Jose Mourinho insists he's happy at Inter Milan (before saying how much easier it is to work in England)

Jose Mourinho has blasted Italian clubs for firing managers too quickly and insisted that working in England is much easier.

However, the Inter Milan boss insists he will see out his contract before heading back to the Barclays Premier League.

Mourinho this week confirmed he was keen to return to the league where he spent more than three years with Chelsea, but he insists he will not walk out on the Italian champions before his contract expires in 2012.

'I was happy in England and when I went there I said one day I would go back,' said Mourinho, who was at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea's 2-1 win against Fulham on Monday.

'One day could mean 2012 or 2020. The problem is they really love to change my words.
'The problem is I also said I'm happy at Inter and would like to respect my contract which runs until 2012.'
However, his happiness does not extend to the working conditions of coaches in Italy.
'When after a third of the Italian championship nine coaches have lost their jobs, who is the coach that wants to innovate?' Mourinho told Portuguese newspaper Expresso.
'The Serie A coach does not want to innovate, he wants to survive.'

Winter sun: Inter Milan train in Abu Dhabi during the Serie A break

In contrast, just three managers have lost their jobs in the Barclays Premier League this season: Paul Hart (Porstmouth), Mark Hughes (Manchester City) and Gary Megson (Bolton Wanderers).
Former Chelsea boss Mourinho has made little secret of his desire to some day return to England, where he believes the working environment is better.
Mourinho cited Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger of Arsenal and Liverpool's Rafa Benitez as bosses who had been given time to innovate and develop their tactics.
'(In England) coaches go way beyond their first contract, even beyond the second and the third one and continue developing their work,' he said.

Super star: Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o takes part in the session at Zayed Sports City

'Italy is much more results-oriented. Those who win, continue, while those who don't, get out.'
The Portuguese coach said the same happens at the big Spanish clubs like Real Madrid, Valencia and Atletico Madrid although Barcelona were an exception.
Inter, eight points clear at the top of Serie A, will meet Premier League leaders Chelsea in the Champions League first knockout round in February.

Abou Diaby signs new long-term contract with Arsenal

France international midfielder Abou Diaby has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, the Barclays Premier League club confirmed today.
The 23-year-old joined the Gunners from Auxerre in January 2006, and after recovering from a broken ankle at the end of that season, has since gone on to make 119 appearances.
Diaby has developed a good understanding with Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas in their new midfield formation this season, scoring six goals.

Key figure: Abou Diaby has earned a new contract at Arsenal

'This shows my long-term commitment to Arsenal and I am very happy here, which is why I am so pleased to extend my contract,' said Diaby.
'It's a great thing for me and hopefully there will be some good years ahead
for me here.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger added: 'Abou is a great player with huge presence on the football pitch and he has the potential to be an extremely influential part of Arsenal for many years to come.'
England Under 21 midfielder Henri Lansbury has also signed a new long-term contract. The Gunners simultaneously announced that the 19-year-old will continue his loan spell at Watford until the end of the season.
Lansbury  made his debut in the 3-0 Carling Cup victory over Sheffield United in October 2007 and he has made four first-team appearances in all, all in the League Cup.
He went on loan to Scunthorpe last season, scoring five goals in 17 appearances during a three-month stay and was in the starting line-up for the Iron's Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat by Luton at Wembley.
Lansbury has made 20 appearances and scored twice since joining Watford on loan in the summer and he will now stay with Malky Mackay's side until the end of the season.

Arsene Wenger signs a striker! ...But 16-year-old Brazil star Wellington Silva won't arrive for another year

Arsenal are understood to have agreed a £3.5million move for highly rated 16-year-old Brazil forward Wellington Silva.

The Gunners have tracked the Fluminense teen sensation for more than a year and took him on trial in December 2008.

Wellington impressed in London, scoring four in a youth match against Norwich, and Arsenal subsequently tracked him at the Under 17 World Cup and Under 17 South American Championship.

The player's agent, Rodrigo Pitta, said: 'We completed the transaction last week, the player is already Arsenal's and Fluminense have already received some money.'

Wellington cannot join up with Arsene Wenger's side till his 18th birthday in January 2011, but Arsenal are believed to have paid 65 per cent of the fee up front, with the rest to follow when he arrives at the Emirates Stadium.
The Brazil youth international celebrated the move by posing in an Arsenal shirt with his name above Robin van Persie's No 11 shirt, posting the photograph on his web page.

He is considered one of the most promising players of his age group in the Brazil and has already secured endorsement deals.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Atletico and Real Madrid have all been linked with the player, but Arsenal's long courtship appears to have paid off.

Red-hot Wayne Rooney ready to gun down Chelsea as Manchester United star sets his sights on goal record

Wayne Rooney has warned title rivals Chelsea to watch their backs as he targets his best ever goal tally.

The Manchester United star grabbed his 15th of the season in Wednesday's 5-0 thrashing of Wigan at Old Trafford as they closed the gap once more on the Barclays Premier League leaders.
Rooney, who best finish to date is the 23 goals he struck in the 2006-07 campaign, is arguably is country's most dangerous striker right now.

Man of the moment: Wayne Rooney celebrates his goal against Wigan

The England international admits he would be distraught not to beat his personal best in May.
'I'd certainly hope to beat that total,' he said. 'If I don't get at least eight more goals between now and the end of the season then something must be seriously wrong. Hopefully I can beat it.'
Rooney's latest effort helped United brush aside struggling Wigan and move within two points of table-toppers Chelsea.
The victory also carved away at the superior goal difference the Blues held over the rivals prior to the result.
'We knew before the game we were seven behind them and we wanted to close that gap. We're really pleased to have done that,' he said.
'Winning 5-0 in the Premier League is quite a rare feat these days and I'd say it was one of our best performances of the season.
'We played some quick football, counter-attacked them well and scored good goals. It could have been a bit better at times in the second half, but overall we're pleased.'
Rooney also took time to praise for Rafael da Silva for his eye-catching display in the win over Wigan. The young Brazilian set Rooney up for the opener before adding one himself.
'It was a great ball from Rafael and I thought he was brilliant throughout,' added Rooney. He's so sharp against opposition wingers and going forward he's always a threat. He's a big plus when he's fit.'

Net gains: Rooney strikes the ball past Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland

Harry Redknapp: Wantaway striker Roman Pavlyuchenko won't derail Tottenham's season

Harry Redknapp has hit back at Roman Pavlyuchenko, claiming the £13.8million striker asked to miss the Carling Cup quarter-final against Manchester United because ‘his head was not right’.

Pavlyuchenko spoke out in his native Russia this week about his unhappiness at Tottenham, describing his fears that the manager was ‘mocking’ him by leaving him on the bench.
He has not started a Barclays Premier League game all season and has not appeared in any competition since October but rejected the chance to start against United at Old Trafford on December 1, a game Spurs lost 2-0.

Down-hearted: Roman Pavlyuchenko has admitted he would like a move away from Tottenham

Manager Redknapp said: ‘He said his head wasn’t right to play, that was the problem with him. It’s hard to understand.
He came to see me and said he didn’t really feel that he could play.

‘I said I was going to play him against Man United but he said, “I’m not ready to play, my head’s not right" I can’t put a player on the pitch not knowing if his head’s right.

‘After Russia got knocked out of the World Cup, he said his head wasn’t right and said that he wants to leave. He wants to move. I’m not crazy to shift him out, he’s a
talented footballer.
'But he’s been to see the chairman with his people and now it’s up to the chairman and whoever wants to buy him to make the right offer.’

No sympathy: Harry Redknapp insists the Russian will be going nowhere unless Spurs get a decent offer for him

Zenit St Petersburg appears the most likely destination for 28-year-old Pavlyuchenko but his long wait for a game could end on Saturday in the FA Cup third round against Peterborough.
Redknapp said: ‘He may well play. I love Pav. He’s a nice guy and a very good player.
'I don’t want to criticise his attitude. He’s laid back but he’s a top player.
'He’s just been unlucky because Jermain Defoe is on fire, Peter Crouch has been fantastic and Robbie Keane has got goals but he’s been in and out lately. What can I do?

