Beckham: Milan deal 'close'

LONDON, (PASports) - David Beckham is confident he will seal another loan move to AC Milan by the start of the New Year - and bolster his hopes of being part of England's 2010 World Cup squad.

Beckham was voted man of the match despite only appearing as a second-half substitute for the 3-0 win over Belarus in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley. But Fabio Capello has made it clear the former Manchester United star has to play at a high level of club football to have a realistic chance of being on the plane to South Africa.

Beckham said: "The Milan deal is almost done and hopefully that will be sorted out in the next month and I'll probably be going there at the end of December."

He added: "The move to Milan is close. I've always said I want to go back there and Milan have said they've wanted me from the time I left there.

"They are still saying the same now. It is 95% done and dusted so I don't see why it is not going to happen now.

"The manager (Capello) knows what is going on and he knows what he wants with other players and not just myself."

Beckham added: "Am I on target for a World Cup spot? There is a long time to go, a lot of games to play, a lot of the season left.

"We will see. I'll carry on working hard, playing as hard as I can, and just to give myself a chance.

"If I'm in the squad, then great, and if not, then we've got a strong squad of players that can go to Africa and make it interesting.

"We all have to prove ourselves every game and every training session that we want to be in the squad and in the team for every game and not just the World Cup."

Iniesta to sign new Barca deal

PAIN, (PA Sports) - Barcelona star Andres Iniesta has revealed he could sign an improved deal with the Catalan giants within the fortnight.

Barca have been working hard to tie their bunch of treble winners to long-term deals.

They have already improved the contracts of Lionel Messi, Victor Valdes and Xavi while talks are ongoing with Carlos Puyol, Rafael Marquez and coach Pep Guardiola.

And now it looks set to be the turn of Iniesta.

"I have never asked for anything from the club," said the Spain midfielder who is currently on international duty.

"It's the club who got into contact with me, and once we reach an agreement, it will be done, that's what's most important.

"If it comes about at the end that my deal is improved then it will be very welcomed.

"What's most important is that the club knows what I do for them. And if they believe that I deserve this improved deal then let's hope it's the right one.

"The two parties have to come to an agreement but I don't think there will be any type of problem."

Reds' hopes slowly fades

LONDON, (Reuters) - Coming off an international week and visiting a Sunderland side still abuzz from their Old Trafford efforts, Liverpool's title hopes could sustain a hole below the waterline even earlier than usual on Saturday.

Their 2-0 loss to Chelsea last time out was their third defeat in eight league matches and has left them six points behind the table-topping Londoners.

Another loss at the Stadium of Light, combined with wins for Chelsea at Aston Villa and Manchester United at home to Bolton Wanderers would leave Rafa Benitez's side with a mountain to climb.

Liverpool fans who celebrated their then-record 18th championship title and 10th in 15 years in 1990 would have taken some convincing that 20 years on they would still be searching for their 19th but that is already starting to look a strong possibility even before the end of October.

In recent seasons Benitez has made little attempt to disguise his feelings that the Premier League was strictly a second priority after the Champions League.

While they were winning and reaching the final of Europe's elite competition the fans could just about swallow it but when Manchester United equalled their record of 18 titles last season enough was enough.

Benitez certainly seemed to have more of a focus on domestic duties in the first two months of the season, with less rotation in the league, but his team have still been inconsistent.

They preceded the Chelsea defeat with a loss, and a poor performance, to Fiorentina in the Champions League. They follow the Sunderland game with a Champions League match against Lyon and a Premier League clash with United.

Assistant manager Sammy Lee, a key midfielder in the 1980s when Anfield league titles came along like London busess, told the club's website (www.liverpool.tv) that high-pressure games were the norm.

"At this football club, every week is massive," he said.

"It's been a mixed start to the season - there have been some good points and some bad. But it's still only October and we're going to be working very hard to ensure we're there or thereabouts come the end of the season in all competitions."

Steven Gerrard missed England's World Cup qualifier against Belarus on Wednesday with a groin strain but could feature on Saturday, while Fernando Torres was excused boots from Spain's game against Bosnia having played 55 minutes against Armenia on Saturday.

"There is no window for us to have any kind of international hangover - we don't have that luxury," Lee said.

Sunderland were heading for a famous victory at Old Trafford on October 3. before a last-minute own goal scraped Manchester United a 2-2 draw and, having beaten Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-2 the week before, confidence is high.

