could have been a clip from any Manchester United game from the past 17 years, such is the manner in which the veteran winger has continued to torment defences with every passing Premier League season since its inception in 1992-93.

The 35-year-old plays with a committed professionalism and willingness to carry on winning that belies his ageing legs and suggests he still has the heart - and hunger - of a player half his age.

His efforts were rewarded recently as the player signed a new one-year contract that will expire shortly before his 37th birthday.

It was not long before a grand encomium was publicly made, and assistant Mike Phelan commends the club's "magnificent servant."

He told United's official website: "If anyone deserves a new contract then its Ryan Giggs. Hes been a magnificent servant to the game and to United.

"Hes very happy with the deal and were very happy to have him along. His form is incredible, hes training exceptionally well, and I think hes enjoying the game more than ever.

"The talent is there and it has never left him," Phelan continued. "He keeps reinventing himself all the time. Hes terrific around the place. He is Mr. Manchester United. Hes been there, seen it, done it, and wants to do more. Thats great for us.

"Hes always available for training and thats a big issue now in football. You must put the time into training because of the numerous games that we play."

Phelan was a versatile right-back during his own playing days, and remembers when Giggs broke through the ranks. "I was probably the one that left because he came through!" he jested.

"He was one of the new generation. It was great to watch him training, everybody was talking about him, and once he got in there was no stopping him.

"He was a talent at a very young age," he beamed. "We all knew it was there, but little did we know that he would go on to have the career that hes had, and put in so many years service. But hes got all the rewards for that hard work.

"When we all first saw him at The Cliff training ground, everyone stood still and just watched him for a while, assessing what he could do. Thats how it starts. The coaches talk about a player and it filters down to the dressing room. Everyone wants a sneaky look to see what weve got. And then you start to panic because you know that hes coming through and hell push you further forward or push you out.

"Thats the natural progression of a footballer," he concluded.

Giggs shows no signs of slowing down just yet in order for the new wave - Zoran Tosic, Nani - to come through.

He is the most decorated player in the history of the English league system with ten Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cup winner's medals, a UEFA Super Cup, an Intercontinental Cup, and a FIFA Club World Cup, (not to mention two League Cups and seven Community Shields).

He has already stated that this will be his last Milan derby, and now the most capped player in Italian international history has spoken of the Rossoneris chances of getting back into the race for the Scudetto, as well as other matters.

It is a massive game, and whatever personal feelings or aspects there may be, they must come second, the veteran told Il Corriere Dello Sport. I know Milan are always there when it comes to the big moments and we can get back into the championship,

The captain reflected, We are eight points behind Inter, but we had a terrible start to the term, with plenty of injuries.

It has been a positive season, and if we could win the league it would become an extraordinary one.

The 41-year-old, also spoke of saying goodbye to the national side, Goal.coms campaign showed how much interest there was, and Italy coach Marcello Lippi has said he is behind the idea of a possible testimonial.

As for the man himself, I would like it, he said, But so far there have been no offers, also because I am still a proper player.

Paolo spared a word for his boss Carlo Ancelotti, and his possible departure, In my opinion its very unlikely unless something drastic happens, or he really wants a change after seven years, the defender concluded.

avier Garrido has said that he will consider his position at Manchester City in the summer, but hopes to be able to stay and help the club become even more successful than Manchester United.

The Spanish defender has seen his chances limited after the arrival of Wayne Bridge and knows that he must compete for a place in Mark Hughes's side now that the squad is being expanded.

Garrido recognises that having two players for every position is something that all the major clubs have, although if he spends the next few months on the bench he may reconsider .

"Like every player I want to play. I am also conscious that they have bought a left-back in the winter transfer window who is an international and that does not help me, but I can only continue to train and hope that I have a chance," the former Real Sociedad full-back told Marca.

"When a player signs in the same position as you it is never good, but it just means I must be more competitive. The aim of the club is to create a stronger squad and for that you need two players in every position.

"I have had a meeting with the manager and he has given me confidence despite the arrival of Bridge.

"I cannot that I would not go back to Spain. In football anything can happen, but I have two-and-a-half years more on my contract here and in general I am quite happy.

"I have learnt a new language and discovered a different culture and that has been important. Everyone here wants to play more so in the summer we shall see. Of course, I could go back."

Manchester City have spent a lot of money to improve their squad already and Garrido believes that the club can one day challenge and then rise above neighbours Manchester United.

"United have had some great years in the Premier League and in Europe and it is difficult for people at City. There are many United fans all over the country, but in the city, in Manchester, there are a lot of City fans," he continued.

