Ferguson defends Glazer over Man United debt

MANCHESTER, England (AP) -- Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson defended owner Malcolm Glazer on Friday, a day after the club reported a debt nearing $1 billion.

Glazer restructured payments of the loan to buy the club two years ago, which took $66.9 million annually out of United's profits, according to the 2007-08 financial report revealed Thursday.

But Ferguson said Glazer, who took over Manchester United in 2005 and also owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has always backed him on player signings in the transfer market.

"Their support has never changed,'' Ferguson said Friday. "I do not know what these figures tell you. There has always been debt since Malcolm Glazer took over the club. Most buyouts are like that. But there is no change as far as I am concerned.''

While United's profits after winning the Premier League and Champions League rose to 80.5 million pounds ($118.3 million; ?89.3 million) in the fiscal year ending June 2008, the overall debt is 649.4 million pounds ($954.6 million; ?720.8 million).

According to Forbes magazine this week, United is worth $1.87 billion to be the world's most valuable football club.

Diarra in shock blast at Arsene

FORMER Arsenal midfielder Lassana Diarra has slammed Arsene Wenger, claiming he learned 'nothing' from the French manager.

The 24-year-old joined the Gunners in August 2007 from Chelsea, but was offloaded the following January to Premier League rivals Portsmouth.

Diarra then discovered his form, earning a £20million move to Real Madrid a year later.

And now settled at the Spanish giants, the tough-tacklling star has launched a withering attack at Wenger.

He said: "I did not learn anything from Wenger. He just taught me to doubt everything. The relationship I had with him was not good.

"You cannot understand the whole world. I respect the way you train, but I learned more with Mourinho at Chelsea.

"Mourinho taught me to fight. I spoke looking into his eyes.

"If you had a problem, it would be discussed. Wenger never addressed me until I told him I was going. He talked to others, but not me.

"I feel like I never played for Arsenal.

"If people do not remind me of them, I forget about them. It’s erased from my memory."

Defoe: My injury nightmare

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has revealed his frustration at being forced to sit on the sidelines through injury just weeks after returning to White Hart Lane during the January transfer window.

The 26-year-old returns to full training next week after nearly three months out with a broken bone in his foot and admits the lack of action has been driving him mad.

'It is boring, boring,' he said. 'I hate watching games. I can’t keep still. I could not do anything, except put my feet up and watch television and play PlayStation.

'It was a nightmare. I had the boot on when I was on crutches, it was horrible. I must have the strongest arms after using the crutches. I am ready to play.'

Following his £15million move back to Spurs from Portsmouth at the start of the year, Defoe managed just five games under Harry Redknapp before sustaining a fractured metatarsal in training.

'It was a massive blow as I felt sharp,' he said. 'You get downs in the season, when it is like you are going through the motions and you feel a little low.

'I had one of those ugly boots on my foot and I was on the physiotherapist’s case all the time. ‘Do I have to wear this boot?’ They said you have to rest. The physiotherapist has been good. The fitness guy has done a lot of work - killing me. I hate him.'

I'm not Gunner leave here until I quit football, says Arsenal star Arshavin

Andrey Arshavin wants to spend the rest of his playing days at Arsenal.

The Russia playmaker signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Gunners when he arrived for £15million from Zenit St Petersburg in January.

The 27-year-old did not take long to settle in north London and told a newspaper in Russia: 'At Arsenal I feel at home. I like everything here - the friendly team, a wise and experienced manager, and fantastic fans. I won't leave the club for any money.'

Arshavin added: 'That we are fourth in the Premier League is an achievement of the whole of the team - not my own. I hope my real successes with Arsenal are still to come.'

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is confident his players will not run out of steam in the closing stages of the campaign despite a host of injuries.

The Gunners play Wigan in the Premier League tomorrow (Saturday), Villarreal in the Champions League on Wednesday before next Saturday's FA Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea at Wembley.

Wenger, who has lost William Gallas with knee ligament damage for the rest of the season and will be without goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and full back Gael Clichy for a fortnight at least, said: 'It is something you don't want to talk about. My experience from
France is that they always talk about fatigue. When you talk about it you are tired.

'The mysterious nature of football means that on any day the team can look flat as a unit. Even if you are rested sometimes you can look tired because we don't really master how our body turns up.

'But these players are prepared to cope with that physical tiredness and you can rotate your squad.'