United have also been misfiring at times this season, though they have still won six and drawn one of their eight games, but will expect to claim another win at home to Bolton.

Chelsea's win over Liverpool was the perfect riposte after their perfect start to the season had been ended by Wigan Athletic and they face another stiff test at Villa.

Arsenal, who have already scored 24 goals in their seven games, are at home to Birmingham City, Tottenham Hotspur visit manager Harry Redknapp's former club Portsmouth while Manchester City visit Wigan on Sunday.

Kuyt: I am a winner

A regular for both club and country, fans favourite Dirk Kuyt played an integral role as the Netherlands became the first European nation to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ last June. The flying winger has also enjoyed regular first-team action at Liverpool, where he has become a popular figure at Anfield after joining the club from Feyenoord in 2006.

Since being awarded his first cap by the legendary Marco van Basten in 2004, Kuyt has largely been an ever-present for his country playing at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO 2008. Now with 58 caps to his name, Kuyt, who played every match of the Netherlands qualifying campaign, is hoping to set alight South Africa 2010 after the team made a disappointing exit in Germany three years ago.

Kuyt sat down with FIFA.com prior to the Oranje's international against Australia on the weekend to discuss Dutch hopes for South Africa 2010, the honour of playing for Liverpool and the joy of giving back to a game which has given him so much.

FIFA.com: Did the qualifying campaign run as smoothly from your perspective as it seemed to for onlookers?
Dirk Kuyt: It went even better. The qualifying stages are always very difficult. You always play against very good countries. We won every game so we are more than happy with the results. Teams like Scotland and Norway are strong teams but because we played very well it looked easier than it was.

Has coach Bert van Marwijk added something to have the team doing so well in the qualifiers?
The qualifying stages went pretty over the last couple of years (prior to van Marwijk's arrival) because we qualified for the World Cup in Germany and also the Euros in Austria and Switzerland. When the new manager came it also went pretty well. I think we already had a very good group and we have a good manager who is keeping to build this team to progress and make it even better than it was.

Germany 2006 ultimately ended in disappointing fashion for the Netherlands... Is South Africa 2010 a case of unfinished business for the Oranje?
(In 2006) We had pretty good few games in the group, and then we got Portugal and it was a bit of a missed chance, and we felt we could do something more. We still have a few of the lads still playing in the team, and also for some of the lads it is the last chance to do something in a World Cup. I also believe we have a very good squad with lots of talents. Even if (the World Cup is ) only 6-7 months away we can still progress with this team and do better than last time.

Has the team set targets or any limits on how far you can go in South Africa?
In the end you try to win every game and win the tournament, but when you look at other countries like Spain, Argentina, Brazil, France, Italy, there are lots of countries with a lot of quality. It will be very difficult to lift the trophy at the end but for us we will try to reach the highest position that is possible. We have a strong belief, although we know that we have very good players, we are trying to continue with our team building as well and to progress in this (area). I think what we have to do is keep going as a team, but also try to become closer with each other and become even stronger friends. At the end I think that very small details will make the difference at the World Cup.

In years gone by there have been some problems within the Netherlands squad, so is it a good group that are now in the squad?
I think this is a very good group. Most of the players have been with each other for a long time. I think what happens in the past belongs to the past. I can't see any problems at this stage and I can't believe that it (squad disharmony) will happen during the World Cup.

At club level, Liverpool has suffered a few early-season losses but how do you feel the season is shaping up?
I was very disappointed in the beginning that we got beaten twice. After that we picked it up and we won a couple of games in a row. But then we had another defeat away at Stamford Bridge at Chelsea. It was a very difficult game, but I still think we could do something more in this game. It is a very tough league, it is a very long season and there are still chances for Liverpool. So we have to keep coming as a team and concentrate on our own game and winning every upcoming game. I'm sure in a month or in a couple of months that we will be there. The games will be decided on small details and I think that is what happened at Chelsea.

Liverpool's 19-year title drought is often mentioned. Is that a factor which plays on the minds of the players at Anfield or does it just add to the determination?
Everybody knows how much the supporters want to lift the Premier league trophy. As a player for Liverpool, you always want to win everything, so at the start of the every season you aim to achieve as many trophies possible. This is a special trophy for everyone, for the supporters, for the team and for everyone that loves Liverpool, you can see that.

