Kinnear tips Colo to bounce back

Joe Kinnear has backed Fabricio Coloccini to bounce back after his below-par performance against Liverpool.
The £10million defender was blasted by TV pundits after the Reds ran riot to win 5-1 at St James' Park on Sunday.
While Kinnear admits his usual "Mr Reliable" was not at his best, he believes excuses can be made, including that he had to play Charles N'Zogbia at left-back and throw reserve-team skipper David Edgar into a makeshift back four.
Kinnear told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle: "He's Mr Reliable normally but he was below par against Liverpool.
"I can understand that. One of the reasons for that is because we didn't have two of the usual back four playing.
"I've already said this season that we need to keep a settled back four.
"Also, Colo's performance was probably to do with the quality of the team we were playing against.
"But for all that, I did not expect us as a team to lose in the manner that we did and we must improve."
The Magpies' defence will be boosted by the return of Sebastien Bassong after the Frenchman served his one-match ban against Liverpool following his sending-off at Wigan.
Kinnear said: "It will be a big boost to get him back. We did miss him against Liverpool and he too can come back stronger."
He added: "We'll learn from this, but we do need some reinforcements."

Benni warns Cruz about leaving

Benni McCarthy has warned Blackburn team-mate Roque Santa Cruz to think twice before deciding to leave Ewood Park.
Santa Cruz's future has been the subject of intense speculation for some time with the player admitting a desire to play for a more ambitious club.
Manchester City are believed to be lining up a bid for the Paraguayan when the transfer window reopens, with former Rovers boss Mark Hughes apparently keen to be reunited with Santa Cruz.
McCarthy, whose own future has also been the subject of conjecture, has urged Santa Cruz to stay put, warning him he might not be appreciated as much away from Ewood Park.
"My message to Roque is that the grass is really not that green on the other side," said McCarthy. "Life is always harder. Here, you are appreciated and loved, but go elsewhere, and you have to start all over again.
"That makes it really, really hard to get going and who knows whether you will be as popular as you were at your previous club when you join your next one?
"Blackburn is a fantastic place to be. It is a great family club and, when you play here and you are a family-orientated person, it is amazing.
"It is very close-knit, the people are nice and they always try to do everything they can for you and your family to make you feel at home.
"That is the most important thing you can have in football because, if your family life is good, then the football side will get the best out of you."

Wenger eyes future domination

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal are not far away from 'dominating' the Premier League despite being 10 points behind.
The Gunners have endured a disappointing first half of the campaign after suffering five defeats in their opening 20 league matches.
Wenger's side sit fourth in the table, but the Frenchman has boldly claimed they are "one or two per cent" away from dominating the league.
He said in the Evening Standard: "I'm convinced that we are on the right track. We are not missing 10 per cent, we are missing one or two per cent.
"We can get that one or two per cent easily and then we can dominate the league.
"I'm disappointed that the team is not getting the praise or the respect it deserves at the moment, but we have to keep going. We will keep going with this spirit and we will turn people around.
"Getting that final per cent or two is down to being a bit more relaxed and composed when the situation calls for it.
"My hopes and aims for 2009 are to support this team. I believe strongly in this team and if they get the support I think they will be rewarded in 2009 because they deserve it.
"They have talent and I'm sure they will be rewarded."
Gael Clichy, meanwhile, believes "focus" will prove key to Arsenal's hopes of forcing themselves back into the title race.
The 1-0 home win over Portsmouth on Sunday broke a run of three successive draws, the last of which came at top-four rivals Aston Villa - where the Gunners had led until stoppage time.
It was not the first time Arsenal were hit late on, having thrown away a two-goal advantage in the north London derby against Tottenham.
Clichy, though, believes with improved communication between the defence, such flaws can be removed from their game.
"When we conceded late goals, it was not so much that the other teams were better than us, more of a lack of focus and communication," the full-back told Arsenal TV Online.
"The boss has asked us to talk and communicate more on the pitch, which is what we did against Portsmouth and we got the clean sheet.
"We all played as a unit against Portsmouth, and we have to use this game as an example for the team and if we play like this, with the players we have, we can still do things."
Clichy added: "Everyone is looking forward to a little break now, because we need it at this time of year. We have a lot of games coming up and need some fresh players."
The Gunners have a break from league action now until the visit of Bolton on January 10, as they face Coca-Cola Championship side Plymouth at the Emirates Stadium this weekend in the FA Cup - the last trophy the club won in 2005.
Whether or not any fresh faces will arrive at London Colney before then remains to be seen.
With Fabregas sidelined until April at the earliest, it seems most likely Wenger - who has a healthy transfer kitty at his disposal, should he wish to spend it on the right man - will look to strength his midfield options.
Arsenal have been linked with moves for both Zenit St Petersburg's Andrei Arshavin, Liverpool's Xabi Alonso as well as Barcelona's Yaya Toure, brother of Arsenal defender Kolo.
The return to fitness of striker Eduardo after 10 months out with a broken leg could also provide a timely boost, although the FA Cup tie will come too soon for the Croatia international.