Zola on homegrown Hammers

Gianfranco Zola is in no doubt that his talented crop of youngsters has the potential to go all the way to the very top.

With Glen Johnson, Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole and Frank Lampard all established England internationals, Zola knows the standard the club's academy is capable of producing but sees no reason why the likes of James Tomkins and Jack Collison cannot follow suit. Crucially all are on long-term deals and committed only to helping West Ham United to the next level in the years to come.

Zola said: "We have players with the potential to be as good as the others. Don't forget that when Frank, Joe Cole and Carrick started they were playing for West Ham. They were more or less the same as these guys. They were young players who were very good but nobody knew they would become champions like they are now.

"You could tell they were potentially good players but you don't know. Now is the same situation. The players can potentially be top players but it is down to them to develop. They are just starting. This is just the beginning for them and they will have to put in a lot of work over the next few years and that will determine whether they will be champions or not. It's as simple as that.

"I haven't got a magical ball where I can see into the future but I would like to say that they can achieve as much as they want to. I built up my career always on the belief that it's down to how hard I work to achieve what I want to achieve. If they work, they can be whatever they want. That's what I tell them every day. You get what you work for, it's as simple as that."

The manager's whole philosophy is based around working with young talent and he described it as a "big pleasure" to be realising his managerial dream alongside Steve Clarke at West Ham. "We've been working with these players and we have seen them progressing. We remember the way they were when we started and to see them doing so well makes us very proud and very pleased."

"Having them come through together is the key. I'm relying a lot on that. From my experiences that I've had in football, if you build up the right atmosphere in the team and have the mix of experienced, positive players and young players coming through, it creates an environment where everyone performs at his best.

"That's what's happening here. The results are proving me right so it's something I believe a lot. I think that's the key and the secret in our results this year."

Greening targets 500 games for Baggies

JONATHAN Greening has pledged his future to the Baggies - whether they beat the drop or not.

The Albion skipper suffered relegation with the club in 2006 but refused to jump ship and saw his loyalty rewarded.

He was part of the side that suffered play-off final defeat 12 months later but signed a new contract in August 2007 and captained the team to the Championship crown and a Wembley FA Cup semi-final.

The former Manchester United and Middlesbrough ace has a year left on his current Hawthorns deal, plus a further year's option in the club's favour.

And, with 215 Albion appearances already to his name, he has set his sights on reaching the 500-mark.

"For me this is a great club," said Greening.

"It has got great backing and great fans.

"We play a great style of football even though we are bottom of the league.

"It's a club on the up and it has a really bright future.

"For me staying after we got relegated gave me two of my best years in my career.

"We had the play-off final and a Wembley FA Cup semi-final, winning promotion, great times away and great times at The Hawthorns.

"People have got to look at the bigger picture.

"As long as the manager and chairman would like me, I'd love to stay.

"I've played 215 games now for West Brom and I'd like to get to the 500-mark if I possibly could."

Spurs Team News

Harry Redknapp expects Aaron Lennon to overcome a nagging groin injury to face West Ham on Saturday.

The boss reported that the flying winger missed training on Thursday. "Aaron's had a bit of a groin strain for quite a few weeks," said Harry. "He didn't train on Thursday but he should be okay.

"Other than that, we're in good shape."

Wilson Palacios is suspended after his sending off for two yellow cards at Blackburn last weekend.

Alan Hutton played another 90 minutes for the reserves against Arsenal on Thursday night, adding to his recent playing time on international duty for Scotland after a long stint out with a foot injury.

That just leaves Jermain Defoe on the sidelines and he's progressing well from his foot injury.

JJ focused

Jermaine Jenas is determined to finish the season with a flourish.

We go into Saturday's big game against West Ham at the Lane on the back of a defeat against Blackburn last weekend - only our second loss in 10 in the Premier League.

That run - including four wins in five before Ewood Park - has lifted us up to 11th in the table and we were within three points of the Hammers in seventh before the late, late defeat against Blackburn.

That's why Saturday's derby is so important. "We've shown over the last few weeks how determined we are to have a positive end to the season," said JJ, in fine form in central midfield.

"We're focused on having a strong finish.

"I always believe in a winning mentality and the more games you win, the more it becomes a part of you.

"So the more games we can win between now and the end of the season, the better."

