Speed Looks to Bounce Back

Gary Speed is focused on rebuilding after seeing Wales suffer defeat to Republic of Ireland in his first game in charge.

The Welsh were comprehensively beaten 3-0 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin in the opening game of the Carling Nations Cup on Tuesday night.

But Speed insists some positives can be taken from Wales' display and says they will work on their weaknesses.

"It's disappointing, obviously," Speed told Sky Sports News.

"There's things in there we can look at and improve, and there's things we can take heart from.

"If we look to the game it's pretty easy to work out where we went wrong and how to fix it."

Errors

Captain James Collins rued several costly errors made by Wales during the clash, admitting some of his side's old failings had reared their heads.

"We went in at half-time quite happy as they had not created that many chances," said the Aston Villa defender.

"But we made individual errors which cost us and that has been the case in the past, and we need to cut those out if we are to move on.

"But this is the start of a long campaign under the new manager."

Drogba Blues Unhappy

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba insists the club's slump in form has created a bad mood in and around Stamford Bridge.

The Blues started the campaign in irresistible fashion, but injuries led to a lack of goals and a dramatic slump in form.

Carlo Ancelotti's side had been improving of late, however, a toothless display against Liverpool on Sunday has once again hit their fading title ambitions.

Drogba is so used to winning and scoring goals for fun that he admits the club had not been a good place to be around of late as everyone is in a bad mood.

Chelsea remain ten points adrift of Manchester United following their Reds loss and Drogba believes that Ancelotti has also been affected by their disappointing results.

Bad mood

"Our league position is similar to what it was last season," explained Drogba.

"But absences, and the fact that we've not been scoring as many goals, has made for a bad mood around the place.

"I'm finding our bad spell hard to live with, as do the rest of the squad.

"We are suffering, given that Chelsea are not accustomed to losing matches.

"Carlo Ancelotti has been unhappy in recent weeks."

Hammers Delay Obinna Decision

West Ham boss Avram Grant will wait until the end of the season before deciding whether to sign Victor Obinna on a permanent deal.

The 23-year-old forward joined the Hammers on a season-long loan from Inter Milan at the start of the campaign.

He has performed well for Grant and has really come to light in his last two games with five goals, including a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest.

West Ham have an option to sign him, but they are still in the middle of a relegation battle and will not be making a decision on his future until they know how the season has gone.

"He is a big player with big talent and we like him. I think he wants to stay here," said Grant.

"We like him but we will have to wait until the end of the season."

Obinna's somersault celebration is now being seen on a much more regular basis and Grant has no issues.

"I love his somersaults, I hope he will have a lot of reasons to do them again this season," he said.

"It took him time to adjust this season because he didn't play much in Italy, but he is playing well now."

Confident

Obinna himself is confident West Ham will stay up, saying: "In December we were out of the relegation zone and then we lost at Newcastle which brought us back. It's not an easy process.

"We're getting the confidence back. We just have to continue this way.

"We started very badly, losing four games in a row and lacking confidence but I believe now everything has changed.

"Last Saturday, when we beat Nottingham Forest, I noticed there was a fantastic atmosphere in the dressing room before the game.

"It was special and even better with leaders like Robbie Keane in the team.

"At this point I think West Ham are too good to go down."

Toon Keen on Brazilian

The 29-year-old left Palmeiras by mutual consent early in January and now a host of clubs in Europe are chasing his signature.

Top-flight clubs cannot sign players at the moment unless they are emergency loans or free transfers, so Ewerthon is now attracting a great deal of interest.

The former Borussia Dortmund and Real Zaragoza star has offers to return to Germany and Spain, but he is understood to be keen on testing himself in England.

West Brom were understood to be leading the chase in the Premier League, with up to half-a-dozen clubs now thought to be keen.

But now Newcastle, who failed to sign a replacement for Andy Carroll on transfer deadline day after he joined Liverpool, are stepping up their interest.

