Liverpool Close In On £10m Newcastle United Swap Deal

Liverpool’s pursuit of Jose Enrique boosted by Newcastle United interest in Paul Konchesky

Liverpool’s chances of signing Newcastle United star Jose Enrique have been boosted after Alan Pardew made it known he would be interested in signing Paul Konchesky as a replacement for the Spaniard, Goal.com can reveal.

Enrique is Liverpool’s first choice to solve the club’s problem left-back position in the summer and Newcastle’s interest in Reds defender Konchesky raises the possibility of a player-plus-cash deal.

The two clubs are yet to open negotiations but Newcastle are privately resigned to losing the

Tottenham Close to Agreeing £5m Deal to Sign Liverpool Midfielder Joe Cole

Tottenham will revive their interest in Joe Cole just 12 months after he rejected a move to White Hart Lane and completed a free transfer to Liverpool.

Cole’s decision to move to Merseyside has been a disaster as injury and an alarming loss of form has wiped out his campaign.

He will have to lick his wounds and take a substantial pay cut to return to London while Liverpool will demand at least

Auckland close in on Club World Cup spot

Auckland City boosted their hopes of qualifying for this year’s FIFA Club World Cup in Japan by beating Vanuatu’s Amicale 2-1 in the first leg of the Oceania region’s club final.

Auckland thanked a lucky deflection for the decisive 82nd minute goal in Port Vila on Saturday, a clearing kick from Amicale defender Selwyn Sese Ala rebounding off Luis Corrales across the goal line after the grounded Costa Rican striker had slid in to meet a cross.

There was some doubt about whether Corrales would make it to Vanuatu – he arrived a day later than the rest of the squad – but City will be delighted they got him on a plane.

“There was a problem with his visa but he has been doing very well so we were keen to get him involved,” a relieved City co-coach Ramon Tribulietx said.

“The win has come via a little bit of luck in the end and I think we would definitely have settled for a draw,” said Auckland coach Aaron McFarland.

“Considering they played very well and dominated possession, we’re very happy with 2-1.”

Spanish striker Manuel Exposito scored from the penalty spot after being brought down by the keeper to put Auckland 1-0 up in the 22nd minute, before Amicale captain Fenedy Masauvakalo fired in a 67th minute equaliser.

The second leg for a place at the Club World Cup, and a guaranteed 250,000 pounds payday, is in Auckland on April 17.

Sun 3 April, 2011

Auckland close in on Club World Cup spot

Auckland City boosted their hopes of qualifying for this year’s FIFA Club World Cup in Japan by beating Vanuatu’s Amicale 2-1 in the first leg of the Oceania region’s club final.

Auckland thanked a lucky deflection for the decisive 82nd minute goal in Port Vila on Saturday, a clearing kick from Amicale defender Selwyn Sese Ala rebounding off Luis Corrales across the goal line after the grounded Costa Rican striker had slid in to meet a cross.

There was some doubt about whether Corrales would make it to Vanuatu – he arrived a day later than the rest of the squad – but City will be delighted they got him on a plane.

“There was a problem with his visa but he has been doing very well so we were keen to get him involved,” a relieved City co-coach Ramon Tribulietx said.

“The win has come via a little bit of luck in the end and I think we would definitely have settled for a draw,” said Auckland coach Aaron McFarland.

“Considering they played very well and dominated possession, we’re very happy with 2-1.”

Spanish striker Manuel Exposito scored from the penalty spot after being brought down by the keeper to put Auckland 1-0 up in the 22nd minute, before Amicale captain Fenedy Masauvakalo fired in a 67th minute equaliser.

The second leg for a place at the Club World Cup, and a guaranteed 250,000 pounds payday, is in Auckland on April 17.

Sun 3 April, 2011

Arsenal Close To Agreeing Deal For Swedish Wonderkid

Arsenal are on the verge of completing a deal for Swedish wonderkid Kristoffer Olsson.

The 15-year-old has had several trials with the Gunners and even turned out for the Arsenal U16s against Crystal Palace.

The IFK Norrkoping midfielder is set for a permanent move to North London with the deal costing around

Roma close to takeover, claim reports

American business Thomas Di Benedetto is believed to be close to securing a takeover deal for Serie A club AS Roma.