More Of The Same - Pulis

Tony Pulis is refusing to get carried away with the form of his side after they moved up to 13^th in the table following last weekend's victory at the Hawthorns.

Speaking to the press ahead of tomorrow's live televised early evening clash against Newcastle, the City boss said he is expecting more of the same as he looks to steer the club to top flight safety.

"You can't dwell in football, and particularly not in this division, you are always thinking about your next match.

"When I was travelling back in the car from West Brom I was on the phone asking Lindsay Parsons about the game against Chelsea, and what they were and weren't doing in that game.

"Beating West Brom was fantastic for us as, like I have already said, it got that monkey off our back, but now we are 110% focussed on Newcastle United because that will be another very tough game for us.

"They are a team down where they shouldn't be and have plenty of very, very good players, and we mustn't forget that.

"We are confident as we are on a good run of results, but that will count for nothing when the whistle goes tomorrow."

The Welshman is also calling on in form James Beattie to keep up his superb run of form in front of goal as the season hits its final stretch.

"People talk about Beats getting six in 10 but it is important he gets us some more goals in the seven games left to play.

"I'm not concentrating on him now, but waiting until the end of the season to see if he deserves a pat on the back.

"If he gets another few goals and gets to 10 for the season that would be absolutely massive for him and this football club."

Seb's Been Toon Top Performer - Gaffer

ALAN Shearer is delighted to welcome back Sebastien Bassong for Saturday's trip to Stoke and says the young French defender has been a ''top performer'' for the Magpies this season.

The 22-year-old has overcome a groin injury which kept him out of last weekend's home defeat against Chelsea and is set to travel with the squad to the Potteries.

And, having been a keen observer of Bassong's progress in his maiden season on Tyneside, Shearer knows how much of a boost it is to have the Clairefontaine Academy graduate available for United's survival run-in.

"It will be a big boost," he told nufcTV.

"We left him alone last weekend to make sure he would be fit for this weekend.

"He's been a top performer for Newcastle this season.

"He's come in and settled down very well and for a youngster has taken to the Premier League extremely well.

"He's big, strong and quick and we're going to need him in the next few games and he'll be a big player for us.

"I'm delighted and I'm keeping my fingers crossed there's no reaction to his injury and he's OK to travel with the squad."

Al - Not Much Sleep, But I'm Loving It

ALAN Shearer admits that he hasn't had much sleep since taking over the managerial reins of his hometown club but says he has loved every minute of his first week in the black-and-white hotseat.

The Toon chief is devoting every waking minute to saving the club he served for ten years from relegation to the second tier of English football.

And, while Shearer accepts his mission is certainly a challenging one, he was in positive mood when he reflected on his first seven days with nufcTV.

"I've enjoyed it all and have loved everything so far to be honest," he said.

"I've not had much sleep but that's not a complaint.

"It does take over your life but I'm a football man who loves football so that's not a problem.

"We're working very hard, myself and all the staff.

"We're looking at games, looking at players, speaking to players and doing everything to leave no stone unturned to try to keep this club where it belongs."

Players Must Get Sparks Flying

BORO will need the fans' backing just as much against Hull as when Manchester United visit next month, says Gareth Southgate - but they must earn that backing.

Despite a dreadful recent run since their win over Boro early in December, the wounded Tigers will provide a formidable obstacle in a game the Teessiders simply must win.

"In terms of momentum, the affect it can have on the rest of the bottom of the table, on Hull and ourselves, we need the win and we've got to give a performance that shows the pride and passion we have for staying in this division," said Southgate.

"On paper, we've got particularly tough fixtures coming up against Arsenal and Manchester United. But the only thing for certain is that Hull will be as difficult as any of them.

"They are looking over their shoulders and they need the points as much as we do. They're an aggressive side and they'll be coming to the Riverside with a big contingent of fans to try to take something from the game."

Hull may be seven points ahead of Boro but Southgate believes they are very much part of the relegation dogfight, whatever their manager would have you believe.

"I've smiled at some of Phil Brown's comments saying all the pressure is on us," he said. "I think he's trying to take the pressure off them because at this moment in time everybody will see us as buried.

"We've got to put on a performance that will give us hope again. Their form hasn't been good, the same as ours hasn't.

"They had a good start to the season and those points are keeping them out of the relegation zone."

