Thursday 15 March 2012

Pavel - No extension talks



Pavel Pogrebnyak says he would like to stay in London beyond the summer but has denied having already held talks with Fulham about an extension of his contract at Craven Cottage.
Pogrebnyak joined Fulham from Stuttgart in the January transfer window on a short-term deal until the end of the season, and has made a scintillating start to his Premier League career.
There have been suggestions that the Cottagers have already sat down with the Russia international to discuss a long-term agreement, but he insists that is not the case.
And speculation over where Pogrebnyak could be plying his trade next season has intensified after Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish admitted he had previously considered signing the 28-year-old.

Double deckers

Pogrebnyak admits he would be keen to remain in English football but has made it clear that he would prefer not to leave the capital city.
"My contract expires this summer," he told Gazeta.ru. "So far no one talked to me about an extension though I saw different things in the media which are not true.
"But I would like to stay in England very much, I like being here. It was my desire to play in the Premier League and my dream came true.
"I like England, I like London. The double deckers and the buildings made by red bricks are nice. You know London can't be compared to any other city."

Sorensen given cup chance


Tony Pulis has confirmed that Thomas Sorensen will be offered an opportunity to shine in Stoke's FA Cup quarter-final clash with Liverpool.
The Potters have made a habit of shuffling their goalkeeping pack over recent years, especially in cup competition.
Sorensen and Asmir Begovic are battling it out for the number one jersey, and both men have enjoyed top billing at some stage this season.
Pulis prefers to play his first-choice shot-stopper in the Premier League and his back-up in knockout tournaments.
As Begovic is currently gracing the English top flight, Sorensen will get the chance to stake his claim for a league recall when Stoke go to Anfield on Sunday.
Pulis said: "I did it last year and I've done it this year, and that's the way it will stay.
"They're two top goalkeepers. Asmir will be disappointed as Thomas was disappointed when he was missing cup games but these are the decisions you have to make as a manager.

Chance

"The great thing about the last couple of weeks is that Asmir's come into the team and played really well. He'd had a spell in the team just before he was left out where he looked a little bit tired, a bit jaded and made a few mistakes.
"But he's come back in refreshed and looked the part, and he deserves to be playing in the league. Now Thomas gets his chance."
One man who will definitely not be involved on Merseyside is Ricardo Fuller, with the Jamaican forward set to serve a ban following his reckless red card at Chelsea last time out.
Pulis admits the experienced striker let himself down at Stamford Bridge, but is reluctant to come down too heavily on a man who has served the club with distinction for six successful years.
He added: "Ric has done this a few times in his career. He's got that in the bag and I can't justify anything, it was stupid.
"It cost the team and it's disappointing in lots of respects but he's been a great player for this football club, a great talent. We wouldn't be where we are now without people like Ricardo and we should never forget that."

Martinez calls on experience



Wigan manager Roberto Martinez feels his side can use last year's escape from relegation as an inspiration to avoid the drop this year.
The Latics are currently rooted to the foot of the Premier League table with just 10 games remaining, but Martinez believes a repeat of last year's heroics is needed to survive.
His side narrowly avoided relegation last year by beating Stoke on the final day of the season and Martinez wants his side to remember that experience when they face West Brom on Saturday.
Martinez said: "The last campaign we were in a similar position, probably a worse position with 10 games to go, so we know exactly what we have to get through and what level we have to reproduce.

Experience

"The hardest thing in football or in life in general is going into the unknown. We would prefer to be in a different position but the truth is we know what to expect and we can control our destiny by performing well."
He added: "Experience is a big word and sometimes it's difficult to describe it but clearly it's a strength now."
Wigan's home form has been a cause for concern this campaign - fans at the
DW Stadium have only seen their team win one game all season - and this is something Martinez is hoping to change.
He said: "One win at home is not going to be good enough and we want to change that. We've had big, big afternoons at the DW Stadium over the seasons. In the last campaign there were many twists and turns in the last 10 games and in this league you expect that.
"We can't rely on anyone else because our position doesn't allow us to do that. That's why it's going to be crucial at home this season and to be ready and help the players to be themselves and achieve what we deserve to achieve."

Powell still got Euell in mind


Charlton manager Chris Powell claims Jason Euell could yet play a part in the Addicks' promotion run-in.
The veteran striker's current loan spell at AFC Wimbledon comes to an end after their clash with Bristol Rovers on Saturday.
"Of course he can (play a part), he's our player," said Powell.
"He's gone up to Wimbledon and been very up and down with games because of the weather and the fact he got injured in his first game.
"But he played the other night, which was good for him.
"We will have to wait and see how they feel and how he feels. He might want to stay, he might want to come back, or he might not have any option because I might recall him. I know that option is always there."