"I also think United have a solid base with famous players that have played [together] for a long time, but with money things can be done. Time is required and little-by-little our situation will improve.

"To be able to challenge for the Premier League or to be in the top four against Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal needs time. We hope to be able to [compete with] or surpass United in seasons to come.

"That is the ambition and the owners are working towards that. We have signed some great players this season and in the summer we will see what the club intends to do.

"The club is not only signing great players though, the infrastructure is also being changed. The gymnasiums have improved, the physiotherapists have changed, the way recovery is done now. Everything is being done to improve things."

The mammoth bid for Kaka saw eyebrows raised, and while Garrido was surprised, he believes that the £100 million barrier will be broken one day.

"It seems like nonsense, but that is the way that football is now and the records are there to be broken," he added.

"It is a question of time before we see the first 100 million paid for a player. But the player must also agree and on this occasion Kaka chose to stay with Milan, but next time another player might think differently."

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has today revealed that he would like to see Brazilian midfielder Elano work hard and produce the consistent level of performance for his club.of which he is capable.

The Welshman also pointed out that Elano finds himself on the bench for the simple reason that there is someone better already filling his position in the team; namely, Stephen Ireland. Anyone who has seen City play this season will know that Ireland has been superb, both in terms of effort and skill, and that Elano's very public dissatisfaction earlier in the campaign did not contrast favourably with Ireland's professionalism and work ethic as far as Mark Hughes was concerned.

Elano produced a good display in scoring a goal for Brazil against Italy in a friendly international at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, and now Hughes has challenged the player to produce performances like that in City's sky blue shirt as well as the famous yellow one of his nation.

"Ela has played a large proportion of the games this year and has done well in a high percentage of them," Hughes told The Manchester Evening News.

"At the moment the reason he isn't starting games is the form of Stevie Ireland.

"At times that means Ela is frustrated. He is one of those players that find it difficult if he is not in the starting XI. There are a lot of players like that, in fairness I was exactly the same.

"I think he understands we are trying to build a squad and where the club wants to go. He has settled down in that respect. He has got a big part to play here and he knows that.

"Ela has the versatility I like and, as an attacking midfielder, he is excellent in that role."

Elano may be asked to play on the right hand side of a three-pronged front line for City this weekend against Portmsouth, as England international Shaun Wright-Phillips begins his controversial three-game ban for violent conduct.

Milan legend Paolo Maldini has sensationally revealed that this weekend's Derby della Madonina will be his last. The defender was virtually admitting that he will finally hang up his boots at the end of the season.

The 40-year-old will turn out for Milan this Sunday in what will be an emotional night for 'Il Capitano'. The game will also represent a chance to make up for lost ground on league leaders and bitter rivals Inter.

Maldini is proud to have played in so many derbies over the years and he still harbours hope of lifting the Scudetto at the end of term.

"It will be my last derby on Sunday," Maldini told Il Corriere Della Sera.

"With the return fixture list, every game against every team will be my last. It does make me feel proud.

"My dream is to win my final derby and this is the only thing that matters to me. A win will help us [Milan] rekindle our hopes to win the Scudetto."

Maldini has played over 50 derbies for the Rossoneri during his career and he holds the all-time appearance record in the fixture.

The legend will be hoping his last derby ends with something to celebrate as his side continue to fight for honours this term.

Should David James be selected for Portsmouth when they take on Manchester City this Saturday at Fratton Park, as seems likely, then he will be playing his 536th Premier League game.

That will mean that he will break the record for Premier League appearances currently held by former Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers midfielder Gary Speed (now with Sheffield United), and the England goalkeeper is enjoying a glow of satisfaction from the achievement, whilst acknowledging that Pompey desperately need a result at the weekend.

"I am buzzing, it means lot to me personally - but we desperately need a result," James told The Portsmouth News.

It has been a turbulent week for the Fratton Park outfit, with the high-profile sacking of manager Tony Adams on Monday. Reports have linked former England and Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson with the vacant position, and James spoke out yesterday in support of the Swede's potential appointment.

However, he also asserted today that his focus remains on matters on the pitch at Portsmouth, and that being away on international duty this week had had the effect of cocooning him from the trauma at his club, which will allow him to get on with his job of helping Portsmouth stay in the division.

"It's not really impacted on me massively as I've been away with England," he added.

"I was rung and told on Sunday, but my focus has been on England duty."

Portsmouth take on Manchester City at Fratton Park in the Premier League on Saturday at 15:00 GMT.