Boro's players forfeited their day off this week in an attempt to iron out the defensive frailties at set pieces that have dogged them all season and were underlined in last Saturday's 4-1 defeat at the Reebok Stadium.

Now Southgate says it's their job to give the supporters grounds to believe Boro can emulate the great escapes seen by Premier League strugglers in recent seasons.

He said: "We've got to put a performance on that gets the ground noisy - it's our responsibility. If we can get that backing from the fans, which I know we will, it will give the team a huge lift.

"I know the fans have been incredibly supportive, they've really rallied around the cause, they know the precariousness of our position and they have been doing all they can to help.

"These two home games are going to be very, very important. There's plenty of evidence of teams coming off a bad run of form and suddenly getting a result and it changing things round.

"We can talk all we like but we have to do our talking on the field and that process starts against Hull."

Boss hopes for watershed

Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful that the galling nature of Tuesday's late Champions League draw with Porto will galvanize United for the remainder of the season.

The Reds conceded a sloppy late equaliser against the Portuguese champions and, having shipped several avoidable goals recently, the United manager wants his side to reprise the defensive mean streak which sent records tumbling earlier this year.

"There's always a watershed in everything and hopefully Tuesday was that," Sir Alex told Friday's press conference. "The late goal was a real kick in the teeth in the sense that we'd done well to get in the position we were in, winning 2-1.

"It's been a strange situation for us - I think obviously the shock of losing terrible goals to Liverpool had a negative effect but, as I say, there's always a watershed.

"Hopefully, Tuesday was it. The players were really gutted at losing that last goal on Tuesday."

Understandably, the media have been speculating as to why a team who seemed so impervious a month ago have allowed such uncharacteristic concessions. Tiredness is a widespread suggestion, but one which Sir Alex rebukes.

"Some people said we looked tired on Tuesday," he said. "We looked tired in the first half and were short of sharpness and rhythm in our game. But we did well in the second. There is nothing wrong there. We just have to stop these silly goals."

"The second half performance was very good actually, so hopefully we can start having clean sheets again which is important in terms of the championship.

"We have the situation of a four-day rest between Tuesday and Saturday (against Sunderland) and a four-day rest for Porto. Then it's a four-day rest before the semi-final against Everton. So it's the best position we've had for weeks in the spacing of the games.

"Four days is fine for us - perfect. In a normal situation, every season it's Saturday-Wednesday-Saturday at this time of the season so four days is terrific for us."

Rio unlikely to face Black Cats

Rio Ferdinand is back in training, but Sir Alex Ferguson is already planning for the England international to miss United's visit to Sunderland.

The influential centre-back has missed the Reds' last two games, but he is more likely to return in next Wednesday's clash with Porto than on Saturday.

With Jonny Evans also struggling with an ankle injury, Sir Alex told his pre-match press conference that John O'Shea could partner Nemanja Vidic in the centre of defence against the Black Cats.

The potential for more defensive re-shuffles is tempered by the availability of Wayne Rooney for the trip to Wearside, with Sir Alex laughing off suggestions that he would miss the match with a rib injury.

There are also comebacks looming for Rafael and Wes Brown which, along with the impending returns of Ferdinand and Dimitar Berbatov, gives the Reds' squad a healthier appearance.

"Rio started running today," said Sir Alex. "Rafael started training on Tuesday - he will be available for next weekend, and Wes will start football training next week."

Park targets Wearside win

From Seoul to Sunderland... few United players have travelled as far as Ji-sung Park recently but the Korean won't complain if the result is right on Saturday.

The livewire winger just hopes the Reds can build on last Sunday's hard-fought victory over Aston Villa, a match he watched from the bench having just returned from national team duties with South Korea. He then resumed club action against Porto on Tuesday night, still only six days after playing thousands of miles away in Asia.

"It's always hard after international matches," Park told ManUtd.kr.

"It certainly was not easy against Villa or against Porto. But with four days between Porto and Sunderland, we will be rested, fit and ready.”

The weekend trip to Wearside in the Barclays Premier League will be followed by Wednesday's second leg against Porto in the Champions League. Whatever the competition, Park knows that only a win will do at this crucial time.

“Winning our last league match was huge for us, after losing two before that. This weekend’s game is another big one. I hope we can put together a winning run.

"After Sunderland, the most important thing will be victory in Porto. It was disappointing to give them two goals at Old Trafford but we can win over there if we prepare well."