Di Benedetto landed in Rome on Monday for exclusive negotiations with Roma’s holding company Italpetroli and stakeholder Unicredit bank.The reported US$108 million bid from Di Benedetto – an investor in Liverpool owners New England Sports Venture – is believed to be favoured over four other offers to purchase the club.”Our aim is to make Roma one of the top clubs in the world,” Di Benedetto told Gazzetta dello Sport.”We want a team that the city will always be proud of, but of course this will take time.”"Rome is a wonderful city and for us to be able to represent it in the world is a great opportunity.”Roma’s widely-reported financial concerns – the club are believed to hold debts of up to US$56 million – are set to worsen if the club misses out on lucrative qualification for the Champions League.Vincenzo Montella’s side are sixth in the table, six points behind Udinese in the last Champions League qualification berth.”We all hope that Roma qualifies for the Champions League,” Di Benedetto said. “Roma have recently recovered after a difficult period. But they still lack continuity.”Di Benedetto is believed to represent several other NESV board members interested in purchasing up to 67 percent of the club.”They’re my friends, they’re all successful businessmen or managers with the necessary economic resources for this deal,” Di Benedetto said.”James Pallotta, one of the owners of the Boston Celtics, will provide his sports knowledge and he has already carefully evaluated the club’s potential.”"Michael Ruane has had a successful career in investments funds and real estate and his involvement will mostly regard the plan for the new stadium.”"Richard D’Amore is an expert in new media and will help us develop in that area.”

Mon 28 March, 2011

Roma close to takeover, claim reports

American business Thomas Di Benedetto is believed to be close to securing a takeover deal for Serie A club AS Roma.

Di Benedetto landed in Rome on Monday for exclusive negotiations with Roma’s holding company Italpetroli and stakeholder Unicredit bank.The reported US$108 million bid from Di Benedetto – an investor in Liverpool owners New England Sports Venture – is believed to be favoured over four other offers to purchase the club.”Our aim is to make Roma one of the top clubs in the world,” Di Benedetto told Gazzetta dello Sport.”We want a team that the city will always be proud of, but of course this will take time.”"Rome is a wonderful city and for us to be able to represent it in the world is a great opportunity.”Roma’s widely-reported financial concerns – the club are believed to hold debts of up to US$56 million – are set to worsen if the club misses out on lucrative qualification for the Champions League.Vincenzo Montella’s side are sixth in the table, six points behind Udinese in the last Champions League qualification berth.”We all hope that Roma qualifies for the Champions League,” Di Benedetto said. “Roma have recently recovered after a difficult period. But they still lack continuity.”Di Benedetto is believed to represent several other NESV board members interested in purchasing up to 67 percent of the club.”They’re my friends, they’re all successful businessmen or managers with the necessary economic resources for this deal,” Di Benedetto said.”James Pallotta, one of the owners of the Boston Celtics, will provide his sports knowledge and he has already carefully evaluated the club’s potential.”"Michael Ruane has had a successful career in investments funds and real estate and his involvement will mostly regard the plan for the new stadium.”"Richard D’Amore is an expert in new media and will help us develop in that area.”

Mon 28 March, 2011

Ligue 1 wrap: Marseille close gap on Lille, Nancy climb

Marseille kept in touch with Ligue 1 leaders Lille with victory over PSG on Sunday, while Nancy climbed the standings after beating Monaco.

Didier Deschamps’ Marseille claimed the scalp of fellow title contenders PSG with a 2-1 victory at the Stade Velodrome that saw them close the gap to Lille to four points.

Gabriel Heinze gave the home side the ideal start, firing home a 16th minute free kick.

Clement Chantome levelled proceedings in the 28th minute, only for Marseille to reply seven minutes later through what would prove to be the winning goal from Andre Ayew.

Nancy eased their relegation concerns with a 19th minute Andre Luiz header giving them a second successive league win, this time at the expense of fellow strugglers Monaco.

The result saw Pablo Correa’s men climb to 14th on the league standings with 35 points, six clear of the first relegation place which is currently occupied by Monaco.

Caen also stepped up their fight to avoid the drop with a 2-0 win over Arles helping them to 13th on the table.

Yohan Mollo and Youssef El Arabi netted late strikes to seal the three points for Franck Dumas’ side.