Toon chief Alan Pardew is keen to bolster his striking options with Shola Ameobi also facing up to six months on the sidelines, and signing a player of Ewerthon's calibre on a free transfer is an obvious attraction.

Talks

The player's agent Barry McIntosh admitted talks with a number of clubs were ongoing.

"A number of clubs like Ewerthon, he is a free agent and is looking to seal his next move," McIntosh told skysports.com.

"It is no secret that a number of Premier League clubs are keen on him.

"I am not going to go into details about who we are talking with, but if you're asking me about whether he would move to Newcastle? Then yes, obviously they are a calibre of club he would very much consider playing for."

Walker Gets England Call

Kyle Walker and David Stockdale have won their first call-ups to the England squad for next week's friendly with Denmark.

There are also recalls for Tottenham defender Michael Dawson, West Ham midfielder Scott Parker, Everton full-back Leighton Baines and Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing.

John Terry, Ashley Cole, Wayne Rooney, Darren Bent, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Jermain Defoe all return to the squad after injury forced them to miss the defeat to France in November.

England captain Rio Ferdinand is missing after picking up a calf injury in the warm-up before Manchester United's shock defeat at Wolves.

It means Liverpool ace Steven Gerrard will captain Fabio Capello's side in Copenhagen.

Manchester City striker Adam Johnson and Liverpool new boy Andy Carroll are both missing through injury.

Former Sheffield United defender Walker has been rewarded for his fine form on loan at Aston Villa with his first call-up.

The full-back, who scored in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Fulham, will battle Glen Johnson for the right-back spot.

Fulham goalkeeper Stockdale takes the place of West Ham keeper Robert Green in the squad after impressing for the Cottagers last month in the absence of Mark Schwarzer during his involvement with Australia in the Asian Cup.

There is no place in the squad for Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd after he made his debut against France.

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling and Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson are also left out.

Gers Complete Diouf Deal

Rangers have announced the last-minute signing of El Hadji Diouf on loan from Blackburn until the end of the season.

The Scottish Premier League giants finalised the short-term deal in the final stages of the transfer window on Monday.

The 30-year-old, who can play out wide or as a central striker, joined Arsenal defender Kyle Bartley in moving to Ibrox late on deadline day.

Diouf has declared himself ready to face Hearts in the league on Wednesday evening.

He told Sky Sports News: "I know this is one of the biggest clubs in the world, that's why I'm here.

"I want to score goals and make the fans happy. I'm ready to win the title."

When asked whether he would be keen to extend his stay at Ibrox beyond the summer, Diouf said: "It's up to me to do the job and then we'll see."

Introduction

Diouf could also be in line for a swift introduction to the Old Firm derby, where he is sure to experience a hostile reception from the Celtic fans.

The former Senegal international was fined £5,000 at Glasgow Sheriff Court in 2003 when he admitted spitting at a Celtic fan while playing for Liverpool in a UEFA Cup tie at Parkhead.

Rangers face Celtic in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup at Ibrox on Sunday.

Former Bolton and Sunderland man Diouf has appeared 21 times for Rovers this season, but manager Steve Kean was willing to offload him after snapping up Argentinian midfielder Mauro Formica on Monday.

The forward's arrival follows Rangers' signing of striker David Healy from Sunderland last week.

Meanwhile, Rangers have announced that Andy Webster has left the club after making three appearances in four injury-hit years.

Harry Admits Adam Near- Miss

Harry Redknapp revealed Tottenham Hotspur missed out on signing Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam "by minutes" before the transfer deadline.

Adam appeared to be nearing a switch to Liverpool on Monday on a frantic climax to the January window.

But after a potential move to Merseyside fell through, Spurs launched an 11th hour attempt to land the Scotland international.

Manager Redknapp has had a low-key month, with Steven Pienaar the only major signing, but the White Hart Lane chief revealed chairman Daniel Levy instigated a last-ditch move for Adam which eventually proved unsuccessful.