GERRARD IN SQUAD FOR BLACKBURN

Gerrard picked up a thigh strain in the 3-1 defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday.

Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Steven has some problems with his adductor. He will be in the squad but we still have to decide whether he will start.

"It is not very serious but we need to analyse the risk for the future as well. We know it's a very important game, so we'll decide tomorrow.

"We have to think about the best for Stevie and the team - both things together.

"This is a very important game, so we know it will be really good if he can play. But if we were to lose him for the next few weeks it could be a big risk.

"I will talk with him and the doctor on Saturday morning before deciding."

RAFA CONFIDENT STAT WILL CONTINUE

Liverpool have won five, drawn four and lost only one of their games after European ties this season - including victories over Chelsea and Manchester United.

"These statistics are good," Benitez told his weekly press conference.

"It's good because it's not easy after international breaks or Champions League games. You have to manage with the squad you have. If you have enough quality, you can still play well and win.

"The players know it's a massive game for us and I'm sure the fans will be supportive as well. The team put in great effort the other day. We played really well for the first 15 or 20 minutes, and afterwards Chelsea were better than us - it's simple."

The Reds could go top - albeit perhaps for just a few hours - by gaining a point against Sam Allardyce's men on Saturday lunchtime.

Benitez accepts the Premier League may now be Liverpool's best chance of silverware following the 3-1 loss in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.

"Blackburn is the target now and afterwards we will see about Chelsea," said the boss. "The position in the table is good and we'll try to be at the top by the end of the game.

"This game was always important, but clearly now because it's more difficult in the Champions League, we need to know it's our best option if we want to win a trophy.

"If we can win, they (United) will be under pressure. They are in a better position now so it still depends on them, but we still have to do our job.

"We have to do everything almost perfectly, and that means winning almost every game."

Brown Looking Up

Phil Brown is setting his sights on a strong finish to the season ahead of Saturday's trip to Middlesbrough.

The City boss is keen to start looking at the teams above City in the table rather than looking over their shoulder at the sides behind and believes the Tigers are close to getting things right at both ends of the field.

"I'm looking at a strong finish and that is important to me," said Brown.

"We're four points away from Manchester City who are tenth and that means we are four points away from being on the first page of Ceefax.

"Instead of everybody looking down, let's start looking up again. The only way to do that is by literally getting our heads up on the field and off it.

"I see a lot more goals, chances and creativity in our team than was shown in the second half against Portsmouth.

"I've seen the video and if anybody wants to sit and watch it, I thought we played some good football in the first half.

"There were four or five moments when we had time to just compose ourselves, have a touch and play the right pass.

"I certainly think there's enough goals in this team and I certainly think there's enough in terms of set-pieces.

"There's enough in terms of creativity with the likes of Geovanni, Barmby, Fagan, Mendy and Manucho as a front five. With that in mind, it just needs that confidence of nudging the ball over the line and going on a confident run.

"I think we have to keep faith with the team that's tightened up. People might class last week as a boring 0-0 draw, but it was far from that in the first half.

"To keep a clean sheet was key and clean sheets are going to be paramount in the last seven games.

"If we can get one on Saturday, that means we will have a point or three. That will put further space between us and Middlesbrough."

CAREFUL AND CONCENTRATED

Following midweek victory against one side from the north west, Guus Hiddink says we will not be taking our foot off the gas against another at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

The Dutchman spoke to his team this morning to draw a line under Wednesday's 3-1 win against Liverpool, and he insists the side will are now fully focused on the challenge of Bolton Wanderers and the Barclays Premier League.

The game comes sandwiched between crucial Champions League encounters, but with the lingering belief that we could still be league champions, Hiddink has demanded that the players concentrate on the job at hand.

'Of course after the unexpected win, we have to make the switch towards the league, we have two days of recovery, and tomorrow we have to be fully concentrated,' he began.

'That's not easy but we emphasised fully on that in today's meeting, a short briefing about the Liverpool game and then focus ourselves on the Bolton game, which is not an easy game.

'Knowing the fact that we have had a tough game on Wednesday [Bolton] will use it but we have to focus on that. The key must be in the concentration, it's difficult to go there but I hope we don't need an alarm bell ringing before we start playing the game,' said the 62-year-old.

With just three days before the second leg, Hiddink admitted there is the possibility of resting a couple of players at the Bridge, but aims to field the strongest side he realistically can.