You seem very happy and settled in the team, are you enjoying life on and off the pitch at Liverpool?
I am a very happy person. I love the city of Liverpool, very nice, warm and respected people. I love Liverpool Football Club. Every day that I can be there, it makes me more than happy. I try to play as good and as long as possible for Liverpool.

You seem popular with the Anfield crowd. How much of an inspiration is the Anfield atmosphere for you?
To play in England is already unbelievable, when you look at all the supporters. If you play for Liverpool it is unbelievable and the supporters are an extra dimension. I have never seen such good supporters before I came to Anfield. I was used to playing at Feyenoord with a fantastic crowd, definitely the best in Holland, but when I came to Anfield it was another level. It really helps us and I'm sure it helps us when we are in difficult times, so the supporters are really important to us.

Do you have thoughts about where you will be playing your club football in the long-term, or have any thoughts of returning to the Netherlands one day?
I have just signed an extension of my Liverpool contract so I am more than happy. I am just trying to keep going (at Liverpool) for as long as possible, and we will see what the future brings. I will always have a special feeling for Feyenoord. It was, and still is a very important club for me, but at the moment I am very happy at Liverpool.

On a personal note, do you have specific short-term and long-term goals?
For me it is a case of trying to win every game. I am a winner, and for me the most important thing is trying to win the next game. I just want to win everything. For me every game is just as important, and if you aim to win every game you will win trophies and that is what it's all about for me.

You have been used in a variety of position but do you have a personal preference to play wide or in the middle?
To me it doesn't really matter. Throughout my career I have played in different positions. I think I am a natural born striker. For me it is absolutely no problem to play in whichever position. I am just enjoying myself as long as I can be important to the team.

Can you tell us about the Dirk Kuyt Foundation which you helped set up to assist disadvantaged children in your homeland and also in other countries. What do you get out of it and what does it mean to you?
The Dirk Kuyt foundation we started a few years ago together with some people from the village from where I came from. It is very exciting because in a small time it is already a big foundation and already we have been able to do many good things. At the moment we are supporting disabled people in playing all different types of sports. We have a lot of activities going on in Holland. I am very happy that I can be involved in this kind of thing because football has given me so much and it is good to be able to give something back.

Quansah fires Ghana to final

A thunderbolt from Abeiku Quansah was thfe difference as Ghana survived a late comeback from Hungary to book their place in the final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009. Leading 2-0 with just under 20 minutes to go thanks to a first half brace from Dominic Adiyiah, Quansah's 81st minute effort was sandwiched in between strikes from substitutes Marko Futacs and Balazs Megyeri.

Yet, this was a game that Ghana deserved to win. They served notice of their intent as early as the ninth minute when Mohammed Rabiu sent a right footed shot over the bar and a minute later they were ahead. Adam Presinger's sloppy back pass was seized upon by Andre Ayew, who took it past the keeper, slipped it towards the net and Adiyiah bundled it over the line before Presinger had chance to clear.

The Africans were in complete control in the opening 45 minutes, but had a tendency to surrender possession too easily, which created a few nerves, especially given the calibre of striker that Hungary have in their ranks. Ayew and Osei had shots which were fairly comfortable for Peter Gulasci, but the keeper could do nothing about the Satellites second, which came shortly after the half hour mark.

Samuel Inkoom's cross from the right was met with a confident downward header by Gulacsi who celebrated his eighth of the tournament in style. The only shot on goal worthy of note from the Europeans during the first half came when Mate Kiss's free-kick was comfortably claimed by Daniel Agyei.

Just before the break, Osei saw another shot well saved by Gulacsi and Adiyiah went close again with a shot on the turn which went narrowly wide.

Hungary made two changes at the break, which saw Presinger and the injured Nemeth replaced by Balazs Megyeri and Roland Varga respectively. The changes also saw Andras Gosztonyi move into a more advanced role and he almost pulled one back for Hungary in the 48th minute when he dragged a shot just across the face of goal.

Megyeri went close in the 52nd minute when he connected with Gosztonyi's free-kick at the far post, but his right footed effort cannoned off the outside of the post and away to safety. Varga's dangerous cross narrowly evaded three Hungarian players and with time ticking away in the 71st minute, it was time for the final throw of the dice, with Marko Futacs coming on for captain Zsolt Korcsmar.