Cologne to step up bid for Podolski

Cologne are to intensify their interest in Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski as competition grows for his signature.
Cologne are to intensify their interest in Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski in the new year as competition grows for his signature.
The Germany international has requested a transfer and is keen on returning to his home-town club, but their first offer earlier this month was rejected out of hand.
After letting the dust settle, Cologne are now preparing to return with an improved bid to lure Podolski home.
"Cologne needs an image and that should be Lukas," explained Cologne's general manager Michael Meier.
"The deal is certainly on the way. Bayern ruined this great story with Lukas and Cologne back then, but now the time has come to move it on."
The greatest stumbling block remains Bayern's demands for the Germany international, who they signed from Cologne for 10 million euros in 2007.
They expect to earn at least as much as that, but Cologne's first offer was reported to be only seven million.
However, Cologne coach Christoph Daum feels his club needs to take a risk in ensuring they do not lose Podolski to a rival club.
"He has many alternatives, but the most important is still Cologne," he told the Cologne Express newspaper.
"That is unique in this day and age. To get such a player, you have got to do absolutely everything."
Bayern have indicated their willingness to sell Podolski next summer but that they would prefer a deal to be done this winter which would enable them to keep hold of the 23-year-old until June.
Despite signing United States striker Landon Donovan, Bayern coach Jurgen Klinsmann says he does not want to part from a striker and that he needs four forwards in his squad to help with their assault on silverware in 2009.

What a year it has been!

espnstar.com takes a look back at some of the most memorable sporting moments we have witnessed in 2008.
Michael Phelps
The powerful swimmer from United States dominated headlines from start to end at the Beijing Olympics with his eight gold medal tally which gave him the proud record of most gold medals won by an athlete at a single Olympic Games.
Never has swimming looked so glamorous until Phelps came along.
Rafael Nadal
Known for years as the undisputed ‘King of Clay', Nadal finally had his breakthrough year by not only defending his French Open title but also adding his first Wimbledon triumph to a bulging trophy cabinet.
In doing so, Nadal overtook Swiss ace, Roger Federer's reign as the World No.1 ranked male player on the circuit.
Abhinav Bindra
The Indian sharpshooter wrote his name into the history books by winning India's first Olympic gold medal for 28 years.
Bindra trounced his opponents in the 10-metre Air Rifle event in Beijing as the entire nation stood as one to cheer him on and rally him to victory.
Lewis Hamilton
At the tender age of 22, Hamilton gave his all and won the coveted Formula 1 Drivers' Championship to become the youngest ever driver to take the title.
Singapore Grand Prix
The Lion City hosted its first ever Formula 1 race to great success.
What made it all the more magical was that it was also the first ever night race in the sport's history.
Sir Alex Ferguson
The wily Scotsman took his beloved Manchester United to a Barclays Premier League and Champions League double in 2008 with his side playing some of the most scintillating football in Europe.
Armed with star players Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, Ferguson's side dominated their domestic and European rivals throughout the year and recently added the FIFA Club World Cup title to be bestowed the title of ‘World Club Champions'.
Usain Bolt
The Jamaican sprinter who left everyone breathless and trailing in his wake as he sped off with the 100 and 200m gold medals at the Olympics in world record time.
He capped off his amazing treble by helping Jamaica win the 4x400 metres gold medal to make it a golden treble in Beijing.
Giving him the nickname "Lightning Bolt" was rather appropriate.
So here are some of the sporting moments in 2008 which have captured our hearts at espnstar.com so what about you?
Send us your comments at streettalk@espnstar.com

Droylsden kicked out of FA Cup

Giantkillers Droylsden have been expelled from the FA Cup for fielding an ineligible player in the win over Chesterfield.
The Blue Square North side had beaten Chesterfield 2-1 but defender Sean Newton, who scored both goals for the Manchester side, should have been serving a suspension for picking up five bookings.
An FA Cup protest sub-committee met today and ordered that Droylsden be removed from the competition and League Two side Chesterfield will now play Ipswich in the third round on Saturday.
The sub-committee also ruled that the FA Cup prize fund payment of £30,000 should be redirected to Chesterfield.
Any appeal against the decision must be lodged with the FA by 9am tomorrow and the appeal would heard on Wednesday.