'You must always be careful with temptations,' he warned. 'I think we have to focus on the league. We know we are not in the most luxurious position to win the league, we have to chase which gives a lot of pressure, but we have some little problems which might give me the opportunity to rest one or two players.

'As long as we are in the race for the title, it is difficult after our loss at Tottenham, but we do not know how the other teams react, so we will see. As long as we are mathematically in charge we will fight for that.

'Talking about the league the other [clubs] must stumble and we must not fail, must not drop any points so that's difficult but still reachable. The other two roads, of course we are now facing next week the FA Cup semi-finals, a big game against a big club, but let's make first steps first which is Bolton.'

John Terry's yellow card at Anfield means he will miss the home leg on Tuesday, but Ricardo Carvalho is fit to step in, and could feature against Gary Megson's side.

'Everyone knows John Terry is suspended for the second game and it's very logical Ricardo Carvalho will play,' said Hiddink.

'He has practiced and trained with a lot of desire and commitment lately and is good. He needs the rhythm of the game but he is showing okay. He is fit to start.'

Another whose involvement is in question tomorrow is Didier Drogba, who it is thought could be afforded a rest with Nicolas Anelka possibly starting against his former club. Hiddink has been discussing the Ivorian's recent form, which saw him win the fans' Player of the Month award for March.

'It is important of course and he is having this beautiful period although to be honest he could have scored one more at least in the first half of the last game,' Hiddink assessed. 'He knows that himself, but he is hot to play and is very energetic.

'That's where it pays off to him and also to the team. That's one of the tasks of a coach to get the best out of individuals and make a strong team to adjust all the qualities of all players.'

Finally, Hiddink responded to a couple of the morning's newspaper stories, dismissing speculation about two strikers.

First, he rubbished reports that he had criticised Harry Redknapp's use of Russian international Roman Pavlyuchenko at Tottenham, and that he would be advising the club to bring the forward to west London, and then ruled out any similar plans for Valencia striker David Villa.

On Pavlyuchenko, he said: 'I did not give any comment and I don't want to defend myself. I don't give any comment on players who are playing in other clubs. In this case Harry Redknapp knows exactly what to do with his players, he is a respected professional. I didn't mention anything about Pavlyuchenko.'

MIND ON THE MATTER AT HAND

A hero at Anfield on Wednesday, Petr Cech is turning his mind to an altogether different proposition at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

The 6'5 goalkeeper made a string of vital saves and interceptions in our Champions League victory at Liverpool in midweek, a game with flowing, attacking football from both teams.

On Saturday we return to Premier League action against a Bolton Wanderers side famed for its alternative, more direct approach. Cech is aware he will need to be on his mettle if Gary Megson's side are to be kept at bay.

'This is another game where we need to get three points if we want to think about having a chance to be champions,' he began.

'It's a different type of game against Bolton because they play direct football which is different to play against, sometimes they play a lot for the second ball, and it can be hard to control that.

'Even if you are 1-0 or 2-0 up you never know because one long ball you don't deal with can change things, even if you have dominated the game for a long time. We have this experience already to lose the lead with simple play like that,' he explained, referencing our last two league encounters with Bolton at the Bridge, both ending in draws.

Indeed Bolton arrive in west London with the best away record against Chelsea of any side, with a win and three draws from their last five visits. That said, they are also coming with 16 league defeats this season, and having failed to score 14 times, more than any other side.

With that in mind, it may be surprising that Kevin Davies is the league's third top scorer, but Ashley Cole knows what to expect from the six-foot forward, having had to mark him on several occasions in the past, Bolton's tactic to try and isolate the full-back and make the most of Davies' height advantage with aerial bombardment.

'Because I am only small they keep putting these big guys on me, and just hitting the ball long for them,' Cole explained, before revealing how we have dealt with the problem.

'But me or JT either swap and let him win the header or I just come inside. We don't really focus on the opposition, I just know I have to mark him and he is going to have to mark me if I attack. I just think of it like that,' said the former Arsenal man, who insists there is no danger of us taking our eye off the ball this weekend.

'No. If there is a freak result. I don't think it is that we are not concentrated or taking things for granted,' he confirmed. 'It is just one of those things. The players are confident and know now what we have to do.

'We have to win every game in the season and still and see. But the focus is going to be there.'