United bamboozled in Bilbao



Athletic Bilbao produced another dazzling performance to beat Manchester United 2-1 in the second leg of their Europa League tie at San Mames and secure a 5-3 aggregate success.
Manchester United had travelled to the Basque Country hoping to overturn a 3-2 deficit from the first leg at Old Trafford, but were rarely able to get on the front foot against opponents who combined attacking flair with a furious intensity to retrieve possession when they did lose the ball.
Bilbao took the lead on the night with a stunning goal after 23 minutes, with Fernando Llorente demonstrating perfect technique to strike a first-time volley into the bottom corner from a long ball over the top of the United defence.
Further chances came and went for the home side before Oscar de Marcos made it 2-0 in the 65th minute with a shot from 12 yards that deflected past David de Gea.
Wayne Rooney pulled a goal back with a tremendous curling effort ten minutes from time to give United a lifeline and set up a more interesting finale, but Bilbao held firm to advance to the quarter-finals.

Bright start

Having acknowledged how well the Basque outfit had played at Old Trafford seven days ago, Sir Alex Ferguson used the availability of Tom Cleverley to pack his midfield.
The idea was to stem Athletic's source of attacks and get support to lone striker Rooney as quickly as possible.
United did create a very early opening when Park Ji-sung sent Rooney running free.
But the striker opted to cross instead of shoot, no-one was up in support and from that moment, United's hopes took a nosedive.
Markel Susaeta's free-kick was deflected wide after Michael Carrick had fouled Ander Herrera, then Patrice Evra headed Javi Martinez's effort off the line.
The pressure was mounting and United survived a major scare when Llorente found Iker Muniain with a superb pass.
Muniain's shot struck the base of a post with De Gea beaten and De Marcos drove the rebound wildly over when he should have scored.
De Marcos had another shot saved before Athletic took the lead in magnificent style.
Fernando Amorebieta launched a long ball across the pitch from halfway. There appeared little danger, even as the ball dropped over Rio Ferdinand's shoulder - but Llorente met it with a first-time volley that gave De Gea no chance as it flew into the opposite corner.
It was the least Athletic deserved after proving their Old Trafford triumph was no fluke and meant United had to score at least three times to go through, something they did not appear capable of.
Ryan Giggs' corner was easily collected by Gorka Iraizoz on a rare United foray forward.
And then, after Rooney had led a rapid counter-attack, Young was tackled by Amorebieta inside the Athletic area.
Llorente, doubtful beforehand with a hamstring strain, was replaced by Gaizka Toquero five minutes before the interval.
But it hardly seemed to matter and the glee of the home fans at half-time summed up the state of the tie.
Memorable
De Marcos blasted an early shot wide at the start of the second period and clearly the hosts had no intention of easing up.
And when De Marcos and Susaeta combined to set up Andoni Iraola, the visitors almost conceded another memorable goal.
Instead of shooting, the full-back weaved his way past three defenders inside the United box. It was brilliant stuff but the Athletic skipper spoiled his hard work by flicking the ball narrowly wide.
Moments later, Iraola crossed for Toquero but, unmarked, he lifted his shot over.
Rafael was booked for deliberately handling an attempted pass by Herrera, before Chris Smalling - in a Petr Cech style helmet to protect a head wound - and Paul Pogba, on his 19th birthday, were introduced after 63 minutes for Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick.
It was the clearest evidence that Ferguson had given the tie up.
When De Marcos netted Athletic's second from Iraola's cross two minutes later, it was effectively all over.
Pogba was booked for a late challenge on Herrera and, having elected to leave Rooney on, hearts were in mouths when he took his time getting up from a tangle with Jon Aurtenetxe.
Thankfully he got to his feet and 10 minutes from time curled home a brilliant effort of his own - but it was far too late for United.
Athletic de BilbaoTeam StatisticsManchester United
2Goals1
11st Half Goals0
6Shots on Target2
12Shots off Target0
3Blocked Shots2
5Corners5
14Fouls18
2Offsides1
1Yellow Cards2
0Red Cards0
81.4Passing Success81
21Tackles23
71.4Tackles Success73.9
49.8Possession50.2
53.6Territorial Advantage46.4
499Total Passes495
16Total Crosses17
161Lost Balls170
57Recoveries49
46.61st Half Poss.53.4
54.32nd Half Poss.45.7

Schwarzer out to topple Swans


Mark Schwarzer sees no reason why Fulham cannot maintain their good home form with success over Swansea City on Saturday.