‘The club’s going great, top four in the league, playing fantastic.
'We’re winning football matches galore, it’s never been better here.
'I wouldn’t let one person, who wants to run to the newspapers, destabilise that.’

Tottenham have a number of injury worries ahead of the Peterborough game, with Aaaron Lennon set to miss two weeks with a groin strain and Benoit Assou-Ekotto out for up to a month with a similar nagging problem.

Rafa Benitez faces nervy wait over Glen Johnson as injured Liverpool defender seeks second opinion

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is sweating over the extent of Glen Johnson's injury with the defender set for a second scan.

Johnson was forced off late on in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Aston Villa and a scan confirmed he had damaged the medial ligament in his right knee.
It was initially feared the England right-back would be sidelined for up to three months and Benitez is refusing to put a definitive timescale on Johnson's recovery until he visits another specialist.

Agony: Johnson is grounded as Dirk Kuyt and ref Lee Probert summon help

'Johnson has a problem, so he'll see a specialist and then we'll talk but we know he'll be out for at least one month,' said Liverpool manager. 'But we are waiting for another opinion and then we'll know how long.'
Right-back has become a troublesome position for Benitez as Switzerland international Philipp Degen has struggled to settle after injury wrecked his first season after signing in the summer of 2008.
The 26-year-old did not make his Barclays Premier League debut until this September and has been unconvincing in the first team, getting sent off in the 3-1 defeat to Fulham at the end of October.
Benitez's likely option is to move Jamie Carragher from central defence to fill a role he is not entirely comfortable with.
He could also give Stephen Darby, 21, an extended run in the side while 19-year-old Martin Kelly - who made his first start in the Champions League defeat at home to Lyon in October - is currently sidelined with injury. If the Liverpool boss should decide to dip into the transfer market it is unlikely he would be looking for anything other than a short-term loan deal.
On the positive front, Benitez is hopeful of having Albert Riera back from a hamstring problem within the next few days.
'Riera will start training tomorrow, so hopefully in the next week he can be available,' said Benitez. 'Kelly and Nabil El-Zhar still need maybe one or two weeks.'

Carlo Ancelotti has cash to splash but the Chelsea manager will rely on his fringe players

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti insists there is money to spend at Stamford Bridge but the Italian is happy to give young players an opportunity while the likes of Didier Drogba are away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Drogba, John Mikel Obi, Salomon Kalou and Michael Essien are scheduled to represent their countries for the bulk of January, with Ancelotti persisting with his fringe players rather than bolstering his squad. 

Ancelotti is adamant the policy has nothing to do with the club recording losses of £44.4million for 2009 and looking to break even as soon as possible. 

'It's not true that the club said we don't want to buy a new player,' said the Chelsea boss. 'Together, we took this decision to maintain this squad because we think this squad is a good squad, is able to play the games we have in January, and we have a possibility to give an opportunity - a great opportunity - to the young players if it's necessary. 

'Why not? It's a decision that we took together. It's not true that the club don't want to buy players. If it's necessary to do this, then we can do it. It's not a question of money. Absolutely not.'

Ancelotti spoke shortly after the club's 2009 financial figures were released. 
Chelsea are operating effectively free from debt after Roman Abramovich wiped off £340million owed to him - but the prospect of the club breaking even by 2010 appears unlikely after recording losses of £44.4m.  
The losses are down from the previous year, and Ancelotti joked: 'Maybe I have a contract with less money in respect to the last few coaches!'
He added: 'I'm not a financial man, but I'm happy for this. I think it's important for a club to maintain its accounts in a good situation. If Chelsea have reduced their losses, it's good.'
Abramovich halved the club's debt a year ago by turning 50 per cent of his interest-free loans into shares, with Chelsea revealing in their 2009 financial figures he has done the same with the remainder of the money owed.  

National service: Drogba has joined up with his Ivory Coast team-mates

It means the 43-year-old has ploughed more than £700m into the club and, importantly, means Chelsea will be confident of complying with any potential regulations on debt levels from FIFA or UEFA.  
The news will also remove any fears of a meltdown if Abramovich ever decided to walk away from football, although a statement from Chelsea insisted it 'demonstrates the continuing commitment from the shareholder to the group'.  
The Russian has bankrolled Chelsea since 2003 and former chief executive Peter Kenyon previously spoke of the club breaking even by 2010.  
The losses announced by the club are down from £65.7m last year but show the club still to be reliant on their owner.  
The figures included a compensation payment of £12.6million to Luiz Felipe Scolari and three of his staff following the Brazilian's dismissal as manager. 

Jack Wilshere should leave Arsenal to become the complete player, says Gunners manager Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger believes a brief spell away from Arsenal will turn Jack Wilshere into the complete player.

The midfielder, who turns 18 on January 1, has been linked with a loan move to Burnley in the New Year.

Wenger has used Wilshere sparingly this season but will only send him away from the Emirates if he is guaranteed games.
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Jack the lad: Wilshere could be heading to Turf Moor to gain some experience

And the Frenchman reckons a short-term move will benefit the youngster as it did Ashley Cole when he spent three months at Crystal Palace as a 19-year-old.
'[A loan spell] is like a finishing school,' Wenger told the Gunners' official website. 'It is what we call a post-education experience.
'The spell at Palace really gave Ashley the needed confidence and convinced everybody that he could play at the top level because he adapted straight away. Ten years later you think it was not a coincidence.'
Wilshere's move may have to wait a couple of weeks however, as fellow midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Denilson are struggling with injuries.

Owen Coyle admits Bolton is a 'fantastic job' but insists he is committed to Burnley

Burnley manager Owen Coyle has played down speculation linking him with the vacant Bolton managerial position.
Bolton are without a manager having sacked Gary Megson following the 2-2 draw against Hull on Tuesday night.

Focused: Burnley boss Owen Coyle insists he won't be distracted by speculation linking him with the managerial vacancy at his former club Bolton

Coyle, a former Wanderers player who was also linked with the Celtic job in the summer, said: 'It is a fantastic job for someone out there but my focus is on doing the best against MK Dons this weekend.
'I have had speculation time and time again but, as always, I am concentrating on the job in hand.'
Coyle has never hidden his affection for Bolton, where he played between 1993 and 1995.
Prior to the Boxing Day visit of his former club the former Republic of Ireland international admitted Wanderers were 'a club very close to my heart', adding: 'I had a lot of fantastic times at Bolton and loved every minute.'

Happy days: Coyle scores against Arsenal during his playing days at Bolton

However, Coyle has been fiercely loyal to Burnley and does not intend to leave them in the lurch midway through their maiden Premier League season.
'I love being at this football club and I have shown that,' said the 43-year-old, who signed a three-year contract with the Clarets when he took over in November 2007 with the club mid-table in the Coca-Cola Championship.
'I feel very privileged to be manager of a wonderful football club here. I've always said I enjoy being at the football club, I enjoy my work and coming through the door every morning.

All change: Gary Megson became the third Premier League manager to lose his job this season

'I think the players enjoy working for me, the fans like coming and we are trying to build something at the football club.'

Meanwhile, Bolton caretaker manager Chris Evans has ruled out applying for the manager's job on a permanent basis.
Former Wolves academy chief Evans and head coach Steve Wigley are taking temporary charge of the side following the sacking of Megson.
They begin their tenure in earnest on Saturday when League Two side Lincoln visit the Reebok Stadium in the FA Cup third round.
Evans, who was recruited as assistant manager by Megson two years ago, said: 'I will not be applying for this job. I have no intention of being the manager of Bolton Wanderers.
'But equally I would like to feel I am professional enough to do the best possible job I can during the time given to me.
Steve and I come from similar backgrounds and have similar ideas. We have work to do and will continue to do that as best we can.'

Michael Ballack worried about pressure mounting on Chelsea youngsters

Michael Ballack insists it is unfair to put Chelsea's youngsters under pressure as the Blues face January without four of their key players. 

