european football

Aston Villa are to hold talks with midfielder James Milner in the summer regarding a new contract. Milner signed a four-year deal when he became Villa's £12million record signing after moving from Newcastle during the summer of 2008. But O'Neill is keen to reward Milner for his superb form this season and also secure his services on a long-term basis.  

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has told his squad to focus on becoming only the seventh club in the history of the English game to achieve the league and FA Cup double. The Italian has handed the new challenge to his players in the wake of their disappointing Champions League exit to Inter Milan in midweek. "It's to put a new motivation in all the club," said Ancelotti.

It's to put a new motivation in all the club   -Carlo Ancelotti

 

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has dismissed fears he could be out of action for a lengthy period with a hamstring injury. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp confirmed the forward faced a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a hamstring problem in training on Thursday. It was thought Defoe would be out of action for at least a month, but the England international is confident he will be back to fitness in ten days.

I think I'll be all right in around 10 days. It's not as major as people think   -Jermain Defoe

 

Liverpool go into Sunday's Premier League game in good form having thrashed Portsmouth 4-1 on Monday night and then Lille 3-0 on Thursday. It will not be so easy against United, though, who go into the game on the back of a Champions League success and three-match winning run in the Premier League. They also have the added threat of in-form Wayne Rooney but Lucas hopes it will be Fernando Torres stealing the headlines this weekend after hitting four goals in his last two games.

The form Fernando is in now is great for the team and hopefully he can do the same again on Sunday   -Dirk Kuyt

 

Colchester United's gritty midfielder may have shown his softer side by bringing a puppy into his new Essex home this week, but the 25-year-old has no intentions of toning down his dogged approach on the field. The January signing made his full Colchester debut on the left of midfield at Carlisle last weekend, but - having picked up a booking in the first half - was withdrawn at the break to prevent a possible second half dismissal. Described as a 'wasp' and 'horrible to play against' by manager Aidy

Like any footballer I want to keep my place in the side and play as many games as possible   -Ian Henderson

 

A football fan has revealed that he flew 10,000 miles from Australia to Britain to watch his favourite team play only to miss the game because of a broken down train. Will Keegan, 26, who paid 700 pounds for flights from Melbourne and a ticket for the Blackburn Rovers Premier League match with Fulham, stayed with family in Bromley, Kent, on arrival. And on the morning of the game he set off by train to make what should have been a three-hour trip.  

Arsenal will welcome back captain Cesc Fabregas for the visit of West Ham following the midfielder's return to training this week. Alex Song will be available after suspension and Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky is also set to return. West Ham duo Herita Ilunga (tendon) and Mark Noble (arm) returned to training this week and could be in line for a recall at Arsenal.  

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has set his sights on extending his stay in England and success with Spain at the World Cup finals this summer. "At present, I am negotiating a contract extension with Liverpool. I want to be the best goalkeeper in the club's history," he told sports daily Marca on Saturday. While the undisputed number one at Anfield, Reina has to content himself with being the back-up to Real Madrid's Iker Casillas with the Spanish national team.

At present, I am negotiating a contract extension with Liverpool. I want to be the best goalkeeper in the club's history   -Pepe Reina

 

RISING star Jack Butland has revealed that a fit of pique set him on the road to becoming a goalkeeper. The England youth international strutted his stuff up front until he was 11. "I actually was a striker," he admitted.