Fantastic footballer

Redknapp told Sky Sports News: "Daniel rang me late on and asked if I like Charlie Adam. I said 'yes, he's a fantastic footballer'. He said do you want him, I said 'can we get him?'.

"We pushed on and tried to do it, Daniel was confident he could get it through. It went to the wire but we missed out by minutes."

Redknapp insisted Spurs had agreed a fee with Blackpool that superseded Liverpool's offer for Adam but the necessary paperwork failed to yield in time to complete the transfer.

He added: "Daniel dealt with it. Apparently the boy was definitely up for coming...apparently the chairman couldn't get hold of two shareholders who had to sign the forms as well. It's just one of those things."

Houston Lands Dutch Defender

Dundee United have snapped up former Ajax defender Timothy van der Meulen on a short-term deal.

The 20-year-old is waiting on international clearance before completing a move to Scotland, but is set to see out the season at Tannadice.

He earned a deal with the Terrors after impressing during a recent trial spell.

United manager Peter Houston said: "I am delighted to have secured the signing of Timothy. He has impressed me in training and he has shown me that he is a good footballer.

"I see him as one for the future but also believe he can step into the first team in the near future if required.

"The length of the deal gives us a chance to see Timothy play in a few games before committing to a long-term deal."

Nelson Makes Iron Move

Championship strugglers Scunthorpe have signed Norwich defender Michael Nelson for an undisclosed fee.

The 30-year-old will be fondly remembered at Carrow Road as the man who scored the goal to clinch promotion back to the second tier.

He has, however, been deemed surplus to requirements by Canaries boss Paul Lambert and will now join Scunthorpe's battle to avoid the drop.

Lambert told Norwich's official website: "Michael has been great for me since I've been here, he's done a great job whenever he's been called upon. The goal he scored against Charlton was a brilliant moment for everyone at the club.

"But he is out of contract in the summer and the move to Scunthorpe not only offers him the prospect of regular games but also provides the security he is looking for at this stage of his career for himself and his young family.

"I want to say a big thank you to Michael from me and everyone at the club for what he has done for us and wish him all the best for the future."

Nelson has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at Glanford Park.

Lewis - we're not far off

Lewis Hamilton believes McLaren are just a step away from competing for grands prix wins this season.

Hamilton finised third in Bahrain behind a Ferrari one-two led by Fernando Alonso on his debut for the Maranello marque.

Although the 25-year-old finished 25 seconds adrift of his former McLaren team-mate, who now has 22 wins to his name, Hamilton was encouraged by his second half of the race.

That came after the first pit stop, now limited to simply a tyre change due to a ban on refuelling, when he managed to leapfrog the Mercedes of Nico Rosberg who had held up the Briton early on.

Hamilton knows McLaren are not on the pace with Ferrari and Red Bull, who saw Sebastian Vettel slip from first to fourth late on due to a spark plug failure that resulted in a loss of power.

But he also appreciates they are not that far away either as he said: "I think we saw the true pace of our car after the first pit stop.

"I was right on Nico's tail for the whole of the first stint, but unfortunately I wasn't able to pull out the time I needed.

"The Ferrari guys were just pulling away. I would come onto the back straight and they were already around the next corner.

"The gap increased and there was nothing I could do at that time, but as soon as I got in some clean air and there were some new tyres on, the car felt great.

"The pace I had was quite good, so it's good to know we were able to match it and do similar times to the guys at the front.

"It shows we're not as far away as we thought we may have been, so we're not in a bad position.

Frustrating

"We just need to try to make a step closer to them which will enable us to compete for the win."

Team-mate and reigning world champion Jenson Button was a distant seventh, 45 seconds adrift of Alonso.

The 30-year-old finished narrowly behind Mercedes duo Rosberg and Michael Schumacher on his return to F1 after three-and-a-half years in retirement.

Like Hamilton, Button was a frustrated man as he too found himself unable to pass as the new rules and the circuit ensured it was a frustrating afternoon.

"In the first stint I didn't know what was going to happen to the tyres so I took it easy," remarked Button.