The Cottagers have lost just three times at Craven Cottage in 14 Premier League games, including securing recent wins over Stoke and Wolves.
Martin Jol's side had won three straight in England's top-flight prior to suffering their last-gasp heartache to Aston Villa last time out.
Schwarzer knows Swansea will come to London will their tails up after toppling Manchester City,although he thinks they can be beaten.

Encouraging

"The last month or so has been very encouraging," he told the club's official website.
"We've played some fantastic football and deservedly went on a very good run where we won three matches in succession.
"Unfortunately we couldn't keep that run going and last week's defeat at Aston Villa was hugely disappointing.
"It was a game we shouldn't have lost and with their goal coming so late it was a difficult result to take for me personally.
"Saturday is another big game for us. We're at home and it goes without saying that we're looking to pick up as many points as possible at the Cottage.
"Swansea will be a tough opposition as they've had a good campaign so far. They are a very good side and one that plays some fantastic football.
"Hopefully it will be an exciting game, especially for our fans. Our form at home has been exceptional and we want to keep that going."
Finishes
Fulham are currently 10th in the table and Schwarzer is pleased their quest for a top-ten finish remains on course, especially with their history of strong finishes.
"A top-10 finish was our target at the start of the season and there's no doubt that's where we want to be at the end," continued the veteran Australian.
"We're looking at getting those 40 points as quickly as possible and after that we can start thinking about the possibilities of where we could finish.
"Over the past four years we've had a good record in terms of our finishing position in the league.
"We were seventh in my first season here, and although we dropped off a bit during the 2009/10 season, it was softened by reaching the final of the Europa League. Then, of course, we finished eighth last season.
"We want to continue building on the progress we've already made and to be able to finish highly again is invaluable really."

Faurlin targeting August return


Alejandro Faurlin could be ready to make his return to action at the start of the 2012/13 campaign, says Queens Park Rangers' head physio Nigel Cox.

The Argentine midfielder suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage during an FA Cup third round tie with MK Dons in January, and was forced under the knife as a result.
He has since undergone a successful operation and QPR are hopeful regarding his chances of coming back into contention for the start of next season.
"It has been well documented that Ali will not return this season and the target is for him to be back for the start of the next campaign," Cox told the club's official website.
"Injuries such as this tend to take six to seven months to recover from.
"That timeframe would take us to August and we are hopeful that if there are no problems along the way we will be able to have Ali available for the start of next season."

Rehabilitation

Faurlin is due back in London early next week after spending the last two months in Spain since being operated on by world-renowned surgeon Ramon Cugat.
"Ali wanted to have a Spanish-speaking surgeon so that he could communicate directly without any obstacles," Cox said.

"Ali ruptured the cruciate in his right knee so an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was needed.
"Ramon is a very experienced and highly respected surgeon. He is linked very closely to Barcelona Football Club and recently operated on David Villa and Andreu Fontas.
Recovery
"I travelled out to Barcelona with Ali the night before the operation which is when we met Ramon, and the surgery took place the following day.
"They actually took part of Ali's patella tendon from the front of his knee and replaced the damaged ligament with a graft of Ali's own body so that it wouldn't reject.
"It was a very successful operation, and the programme since then has involved Ali remaining in Barcelona to carry out the initial stage of his rehab under the watchful eye of Ramon.
"I visited him a fortnight ago and he is getting to the point now where he will be out on the grass soon, and that is when he will return to England and we will take over his recovery.
"He is due back here very soon, potentially as early as next week. Then we will look to gradually step up his rehab. It will be great to have him back around the place."

Gers face SFA sanction



The Scottish Football Association has issued Rangers and club chairman Craig Whyte with notices of complaint over alleged breaches of disciplinary rules.
Rangers and owner Whyte will have their disciplinary charges heard on 29th March after the SFA's compliance officer processed the findings of the independent inquiry into the club.
Whyte has been issued with notices of complaint over breaches of two disciplinary rules, a week after he was ruled unfit to be a club official.
Rangers have been hit with notices of complaint over five alleged breaches of rules, including failing to abide by SFA regulations over the 'fit and proper person' test.

Davis asks for positive support



Crewe manager Steve Davis has called on the Gresty Road faithful to help inspire his side's late promotion push.
Last weekend's see-saw 4-3 triumph at Gillingham means the Railwaymen are three points shy of the top seven in League Two with 10 games remaining.
Six of those games are at home, starting with Swindon's visit on Saturday, and Davis believes positive home backing could prove decisive.
"We've got six at home and four away so I'm really hoping that the supporters get behind us for the six home games because that could make all the difference," he said.
"They're going to be important to us, the fans. They've been brilliant away, but at home they're a bit apprehensive. So I want them to be more positive and really get behind us.
"That makes a hell of a difference, it really does, if the crowd are up and getting the players up, particularly in games where you need them. When you go a goal behind, you need them. When you go to 1-1 you certainly need them to try and get that extra goal."