Huntelaar hoping to get UCL nod

Dutch striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar is determined to play for Spanish giants Real Madrid in this season's Champions League.
UEFA rules mean Madrid are likely to have to choose between their two big winter signings, Huntelaar from Ajax and Lassana Diarra from Portsmouth, with only one allowed to play in Europe.
And Huntelaar said: "They can only register one player and I have to do everything possible so that player is me."
He added: "I hope to be chosen. It's up to me."
Huntelaar confirmed he had not discussed the issue with the club, saying: "I've heard about it from the press."
Huntelaar, who moved to the Bernabeu for an initial US$28million (20m euros), is still taking in his big-money move, which was announced at the start of December.
"I'm on a cloud," he was quoted as saying in Marca. "Everything is great and the good thing is that on January 4 I can play."
He added: "I appreciate the support and affection that I have been given [at Ajax].
"My dream now is to win in Madrid.
"Ajax will always be one of my teams, it is in my heart, but now I hope to do big things with Real Madrid. I want to succeed at this club."

"We are on William's side"

Manuel Almunia believes William Gallas is still Arsenal's real leader despite him losing the armband.
Almunia is currently in possession of the armband after Cesc Fabregas picked up a long-term injury.
Yet he insists the inspiration still comes from Gallas and cites the manner in which Arsenal players celebrated Gallas' winning goal against Portsmouth as evidence that there are no lingering problems over the French defender's controversial autobiography in which he questioned his team-mates' bravery and accused one Arsenal player of disrupting morale.
Almunia said: "William is a very good professional. When he was captain he would fight for the team, in every aspect.
"He is a real winner and has a strong character. But we are on William's side - everyone supports him. I have a very good relationship with him and I was very happy for him to score.
"He has shown that he is an unbelievable professional. He is a player with more trophies than anyone else in the team - everyone has to respect that.
"He knows how to get success. Even though he is not the captain we follow him. I play with so much confidence when William is playing in front of me. He has won the World Cup and I have so much respect for him."
Wenger has confirmed he does not want to sell in the January transfer window so at 31 Gallas could have a crucial role in the Gunners' quest to get back into the title race.
Arsenal trail league leaders Liverpool by 10 points and long-term injuries to players such as Theo Walcott, Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky have disrupted their season.
Yet Almunia believes it is the steely identity which saw Arsenal win so many trophies with the likes of Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry which is still missing.
Almunia said: "We have shown good character, but we still have a little more to go to find the real Arsenal.
"The main thing is to look for our identity, our way, our character that gave this club all their titles and trophies.
"For whatever reason we lost our way, our character and the way we play on the pitch. We need to re-find our spirit and our desire to win games."
The form of Gallas could be key, especially now he seems to be rediscovering his love for the club without the stripes of responsibility.
Almunia added: "Maybe he lost some energy when he was captain. He took responsibility for the pressure felt by all the players. William took too many responsibilities and tried to be the main player on the pitch.
"I think he is playing better than before. I spoke to him last week and he told me that now he is playing better because he is not losing too much energy because he is not worried about other things and other players or other circumstances off the pitch."

Man United vs Boro Preview

Defender Rio Ferdinand will sit out Manchester United's league match against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford.
The England defender suffered a back spasm before his side claimed a narrow victory at Stoke.
Patrice Evra is again ruled out through suspension while Dimitar Berbatov is pushing for a recall to the team after making an impact when he stepped off the bench.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has offered the hand of friendship to Boro ahead of Monday`s meeting.
He wants to put to bed the bad feeling that has simmered between them the past two years.
"We hope the Christmas spirit has lingered on long enough to help heal the rift that had developed between the two clubs," he said.
That rift began in December 2006 when Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate accused Cristiano Ronaldo of cheating after he won a penalty in United's 2-1 victory in the league.
Three months later tempers flared again in an FA Cup sixth-round replay at Old Trafford with Ronaldo again the centre of controversy.
The Portugal winger went to ground late on and scored from the spot to ease his side through.
Middlesbrough midfielder James Morrison was so incensed he was given a straight red card for a challenge on Ronaldo - and Southgate appeared to condone his player's behaviour.
Then last September the simmering tensions between the two clubs flared up again during a Carling Cup tie at Old Trafford.
Rodrigo Possebon was carried off with a deep gash on his leg after being clattered by defender Emmanuel Pogatetz - the Austrian later apologised.
Ferguson was angered after the victory not just with Pogatetz's lunge but also the way the Middlesbrough bench reacted as if the player was feigning injury.
Now the veteran Scot wants to build bridges with the Teessiders and stated in his programme notes: "Over the years we have had some contentious games, culminating earlier in the season with the Carling Cup tie.
"A terrible tackle put Rodrigo Possebon out of the game but could easily have broken his leg.
"I lost my temper at the time but hopefully that challenge has served to bring both clubs to their senses.
"I feel the healing process started when their manager and his coach apologised for the tackle and things said in the heat of the moment.
"I think we understand better now that we are involved in games of football and not a war.
"I am sure we can build a better relationship. I certainly hope so because we have had some momentous games against Middlesbrough, matches that have helped decide titles.
"Those games also generate a great atmosphere and we always take a big crowd to the Riverside."
David Wheater is set to return to the Middlesbrough starting line-up.