Big Sam: We're on the up

MANAGER Sam Allardyce insists Rovers are 'a team on the up' as they prepare to head to Anfield this weekend.

After picking up three wins and two draws from the last six games, Rovers have managed to open up a five-point gap on the bottom three.

Hailing the recent upturn in fortunes, Big Sam said: "We've picked up 11 points out of 18 from the last six games.

"It is a good run, we are in good form, and we've had more wins than draws in those games, I'm glad to say, which is what we were looking for.

"We are on the up at the moment, not just in terms of our form, but also our points total is getting better as time goes on."

Wenger - I see Gallas being here next season

By Richard Clarke

Arsène Wenger refuses to believe that William Gallas has played his last game for Arsenal.

The centre back picked up a problem to his medial knee ligament at Villarreal on Tuesday and, as a result, will be sidelined for 10 weeks.

That almost certainly ends his participation in the 2008-09 season and it has been suggested that he’ll be leaving in the summer after a tough campaign that saw him lose the captaincy.

But when questioned at Thursday’s press conference, Wenger’s response was defiant.

“That’s a big question,” he said. “He has a year left on his contract. I envisage him to be here next year.

“He had a challenging season but I believe he had to cope with a major disappointment. You have to give him a lot of credit because he came back with great performances so he dealt well with the situation.

“He turns up in the big games with goals – when it matters. And that was a good surprise.”

Wenger used the same word about his chances of being involved again this term.

“He has a grade two medial knee ligament injury,” said the manager. “If he comes back before the end of the season it will be a good surprise.

“I don’t really know how they measure the grades but I think it’s the degree of laxity and instability. Cesc Fabregas was a two as well, but William's is a bit less than Fabregas.”

Given that the Spaniard has just returned after three and a half months out of the side, Gallas’ chances of playing again this season must be rated as very slim.

Chelsea to Steph up £10m bid

By MARK IRWIN

CHELSEA are preparing a £10million swoop for PSG midfielder Stephane Sessegnon following a thumbs-up from Claude Makelele.

Sessegnon, 24, has been closely monitored by both Arsenal and Newcastle.

But it is Chelsea who now lead the chase for the Benin star after a recommendation from current team-mate and ex-Blues ace Makelele.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was keen to sign Sessegnon from Le Mans last summer as a replacement for Mathieu Flamini.

Agent Rudy Raba said: “Stephane is not actively looking to leave PSG.

"But in the next few weeks they will receive a very attractive offer.”

Utd count the Costa of whizkid

By SHAUN CUSTIS

MANCHESTER UNITED are closing in on Brazilian whizkid Douglas Costa.

The Gremio midfielder, 18, is attracting attention across Europe.

He has been hailed as the new Ronaldinho and his club have just turned down an £8million bid from Villarreal for his services.

United have been monitoring Costa through their South American scout — former centre-back Jaap Stam.

Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Liverpool are also tracking the rookie, who is due to talk to interested clubs at the end of the month.

Costa would not need a work permit to move to England because he has a Portuguese passport.

Chris Nathaniel, Costa’s advisor, said: “The boy is special and loves the Premier League. He has a lot of offers to consider.”

Utd wage bill soars to £121million

By TONY LITTLE

MANCHESTER UNITED’S wage bill was a massive £121million last year — an increase of £29m.

The 30 per cent rise comes after improved deals for Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.

United’s Premier League and Champions League Double last season saw them splash £13.3m in bonuses, compared to £8.6m the previous year.

Chief executive David Gill is United’s best-paid non-playing or non-coaching employee on £1.7m a year.

The champions are still second in the big spenders table with Chelsea’s bill at £148m — a rise of 12 per cent.

United boss Alex Ferguson admits Real Madrid’s continued pursuit of Ronaldo has affected his performance on the field.

The build-up to the 2-2 Champions League quarter-final draw with Porto was dominated by fresh reports of a Ronaldo move — something Fergie branded as “pathetic”.

But Ferguson says being honest with the player has kept his focus.

The Scot said: “He’s lucky in the sense that people here can be straight with him and he appreciates that — he has responded to that.”

Ferguson also praised Ronaldo for realising when he had overstepped the line in his tentative courting of Real.

The boss added: “If it changes him as a person then you have a problem.

“Fortunately Ronaldo knows when he’s gone too far and he draws back in after that.”