"I was a bit sad we pitted when we did because I thought I looked after the tyres a bit too much.

"In the final five laps of that first stint I was able to push and catch (Mark) Webber, who had damaged his tyres, and Michael.

"Michael pitted a lap before me and he was able to pull away, but I jumped Webber which was great.

"They were really good pit stops by the guys as Lewis and I both managed to jump someone.

"I then started pushing with 20 laps to go and I caught up with Michael, but I couldn't do anything.

"I didn't have the pace in the middle section to challenge in the final section, which was disappointing.

"So I'm okay with the result, although it wasn't what I was hoping for. I expected to be a bit further up.

"But it's impossible to overtake here. It's so difficult which is very frustrating, but the sport is what it is."

Neville Tight Lipped on Future

Gary Neville remains adamant that he will refuse to discuss his future at Manchester United until the end of the season.

Neville, who turned 35 last month, is out of contract in the summer and has yet to be offered a new deal by the Carling Cup winners.

Earlier in the campaign there were suggestions that the defender could retire in May, but after a solid display against AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League it has now been suggested that he is in England contention for the World Cup.

Neville, though, does not want to speculate and is focusing on helping United in Europe and the Premier League.

"There's nothing I really want to say on that," he said in The Times when asked about his future. "I'll discuss it at the end of the season.
Fortune

"I play for United and try to play well and where that takes me then, who knows? But I'm not focusing on that (the World Cup)."

Meanwhile, Neville is aware that United cannot afford to continue to rely on good fortune in the league title race.

"We are thankful in the league to still be in the position we are in," he said. "To lose six matches and it still to be in our hands, we're delighted with that.

"You wouldn't normally get away with that in a season, but it's been a weird season. Maybe it has been like that for other clubs as well. We're just grateful we're in a position to challenge.

"We are into March; this and April are the key months of the season. The countdown has started and we want to keep all our players fit now.

"It's crucial. It's an important factor for all clubs that they keep the most important players fit."

Wenger Warning for Real

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has told Real Madrid they would be wasting their time if they launch another attempt to lure him to the Bernabeu.

Reports in Spain suggest that Real manager Manuel Pellegrini is on the brink of the sack after the Primera Liga leaders were dumped out of the UEFA Champions League by Lyon to fail to reach the quarter-finals for a sixth successive year.

Pellegrini was already under pressure, with suggestions he does not have the support of president Florentino Perez after more than £200million of summer investment, and Wenger has been a long-term target.

The Spaniards tried to capture the Gunners boss before appointing Pellegrini last June and they are expected to renew interest in the Frenchman if they begin a new search for a fresh manager.
No guarantee

But Wenger has strongly stated his intentions, saying: "Leave me alone. I am always going to stay to the end of my contract and I am going (to stay at Arsenal) until 2011. There is no way I am going to break it.

"For me, it is the worst possible moment to come back on that. At the moment my focus is fully on Hull City (on Saturday) they may be less glamorous than Real Madrid, but they are much more important in my life at the moment."

He added: "It shows that £240million does not necessarily buy you the Champions League and that in Europe you have no guarantee of success.

"If you can spend that kind of money every year, you will get there in the end, but at the moment it is difficult for them to take.

"In the last five years we have been in the final, a semi-final and two quarter-finals in England we don't rate that as an achievement any more because we are used to it, but that consistency is not easy to achieve."

Terrace Abuse Stuns Ifil

Jerel Ifil admits he has never encountered anything like the abuse being dished out to Aberdeen's players.

The faltering Dons have left their fans fuming with a number of inept showings, and those on the terraces have not been shy in making their feelings known.

Ifil, a summer signing from Swindon, has been left shocked by the anger in the stands, even if he understands the fans' frustrations.

The 27-year-old has not featured for the Dons since their humiliating Scottish Cup defeat to Raith Rovers on 16th February, but has called on those currently berating the players to put their issues to one side and get behind the team.