Goal.com previously reported that Inter defender Maicon was a doubt for the Milan derby and now it appears another of the Nerazzurri's Brazilians, Adriano, is in jeopardy of missing the match as well.

Adriano got through Brazil's 2-0 win over Italy in midweek without any trouble, but on Friday, the former Parma striker complained of some pain in his thigh. The Inter doctors examined Adriano, but they did not find any serious injury, according to tuttomercatoweb.

Thus, it is still unknown if this slight muscle twinge will keep the 26-year-old off the pitch on Sunday evening.

The Brazilian has not played for Inter since the 1-0 victory over Sampdoria in January, when he scored the winning goal. Following the game, he was suspended for three matches using video evidence, that showed him punching an opponent at a corner kick.

The latest reports from the peninsula suggested Adriano was going to partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front in the starting line-up, but now that remains to be seen. Kick-off is at 20:30 CET at the San Siro on February 15.

Sevilla and Brazil winger Adriano has declared that if the Andalucian side not qualify for the Champions League next season, it will be a "catastrophe".

Sevilla, who for a while were sitting second in the table, have slipped off the pace lately and were humiliated by Real Betis in the derby last weekend.

President Jose Maria Del Nido has given his support to coach Manolo Jimenez though, and Adriano offered his today.

"We are always with him and he is with us. Provided that he is our coach we will do everything possible to help him and to keep the team up at the top," he told Marca.

"Not to qualify for the Champions League this season would be a catastrophe for me. We know the Copa Del Rey is good and we are close to the end and, if we win, it will be a great game. We have to try and put Sevilla up the top again though."

Adriano has just returned from his duties with Brazil this week and should be available to face Espanyol this weekend, a game that he believes could start a good run.

"We are not in a good moment right now, but I expect that we will play a good game so we can begin a decent run of form," he mused.

"It is not easy right now, even more so after losing the derby at home, but after returning from national duty, everyone is very focused, and the page has been turned. It was a blow for us but the happiness has returned, the good environment in the group, and we are going to go to Barcelona with the intention of taking three points."

Whilst Sevilla have dipped in form lately they have also struggled with injuries all season, and Adriano admits they have had some bad luck at times.

"We have had some bad luck, we have played good games but the ball has not wanted to go in. Now the wind will blow in our favour though and there is still a long way to go. The thing is that, when people come to play Sevilla, they know to cover the wings. We do not have to change, but to have confidence in ourselves to play our game" he concluded.

Andrey Arshavin's protracted switch from Zenit St Petersburg to Arsenal meant that the Red and White Army could not register the Russian playmaker in time to compete in the fourth round replay against Cardiff City in the FA Cup.

The 27-year-old is still in pre-season mode. He was left on the bench for the north London derby at White Hart Lane last weekend, and will continue to work up his match fitness in training.

Always with one eye looking into the future with 20/20 clarity, Arsene Wenger believes an extra date away from first team duty will only benefit the second striker in the long run.

"It is a good thing for him, yes," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online. "I was a little bit handcuffed against Tottenham because we were down to ten men and if we had sustained an injury then you couldnt bring on a player who lacks fitness when you are down to ten men," he explained.
 
"In between, he will now have two weeks before the next game and hopefully will be fully fit for Sunderland [on Saturday 21st February]."

'Le Prof' was in a deferential mode as he commended defender William Gallas' professionalism following his decision to relieve the French international of his duties as captain in November.

Gallas has remained rigid at the back, and struck the game's only goal against Portsmouth in December, as well as proving to be a key component in the West Ham and Tottenham stalemates.

"He is playing well," Wenger noted.

"I have said many times that after a major incident he has responded like a real professional and has dealt well with the situation and that is what we want."

Following the conclusion of the Federal Councils meeting today, it was announced by FFF (Federation Francaise de Football) president Jean-Pierre Escalettes that France would stand for the right to host the 2016 European Championships.

The year 2016 is very far away, but it is also very close, explained the 73-year-old head of the French game to the AFP news agency. We have left for a battle and we have left to win. On March 9, we will see who our opponents are.

It will take everyone for this to become a success, and it is because we are going through a difficult period that we must mobilise.

The last time France held a major competition was, of course, the 1998 World Cup, and Escalettes hopes that the experience picked up by hosting that competition, which les Bleus ultimately won, will stand the country in good stead for this race.

This will be the first time that 24 teams will have competed in a European Championships, so 23 other sides must live in France, he explained. This was the same in 1998, and hopefully we can get the same result!