It took two minutes to pay off. Andras Simon slipped the ball to the big striker inside the box and he made no mistake. Predictably, it set up a grandstand finish. Gosztonyi delivered fine balls for Varga and Janos Szabo, but they both wasted their chances, failing even to trouble the keeper.

With Hungary committing men forward, Ghana took advantage. Adiyiah slipped the ball to Opuko Agyemang, who found Quansah on the right side of the box and he crashed a shot off the underside of the crossbar to restore Ghana's two goal advantage with nine minutes to go.

The Black Satellites should have been cruising by this point, but a defensive lapse from David Addy allowed Hungary back into the game. The striker's first touch should have been dealt with by the left back, but his slip allowed Megyeri to take advantage; as all he had to do was pass the ball past Agyei and into the net.

Yet, despite the deficit being reduced once again, it was Ghana who came closest to scoring in added time when Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu rattled the crossbar with a ferocious right footed shot. Two minutes later it was all over and the Black Satellites were celebrating their progression to their third appearance in the final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Swedish FA play down Sven link

The Swedish Football Association has played down reports linking Notts County director of football Sven-Goran Eriksson with the national team.

Eriksson: Sweden link

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Current coach Lars Lagerback, who has led the Scandinavians to the last five major tournaments, is set to quit following a disastrous World Cup qualifying campaign.

They are only a point behind second-placed Portugal in Group One, but their rivals play at home on Wednesday against a Malta side who have lost eight and drawn one of their nine matches.

It has immediately sparked a campaign in Sweden for Eriksson to be put in charge as the overwhelming favourite in newspaper polls back in his homeland.

However, a spokesman for the Swedish FA said: "The national team's qualification campaign still has a match remaining and a shortlist has not yet been drawn up."

Former England boss Eriksson has previously suggested he would like to lead his country before retiring.

He refused to answer questions from Swedish journalists about the national team following Notts County's 2-2 home draw against Torquay yesterday - a result that signalled the end of Ian McParland's reign as manager at Meadow Lane and which could see Eriksson take charge of first-team affairs for the Magpies' game against Rotherham at the weekend.

However, his trusted right-hand man Tord Grip told the Daily Mail: "I don't know if he has a clause in his contract, but I'm sure he would be interested, I think.

"Then we'll see if it is the right time, but, at the moment, I don't know. We must wait to see what happens."

Furious Cannavaro cleared of doping

Juventus star Fabio Cannavaro has lashed out at the press after he was officially cleared of any wrongdoing over a failed drugs test on Monday.

Cannavaro: Cleared of any wrongdoing

Cannavaro tested positive for the banned substance cortisone after taking a medicine to treat an insect sting in August.

The Italy captain had requested an exemption from taking drugs tests, on the grounds of having taken a medication in an emergency situation, but failed to include a document necessary to complete the application.

The national anti-doping tribunal have now dropped the case, as expected, after it was recommended by the Italian Olympic Committee's anti-doping prosecutor on Saturday, and Cannavaro has lambasted the media for making a mountain out of a molehill.

"It really annoys me. And in case you didn't understand properly I'll repeat that, it really annoys me," he raged. "I have a clean conscience.

"Someone gets stung by a bee and finds themselves in the paper as if they were a drug user.

"When it happened I thought I was dreaming. Some newspapers and television stations really exaggerated."

It is not the first time Cannavaro has been at the centre of a drugs controversy.

In 1999 the then Parma defender was filmed the night before the UEFA Cup final injecting himself with a substance - later proved to be the legal drug neoton.

"This is the second time I find myself in the paper for stories of this sort," continued Cannavaro. "That time it was really stupid of me to let myself be filmed, even if the substance was not illegal.

"This time there was stupidity on Juve's part but it all seems exaggerated to me.

"I hope these doubts don't follow me beyond today, my career has been exemplary and I have always followed the rules."

UNDER HALF A MILLION WATCH ENGLAND

Fewer than half a million people watched England's first game to be broadcast exclusively live over the internet and no detailed viewing figures will be released, the firms behind the move have revealed.

Fans who paid between £5 and £12 to watch the match online complained about the lack of atmosphere, slow streaming speeds and the lack of licensed premises showing the game.

But international football agency Kentaro and media group Perform insisted there were "no technical issues".