Mon 21 March, 2011

Ligue 1 wrap: Marseille close gap on Lille, Nancy climb

Marseille kept in touch with Ligue 1 leaders Lille with victory over PSG on Sunday, while Nancy climbed the standings after beating Monaco.

Didier Deschamps’ Marseille claimed the scalp of fellow title contenders PSG with a 2-1 victory at the Stade Velodrome that saw them close the gap to Lille to four points.

Gabriel Heinze gave the home side the ideal start, firing home a 16th minute free kick.

Clement Chantome levelled proceedings in the 28th minute, only for Marseille to reply seven minutes later through what would prove to be the winning goal from Andre Ayew.

Nancy eased their relegation concerns with a 19th minute Andre Luiz header giving them a second successive league win, this time at the expense of fellow strugglers Monaco.

The result saw Pablo Correa’s men climb to 14th on the league standings with 35 points, six clear of the first relegation place which is currently occupied by Monaco.

Caen also stepped up their fight to avoid the drop with a 2-0 win over Arles helping them to 13th on the table.

Yohan Mollo and Youssef El Arabi netted late strikes to seal the three points for Franck Dumas’ side.

Mon 21 March, 2011

Chelsea Close to Agreeing £30m Deal to Sign Napoli Playmaker Marek Hamsik

17 comments by Christian Bailey on March 15th, 2011

Stamford Bridge side confident of Slovakian international signing.

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Milan sign Juventus reject; Magath reveals shock transfer close to fruition

Milan sign Juventus reject

Milan have announced the signing of defender Nicola Legrottaglie on their official website.

The 34-year-old was given permission to leave after Juventus signed Andrea Barzagli as a cover for Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.

The defender who was mostly used as a fringe player at Juventus has completed his medical at Milan before signing a six-month contract with the Rossoneri.

He has thus become Milan’s fifth signing of the transfer window, albeit a controversial one, after Antonio Cassano, Urby Emanuelson, Mark van Bommel and Didac Villa had arrived at San Siro.

Even if the former Italy international is likely to be used as a back-up player at San Siro, the Rossoneri fans will not be too happy with the signing of Juventus reject.

Magath reveals shock transfer close to fruition

Schalke boss Felix Magath has confirmed the club are set to sign former Bayern midfielder Ali Karimi.

Magath, who coached Karimi at Bayern, believes the Iran international will add much needed creativity to the squad.

“Ali Karimi is on the verge of signing for Schalke. It’s just a matter of wrapping up some formalities,” Magath told Kicker.

“We have some problems to get the ball from midfield to attack at the moment. Karimi could really help us with that.”

Karimi is expected to sign a six-month deal at Veltins Arena subject to passing a medical.

Ali Karimi can be seen as a controversial signing for Schalke seeing that he failed to prove his potential while at Bayern and that he is now 32 years old, but it appears that Felix Magath is ready to take a gamble with him.

Bolton closing in on Chelsea forward

Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge is on the verge of completing a loan deal to Bolton.

The 21-year-old striker has undergone a medical at Reebok Stadium and he is expected to be in the squad to face Wolves on Wednesday.

Despite showing massive potential this season, the young striker hasn’t started a single Premiership game this season, although he did score a couple of goals in the Cup competitions.

With Drogba, Anelka and Kalou in the side, Carlo Ancelotti decided to allow Sturridge to join Bolton in his search for first team football.

Sturridge is expected to provide cover for Johan Elmander and Kevin Davies, although he should get much more playing time than at Chelsea.

This move could benefit all three sides with Sturridge set to gain much needed first team experience at Reebok.

Newcastle United Close In On £12m Tottenham Striker Signing

no comments by Mr Comfort on January 31st, 2011

Alan Pardew looks to bring White Hart Lane striker to St James’ Park.

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Newcastle United Close to Signing £9m Rated Playmaker but Miss Out On £5m Youngster

6 comments by Christian Bailey on January 25th, 2011

Alan Pardew looks to bring in Villa Park misfit on loan as chances of securing Adel Taarabt are rebuffed by Loftus Road boss Neil Warnock.

Newcastle United Tickets Available from Tixdaq.com

Championship wrap: Cardiff, Norwich close in

Queens Park Rangers’ lead at the top of the Championship was cut to two points after Cardiff and Norwich both won on Saturday.