Meanwhile, the head of the LFP (Ligue de Football Professionel), Frederic Thiriez, and the chief of amateur body LFA (Ligue de Football Amateur), Fernand Duchaussoy, were united in their support for this project, highlighting the social benefits of the competition.

In these difficult times as far as France is concerned, enthused Thiriez, such a project raises the hopes and dreams of a nation that wants to see one of the most beautiful competitions in the world, the European Championships.

The modernisation of stadiums is not only a challenge for the economical competitiveness of French football, but it could also contribute to the economic recovery through investment and employment.

Meanwhile Duchaussoy chose a similar tack.  All young people, the 1.2 million registered to play football, need to dream, he smiled. And this gives them that dream and motivation.

France, who hosted and won the event in 1984, is likely to need to build several new stadiums to host the event, however, Lille are in the process of constructing a new ground while Olympique Lyon hope to be in a new home, OL Land, by 2012.

Juventus are coming up to an important stretch of games in both league and cup competition. The Bianconeri remain seven points behind league leading Inter in the Serie A standings and their Champions League round of 16 ties against Chelsea are just around the corner.

Since arriving from Liverpool last season, Mohammed Sissoko has been a constant in the Juventus starting line-up and won over the tifosi.

"Every time they give me loads of energy," the Mali international was quoted as saying by Datasport, referring to Juventus' fan support.

However, Sissoko will miss out on this weekend's match due to injury.

"Unfortunately, I won't be there, but I hope to return for the match against Palermo," he explained. "We're in good shape, as shown by our victory last Sunday [at Catania], we must win against Sampdoria."

Sissoko is expected to resume training Monday, meaning that Christian Poulsen and Tiago Mendes are likely to forge the central midfield partnership this Sunday against the Blucerchiati.

Former Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi thinks Jose Mourinho still has to show all his worth at Inter. Although the Portuguese coach has kept the Nerazzurri in control of the Serie A table, it will be in the Champions League where he will want to improve on his predecessor Roberto Mancini.

"Like many people, I think José is a great coach," he said. "But I am also convinced that he will be able to show his worth even more than he has done so far.

"In this period he has managed to improve a team that depended primarily on individual players. He has understood that to win in Europe, even if you have champions in your team, it's necessary to create a collective that works to succeed."

Mourinho's team have a seven-point lead over Juventus on top of the table heading into this weekend's big derby against Milan, who are eight points off the pace.

In a couple of weeks they will face Manchester United in the Champions League hoping to do better on the European stage than during Roberto Mancini's reign, when they never made it past the quarter-final stage.

LONDON, England - Though there were no goals for fans who braved England's ruthless chills to watch Jamaica's Reggae Boyz against Nigeria's Super Eagles in a friendly international at the New Den Stadium last night, the game provided goalmouth fireworks and other dramatic moments in a 0-0 tie.

LONDON, England - Nigeria's Nwankwo Kanu (left) and Jamaica's Rodolph Austin battle for a high ball during their international friendly match at the New Den yesterday. The game ended 0-0. (Photo: AP)

Another highlight, which the event could well do without, involved the sendings off of two players by referee Mike Dean - Jermaine Johnson of Jamaica and Taiye Taiwo of Nigeria after a bust-up in the 43rd minute.

Also, it was an evening when Portmore United goalkeeper Shawn Sawyers was at his blazing best, pulling off a number of outstanding saves to keep his team in the game.

Sweeper Tyrone Marshall, who recently switched clubs to Seattle Sounders from Toronto FC in the US Major League, was brilliant at the back. So, too, was Damion 'Stew Peas' Stewart, who appears to be simmering into an accomplished centre back.

Also scoring high on the wintery London evening was the overall spirit and determination in which the game was played, qualities that the team's coach, John Barnes, has demanded from the day he took the reins.

"The team played the way I expected them to play, and we went up against a Nigeria team that played with a lot of composure, skill and cohesion and in the first half they gave us the run-around a bit, but in the second half I thought we controlled and moved the ball better and I'm disappointed that we didn't win the match because of the chances we had," said Barnes, the former Liverpool and England winger.

LONDON, England - Reggae Boy Jermaine Johnson (centre) is restrained by teammate Tyrone Mears during an incident for which he was ejected during their international friendly match against Nigeria at the New Den yesterday. The teams drew 0-0. (Photo: AP)

But it was a nightmarish evening for speedy striker Luton Shelton of Noway's Valarenga, who had a number of chances to score, especially two clear-cut ones a minute apart in the second half.