The firms described the number of viewers as "close to half a million" but this includes figures for the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS), which screened the game free for troops, as well as those who watched it in cinemas and online.

CITY SET TO CHASE RIBERY

The gossip machine is getting back into the swing of things now, and the papers have come up with a couple of good, if familiar ones this Saturday morn.

The Sun kicks things off nicely by reporting that Manchester City are ready to make a bid for Bayern Munich dreamboat Franck Ribery come January.

Despite Bayern being rather keen to keep hold of their man, the paper reports that Ribery is not quite so keen to stay.

However, with the club so set on him staying, The Sun claims it might take up to £65million to get the French winger.

Apparently Ribery is unhappy with Bayern coach Louis van Gaal, and quote him as saying: "There is no feeling between us."

Bless. For the record, one of the Spanish rags suggested in the week that both Ribery and Cesc Fabgregas would be moving to Real Madrid next summer, so watch this space for an almighty d*ck swinging contest to see just who has the most cash in the world.

In slightly more prosaic news, The Daily Mirror reports that City will offer relative pocket money (£7million) for Athletico Mineiro striker Diego Tardelli.

EVRA PREDICTS MADRID MEETING

Patrice Evra is convinced Manchester United will end up facing Real Madrid in this season's Champions League.

Both clubs are already well placed to advance to the knockout phase even though they have only played two matches.

The seeding system currently in operation means Cristiano Ronaldo could not set up a reunion with his former team-mates if Real finish above AC Milan in their section and United consolidate top spot in Group B.

However, Evra believes fate will ensure United tackle the Spanish giants for the first time since Madrid came through an epic confrontation in 2003.

"I know we will play Real Madrid," the French international told Inside United.

"I can't explain it. It is just a feeling. But I think we will play them, maybe even in the next round."

And that would mean Evra being given the task of subduing Ronaldo, a task he has had plenty of practice for.

"I once played against him in an Under-21 international but remember, I used to face him every day in training. He knows it could be very difficult for him," said Evra.

"Ronaldo was a close friend and I was sad to see him leave. But you need to accept it.

"And the thing about Manchester United is, no one player is the star - the club is the star. Sir Alex Ferguson tries to maintain that every year."

While Ronaldo's Old Trafford exit was the one that secured a world record £80million transfer fee, it was the departure of Carlos Tevez that split up a rather unlikely trio.

On trips around the world, Evra, Tevez and Park Ji-sung used to spend amazing lengths of time together for a unit that did not really have a common language.

It meant Evra felt a particular pain for Tevez when he was getting jeered during the recent Manchester derby while, on the plus side, he has now developed his own fan club in Korea.

"Because I am a close friend of Ji there has been this reaction," said Evra.

"This is what happens when you play for United. You go to every part of the world and everybody loves you.

"I am still good friends with Carlos but it was painful when I saw him with the City shirt on.

"He was upset by the booing but he understands."

KALOU CLAIMS NEW BLUES DEAL

Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou claims he has signed a new four-year contract with the club.

The 23-year-old former Feyenoord man's deal had been due to expire at the end of the current season.

But with Chelsea banned from signing any new players until January 2011, the club have moved swiftly to tie down his services.

Kalou, who provides cover for first-choice pairing Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, is reportedly committed to Stamford Bridge until 2014.

The 23-year-old was believed to be attracting interest from Roma and Arsenal, however, he now looks unlikely to depart after penning a new £60,000-a-week deal.

"Signing this deal with Chelsea has freed my mind to concentrate on football," Kalou told the People.

Barca to seal Iniesta future

Barcelona are moving to secure the future of Andres Iniesta by proposing a multi-year contract for the star midfielder.

If Iniesta agrees to the deal he would join a growing number of Barca academy graduates to commit their future to the club.

Forward Lionel Messi recently signed a record seven-year deal with the club, while Xavi and Victor Valdes have also agreed to similar contracts.

"It's the club who got into contact with me, and once we reach an agreement, it will be done, that's what's most important," said Iniesta.

Despite denying that the deal was about money, the 25-year-old added: "If it comes about at the end that my deal is improved then it will be very welcome."

James keen to regain England spot

Portsmouth goalkeeper David James says he hopes to start for England in Ukraine on Saturday, but has admitted that winning is the priority.