With QPR not in action until Sunday against Coventry, Cardiff took advantage with a 4-2 home win over Watford.

Dave Jones’ side lined up with a deadly attacking trio consisting of Manchester City loanee Craig Bellamy, Michael Chopra and Jay Bothroyd.

All three netted goals within the first 31 minutes, Peter Whittingham providing setting two of them up.

But the result was not a foregone conclusion as Wayne Buckley pulled one back for Watford after 33 minutes, while Marvin Sordell added another three minutes into the second half.

Cardiff defender Gabor Gyepes made sure of the result with his goal seven minutes from time giving the Welsh side their third home win a row.

Norwich City joined Cardiff on 47 points after a 2-1 away win at Sheffield United thanks to Andrew Crofts’ double.

Crofts opened the scoring on the hour mark before cancelling out Ched Evans’ 68th minute equaliser with another goal 10 minutes from time.

Swansea City are also on 47 points after being held to a 1-1 draw at Barnsley.

Bobby Hassell’s 14th minute opener looked to have given Barnsley all three points but Scott Sinclair equalised from the penalty spot with four minutes remaining.

Leeds United are in fifth after they twice came from behind in a 2-2 draw at Portsmouth.

Joel Ward gave Portsmouth a first-half lead before Luciano Becchio struck his 50th goal for Leeds just after half-time.

John Utaka restored Pompey’s lead but Davide Somma equalised two minutes later.

Nottingham Forest burst into the top six with a 1-0 away win over Derby County, with Robert Earnshaw’s 79th minute strike extending Forest’s unbeaten run to seven.

At the other end of the table, Preston North End stay bottom despite claiming a 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough.

Crystal Palace could have moved out of the bottom three but were held to a 0-0 draw by Bristol City while Ian Harte’s late penalty gave Reading a 1-1 draw with Hull City.

Yakubu snared his second goal in two games and Sol Bamba struck a double in Leicester’s 4-2 home win over Millwall, while Carlos Edwards grabbed the winner in Ipswich’s 3-2 win over Doncaster Rovers.

Sat 22 January, 2011

Championship wrap: Cardiff, Norwich close in

Queens Park Rangers’ lead at the top of the Championship was cut to two points after Cardiff and Norwich both won on Saturday.

With QPR not in action until Sunday against Coventry, Cardiff took advantage with a 4-2 home win over Watford.

Dave Jones’ side lined up with a deadly attacking trio consisting of Manchester City loanee Craig Bellamy, Michael Chopra and Jay Bothroyd.

All three netted goals within the first 31 minutes, Peter Whittingham providing setting two of them up.

But the result was not a foregone conclusion as Wayne Buckley pulled one back for Watford after 33 minutes, while Marvin Sordell added another three minutes into the second half.

Cardiff defender Gabor Gyepes made sure of the result with his goal seven minutes from time giving the Welsh side their third home win a row.

Norwich City joined Cardiff on 47 points after a 2-1 away win at Sheffield United thanks to Andrew Crofts’ double.

Crofts opened the scoring on the hour mark before cancelling out Ched Evans’ 68th minute equaliser with another goal 10 minutes from time.

Swansea City are also on 47 points after being held to a 1-1 draw at Barnsley.

Bobby Hassell’s 14th minute opener looked to have given Barnsley all three points but Scott Sinclair equalised from the penalty spot with four minutes remaining.

Leeds United are in fifth after they twice came from behind in a 2-2 draw at Portsmouth.

Joel Ward gave Portsmouth a first-half lead before Luciano Becchio struck his 50th goal for Leeds just after half-time.

John Utaka restored Pompey’s lead but Davide Somma equalised two minutes later.

Nottingham Forest burst into the top six with a 1-0 away win over Derby County, with Robert Earnshaw’s 79th minute strike extending Forest’s unbeaten run to seven.

At the other end of the table, Preston North End stay bottom despite claiming a 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough.

Crystal Palace could have moved out of the bottom three but were held to a 0-0 draw by Bristol City while Ian Harte’s late penalty gave Reading a 1-1 draw with Hull City.