But all in all, it was a game that unveiled a spirit in the Jamaican play that can only augur well for the future
Jamaica, following up on their positive start, threatened the Nigerian goal in the ninth minute when Tyrone Mears - on his debut for Jamaica - sent a sweet cross from the right which found Marlon King, who delicately flicked to Demar Phillips, who in turn set up an onrushing Shelton, who got only the faintest of touches on the ball and failed to trouble goalkeeper Ejide Austine.

Again, the rookie Mears, who plies his trade with Olympique Marseille of France and looked the part down the right flank, steered another low ball into the Nigeria goal area in the 23rd minute of play. This time the speedy Shelton skipped, setting up an overlapping Phillips, whose firm strike was blocked by an unflinching defender.

But Nigeria, not to be outdone, reminded

David Villa has stated that he has not been told that he could be sold in the summer in order to ease Valencia's financial problems. Instead, he is only focussing on helping the club finish in the top four.

The free-scoring striker has put Spain's game against England behind him and was brought back to reality by questions about the delicate situation at Mestalla.

Reports suggest that Valencia will have to sell several players in the summer or risk further financial complications. As a result, Villa has already been linked with a move to Juventus and Barcelona.

"I will think about these things if they ever happen and I will make a decision then, he told AS. Nobody has said to me that they want to sell me.

"It is all supposition and nobody knows for certain what will happen. I continue to think about playing and there is still plenty to do this year.

"But I am not going to talk about things that could or could not happen."

Valencia are fourth in the table, however, their reliance on Villa's goals have led some to suggest that if he were to be injured then the team would struggle.

"It is obvious that I am the one scoring the most goals because I am the one playing furthest forward, he asserted. It is difficult to say we rely on me or anyone else because the squad contains so much quality.

Playing for Spain is a welcome distraction for Villa and he believes that they have the best national side in world football, however, he would not be drawn over their World Cup chances next year.

"The results, the performances and the statistics say it all, he smiled. I honestly believe that we are the best national team in the world. But it is difficult to say if we will win the World Cup - we have not even qualified yet!

"I think that every area of the Spanish side is well covered and every player has great potential. We have two great goalkeepers, very strong defenders, the best midfield in the world and the ability to score goals.

"We all know that the compliments are being made because we deserve them. Everyone is saying good things about the team at the moment but we have to continue to play well and keep our feet on the ground.

"Now I am just looking to [Valencias] game against Malaga and want to try and help my team to win. Wednesday was a good day against England but now I have to forget that and focus on Valencia.

"I have played for Spain for a long time and have always had the contrast [between playing for Valencia and the national side], but it is easier to change your mindset after a while.

"For me, everything with the Spanish team finished on Wednesday night. I am now thinking about Valencia and three points that will allow us to stay in fourth place."

It is no secret that Inter have been on the trail of Argentine forward Sergio Aguero, but reports in Italy say that, for now at least, the youngster is very happy in Spain.

TuttoMercatoWeb writes that he told a press conference in the Iberian capital, I am very happy here, if a time comes when I am no longer, it will become clear and a solution will be found.

"Last year there were also rumours and interest from other clubs, but I said no. This year they have not said anything and if there is someone interested I would be the one to decide.

"So far there have not been any offers," the 20-year-old confirmed.

The speculation surrounding the youngsters move to Milan intensified when his international manager, Diego Maradona said that Aguero would make a fine striking partner for Inters Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

But Sergio played down 'El Pibe de Oro's comments, "Some things that are said get blown out of proportion, he assured journalists, He [Maradona] was just saying we would make a nice pair."

Aguero also spoke to Marca about Atletico and claimed that even though they have been in bad form lately, they are aiming for "fourth or third" and will "fight for it".

The Argentine acknowledged that losing Javier Aguirre lately "hurt" the players too, but that they have to move on under Abel Resino now.

"We did not expect it from one day to another, but in football that is what happens. This is football, and when he went, we knew we had to make another effort and to think about what went wrong and what is coming, that is Abel," he mused.

"Abel likes to play more advanced, on Sunday we did this and it went well, and if the results keep on coming we will continue."

Aguero scored once and set up two against Recreativo Huelva in the victory last weekend but admitted he has not been in great form lately.

"Last year I had a moment where I was calm and anything went in and now things are not like that," he declared.

Whilst he has not been in superb form his international team-mate Lionel Messi had, and Aguero heaped praise on both him and his side Barcelona.

"Messi is, as usual, the best in the world. I am happy because he plays with me and because we won. Who wouldn't like to play alongside him?" he jested.

"Barcelona are doing very well, but the league is not yet won, although they are the main candidates."