Vine fitness concerns Sturrock



Southend boss Paul Sturrock is yet to reach a decision over a possible loan move for Rowan Vine.
The QPR striker bagged a late winner in a trial game on Tuesday afternoon to give the Shrimpers' reserves a 1-0 win over Oxford, although Sturrock was left with concerns over the fitness of Vine, who has not played first-team football since September.
"With our injuries and everything else it's been very difficult for me to really consider what's best," Sturrock said. "He didn't look fit to me and that's a worrying aspect - how long it would take. That's something I've been talking to the fitness coaches about."
Sturrock is also deliberating over a move for centre-back Christian Dailly, 38, who also started the reserve-team clash.
Meanwhile, a long-awaited decision over the future of Southend winger Bilel Mohsni is expected to be announced by the npower League Two club soon.
The mercurial winger has not played since the 1-0 defeat at Morecambe in late February when, not for the first time this season, his behaviour attracted the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Dickov pleased with Smith loan



Oldham boss Paul Dickov believes Matt Smith's loan stint at Macclesfield will be vital in the player's development.
Striker Smith joined the Silkmen on loan until the end of the season having only started four times in 35 appearances for Latics this term.
The 22-year-old moved to Boundary Park from non-league outfit Solihull Moors last summer and Dickov is confident he will be a success at League One level.
"For his football progression, Matt needs to play and have a run of games," the manager told his club's official website. "It will do him the world of good and also toughen him up.
"It was always the plan this season for him to go out and get a run of consecutive games.
"Matt is a great kid and I believe there is something there and he will score goals. He just needs to become more streetwise and toughen himself up."

Odemwingie set to miss out



Roy Hodgson has revealed that Peter Odemwingie is unlikely to play any part in West Brom's weekend trip to Wigan.
The Nigeria international is nursing a calf complaint and is not expected to shake the ailment off in time to figure against the Latics.
Odemwingie has been in fine form of late, netting five goals in his last 10 appearances, and will be a big loss for the Baggies.
Hodgson, though, is confident that he has enough depth in his squad to cope in his absence.
He said: "Peter Odemwingie is a doubt for the Wigan game. It's a calf strain. In fact, I wouldn't think he will make the game.
"Peter was complaining about the problem a bit before the (Manchester) United game last week and when we came off afterwards. But it opens the door for a few people."

Missing

Odemwingie will not be the only absentee at the DW Stadium, with the suspended Jonas Olsson and injured Steven Reid also set to miss out.
In addition, Keith Andrews has been unable to train this week after picking up a knee problem.
Hodgson will not be using missing men as an excuse, though, with injuries and suspensions inevitable at this stage of the season.
He said: "Everyone can point to maybe two, three, four injuries and we just have to get on with it."

No Wolfsburg deal for Olic



Ivica Olic's agent has dismissed reports suggesting the Bayern Munich striker has agreed to join Bundesliga rivals Wolfsburg at the end of the season.
The Croatia international's contract with Bayern expires in the summer and he has been linked with a move elsewhere for some time.
Several German newspapers claimed on Thursday that he has struck a deal to go to Wolfsburg on a free transfer.
However, his agent Gordon Stipic told Sport1.de that he has "neither negotiated nor reached an agreement" with the Wolves.
Olic, 32, becomes a free agent in the summer and, after falling out of favour at Bayern, he recently announced that he will be seeking a new challenge next season.
He has made only 15 substitute appearances so far this campaign and initially wanted to leave during the winter break before being convinced to stay until the end of the season.

Moore glad for returning duo



Tranmere boss Ronnie Moore is delighted to have Enoch Showunmi and Andy Robinson back and on-form following injury lay-offs.
The attacking duo were plagued by respective leg and knee injuries as Rovers plummeted down the table, costing previous boss Les Parry his job earlier this month.
However, both returned to score Tranmere's goals in back-to-back wins over Leyton Orient and Preston to give Moore a dream start to his third spell as Prenton Park boss.
"You'll miss players like that because they've got good experience," he told Press Association Sport.
"Showunmi looked nice and sharp against Preston. It's the sharpest I've seen him for a while because he's looked quite sloppy but he's trained quite well and done okay.
"And Robbo has fantastic ability on the ball. I've always liked him from his Swansea days and now he's a little bit older, a little bit wiser and uses the ball really well so it's great to have someone like that in your squad."