Ivory Coast strikers Didier Drogba, with 19 goals this season, and Salomon Kalou have already left for the Africa Cup of Nations along with Nigerian midfielder John Mikel Obi and Ghana's Michael Essien.  
Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti insists he will not spend in the January transfer market - preferring to place his trust in a host of second-string youngsters.  

Warning: Ballack (right) doesn't want there to be too much focus on the kids

But the experienced Germany captain feels it would be unfair to heap the pressure on players like Gael Kakuta, Nemanja Matic, Fabio Borini, Jeffrey Bruma and Daniel Sturridge. 
'The pressure shouldn't be on these players because they are young,' said Ballack.
'There shouldn't be so much focus on them, they should have time to grow over time.
'We'll see what the manager thinks about the situation but I hope there is not too much pressure on the young boys.  
'It would not be fair to say they have to fill this gap, it is a big challenge and there are a lot of other players that can do it.  
'But, for the young guys it is a chance with no pressure to have a few more games than before and make a name and help the team.'
A run of just one win in seven ended with victory over Fulham on Monday and now Ballack believes Chelsea can continue to lead the table in January.  

Opportunity: Sturridge (right) could get a run in the Chelsea team

'We have a strong squad, we have always shown this,' added the German. 'During the season so far we have had a few injuries but we can still compete and I hope we can deal with the situation.  
'Everyone wants to beat us now as we have seen in the last months when we played against even the teams fighting at the bottom, and that's what we will expect in the next weeks.  
'We are on top of the league and it is different to play like this from the front, everyone wants to catch us.  
'We have to be strong and stay together, especially in January and try to replace the players that have left for the Africa Cup of Nations. We have to cover this period and try still to be in first position when the African players return.;

Sir Alex Ferguson fears injured utility man John O'Shea will be out for two more months - at least

 

Sir Alex Ferguson fears John O'Shea might be sidelined for two more months.

The Manchester United utility man picked up a thigh injury during the Republic of Ireland's shattering World Cup exit in France last month that Ferguson initially felt was nothing more than a dead leg.
However, O'Shea has not played since. And while Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans are inching towards their returns from injury and Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown have already made it back to the Red Devils first team, for O'Shea the delay goes on.

'There is no sign at all of recovery for John,' said Ferguson. 'It is his first injury at the club and he is a big loss because he is such a versatile player.
'We just want to get him back but it could be a couple of months yet.'
Ferguson revealed that when O'Shea got back from France, blood congealed in his
muscle, raising the possibility of further problems.
It consigned O'Shea to the sidelines at a time when his ability to play right across the back four would have been invaluable.
In his absence, the likes of Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick have been forced to help out in defence, one of the major reasons why United lost twice in three games to put their Premier League title hopes in jeopardy.
The joint return of Vidic and Brown has coincided with a two-match winning run over Christmas that yielded eight goals, five of them coming against Wigan at Old Trafford last night.

Fit again: Manchester United's Wes Brown beats Hull City's Richard Garcia

Vidic and Brown will continue to shoulder the burden for now but Ferguson is optimistic Evans will return to duty in the next 10 days, with Ferdinand not too far behind after United finally got to the root of a back problem that has plagued the England defender for 18 months.
'Jonny has been involved in the football side for a few days,' said Ferguson, who is celebrating his 68th birthday today.
'He is doing well and should be back quicker, within the next 10 days or so. Rio is nowhere near that but the main thing is there is no recurrence of the back problem.
'That is what we have been waiting for. We wanted him to come through the test of running and turning. He is doing his programme in the gymnasium, which is good and at the moment it is looking very healthy."

Benoit Assou-Ekotto joins Spurs pal Sebastien Bassong in sitting out the Africa Cup of Nations

Benoit Assou-Ekotto has pulled out of Cameroon's Africa Cup of Nations squad with a groin injury.

Tottenham Hotspur had been facing up to a month without their first choice left-back, but may now be able to welcome him back sooner.

The 25-year-old had shown little discomfort when substituted in the 88th minute of Spurs' 2-0 victory over West Ham United on Monday, but it has emerged the club informed Cameroon of his injury on Wednesday.

His country's head coach Paul le Guen has called up Neuchatel Xamax defender Gilles Augustin Binya as a replacement, amid reports in Cameroon that Assou-Ekotto's absence may be linked to a row with the former Rangers manager.

It had been claimed Assou-Ekotto was disappointed about his Spurs team-mate Sebastien Bassong being left out of for the tournament in Angola.
However, Assou-Ekotto is expected to be out for three weeks, though White Hart Lane boss Harry Redknapp will now lose no players to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Head boy: Sebastien Bassong beats Fulham's Bobby Zamora to the ball

Marouane Chamakh tells Arsenal: Get in line with Spurs, Liverpool, Everton, Chelsea and Sunderland if you want me

Marouane Chamakh insists Arsenal are not the only club trying to sign him - listing Liverpool, Tottenham, Everton, Chelsea and Sunderland as all registering an interest.

The Bordeaux striker also revealed Sevilla had made a concerted effort to take him to Spain, while Italian giants Inter Milan and Juventus had been on the phone to his agent.

The Morocco striker wants to stay at the French champions till the end of the season, when his contract expires and he can leave on a free transfer.

Chamakh can talk to other clubs from January 1, but insists he will make no decision until the end of the season.

Despite claiming he did not want his name bandied about by the press, the 25-year-old has fuelled talk about his future by telling a Moroccan newspaper: 'My agent has been contacted by Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Everton, Chelsea and Sunderland in the Premier League along with other clubs like Sevilla, Inter and Juventus.

'However, we do not have a concrete offer on the table at the moment and it is still a bit soon for such things.

'When the season ends, I will meet with my agent and we will evaluate all of the offers and decide what is the best for me from a footballing point of view. The economics are not the only important thing for me.'

Despite being highly rated, Chamakh has rarely showed signs of becoming a prolific goalscorer.

After previously failing to register more than 10 goals in a season, Chamakh hit 14 league goals in 34 last season, but has returned just six in 19 Ligue 1 outings this campaign.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini eyeing move for Bari ace Leonardo Bonucci

Newly-appointed Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has made an inquiry for Bari’s £6m-rated defender Leonardo Bonucci.

Mancini, who is also in for Inter Milan’s Ivan Cordoba, gave Bonucci his break in Inter’s youth team during his managerial reign at the San Siro.
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Crocked: Stephen Ireland (right) is out with a hamstring injury

Meanwhile, midfielder Stephen Ireland will be out for two weeks with a hamstring injury.

Manchester United 5 Wigan 0: Wayne Rooney has a blinder as United close the gap on leaders Chelsea to two points

Sir Alex Ferguson will mark the dawn of his 68th birthday by holding a press conference ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup-tie against Leeds.
It is not a part of the job he enjoys but the Manchester United manager’s mood will be bright.
At the halfway point of a season that has presented him with more problems than he could have envisaged, Ferguson’s team are, nevertheless, exactly where he would wish them to be.

With Liverpool’s title challenge already spent, Arsenal persistently unpredictable and Chelsea looking strangely vulnerable, Ferguson will look in to another new year and see only positives.

The final game of United’s decade could not have been more straightforward. Another 5-0 hammering of a Wigan team they dismissed by the same score at the start of the season moved the Premier League champions back to within two points of leaders Chelsea.

With a relatively untaxing run of fixtures ahead of them in January, United are gathering momentum.

Free now of the defensive crisis that threatened to engulf them in early winter, there were signs at Hull City on Sunday and here at Old Trafford that United are developing a little of the clinical, ruthless appetite for victory that characterises Ferguson’s time at the club.

They had to work hard at Hull, where Wayne Rooney largely dragged them through on his own. This game was different

Wigan clearly have a mental block when it comes to United, having lost all 10 Premier League fixtures against them, and this was a cakewalk.