According to The Sun, the British tabloid, AC Milan will table a new 11.6 million bid for Los Angeles Galaxy loan-star David Beckham.

The 33-year-old switched to San Siro last month in order to keep active during the MLS (Major League Soccer) off-season and keep his international career alive.

Beckham's deal expires in March, but such has been his impact in Serie A that Adriano Galliani & Co. are now working overtime to make him a permanent Rossonero.

The Italian giants have already had an offer of around 5 million rejected, and both the LA Galaxy and MLS are eager to sort out the Englishman's future quickly - one way or another

Guus Hiddink was announced as Chelsea's interim manager this week, and yesterday he attended his first training session since arriving at his new club.

The Dutchman took plenty of positives from his orientation day at Cobham, but he also identified the need to unify the 'team' he has inherited from Luiz Felipe Scolari.

"They are very committed, I have seen them training but sometimes you can have a little bit of a different approach to get even more efficiency out of the players," Hiddink told Chelsea TV last night.

"That's what I'm aiming for and if you can add those individuals together and make a team, then everyone can bring a little bit more.

"I don't like to give anyone much time, not me and not the players. It is too easy to talk commitment because everyone has an obligation to be committed, but in the tactical and the strategic approach during the game we might gain some profit."

Former Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has revealed in an interview with France Footballhow he rues missing out on the signing of Robinho as the Chelsea squad lacks flair players.

According to British newspaper The Guardian, the Brazilian tactician was also aware that he would face the chop at Stamford Bridge because of comments made prior to his departure.

"At Chelsea we don't have the player who can make the difference by himself by producing something magical on the pitch," Scolari is quoted as saying in the interview, which was given five days prior to his sacking.

"We miss that. In the past, [Arjen] Robben was at Chelsea and he could make the difference. But now there is no one.

"Robinho could have been this player. He is not afraid to dribble, to take a risk. As a Brazilian, I like this. My team isn't Brazilian enough. It is a 'bureaucratic' team. That's the style of my players. That's why Robinho would have done a lot of good for the team.

"With my squad it's very difficult to play with Drogba and Anelka up front. I don't have the players to play on the wings in that system [4-4-2]. [Salomon] Kalou can play on the wing in a 4-3-3 but not in a 4-4-2 because he doesn't defend well enough.

"With Anelka and Drogba at the front, who would play on the left? And in the middle? If we played 4-4-2 we would lose the battle in midfield. So, I have to choose between Anelka and Drogba.

"Drogba lacks a lot of confidence at the moment. After two or three big injuries, he is missing something. Drogba doesn't have enough confidence, so I choose Anelka."

When asked whether he feared losing his job, he replied, "Club officials are in charge of this. Last summer they decided to offer me the position of manager. That was their responsibility. If they decide to sack me this is also their decision. I just do my job."

Florentino Perezs return to the Santiago Bernabeu boardroom looks all too imminent as the media campaign to have him re-elected grows stronger by the day.

Madrid-based sports daily, AS, believes that the ex-supremo is already quietly working on a project and drafting up numerous plans in case he does decide to run for the presidency.

But as long as a formal date is not set for the elections, Perez will not reveal any of his plans, and he will only officially announce whether or not to submit his candidacy at the end of April.

The 61-year-old is supposedly keen and adamant to resume control of the White House but he still has other priorities to resolve, namely to get the blessing of his family and from the construction group that he is currently presiding over, the ACS [Actividades de Construccion y Servicios].

The newspaperspeculates that part of Perezs plan in his second stint at Real Madrid will be to sign both Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, unpredictably. But his first objective would be to recruit a high profile coach and Milans Carlo Ancelotti currently heads the list, followed by Arsenals Arsene Wenger, Liverpools Rafa Benitez and Inters Jose Mourinho.

The most recent reports from Italy had indicated that Ancelotti would consider occupying the Madrid dug-out if Perez were to be elected, a move that could potentially pave the way to sway Kaka to join his mentor at the Bernabeu.

And it would not be the first time Los Blancos attempted to prise Ancelotti away from the San Siro. According to AS, when Perez resigned in 2006, his temporary replacement, Fernando Martin had allegedly reached an agreement with the Italian to coach Madrid for three seasons. That was until Ramon Calderon was elected as the new chief and he opted for Fabio Capello instead.

As Samuel Etoos reaches the tail-end of his current contract with Barcelona, rumours about his future have began circulating frantically.

A whole host of clubs big and small, from Inter to Chelsea to PSG and Marseille, have all expressed their interest to snap up the Cameroonian, while Barca themselves are weighing up their options whether to extend his stay or head for a fresh direction in the form of David Villa or Karim Benzema.