Yakubu snared his second goal in two games and Sol Bamba struck a double in Leicester’s 4-2 home win over Millwall, while Carlos Edwards grabbed the winner in Ipswich’s 3-2 win over Doncaster Rovers.

Sat 22 January, 2011

SPL wrap: Rangers close gap, Hearts break Kilmarnock

Rangers moved within two points of Scottish Premier League leaders Celtic with a 1-0 win at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Tuesday.

SPL top scorer Kenny Miller – reportedly on the verge of a move to Turkish club Bursaspor – was left out of the Rangers team by Walter Smith, with James Beattie and Kylie Lafferty starting up front in his absence.

Visitors Inverness came closest to taking the lead early on at Ibrox through striker Richie Foran, who saw his header tipped on to the bar by Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

Lafferty twice came close at the other end, before he was involved in the opener on the stroke of half-time.

The Northern Ireland international – a three million-pound signing from Burnley in 2008 – saw his shot blocked, but the loose ball fell for Steven Davis, who found the bottom corner of the net with a strike from just outside the box.

Inverness could feel aggrieved at going behind after referee Craig Thomson failed to award a free-kick for a foul on Adam Rooney in the build-up.

Defender Graeme Shinnie kept the away side in the contest during the second half, making goal-line clearances from Lafferty and substitute Nikica Jelavic.

Visiting goalkeeper Ryan Esson also saved from Lafferty late on but, while Rangers failed to extend their advantage, Inverness proved unable to force an equaliser.

The win means Rangers are now two points behind Celtic with two games in hand over the league-leaders.

Elsewhere, third-placed Hearts came from behind to beat Kilmarnock 2-1 away from home and stay within five points of Rangers.

Visitors Hearts started the better of the two sides at Rugby Park, but it was Kilmarnock who took the lead in the 19th minute through Portuguese forward Rui Miguel.

Still trailing at half-time, Hearts boss Jim Jefferies introduced Stephen Elliott a minute after the restart and the substitution paid off.

Former Preston striker Elliot levelled in the 73rd minute, and with four minutes remaining Kilmarnock goalkeeper Cammy Bell fumbled an Elliot shot into the net to hand all three points to the visitors.

Hearts are now 11 points ahead of fourth-placed Kilmarnock but remain five points behind Rangers, who have played one game fewer than the Edinburgh club.

Wed 19 January, 2011

SPL wrap: Rangers close gap, Hearts break Kilmarnock

Rangers moved within two points of Scottish Premier League leaders Celtic with a 1-0 win at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Tuesday.

SPL top scorer Kenny Miller – reportedly on the verge of a move to Turkish club Bursaspor – was left out of the Rangers team by Walter Smith, with James Beattie and Kylie Lafferty starting up front in his absence.

Visitors Inverness came closest to taking the lead early on at Ibrox through striker Richie Foran, who saw his header tipped on to the bar by Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

Lafferty twice came close at the other end, before he was involved in the opener on the stroke of half-time.

The Northern Ireland international – a three million-pound signing from Burnley in 2008 – saw his shot blocked, but the loose ball fell for Steven Davis, who found the bottom corner of the net with a strike from just outside the box.

Inverness could feel aggrieved at going behind after referee Craig Thomson failed to award a free-kick for a foul on Adam Rooney in the build-up.

Defender Graeme Shinnie kept the away side in the contest during the second half, making goal-line clearances from Lafferty and substitute Nikica Jelavic.

Visiting goalkeeper Ryan Esson also saved from Lafferty late on but, while Rangers failed to extend their advantage, Inverness proved unable to force an equaliser.

The win means Rangers are now two points behind Celtic with two games in hand over the league-leaders.

Elsewhere, third-placed Hearts came from behind to beat Kilmarnock 2-1 away from home and stay within five points of Rangers.

Visitors Hearts started the better of the two sides at Rugby Park, but it was Kilmarnock who took the lead in the 19th minute through Portuguese forward Rui Miguel.

Still trailing at half-time, Hearts boss Jim Jefferies introduced Stephen Elliott a minute after the restart and the substitution paid off.

Former Preston striker Elliot levelled in the 73rd minute, and with four minutes remaining Kilmarnock goalkeeper Cammy Bell fumbled an Elliot shot into the net to hand all three points to the visitors.