A shoulder operation means the 39-year-old has not represented his country since April, with West Ham's Robert Green becoming first-choice keeper.

"I'm in the squad so I've got a chance to play," said James ahead of what for England is a dead World Cup qualifier.

"I want to be the one who starts but, if I'm not and we win, happy days."

In James' absence, England have added three victories to the five earned with the former Liverpool and Aston Villa man in goal and clinched qualification for the 2010 World Cup with two matches to spare.

To pull on an England shirt is not a given. There's good competition, we're all playing at the top level so everyone's pushing to be involved and the results speak for themselves Michael Carrick

Green has performed well in James' absence, conceding just once in three competitive matches and the latter admits he has a tough task ahead of him to regain his spot.

"As with any successful side, competition, as long as it's fair and healthy, is good," said James. "I want to win the competition obviously.

"If I didn't think that [I could get back in] I wouldn't be here, England don't need hangers on."

James underwent an operation during the summer to solve a problem with his shoulder and was expected to be fit for the start of the new season.

However, complications delayed his return and he is only now returning to the levels of fitness and form required by England boss Fabio Capello.

James, whose last appearance for England came in the 2-1 home qualifier victory over Ukraine on 1 April, had hoped to return to the England camp for the 5-1 win over Croatia at Wembley last month that clinched qualification but he now admits Capello made the right decision in leaving him out.

606: DEBATE To be honest I'd be starting Kirkland at the moment. Green has done OK but looked a little shaky, James is too hit and miss FlingitNow

"I was not able to play against Croatia which was frustrating although the team won and got us through to South Africa which is most important," he added.

"I was happy the manager has a very strict policy in as much as I wasn't right and I wasn't picked."

Another player hoping to seize his chance for England is midfielder Michael Carrick, who may get a rare start for his country should Capello turn to his fringe players against Belarus on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old has had to play second fiddle to regulars Steven Gerrard of Liverpool, Chelsea's Frank Lampard and Manchester City's Gareth Barry throughout the qualifying campaign.

"I'm hoping, it's why I'm here," said Carrick. "I want to play for my country and hopefully it's an opportunity to get a bit of a chance.

"To pull on an England shirt is not a given. There's good competition, we're all playing at the top level so everyone's pushing to be involved and the results speak for themselves.

"It makes it easier for individuals to shine so, if I get the shirt, it's up to me to try to keep it."

Grant seals return to Portsmouth

Former Chelsea boss Avram Grant has returned to Portsmouth as their new director of football.

The 54-year-old Israeli was technical director at Fratton Park from June 2006 to July 2007, before leaving to become director of football at Chelsea.

He subsequently succeeded Jose Mourinho as manager at Stamford Bridge before being sacked in May 2008.

It is the first significant move at Portsmouth since Ali Al Faraj completed his 90% buy-out of the club this week.

"I am happy to return to the best league in the world, the English league," Grant told Israeli sports website www.one.co.il.

Grant, who led Chelsea to the 2008 Champions League final in Moscow, will work alongside Portsmouth manager Paul Hart as the club aim to climb off the bottom of the Premier League.

I love Avram - James

It is expected that Grant will work with Hart on player recruitment, and England and Portsmouth goalkeeper David James said the move was a welcome step in the right direction for the club.

"I love Avram, he's a great guy," said James.

"When I first joined the club he was there and he was very active in preparation for matches. He's a very wise man and his football knowledge is immense.

"It's a very good move."

Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie has already confirmed that money will be available in January to strengthen the side as a result of Saudi property tycoon Al Faraj's takeover, following a tumultuous 42-day period under the ownership of Arab businessman Sulaiman Al Fahim.

MATT SLATER BLOG Now that somebody has finally paid up, it is time for Pompey to play up Matt Slater

Grant, who has kept a low profile since his sacking by Chelsea, has also managed the Israeli national side and achieved success in his homeland with both Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa.

He was just one kick away from delivering the Champions League trophy at Chelsea during his only season in charge, denied only by John Terry's missed penalty.

His Chelsea side also lost out in the Carling Cup final that season, beaten 2-1 by Tottenham at Wembley, and finished runners-up to Manchester United in the Premier League.

Storrie welcomes Grant's return to Pompey

The scale of Portsmouth's financial problems were exposed last week when the club admitted that players had not received their pay in the build-up to Saturday's 1-0 win at Wolves, their first league victory of the season.