Lampard: It's all to play for

Frank Lampard insists Chelsea have the fighting spirit required to mount a title challenge in the new year.
The London side drew three of their four games over the Christmas fortnight and head into 2009 three points behind Barclays Premier League pace-setters Liverpool.
Defending champions Manchester United will overhaul Chelsea if they win all three of their games in hand - making the Blues' trip to Old Trafford on January 11 a vital fixture.
Chelsea have dropped 11 points from their last available 21 but Lampard is confident they can rekindle the resilience that carried them to the title under Jose Mourinho in 2005 and 2006.
"There's three points in it and we've got a very good squad of players," said Lampard, after scoring both goals in Chelsea's 2-2 draw at Fulham yesterday.
"We have obviously lost a bit of ground now but there are big games coming up. We have Manchester United as our next game in the league so it's still all to play for.
"We will go to United wanting to win that game. If we can get real consistency going, we can win the league.
"You can only win titles with never-say-die in your team. That is what Chelsea are all about. We've had it for the last few years and we've still got it."
Lampard, sporting the captain's armband with John Terry suspended, embodied that attitude at Craven Cottage where he was Chelsea's outstanding player.
"Frank is a man who never accepts defeat," said Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.
"He scored two goals again and he works more chances than any other player. He played very, very well."
Unfortunately for Scolari the same attention to detail was not evident at the back as Lampard's best efforts were undone by poor set-piece defending.
Clint Dempsey, who had put Fulham ahead after Chelsea failed to clear a Simon Davies free-kick, was left unmarked to score the last minute equaliser.
"Without a doubt we should have won the game," Lampard added.
"We managed to get our nose in front and we felt comfortable in the game. Then we managed to get done on the set pieces and obviously there's frustration in the dressing room after the game.
"We dropped points against Fulham so Manchester United have a chance to go above us if they win all of their games in hand so that brings a lot of importance."
Terry's suspension will be over after the FA Cup third round tie against Southend on Saturday and he will be available for the United game.

Stevie G held after brawl

After guiding Liverpool to victory over Newcastle, captain Steven Gerrard was arrested after a brawl at a night-spot.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was arrested today after a brawl at a night-spot.
The England midfielder remains in custody after officers were called to an incident in Bold Street, Southport, at about 2.30am.
Merseyside Police said the 28-year-old and five other men were arrested on suspicion of assault.
A police spokesman said: "Merseyside Police is investigating an assault that took place in the early hours of Monday December 29 on Bold Street in Southport.
"At around 2.30am this morning officers attended a disturbance at a licensed premises on Bold Street.
"Six men were arrested on suspicion of section 20 assault on Lord Street.
"The men, four aged 33, 31, 29 and 19, who all come from the Huyton area, a 28-year-old man from Formby and an 18-year-old man from Litherland remain in police custody.
"A 34-year-old man from Southport was taken to hospital with facial injuries which are not believed to be life threatening."
Gerrard scored twice for Liverpool in yesterday's 5-1 win at Newcastle.
Gerrard went out with friends following the win at St James' Park.
The Reds captain, who scored twice, yesterday hailed his table-topping Liverpool side as the best he has played in.
He called on everyone at Anfield to enjoy being top of the league after Liverpool extended their lead over Chelsea thanks to the emphatic win.
Speaking after the game, Gerrard said: "I think we've got to enjoy it. We will play our best football if we are relaxed and composed.
"I think it's important for us to remain humble, keep our feet on the ground and keep working hard."
Gerrard was arrested after a disturbance at the Lounge Inn, a modern restaurant close to the junction of Bold Street and Stanley Street.
The eatery converts into a late night club venue with live music and DJs. No-one was available to comment today.
The well-to-do seaside town is a popular venue for wealthy footballers looking for a night out.
A Liverpool FC spokesman said the club would not be commenting on the alleged incident.

Zanetti warns Inter to stay vigilant

Javier Zanetti has warned Inter Milan not to discount anyone as they fight for their fourth successive Serie A title.
The Nerazzurri are six points clear of nearest challengers Juventus at the top of the table and have only lost one game all season.
However, Zanetti insists the title race is far from over yet and told Sky Sport 24: "You can see the work of the coach. But I am of the opinion that this team can even give more and we hope we can do that both in the Italian championship and in Europe."
"All of us hope and want Inter to take up once again the road that they left in 2008 and that we can finish first at the end," he added.
"We respect everyone and I believe that in January there will still be a very even tournament.
"Milan and Juventus are our main rivals but there are also Roma and Napoli who are doing very well.
"Everyone is fighting for the same aim which is also ours. We hope to get there first as we have done in the past three years."