Hearts are now 11 points ahead of fourth-placed Kilmarnock but remain five points behind Rangers, who have played one game fewer than the Edinburgh club.

Wed 19 January, 2011

Liverpool Close to Signing £17m Spanish International

13 comments by Mr Comfort on January 10th, 2011

Anfield outfit ready to bid for Sevilla hotshot.

Bet on Liverpool with Sportingbet.com and get a free bet worth up to

Cattermole, Welbeck close to Sunderland return

Sunderland could receive a double boost with Danny Welbeck and Lee Cattermole likely starters against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Both players are expected to be in the starting line-up at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon with Cattermole shaking off a back problem and Welbeck a neck strain.

But Sunderland will definitely be without defender Nedum Onuoha, while record signing Asamoah Gyan is also not expected to feature.

Bruce blames the casualties on a punishing round of festive fixtures which he publicly criticised on Boxing Day.

The biggest culprit, says Bruce, has been the scheduling of two games within 48 hours – the away trip to Manchester United on Boxing Day and the game against Blackpool on December 28.

“It’s not something any of us should have to deal with, to be fair,” Bruce said. “It’s a nonsense.”

“Welbeck has got a neck problem but we think he will be fine. Cattermole has suffered the same kind of hamstring and back problem that he had last season.”

“I’m not ruling Catts out at this stage though, because hopefully he will be fit, as will Danny.”

“As for Nedum, he is definitely out, hopefully for not much more than a week.”

“And Asamoah is struggling with a series of knocks at the moment, and the hamstring is just the latest.”

“I think he struggled to play two games in the space of 48 hours, because it’s not something he has ever had to deal with in his career before.”

“You just can’t ask players to play two games in that short a space of time – not at the kind of intensity required in the Premier League, anyway.”

“Players are going to pick up injuries, and that’s exactly what has happened.”

After having 33 attempts on goal against Blackpool in midweek, Bruce is expecting a complete contrast against Blackburn.

Bruce said: “You couldn’t have had a much more open team than Blackpool.”

“They give it a go but they also leave themselves exposed at the back when they do that.”

“We exploited that fact fantastically – we just couldn’t do the final part and put the ball in the back of the net.”

“I don’t expect it to be a particularly exciting and open game. It’s likely to be hard-fought and difficult but we’re determined to finish the year on a high.”

Fri 31 December, 2010

Cattermole, Welbeck close to Sunderland return

Sunderland could receive a double boost with Danny Welbeck and Lee Cattermole likely starters against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Both players are expected to be in the starting line-up at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon with Cattermole shaking off a back problem and Welbeck a neck strain.

But Sunderland will definitely be without defender Nedum Onuoha, while record signing Asamoah Gyan is also not expected to feature.

Bruce blames the casualties on a punishing round of festive fixtures which he publicly criticised on Boxing Day.

The biggest culprit, says Bruce, has been the scheduling of two games within 48 hours – the away trip to Manchester United on Boxing Day and the game against Blackpool on December 28.

“It’s not something any of us should have to deal with, to be fair,” Bruce said. “It’s a nonsense.”

“Welbeck has got a neck problem but we think he will be fine. Cattermole has suffered the same kind of hamstring and back problem that he had last season.”

“I’m not ruling Catts out at this stage though, because hopefully he will be fit, as will Danny.”

“As for Nedum, he is definitely out, hopefully for not much more than a week.”

“And Asamoah is struggling with a series of knocks at the moment, and the hamstring is just the latest.”

“I think he struggled to play two games in the space of 48 hours, because it’s not something he has ever had to deal with in his career before.”

“You just can’t ask players to play two games in that short a space of time – not at the kind of intensity required in the Premier League, anyway.”

“Players are going to pick up injuries, and that’s exactly what has happened.”

After having 33 attempts on goal against Blackpool in midweek, Bruce is expecting a complete contrast against Blackburn.

Bruce said: “You couldn’t have had a much more open team than Blackpool.”

“They give it a go but they also leave themselves exposed at the back when they do that.”

“We exploited that fact fantastically – we just couldn’t do the final part and put the ball in the back of the net.”

“I don’t expect it to be a particularly exciting and open game. It’s likely to be hard-fought and difficult but we’re determined to finish the year on a high.”

Fri 31 December, 2010