United’s disposal of Roberto Martinez’s team was none the less impressive for that. Driven by the relentless Rooney and adorned by superb contributions from Antonio Valencia and young Brazilian defender Rafael da Silva, this was as good a performance as there has been from Ferguson’s side this season.

Despite the statistics, this season United have not carried the same irresistible threat afforded them by the departed Cristiano Ronaldo. Last night, though, they looked a little more like their old selves.

Ferguson said: ‘The first 45 minutes were the best we have seen this season, the fluid movement and tempo of the game were terrific for us. It was marvellous stuff. We kept the momentum going for the whole night. We realised there was an opportunity to get more goals.

'We’ve got within two points of Chelsea and two ahead of Arsenal. So it’s a good night for us.’

Despite the absence of Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Edwin van der Sar, Rooney was still not given the captain’s armband by Ferguson.

This time the honour went to defender Patrice Evra. Ferguson’s logic on this issue is hard to fathom but the decision to overlook Rooney again certainly didn’t impact on the 24-year-old’s performance.

As he prepares for one of the most important years of his career, Rooney is in superb fettle and England coach Fabio Capello can only hope that his form and fitness sustains into the World Cup summer in South Africa.

Rooney was out of the traps quickly and after sending Dimitar Berbatov through on goal and striking the post after poking the ball through the legs of Maynor Figueroa, United’s most important player gave his team the lead just before the half-hour.

The build-up was prosaic enough but when Rafael crossed to the near post from the right, Rooney’s anticipation and movement were enough to get him ahead of Bramble, and a flick of his right boot enough to divert the ball across Chris Kirkland and into the far corner.

Wigan had been in the game - just about - up until this point but the next 15 minutes effectively ended the contest.

A low cross from Valencia was side-footed into the net by Michael Carrick from 12 yards and then in first-half injury time Rafael turned adroitly in the area to send three defenders the wrong way and found space to drag a left-foot shot across the goalkeeper and into the corner.

Wigan must have felt a little dizzy at the interval, such was the manner in which they had been pulled around late in the half.

In truth they contributed to their own problems, though. As Martinez admitted, there was not enough aggression, not enough fight.

Perhaps there was too much respect. Wigan goalkeeper Kirkland was replaced by Mike Pollitt at half time as he was suffering from a virus.

The substitute immediately saved from Rooney and then saw a header from the same player strike the bar.

But in between Berbatov scored with his left foot after Wigan’s holding player Hendry Thomas fell over to allow another Valencia cross to pass across the penalty area.

Gradually growing in to his role at Old Trafford, Valencia enjoyed a good night and scored himself late on after Rooney - who else? - split the Wigan defence once again.

Martinez was understandably disappointed and said: ‘We made it easy for them. We never played like a team and we must correct that.’

His will be an uncomfortable New Year’s Eve. Ferguson’s will be somewhat brighter.

* Wigan have opened talks with Borussia Moenchengladbach defender Steve Gohouri. The 28-year-old Ivory Coast international flew in last night and hopes to seal a free transfer after falling out with the Bundesliga side.

Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 4: Eduardo's stroke of luck sparks Arsenal as Gunners move closer to the top

Arsenal's pretty patterns and beautiful football could not prevent the mood turning ugly at Fratton Park. If anything, they made it worse.

Arsene Wenger’s team eased closer to the top of the Premier League with another stylish display as home fans gave in to their anger on a day when the club’s prospects darkened.

After news that HM Revenue and Customs had opened winding-up proceedings against Portsmouth, it was too much to take as the goals flew in from Eduardo, Samir Nasri, Aaron Ramsey and Alex Song.

Arsenal moved within four points of leaders Chelsea with a game in hand but Portsmouth are bottom, four points adrift, with four players off to the Africa Cup of Nations and a fire sale set for next month.

Add to that the staggering debts, a crippling wage bill and boardroom confusion, and it was no surprise patience finally snapped among those in the stands who have watched the saga unfold.

They went through a catalogue of chants. ‘Sack the board’, ‘Where’s all our money gone?’, ‘You’re not fit to run a club’, ‘What the **** is going on?’ and others.

When captain Aaron Mokoena fouled Ramsey to collect the first booking of the night, Pompey fans called for him to be sent off.

When he was substituted, they cheered. When the final whistle went, they had no energy left to boo. They simply turned and left.

I know there are problems off the pitch but I cannot say anything,’ said manager Avram Grant. ‘I have sympathy for the fans. I never heard them saying anything. I am focused on the game. The board are trying their best, as far as I know. I still hope to have funds available in January.

‘Even though it is a difficult situation, the team can stay in the Premier League. I know what this team needs to stay in the League and I know we can do it.’

By fluke, Portsmouth ran into a team with the youthful exuberance and form to suggest 2010 could be a very exciting year, boosted by news that captain Cesc Fabregas ought to be back sooner than first feared after tweaking a hamstring in Sunday’s win against Aston Villa.

‘It looks like he will be out for 10 or 12 days,’ said Wenger.

That would rule Fabregas out of games against West Ham, in the FA Cup, and Bolton in the Premier League, but gives him a chance to return against Everton. Theo Walcott,
missing with a side strain last night, is on a similar time scale.

Arsenal have not been beaten by Portsmouth for more than half a century but the home team started positively. Kevin-Prince Boateng charged into space behind Arsenal left back Armand Traore and tested Manuel Almunia with a fierce drive.

Boateng is one of those Pompey hope will command interest in the transfer market after an impressive four months since his £4.5million move from Tottenham, but he came off injured in the second half. By then, Arsenal were in control.

Asmir Begovic made a good save from Abou Diaby but could do little to stop the opener. Eduardo’s free-kick, awarded after a foul by Mokoena on Ramsey, did not seem dangerous until it took a meaty deflection off Younes Kaboul’s knee and evaded Hermann Hreidarsson on the post.

Kaboul is another earmarked for a transfer, with Manchester City among those interested. He came off the pitch laughing with Arsenal’s Diaby, a former team-mate at Auxerre. He did not look like a man concerned by the future.

Arsenal’s second, just before half-time, was the perfect illustration of the speed and precision with which they move the ball at their best. Song clipped a pass to Eduardo, who dummied to shoot before sliding a pass to Ramsey, again proving a quality replacement for Fabregas.

Ramsey took control instantly and had the awareness to poke the ball square before he was engulfed by defenders. His pass was straight into Nasri’s path and he coolly arrowed the ball first time into the bottom corner.

The early defiance of the home team had vanished and discontent grew in the stands.
Nadir Belhadj went close after the break and Almunia saved a low shot from Hassan Yebda, but the Gunners threatened to extend their lead every time they attacked and Ramsey scored the third to cap his wonderful display.

Taking the ball from Yebda in midfield, he accelerated, jinked past a feeble challenge from Frederic Piquionne and swept in a left-footed shot from the edge of the box. It was Arsenal’s 50th Premier League goal of the season.

‘We have problems with our strikers, it’s true,’ said Wenger. ‘Everybody tells me to buy strikers, but nobody has scored more goals than us in the League. We have players who move the ball well and everybody gets in dangerous positions. With the confidence high, everyone can score goals. But we are still in the market.’

Belhadj pulled one back before Song completed the scoring with a powerful header from a Nasri cross and Wenger sent on 19-year-old Craig Eastmond for his league debut. For Pompey, a year from hell is about to end but the future does not look much brighter.

High five! Manchester United blitz gives Sir Alex perfect early birthday gift

Manchester United gave manager Sir Alex Ferguson the perfect birthday present by closing the gap on leaders Chelsea to two points with a stunning 5-0 victory over Wigan.

Ferguson, 68 on New Year's Eve, saw Wayne Rooney deliver another masterclass as second-placed United turned up the heat in the Barclays Premier League title race by also cutting Chelsea’s advantage in terms of goal difference to just two.

After goals by Rooney, Michael Carrick, Rafael, Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia,a  delighted Ferguson said: ‘I think the first 45 minutes were the best we have seen this season. It was marvellous stuff.’