As for Etoo himself, he is desperate to remain at the CampNou, but he also wants his Catalan employers to make him one of the best paid players in the world. His current term runs out on June 30, 2010 and he wants the club to consider him an indispensable player, alongside Lionel Messi, and grant him a huge pay rise.

Although the Blaugrana have never made exact figures of player wages available to the public, a study from a Portuguese website, www.futebolfinance.com believes that Etoo is asking for around 7.5 million net per season, compared to Messi, who is the third best paid footballer in the world behind only Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Kaka with an estimated annual salary of 8.4 million.

Meanwhile, AS believes that the Barca boardroom are in fact trying to speed up negotiations to tie down Etoo. The club want his future sorted before the start of next season, so as not to distract the strikers focus on the football pitch and also to prevent any potential suitors from enticing him with bigger offers.

It is also understood that president, Joan Laporta is eager to use the possible success of securing Etoos long-term future as a means of winning votes ahead of the clubs presidential elections in the spring of 2010.

Luiz Felipe Scolari was relieved of his duties as Chelsea manager earlier this week, with Guus Hiddink coming in to fill the void until the season.

The Dutch boss has established himself as something of a miracle worker in recent years, as he has taken a slew of unfancied national teams - South Korea, Australia, Russia - to new heights.

But Frank Lampard has warned his team-mates not to rely on Hiddink to fix everything, insisting each individual must simply focus on performing to the best of their ability.

"Everyone is talking about uniting dressing rooms but the players just need to perform," the England man said in The Sun.

"If you just worry about yourself and your own performance, you can hold your head up high every day. That will make the manager's job easy. I can't worry about everyone else and what's going on in their head.

"I know I play with a lot of top players who want to win things and it's hurting us that we are not right at the top of the Premier League. But every player has to go through little ups and downs in their careers. The strong ones come through it."

Nevertheless, Lampard is hopeful that the Blues will be reinvigorated under their new gaffer, as he believes they just need a little nudge to recapture their stunning early-season form.

He said, "Hopefully, Hiddink can bring us some glory this season. We're still in the title race and if we can get back to winning games regularly then who knows what can happen.

"It's important we don't drop our heads in any shape or form. We have a very difficult FA Cup tie at the weekend against Watford and huge games against Juventus in the Champions League.

"If we win those the confidence will be there and we can go on to do what we want. You don't become a bad team overnight."

Roma have had a brilliant start to 2009, as they have managed four wins and two draws from their opening six matches, to incredibly sit just one point adrift of fourth placed Fiorentina, the side currently occupying the final Champions League position.

The Giallorossi made a dreadful start to the 2008/09 Serie A campaign, as for the most of the opening ten rounds, the runners-up of the season prior languished in 17th place, with minimal points separating them from the relegation zone.

This is not the case at present, as the capital club continue to make their surge towards achieving Champions League qualification again next term, something that the captain of the club Francesco Totti believes is a genuine possibility.

Our last match against Genoa was perfect, as we proved ourselves against a team that have been the revelation of the season, Totti stated in an interview with Corriere dello Sport.

The victory was very important for our ranking however, as the significance of the result at the end of the day was massive, as we have continued our climb up the standings.

It wasnt easygoing throughout the entire match, though, as we were concerned towards the end after the expulsion of [Rodrigo] Taddei, he added.

It was a tough game played at a very high pace, both from a technical and physical aspect. However ,we got the three points, and thats all that matters, 'Il Capitano' concluded.

Totti and Roma will be hoping to attain another three points this weekend, when they travel north to face Atalanta in Bergamo.

Donald Quarrie, athletes' liaison for the Jamaica International Invitational track and field meet, hinted yesterday that a cadre of star-studded top local and international athletes could burn up the track at the 2009 renewal on May 2 at the National Stadium.

The sixth staging of the meet will provide an opportunity for the athletes to showcase their talents before competing at the 12th International Association of Athletics Federations World Championships in Athletics, from August 15-23, in Berlin.

The event will be the first national track and field meet of the season. Quarrie is looking forward to a successful meet because of expected international participation. World Sprint Double Champion Tyson Gay, who normally opens his track and field season in Jamaica, is expected to be among the big names.

"We have been compiling a list and we continue to receive requests from managers asking for their athletes to participate. The 100m already has seen quite a number of athletes expressing an interest," he said at the launch held yesterday at the Hilton Kingston hotel.

Apart from Gay, Quarrie said several top athletes, including Olympic champions, have expressed an interest, but said it was premature to divulge such information.