"The non-pay issue was not good," added James.

"The people who needed to get paid got paid but it was more the bigger picture. Now we've got our first win and our first clean sheet, it's a much happier place."

Pompey's next game is on 17 October, when they entertain Tottenham, who lie third behind Chelsea and Manchester United.

Football Gossip

Manchester United are "interested" in signing Inter Milan's Brazilian defender Maicon.

"United's interest in my client is not something new," agent Antonio Caliendo told Tuttopremier.it. "They have been following him for a while.

"Now it seems to me that they are pressing for him but I don't think there has been any concrete offers yet."

Quarterback Michael Carrick set to answer Fabio Capellos England call

In June he appeared to be in Fabio Capello's bad books and by August, even Sir Alex Ferguson seemed less than enamored with Michael Carrick.
Asked why he had been omitted for the opening game of the new Barclays Premier League season, Manchester United's manager suggested the reporter should ask his £18.5million signing.
Carrick has had a testing few months. A chastening encounter with that brilliant Barcelona midfield in the Champions League Final has been followed by more time on the United bench than he would have envisaged after three consecutive Premier League titles and a night when he actually got his hands on the European Cup.
Pass master: Carrick has quarterback skills

But he had fallen out of favour, even annoying Capello by failing to inform the England camp of a toe injury he was said to have suffered in Rome, which then ruled him out of the two World Cup qualifiers that concluded the season.
Since then, however, the attitude towards Carrick has softened. With Capello anyway.
It turns out Carrick was not fit for the Champions League Final; that the toe injury was something that became a closely-guarded secret in the build up to the game.
Ferguson did not want Barcelona to know a key member of his side needed an injection just to get through the match, although it must have been pretty obvious to Messrs Xavi and Iniesta that something was up.
It was probably why news failed to filter through to the FA that Carrick had a problem for Kazakhstan and Andorra until the Sunday after the clash in Rome.
It was old news at United, and something no one had then remembered to communicate to England amid the bitter disappointment of performing so poorly against the mighty Spaniards.
Plan B: Carrick's Xabi Alonso-esque passing has made him an important member of the England squad
The situation at United remains a curious one. Carrick was terrific against Wolfsburg last week but Ferguson's response was surprisingly cool.
Ferguson put Carrick's early season absence down to the fact that he was 'a slow starter' and then omitted him from the side that started against Sunderland on Saturday.
In Capello, though, Carrick has reignited some interest, so much so that the Italian has now declared that the United midfielder will start against either Ukraine this Saturday or Belarus four days later.
England might have qualified for next summer's World Cup with these two games to spare but Capello is determined to make good use of them and the friendlies that will form what remains of the build-up to South Africa.
And Carrick is someone Capello sees as an important cog in his England machine.
Capello considers Carrick unique; a player who offers an alternative to Gareth Barry in that midfield holding role should England need a plan B.
Carrick is a holding midfielder who performs more of a quarterback role with his passing. As close to Xabi Alonso as Capello can find. And something different to the more defensive, more destructive Barry.
It will be interesting if Owen Hargreaves is available come next summer. Sources at United insist he will be back soon and as fit as ever.
They say the medical specialists have cured his chronic knee problem, allowing him to return to the kind of form he displayed in the last World Cup.
But Hargreaves is a player Barry needs to worry about and not someone who should concern Carrick if he proves himself capable of executing the game plan Capello has in mind.
Edging closer: Owen Hargreaves is nearing fitness
The Italian coach is determined to build an England team, indeed a squad, that can adapt to the different demands of a major tournament; one that can cope with the contrasting challenges that arise when you meet the likes of Italy, Germany, Spain or Brazil.
So it is up to Carrick to show he can do such a job, against Ukraine or Belarus, and perhaps even the Brazil side England will meet in a friendly in Qatar next month.
This is an important time for Capello, and the injuries that have forced Joleon Lescott and Paul Robinson to withdraw will at least allow the England manager to take another look at yet more options.
Joe Hart could stake a claim to become England's third choice goalkeeper behind David James and Robert Green, while Gary Cahill has a chance to impress.
In training, James and Ashley Cole were forced to sit on the sidelines.
More concerns for Capello. But Carrick was fit and for the United midfielder it represented the start of a very important week.