Ferguson also hailed the central defensive partnership of Nemanja Vidic and
Wes Brown as a crucial reason for two Christmas victories - after a month of trying to patch up a threadbare defence, Ferguson finally has two recognised central defenders available.

He insisted: 'The key to both tonight and Sunday was having the two centre-halves back. Brown and Vidic were magnificent, as they were at Hull. If we get the rest of
them back we have a magnificent chance because we are in great form.'

As Jonny Evans is in contention to face Leeds in the FA Cup on Sunday and Rio
Ferdinand is not far behind the Northern Ireland star as he plots a comeback from a back injury, Ferguson could soon have his usual squad to choose from.

Ferguson was also full of praise for Rooney's all-round game, adding: 'Wayne was absolutely fantastic again, just like Sunday .The energy he showed in his game and his desire is marvellous.'

It was also a good night for third-placed Arsenal as they demolished troubled bottom club Portsmouth 4-1 at Fratton Park.

They are now only four points behind Chelsea with a match in hand and manager Arsene Wenger made it clear the title race is very much on, saying: ‘We’re up for it. We’re ready for the fight.’

Liverpool's Glen Johnson fighting to be fit for the World Cup as defender faces three months out

Glen Johnson could be sidelined for up to three months following an injury setback that will have worrying repercussions for Liverpool and England.

After hurting his right knee in Tuesday’s 1-0 win at Aston Villa, the Liverpool right back headed for a scan on Wednesday, fearing his World Cup dream could be in jeopardy.

Despite assurances he had not suffered any cruciate damage, he was still warned to expect a long haul back to full fitness after tests showed he had torn a medial ligament.

He will see a specialist on Thursday for a more precise appraisal of his recovery time.

His absence places a further strain on defensive resources at Anfield, with 19-year-old Martin Kelly and out-of-favour Philipp Degen Liverpool’s only other right backs and Jamie Carragher making little secret of his reluctance to move over from centre half.

Though Johnson, an £18million signing from Portsmouth in the summer, remains on course for the World Cup finals, England manager Fabio Capello has stressed the importance of fitness levels and will have to be convinced of his return to peak condition before naming him in the squad for South Africa.

Johnson’s mishap, as he stretched to make a tackle, took some of the shine off a crucial Liverpool win that revived their hopes of a top four finish in the Barclays Premier League — they are four points behind fourth-placed Tottenham — just as they seemed in danger of being cut adrift.

Johnson’s foraging runs down the right have provided a rare bright spot in a season of underachievement for Rafa Benitez’s side, though Carragher was at least able to identify another source of encouragement in the return to form and fitness of striker
Fernando Torres.

David Beckham reveals he was close to tears after Champions League draw threw up emotional United return

David Beckham revealed yesterday that he was close to tears after his AC Milan side were drawn against former club Manchester United in the Champions League.

The 34-year-old, starting his second five-month loan at Milan from Los Angeles Galaxy, is especially looking forward to March’s second leg in Manchester, having won the 1999 European Cup during his 10-year Old Trafford career.

‘When I heard about the tie I almost cried,’ Beckham said at his first press conference since arriving back on loan in Milan.

‘I love the club. It’s going to be an emotional night. I have never returned to Old Trafford in six years. It has always been a special place in my heart.’

Beckham said that top of his wish list for the new year would be to win the World Cup with England and also a title with Milan — either ‘the Champions League or the Serie A title’.

Beckham also joked about his new haircut — when asked if his personal hairdresser had followed him from Los Angeles he said: ‘I did it myself. I’m pretty handy with scissors and clippers.’

Beckham was also asked about the bulldog his wife Victoria had given him as a Christmas present.

He said: ‘I should have called him (Gennaro) Gattuso (Beckham’s aggressive AC Milan team-mate) but the dog’s a girl so the kids call him Coco as in Coco the Clown or Coco Chanel.’

On the brink! Portsmouth must sell to stay in business after £6m tax bill shock

Portsmouth must sell to survive next month after they were stunned by a £6million
tax bill and the threat of bankruptcy.

Pompey will launch a desperate fire sale to off-load David James, Younes Kaboul, David Nugent, Kevin-Prince Boateng and John Uutaka in a bid to generate funds to keep them in existence until the end of the season.

Already suffering with huge debts, a crippling wage bill, a transfer embargo and lack of points, they became the first Barclays Premier League club to be served with a winding-up petition, which was issued by HM Revenue and Customs.

The worst-case scenario is that a club formed in 1898 will be ordered to cease trading at a High Court hearing early next year but, after his representatives met Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore on Wednesday, owner Ali Al Faraj is confident this outcome will be avoided.

Al Faraj is also determined to keep the club out of administration, a move which may make it easier to restructure the debt but would mean an automatic nine-point deduction under current rules.

The club issued a statement ahead of their 4-1 home defeat to Arsenal and denied receiving the winding-up petition — although this is put down to an administrative mix-up — and disputed figures in the hefty VAT section of the £6m bill.

The statement said: ‘Portsmouth FC ... are shocked and surprised this action has been taken in respect of VAT, PAYE and National Insurance contributions which either have been, or are about to be paid, or are disputed.

‘The club are disputing the VAT amount outstanding and has formally notified HMRC of this. We expect HMRC to withdraw their demands forthwith. Otherwise we anticipate a hearing being held in early January 2010 during which we will request that the High Court order to withdraw their demands.’

Despite such defiance, Portsmouth are in severe financial peril.

They are due a payment from the Premier League of almost £10m next month but most of this money will be sent directly to the bank accounts of other clubs, owed money from previous transfer deals.

Other creditors, including former owner Alexandre Gaydamak, several agents and foreign clubs, are still waiting for their money and the club’s monthly wage bill far outweighs normal income despite summer sales.

Al Faraj, who took over from Sulaiman Al Fahim in October, hopes to raise enough money from sales in the January transfer window to clear some of the debts and keep the club running as a going concern.

It will leave manager Avram Grant short of numbers and quality as he tries to steer the Premier League’s bottom team out of the relegation zone.

However, it is a risk judged to be worth taking by the new regime at Pompey, who lay the blame for the current plight firmly at Gaydamak’s door.

‘It is well known that the business has been in a difficult position following former owners’ decisions and the current owner is committed to resolving this and moving forward,’ added the club statement.

‘Since the takeover by Ali Al Faraj in October 2009, extreme efforts have been made to reach payment arrangements with HMRC to allow the owner time to deal with inherited debt. To date, the new owner has injected a total of £9.7m of new funds to HMRC — £5.7m paid and security to the value of £4m.’

Portsmouth, who invested in players before winning the 2008 FA Cup, have had three owners since August and failed to pay their players on time twice this season.

Sacked Gary Megson is OUT at Bolton Wanderers...but nobody wants IN at the Reebok Stadium

Having been preparing for the departure of Gary Megson seemingly since the day he arrived, Bolton are already finding it may not be so easy to replace him.

Megson lost his job yesterday when the weight of public opinion finally persuaded chairman Phil Gartside to pull the trigger.

The former Nottingham Forest and West Bromwich Albion manager departed with Bolton in the Barclays Premier League’s bottom three and having seen his team surrender a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with fellow relegation candidates Hull at the Reebok Stadium on Tuesday.

Last night, however, the list of possible replacements for Megson was noteable more for those who were quick to rule themselves out than those who were ready to put their hand up for the job.

Perhaps the ideal replacement would be Mark Hughes, a man who performed wonders on a small budget up the M65 at Blackburn.

However, Sportsmail understands the former Manchester City boss, sacked only two weeks ago at Eastlands, is not interested in the job.

A similarly attractive candidate is Burnley manager Owen Coyle, who was actually recommended to the Lancashire club by Bolton chairman Gartside two years ago.

Burnley have already indicated they would not allow Bolton to speak to the Scot, though, and last night Coyle told friends he felt it would be inappropriate to move to a neighbouring club when he is conducting what looks like being a tough battle to keep Burnley in the top flight.

Early yesterday afternoon there was a flurry of bets on Paul Jewell taking the job after the former Wigan and Derby manager was spotted by TV cameras at the Reebok on Tuesday night.