"Some of the criticism has been over the top. I have never experienced a team suffer such criticism before in my career," Ifil told the Daily Record.

"But Aberdeen is a massive club and expectations are very high.
Criticism

"Fans are entitled to criticise us. We accept that but let's not go over the top. The fans' support is what we need. We can only move forward with them behind us.

"They can be a big help to us and I can assure them the players and the gaffer (Mark McGhee) are trying their hardest to turn round this recent form.

"As long as we are putting in total effort, it will come good.

"We can still make the top six. Drawing at Hamilton on Saturday was disappointing as we should be beating teams below us.

"But after going a goal down we fought back for a draw and that shows fighting spirit."

Mifsud Makes Valletta Move

Former Coventry striker Michael Mifsud has finally ended speculation regarding his future after joining Maltese Premier League side Valletta.

The 28-year-old had been without a club since last June after seeing out his contract at Coventry.

A number of English Championship sides and several foreign teams made offers to sign Mifsud on a free transfer, but the diminutive forward decided to snub their overtures for various reasons.

Mifsud, who scored for Malta last week in a friendly against Finland, has now agreed a deal with Valletta until the end of the season.

Young Villa Ready for Fight

Ashley Young insists Aston Villa have the stomach for the fight in the closing stages of the season after learning from their previous failures.

Martin O'Neill's side capitulated at the end of the 2008/09 campaign as they surrendered fourth spot in the Premier League on the back of only 11 points from their last 13 games.

But after Sunday's determined FA Cup quarter-final victory at Reading, where Villa came from two goals down to win 4-2, Young insists he and his team-mates are in a determined frame of mind as they again chase a top-four finish.

The winger is confident the mistakes from last season will not be repeated and thinks that reaching the FA Cup semi-finals was the perfect way to bounce back from the Carling Cup final defeat to Manchester United at the end of February.
Massive

Young, who scored Villa's first at the Madejski Stadium, said in the Daily Star: "Last season is last season. We are looking forward and concentrating on things this season.

"We had a great League Cup run and got to the final. It was disappointing to lose, but now we are in another semi-final, going back to Wembley and we are doing well in the league.

"To come back from two goals down shows the character and the strength we have got here as a team to come back from anything.

"We will learn from what happened last season. You always learn from things that didn't go so well.

"We know we have a massive couple of months ahead of us and we are ready."

Donovan's Toffees plea

Everton loan star Landon Donovan admits he has informed LA Galaxy of his desire to stay at Goodison Park for a further month.

Donovan is due to return to Galaxy this weekend after Everton's game at Birmingham following the conclusion of his 10-week loan spell.

But the American international has impressed hugely on Merseyside during his loan stint and he hopes he could stay until 15th April at the latest.

"I have told the Galaxy what I want, they know what's going on and I speak to my manager [Bruce Arena] there fairly often and at this point it is an Everton and LA Galaxy conversation," Donovan told The Guardian.

"Both clubs know how I feel, which is that I would like to stay, though I can't end the season here, I'd have to go back 15th April at the latest. If that can be worked out, great. If not, then the Galaxy are my team and I'm very grateful for the chance I had here. It would be bittersweet either way."

Donovan believes he has learned a lot from his time in England and thinks his spell in the Premier League has improved him as a player.

"I've learned a lot," added Donovan.

"It has absolutely improved me as a player, It's impossible not to. I have learned a lot, technically, tactically, how to keep myself motivated, and it puts me in a stronger position for the World Cup.

"But the biggest thing now is having the confidence that I can play against anybody and not fear anyone at all. I don't think there are many players in the world, let alone Americans, who get a chance to play against and beat Chelsea and Manchester United in the same week. That has to be the highlight."

Second Half Disappoints Brown

Hull City boss Phil Brown insists his side's second half showing in their 5-1 defeat at Everton was not good enough.

The Tigers were trailing 2-1 at Goodison Park at half-time, but things went from bad to worse as they shipped in a further three goals without reply.