Bridge the gap

Questioned as to whether or not MVP athletes, who opted not to compete at last year's meet, would be among these high-profile names, Quarrie used the presence of Olympic 100-metre champion Shelly Ann Fraser to indicate that there might be representation from the MVP Track Club.

Howard Aris, chairman of the organising committee and president of the Jamaica Athletic Association, stated that the committee is attempting to change the direction and bridge the gap between Jamaica and the region.

"We at the organising committee have been trying to find ways and means to reposition this meet and this year, we believe, gives us the opportunity to keep the momentum going," he said.

"We are trying to make links and connections with meets in Europe and the United Kingdom to see how we can be a part of their calendar," Aris said.

Strong representation

David Mais, chairman of the Sports Development Foundation, one of the major sponsors, said it cost US$330,000 to stage the event last year. He mentioned that the athletes' management and agents will make strong representation for increases in appearance fees and, as such, different components will be added to make the meet more lucrative.

Mais stated: "In order to increase the revenue of the event, we will have to look overseas for the sponsors and also a deal for a television package. We will also have to include an entertainment and cultural package to attract more spectators to the event."

It was revealed that tickets will go on sale on April 29, and will be priced reasonably to help boost spectator support.

Bleachers tickets will start at $400, while Grandstand tickets will go for $1,000, $1,500, $2,000 and $2,500. Tickets will be available at the Hilton hotel, the National Stadium ticket office, the SDF and outlets to be confirmed in Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif has been formally banned for one year from the lucrative Indian Premier League (ILP) after testing positive for nandrolone during last year's inaugural tournament.

"Mohammad Asif was found guilty by the IPL drug tribunal in as much as a prohibited substance, namely nandrolone, was found in the urine sample from the player during the support period and the match played on May 30, 2008 between the Delhi Daredevils and the Rajasthan Royals at Mumbai," the IPL's three-man anti-doping tribunal said in a statement published yesterday by Cricinfo.com.

Asif said he will consult his lawyer and doctor before deciding to appeal against a 12-month ban.

"I will consult both my lawyer and doctor whether I should appeal against the ban or not," Asif told reporters in the eastern city of Lahore.

"I am fully fit and now I am concentrating on my cricket."

Political reasons

The ban means Asif will be ineligible for IPL or any other international or first-class cricket competition until September 21, taking in the entire second season of the Twenty20 competition. However, Pakistan's government had already ruled its players would not take part in the 2009 Indian league for political reasons, in the wake of last year's Mumbai terrorist attacks.

Asif had earlier asked to be released from his contract with IPL franchise the Delhi Daredevils while he contested the charges. His appeal had been delayed several times.

The 26-year-old paceman appealed against the results of the doping tests because the A and B samples showed different levels of nandrolone, which he claimed was contained in eye drops he'd been using to treat a sore eye.

In this latest case, the PCB had suspended Asif from playing domestic and international cricket, pending the IPL decision.

Triple Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt, Melanie Walker, 400m hurdles gold medal winner, Veronica Campbell-Brown, who repeated her Athens 200m success, and Shelly- Ann Fraser, the country's first gold medal winner in the women's 100m event, head the list of nominees for the 2008 RJR Sports Foundation Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards.

The winners will be named tomorrow night at the 48th annual National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year award ceremony at the Courtleigh auditorium, beginning at 8 p.m.

New chairman of the RJR Sports Foundation, Chris Dehring, is excited about the night as the committee looks forward to honouring the athletes.

"It is an awards ceremony to honour our Jamaican athletes. Several athletes will be coming for the event but some are involved in competitions at the moment and, unfortunately, those won't be able to make it," Dehring said.

Best performances

A People's Choice Performance award will be among the highlights of the evening's function. Fraser's 10.78 Olympic effort, Jerome Taylor's 106 runs against New Zealand, Ricardo Fuller's goal against Mexico in World Cup qualifying, and Daemon Benjamin's goal for Boys' Town against Arnett Gardens, in the National Premier League, have been considered as the best performances of 2008.

"As for the People's Choice Performance award, we have had very good responses from the public towards the award. In terms of the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year the selection committee has made its recommendations to the board and the board has ratified the decisions. These recommendations will be announced tomorrow night," he said.

In addition to Bolt, the other male nominees includeJerome Taylor, Luton Shelton, Asafa Powell and West Indies cricket captain Chris Gayle. Joining Fraser, Campbell-Brown and Walker on the list of female nominees areShericka Williams, Sherone Simpson, Kerron Stewart and cricketer Stephanie Taylor.