However, it emerged last night that Jewell was at the game as a guest of Megson and he was quick to rule out the possibility of replacing his friend.

Jewell said: ‘I find it embarrassing as I was at the Hull game with my son as a guest of Gary. There was no ulterior motive.

'I just thought it would be an interesting game to watch. I am not one of those managers who sits in the stands to be seen or to put any kind of pressure on other managers.’

With three promising replacements out of the frame, the spotlight falls on names like Peter Reid, Alan Curbishley and Darren Ferguson.

Reid, a popular Bolton player in the late 70s and early 80s, would love the chance.

He is Tony Pulis’s assistant at Stoke. However, he feels he would not be Gartside’s preferred choice given his friendship with former manager Sam Allardyce, who left in acrimonious circumstances two years ago.

Curbishley is ready to return to work after settling his compensation dispute with West Ham but the former Charlton boss has never managed outside London.

Ferguson is promising after a successful start to his career at Peterborough but the son of Manchester United manager Sir Alex lacks experience.

Sympathy will be thin on the ground if Bolton struggle to replace Megson, a hard-working manager who is popular within the game. Having arrived at the club in October 2007, he had to pick up the pieces of Sammy Lee’s disastrous reign.

He kept Bolton in the top flight that season and achieved it again in his only full campaign in charge in 2008-09.

However, spoiled by the success of Allardyce’s reign, when the club played in the UEFA Cup, fans never accepted Megson and a campaign to oust him launched on the day he arrived finally bore fruit yesterday.

Megson’s decisions were booed throughout Tuesday’s game and, after Hull came from behind with two late goals, Gartside decided it was time for a change.

Bolton have been relatively successful away this season but home performances undermined everything Megson was trying to do.

He is already being lined up as a possible manager of Sheffield Wednesday, but whether he will want to return to management so soon remains to be seen.

Nigeria name 24 for Nations Cup Angola 2010

True to his words, Chief Coach of the national team, Shaibu Amodu, yesterday, had the last laugh as he was able to convince chieftains of the Nigeria Football Federation to reduce the number of players to 24 instead of the 32 released to the media, penultimate week.
After a meeting involving the NFF leadership, members of the NFF Technical Committee and the Super Eagles’ technical crew at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja yesterday morning, eight players were dropped from the final training camp that starts in Durban, South Africa, on New Year’s Day.

Team Captain Nwankwo Kanu is set to make his sixth appearance in the continental showpiece, with his deputy Joseph Yobo and other “senior” players like Oluwaseyi Olofinjana and Yakubu Aiyegbeni also listed.

The three goalkeepers who were at the last competition in Ghana earlier last year also head to Angola, with youngster Elderson Echiejile close to realising his first African Nations Cup outing for Nigeria.

Those dropped include goalkeepers Greg Etafia and Bassey Akpan.Defenders dropped include, home-based star, Chibuzor Okonkwo, Olubayo Adefemi and Ayodele Adeleye while the midfielders dropped were another home-based star, Bartholomew Ibenegbu and Olufemi Ajilore. Joseph Akpala was the only attacker dropped from Amodu’s list.

Only last week, Amodu had said in a parley with top sports editors and media managers in Lagos that if he was left to decide, he would have limited the number of invited players to 22 or 25 because of the limited time left for him to prepare the team for the Nations Cup, which begins on January 10 in Angola.

“Ordinarily, I would have loved to extend invitation to   as many players as possible, but I don’t have the luxury of time to do that. Left for me, I would have limited the list to 22 or 25. It’s not an easy task for any coach to supervise 32 players in seven days,” Adamu had said.

NFF, therefore, saw reason in pruning the team. They need 23 but placed Chinedu Obasi on stand by. They were still not absolutely sure of the fitness level of injured Obafemi Martins. Obasi could be the 23rd player if Obafemi does not recover.

“It is on this basis that we have placed Obasi and Greg Etafia on standby because even CAF allows a late change on grounds of injury,” media coordinator, Idah Peterside said from South Africa last night.

Roy Hodgson Signs on

Fulham have been boosted by the news that Roy Hodgson has penned a new 12-monthscontract.

The 62-year-old has been rewarded for guiding Fulham to seventh place in the Premier League last season — their highest top-flight finish — and for a strong start to the current campaign.

He said: "I'm delighted to have committed my future to Fulham for the years to come.

"I have always stated my desire to remain at the club and continue the good work that has been achieved over the past two years.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the chairman, the fans and staff at the club for the faith they have shown in me during my time at Fulham.

"I would also like to thank the club's fans for the outstanding support they have shown the team in recent years, both at the Cottage and on our travels in the Premier League and the UEFA Europa League.

"We will of course continue to work tirelessly to ensure that continued success is enjoyed on the pitch in the years to come."

City must do without Ireland

Stephen Ireland will be sidelined for a fortnight with a hamstring injury.

Ireland picked up the problem during Manchester City's 3-0 win at Wolves.

He was substituted after 55 minutes and is now likely to miss the club's next four matches.

City face Middlesbrough in the FA Cup on Saturday, followed by the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final with arch-rivals Manchester United on Wednesday.

Blackburn visit Eastlands on January 11 and Roberto Mancini's men travel to Everton the following Saturday.

Ireland is expected to be back in action for the return leg against United at Old Trafford on January 19.

Gary Megson sacked by Bolton after fans call for boss to be booted out

Bolton manager Gary Megson has been sacked.

Tuesday night's 2-2 draw with Hull City left the Trotters third from bottom in the Premier League and the former West Brom and Nottingham Forest boss has been axed after supporters turned on him at the Reebok Stadium.

Sportsmail understands Paul Jewell was at the Reebok last night to watch the game and is among the front runners for the post.

A statement on the club's official website read: 'Gary Megson has been relieved of his duties as first-team manager of Bolton Wanderers Football Club with immediate effect.

'The decision has been taken in the light of the position the club finds itself in the Barclays Premier League at the halfway point of the season.

'assistant manager Chris Evans and first team coach Steve Wigley will take charge of first-team matters for the interim period.

'The club wishes to place on record its thanks to Gary Megson for his hard work and commitment to Bolton Wanderers during his tenure as manager.'

 Megson had managed just one win since beating Everton on October 25 - a 3-1 win over fellow strugglers West Ham earlier this month and his departure is unlikely to be lamented by the Bolton support.

Even though he helped save the club from relegation when he took over after an ill-fated stint by Sammy Lee in 2007, the Trotters faithful have never warmed to a man dubbed 'the Ginger Mourinho'.

Countless times he was forced to deflect attention on himself away from the team, insisting the fan reaction was not having an impact.

But chairman Phil Gartside knew that situation was unsustainable over the long-term and, after tossing away a two-goal lead at the Reebok Stadium last night, has decided to act.

With an FA Cup tie against lowly Lincoln looming on Saturday, followed by a Premier League trip to Arsenal next Wednesday, it is not as if Bolton have any breathing space to take stock.

Evans and Wigley will take temporary charge, although whether Gartside appoints either man on a full-time basis is open to doubt given the disaster that unfolded when he appointed Lee from Allardyce's backroom team.

Megson becomes the third Premier League boss to lose his job this season, and the second in less than a fortnight following Mark Hughes' exit from Manchester City.

However, with Bolton languishing in the bottom three and facing an uphill struggle to avoid a financially disastrous drop into the Championship, Gartside clearly wants to give Megson's replacement an opportunity to exploit whatever bargains may be available during the transfer window.

Ironically, Hughes has instantly been made favourite to re-enter the management game, ahead of Darren Ferguson, who has been relieved of his duties at Peterborough.

That would be an interesting appointment given the proximity to Manchester United, although former Wigan boss Paul Jewell would seem like a more obvious candidate given his previous Premier League experience.

It might also be argued that Gareth Southgate's reputation has been enhanced by the worsening situation at Middlesbrough following his exit from Teesside, while a return to the scene of so many past successes for Allardyce is bound to be mentioned by Bolton fans, even if it is a somewhat implausible scenario.