Brown was happy enough with his side's first-half display, despite the fact that Mikel Arteta scored twice and Yakubu Aiyegbeni missed from the penalty spot.

However, the Hull boss felt his side lost their competitive edge after the interval, and has now called for a massive effort in order to stay in the Premier League.
Collapse

"I thought we were competitive in the first half but in the second we certainly weren't," said Brown.

"We left our game in the changing room for whatever reason.

"Everton were good but we made them look good because we didn't get in the face of the opposition.

"Defensively I have questioned one or two but we will dust ourselves down and get on with it. We have got 10 big games now.

"Goal difference will play a big part this season and that kind of collapse in the second half is not what is required between now and the end of the season."

Hermann Hails Cup Progress

Portsmouth defender Hermann Hreidarsson has hailed the club's progression to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Despite Pompey's well-documented off-field problems the players secured a much-needed 2-0 success over Birmingham in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

The financial reward that comes with a cup run has taken on added significance for the south coast outfit, who are currently in administration with debt estimated in the region of £70million.

Although Hreidarsson helped Pompey claim FA Cup glory in 2008, the Icelandic defender believes their current run this season eclipses that tremendous feat.
Achievement

"Without a doubt it's a greater achievement than two years ago," said Hreidarsson.

"Even though we beat Manchester United away that season, with the changes of personnel at the club and everything else going on, it's a great achievement.

"It's been frustrating because we didn't know who the owners were or what was going on.

"There have been negative vibes and doom and gloom throughout the season. But, when you go over the white line, you concentrate on playing football."

Lamps Backing the Coles

Frank Lampard has backed Chelsea team-mates Ashley Cole and Joe Cole to make it to this summer's World Cup finals.

Both Coles are in danger of missing the tournament in South Africa - but for differing reasons.

Ashley Cole is battling to recover in time from his broken ankle, while Joe Cole was omitted from the last England squad as he struggles to regain a regular starting spot in Chelsea's first-team.

But Lampard is confident both will be on the plane to South Africa.

On Ashley Cole, Lampard - speaking to Sky Sports News - said: "Our doctors are confident they can get him there.

"Ash didn't know [how long he would be out], he just knows how he felt in the beginning and it is very difficult for us players to know.

"But fingers crossed, if everything goes right he has a very good chance. If there are complications, then who knows, it is not for me to say, you just have to hope that he is fit as he is one, if not the, best full-backs in the world."
Form

With Joe Cole, Lapmard is hopeful he will regain the form that made him an integral member of England's 2006 World Cup squad.

"I think you certainly know with the England manager now, if your form deserves to get you in, you will be," he said.

"I don't think the door is shut for Joe or anyone else, and that is how it should be and that is the beauty of the era over the last few years, it is on form and how you are playing.

"So if Joe is playing for Chelsea at the top of his game then I think the England call will come."

Turning his attentions to the title race, Lampard is expecting more twists and turns.

"I just think there are tough places on your travels - Everton have beaten both us and Man Utd recently - so it is not easy for anyone to put that long run of wins together," he said.

Given City Missed Tevez

Shay Given admits Manchester City missed Carlos Tevez during his enforced absence from the side and is glad the Argentine is back in the fold.

Tevez returned to City last week after 10 days back in his homeland on compassionate leave following the premature birth of his daughter.

City struggled in the striker's absence, failing to win any of the three games he missed, including their FA Cup exit at the hands of Stoke.

Tevez marked his return to action in stunning style last weekend with two goals in the sensational 4-2 win over Premier League leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Phenomenal

Given believes Tevez gives City an extra dimension and is happy to have him back as the race to finish in the top four heats up.

"We missed him when he was away, but sometimes family life takes over on what happens on a football pitch," Given told skysports.com.

"We are delighted he is back and he showed against Chelsea how good a player he is.

"Not just his goals, his work-rate for the team is phenomenal and we are delighted he is back in the team."

Read more from our exclusive interview with Shay Given in the 12th March edition of the Sky Sports Sportzine.