Arsenal's attacking crisis continues as Nicklas Bendtner suffers injury setback

Arsene Wenger's need for a striker this January has intensified after Nicklas Bendtner was ruled out for a further three weeks with a groin problem.

The Arsenal boss had hoped to have Bendtner available for selection for the start of the new year after he was sidelined during the Gunners 3-0 win over north London rivals Tottenham back in October.

But Wenger is resigned to losing the Denmark international, who has scored three goals this season, until the end of January at the very earliest.

He had hernia surgery and should be back already,' said Wenger. 'But he had a groin problem as well and the groin problem looks to last longer, so they say to me three weeks.'

Andrey Arshavin has led the line for Arsenal over the past month following the absence of Bendtner and Robin van Persie, who was ruled out of action until April with ankle ligament damage.

Wenger is keen to add to his squad and has been given a transfer budget of £50m to spend when the window opens but has stressed he will only buy if the price is right.

The Frenchman has been linked with moves for Bordeaux star Marouane Chamakh and Wolfsburg's Edin Dzeko but the likelihood of capturing either during the January transfer window is unlikely.

Wenger is not prepared to part with the £4m demanded by Bordeaux for their striker who is out of contract in the summer. While AC Milan's interest in Dzeko has sparked a bidding war, with Wolfsburg not prepared to let their star asset leave for any price under £35m.

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelerooy is being mooted as a possible short-term replacement, while Wenger has also expressed his interest in Craig Bellamy.

But the Arsenal boss admits he has not enquired about the Welshman.

'I like the player but I've not done anything on that one,' he said. 'I don't think we can buy players from Man City.'

Jack Wilshere's Burnley move on hold as Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger copes with injuries

Burnley's hopes of signing Jack Wilshere have been dashed after Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger put his loan move on hold.

The teenage midfielder had been expected to link up with the Clarets in January to gain valuable first-team experience after being used sparingly by Wenger.

But the Gunners boss has lost skipper Cesc Fabregas with a hamstring problem while Denilson is struggling with a back injury.

Wenger could use Wilshere, who turns 18 on January 1, in Sunday's FA Cup tie at West Ham and, according to the Daily Mirror, will review his short-term future in a couple of weeks.

Jamie Carragher says Liverpool ace Torres is best in world

Jamie Carragher has hailed Fernando Torres as one of the world's best, after the Spaniard's dramatic stoppage-time winner secured all three points for Liverpool against Aston Villa on Tuesday night.

Torres' 93rd-minute strike kept Rafa Benitez's side in contention for a top-four finish in the Barclays Premier League, taking them to within four points of fourth-placed Tottenham.

It was Torres' 50th league goal for Liverpool in just 72 top-flight appearances, making him the quickest Red in history to reach his half-century.

And Carragher was full of praise for the record-braking Spaniard.

'Fernando is a great player, a world-class striker, and to beat people like Ian Rush, Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and Roger Hunt to 50 league goals says it all about him really," said Carragher.

To be top of that list shows what a great player he is and that's why we paid the money for him.'

It has been a disappointing season for Liverpool so far, following their early exit from the Champions League and their failure to mount a title challenge.

But Carragher hopes the result against Villa is a sign of better things to come in 2010.

'It's a big result for us and it puts us a lot closer to Aston Villa,' he said.

One game can make a difference. If we would have lost this game people would have written us off in the race for the top-four so we have given ourselves a fighting chance.

'There's a lot of teams up there all looking all trying to finish in the top-four. It was a lot more than just the three points tonight and we have showed we are still fighting for it.

'To get a last minute winner is always great and you could see at the end just what that result meant to our supporters and the players. We have had our ups and downs this season and hopefully we can go on a good run now.'

Roman's £340m Perfect Christmas present: Chelsea owner Abramovich writes off club's massive debt

Roman Abramovich has shown a sensational act of commitment to Chelsea by writing off the club's £340million debts.

The Blues have eased the threat from so-called 'financial fair play' rules after the Russian billionaire wiped out the interest-free loans he had given the club since taking over in 2003.

New chief executive Ron Gourlay insists the club are now on track to become self-sufficient and survive without the help of Abramovich after announcing much-reduced losses.

Chelsea's year-end financial figures show an annual loss of £44.4m - down from £65.7m last year - but it was confirmed that compensation payments to Luiz Felipe Scolari and three of his coaches cost an eye-watering £12.6m.

Scolari was sacked in February, just seven months into a two-year contract.

Chairman Bruce Buck said: 'The club's debt load has been reduced almost to nil in order to provide more long-term stability for the club.

'The reduction will also enable the club to comply with any regulations on debt levels which are being discussed by the football community.'

Former chief executive Peter Kenyon last year admitted that the club would not meet a target to be self-sufficient by 2010, but after revealing the lastest figures, Gourlay said the club could eventually achieve the aim by keeping a tighter rein on spending.

'It is still our aim to be self-sufficient and we will achieve this by increasing our revenues as we continue to leverage off our brand,' said Gourlay. 'We are reducing our costs by controlling expenses, including salaries and wages.'

Abramovich, 43, last year wrote off a similar level of debt, but has now turned the rest of what Chelsea owe into shares. As the sole shareholder, it effectively means he has absorbed the debt.

Turnover was reduced from £213.1m last year to £206.4m, though the club said this was down to big sponsorship payments being paid up front last year rather than being staggered.

Net capital expenditure reduced from £85.1m to just £4.2m following the completion of major projects such as the Cobham training ground.

And cash outflow was dramatically reduced from £107.4m to £16.9m.

UEFA president Michel Platini has pushed a 'financial fair play' agenda after voicing converned by the levels of debt in English football.

European football's governing body still believe clubs should limit spending to a percentage of their income - Chelsea currently spend more - but the elimination of debt reduces the threat of any sanctions.

Clubs could be barred from the Champions League and Europa League if they do not satisfy UEFA, with former Belgian Prime Minister Jean-Luc Dehaene heading a panel to consider their rules.

Chelsea players urging Carlo Ancelotti to spend as dressing-room fears grow over Blues' firepower

Concerns are growing in the Chelsea dressing room over manager Carlo Ancelotti's refusal to sign a striker in next month's transfer window.

Ancelotti has vowed to place faith in youngsters Daniel Sturridge and Fabio Borini while Didier Drogba is on duty for the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations and Nicolas Anelka is absent with a hamstring injury.

Indeed, so confident is Ancelotti that Chelsea can stay top of the pile without their prolific strikers that he has claimed he will run around the training ground naked if he goes back on his word and buys a forward.

However, senior members of Chelsea's squad would be only too happy to see their manager in his birthday suit if that means him signing a world-class goalscorer.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is ready to fund a £50million foray into the transfer market, but Ancelotti is adamant that his title favourites can see off champions Manchester United and improving Arsenal without reinforcements.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech admitted the loss of Drogba -and the rest of Chelsea's African contingent - is a major blow.

'If your best goalscorer goes away then you always miss him,' said Cech. 'But the same goes for all four of them because Michael Essien is a great player, so is John Mikel Obi and Salomon Kalou is important to us.'

Michael Ballack, 33, is ready to sign a two-year contract extension at Chelsea after declaring he can still cut it in the Premier League.

'I can still play the two coming years at the best level for Chelsea,' said Ballack. 'I still have great sporting ambitions.'

WORLD CUP 2010: Now England are Zin trouble! Old foe Zinedine Zidane set to lend Algeria a hand for Group C clash

After sinking England with two goals in the Euro 2004 opener, France legend Zinedine Zidane is again set to put the boot into the Three Lions by helping World Cup opponents Algeria prepare for the two sides' Group C clash next summer.

The World Cup winner's mother and father both came from the North African country and Zidane, 37, has revealed his parents' homeland holds a special place in his heart.

The ex-Real Madrid midfielder's last international action came as he was sent off for headbutting Italy's Marco Materazzi in the 2006 final in Berlin but could be set to assist the Desert Foxes in South Africa.

France Football magazine asked Zidane if he would offer his services to Algeria head coach Rabah Saadane, to which the superstar said: 'Maybe it has already been done.

'There are things that I want to do about which I don't want to speak publicly. That stays between me and those involved, the players, some of whom I already know. That doesn't mean either that I will do something with them. It is my own business.

'I am very happy (they will go to the World Cup). The Algerians really deserved their qualification. I have not seen Algeria play in this style for a long time. Now, it is all a bonus. They can go to South Africa without pressure.

'It was not possible to play for Algeria. But like Olympique Marseille, Algeria has always been in my heart. They (France and Algeria) are the two teams that I have always supported and that I want to see win.'

David Beckham wins World Cup boost from AC Milan doctor as star told he's in great condition for England

David Beckham's World Cup prospects have been handed a major boost after an AC Milan club doctor hailed the England midfielder's fitness.

Beckham this week has returned for a second loan spell in Serie A in a bid to convince Fabio Capello he is fit and sharp enough to deserve a place in England's squad for South Africa next summer.

And Rossoneri doctor Massimo Manara gave the the former Real Madrid star a ringing endorsement, saying he was in as good a condition as last year when Beckham took Italy by storm with a series of impressive performances.

'I found David Beckham really well,' Manara told the club's television channel. 'Even though a year has passed, he looked to be at the same level as a year ago to me. The problem he had with his right foot in previous weeks is resolved.'

Beckham had had trouble with a bruised right ankle bone in the run-up to the Major League Soccer Cup final, which his permanent club LA Galaxy lost to Real Salt Lake on penalties in November.

Mikel Arteta still a couple of months away from making his Everton comeback

Mikel Arteta admits it could be another two months before he is ready to help ease the burden on Everton's stretched midfield.

The Basque star looks like he will miss a whole year after suffering knee ligament damage during his side's goalless draw against Newcastle United in February.

A setback ruled out an expected return in October and although the 27-year-old is back in training, he does no expect to be in contention for several weeks.

'For the past few days I have been able to run at a good rhythm and I am starting to train with the rest of the squad,' said Arteta.

'I don't have pain in my knee. I expect to be back on the pitch in less than two months.'

The former Real Sociedad star admits he cannot wait to help his faltering side, who languish in 11th, 13 points off the top six in the Barclays Premier League.

'It has been hell,' he said. 'I would spend eight to 10 hours a day just dedicated to recuperating. I was obsessed. But now, fortunately, I can say that everything is going well and all I want is to be with my team-mates and help the team.'

Midfield team-mate Diniyar Bilyaletdinov last week indicated he could do with a rest after playing through the spring and summer in the Russian Premier League ahead of his £10million summer move to Goodison Park.

But boss David Moyes has been given little opportunity to rotate players, with versatile squad players Jack Rodwell and Dan Gosling also still sidelined.

Let me go, says Blackburn early bird Benni McCarthy

Benni McCarthy insists he has to leave Blackburn to save his career after being singled out to do extra training at 7am by manager Sam Allardyce.

The South Africa forward was ordered in for fitness work early yesterday and is on similar duty for the rest of the week. He was told to do so after Monday's 2-2 draw with Sunderland when he came off after 65 minutes - a decision booed by home fans. He believes it is a clear indication his time is up at Ewood Park.

'Enough's enough,' said 32-year-old McCarthy. 'I feel I've been stepped on too much and it's best I go.

I feel I'm being singled out unfairly. I wasn't any worse than the other lads, yet I'm the only one on duty from that game being asked to come in at 7am. Yes, I admit I've had issues with hitting the weight targets the manager has set and that's my fault, but I put 100 per cent in on the pitch and always try my hardest. It seems I'm being punished more than others.'

McCarthy has been fined twice this season for failing to hit weight targets and he acknowledges Allardyce wants him to get fitter.

'I don't want to make trouble. When the fitness coach told me I was coming in early the next day I just accepted it. I don't want to start moaning in front of everyone and rock the boat. I accept it and I get on with it, but it's a little demoralising and confusing.

'When I was overweight I thought OK, I understand my punishment if I don't play. Then I was brought in to play.

'Last week, the manager said I was one of the best players Blackburn had ever had, then said I could go if they got a decent offer. I get on with the manager, I really do. He's a genuine, warm, nice guy.

But saying all that, I don't fit in with his system and his plans. He told me in the summer face to face that I could go and that he would put me up for sale. The trouble was it was at the very end of the transfer window and we didn't have time to sort something out.

'This is a very big year for me. To come from South Africa and have the chance to play for my country in the World Cup is massive. I can't risk that by playing the odd game here and there for Blackburn. I need to play and I hope they will allow me to fulfil that dream.

'They got me for next to nothing and they've had a good return with more than 50 goals in about 130 games. Hopefully, they won't ask an unreasonable fee and let me go when the window opens.'

McCarthy hopes his future will continue to be in the Barclays Premier League as Wigan, Birmingham and Portsmouth all show an interest.

He said: 'I'd like to stay in England. This is a great league. I'm just unhappy with my situation and need to feel wanted again. I'm not getting any younger but I know I can still make an impact.'

Heart to Hart places Birmingham keeper Joe in frame for an England call

When Birmingham City embarked on their history-making run in October, goalkeeper Joe Hart was in danger of losing his place.

After an ill-timed lunge at an Andy Reid free-kick that almost led to a Sunderland overturning a 2-1 deficit, the England Under 21 keeper faced an anxious wait.

Manchester City were the next visitors to St Andrew's and Hart was ineligible due to the loan agreement between the two clubs. Evergreen Maik Taylor deputised and, as has become the norm as far as the Northern Ireland No 1 is concerned, he did not let his side down in the 0-0 draw.

That left manager Alex McLeish with a dilemma ahead of a trip to Anfield. Gamble on Hart, or stand by the tried and trusted veteran?

The Scot followed his instincts, took the gamble as the sides drew 2-2 and now the youngster's name is up in lights.

England contender? Why not. On the plane for South Africa? Could do worse. He has helped the Blues to equal a club record of 11 top-flight games undefeated and two matches over the festive period have propelled the 22-year-old into the spotlight: a man-of-the-match award against Chelsea and an eighth clean sheet against Stoke.

The reality is that the former Shrewsbury Town keeper, who was once considered good enough to have made the grade as a cricketer with Worcestershire and who won his lone full England cap against Trinidad & Tobago 18 months ago, has listened to and learned from the wise old heads around him.

And he is also lucky to have a manager who was prepared to back him when the flak was flying.

'Joe has come on a ton in the last couple of months,' said McLeish. 'We've spoken about one or two things. We've tweaked a couple of things in his game and it's paid off.

'I'm pleased for him. He's his own worst critic. He takes everything on the chin from our goalkeeping coach, Dave Watson, to try and improve. He will not react negatively to positive criticism. He listens.

'His form has been terrific recently. I know Joe will say that a lot of this is down to the lads in front of him but speaking as a former centre half, I know you need confidence in the man behind you.

'I know the England coaching staff think a lot of him. And people in general will begin to think a lot more of him too, because of his performances for Birmingham.'

Hart is highly-rated by England's Under 21 staff and works with former Birmingham keeper Martin Thomas at national level. Indeed, his achievements will have brought positive words from manager Stuart Pearce.

Ex-Birmingham and Shrewsbury skipper Ian Atkins, Sunderland's director of scouting, said: 'It's clear that someone on Birmingham's staff has had a word with him because his decision-making has improved massively during this run.

'I think it's been pointed out he has two centre halves playing in front of him in Scott Dann and Roger Johnson who love heading the ball. When you are a young keeper and you're 6ft 4in, then there's unspoken pressure on you to come for everything, that the keeper should be dominating the area.

'With Dann and Johnson, Hart doesn't need to do that. He has not been setting himself up for mistakes. His shot-stopping has always been good. But he's gaining in confidence from having those two playing in front of him. His decision-making in recent weeks has been top-drawer.'