Brown boost for Red Devils

Wes Brown is set to return just in time to ease a potential injury crisis for Manchester United.

Skipper Gary Neville and defensive colleague John O'Shea could be out for weeks, according to manager Sir Alex Ferguson after being forced out of Wednesday night's 2-0 win over Portsmouth at Old Trafford.

"Wes is fine. He is training hard and should be OK for the weekend," United assistant manager Mike Phelan told BBC Radio Manches
The loss of Neville and O'Shea would leave only Rafael as cover at right-back and while the Brazilian has had an outstanding season for United, Ferguson might be reluctant to rely solely on a teenager during the crucial latter stages of the campaign.

However, after a season wrecked by injury, Brown came through a reserve-team return at Preston on Monday and Ferguson is ready to draft the England star into his squad for Saturday's encounter with Tottenham.

Brown has been missing with a foot injury since October. Although he did briefly return to action with a couple of substitute appearances at the end of January, the Longsight-born defender then dropped back out of the side.

However, while his performance at Anfield much earlier this season did attract criticism, Ferguson will not have forgotten Brown was the mainstay of a defence that won both the Premier League and Champions League trophies last term.

Meanwhile Neville and O'Shea will both be assessed on Thursday to discover the extent of their respective problems.

Neville, who has bounced back after a series of injuries over the past two years, lasted just 10 minutes before limping off with a foot injury, raising fears he had suffered a repeat of the broken metatarsal that saw him miss the 2002 World Cup.

O'Shea hurt his ankle following a late tackle by Nadir Belhadj. ter.

Keane sets promotion target

Roy Keane revealed his aim to take Ipswich back into the Barclays Premier League in one season as he declared: "It's good to be back."

The former Manchester United captain, who has been out of work since leaving Sunderland in December, was confirmed as the new manager of the Tractor Boys after signing a two-year deal.

Keane, who revealed he had received other offers, said: "It's a massive challenge trying to get the club back in the PHe added: "I'm excited and looking forward to it. I've had a good break. It's good to be back.

"Three or four weeks ago I thought, if the opportunity came up, I was ready for it. I've signed a two-year contract but I'd like to try and do it (get promotion) in one year.

"If I wasn't up for challenges I'd be out walking my dogs. I think my dogs need a break."

Keane insisted he would need time to take stock before beginning the process of shaping the team.

"Nothing will be happening over the next week or two, we've got to take stock and take it from there," he said.

He hinted at the possibility of major changes by adding: "There are a lot of players on long-term injuries and players whose contracts are up, so that might suit me.

"But it would be unfair to say to players whose contracts are up 'You've got two games to prove yourself'." remier League."

Lampard: This is my best season yet

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard claims he is having the best season of his career.

The 30-year-old has scored 12 Premier League goals during a campaign in which the Blues started inconsistently under Luiz Felipe Scolari but have returned to form since the arrival of Guus Hiddink in February.

Chelsea are still in with a shout for three trophies as they are in the FA Cup final, the last four of the Champions League and are four points off leaders Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League.

I think personally it has been my best season,' said Lampard.

'Over the course of the season different things have cropped up, and as a group we've had some ups and downs, but I'm very pleased with the way I've been playing.

'Hopefully my thirties can be my best years. I'm more experienced, more aware of how to play the game and how to manage myself in between games.

'People used to joke about me hitting shots from all over the pitch, and when you're younger you do try a lot of things.

'Now I'm looking for the right moment to slip people in and the right moment to score.

'If you can make two assists like I did on Saturday you don't get the glory of scoring the goal, but you get the glory of winning the game.'

It has been almost two years since Chelsea won a major trophy and Lampard is delighted they have a good chance of ending the drought this season.

'When you have a couple of years of winning leagues and cups and then a couple of barren years you're upset about not winning anything,' he said.

'We're close to winning again and we are playing as well as we did during those times. I hate to compare the Mourinho era, but there's certainly an element of that strength and belief in the team we had then.

'We lost that at the start of the season. We lost points and games through giving away late goals, but now there's a much stronger feeling.'

Bent could quit Spurs to boost World Cup hopes

Tottenham striker Darren Bent admits his future at White Hart Lane is likely to be decided in the next month and will depend on the role he plays in the club's late push for European football.

Bent is Spurs' top scorer this season with 16 goals but the return of Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane has intensified competition for starting places.

Defoe has now recovered from his foot injury and it means Bent could be back on the bench after starting the last six Premier League games.
With five matches to go and Spurs chasing a seventh-placed finish, Bent agreed who starts in those matches could point towards where his future lies.

'No one likes to sit on the bench,' said the 25-year-old, who scored the winner in the victory against Newcastle at the weekend.

'I'll have to see what happens and take it from there,' he said. 'My season has been up and down. The end of the season is coming and we'll have to see what happens after that.'

Bent feels there is an England World Cup place up for grabs next year if he is playing regular football.

However, he admitted: 'If you don't play for your club regularly you won't play for England. As long as I keep working hard and scoring, hopefully I'll be in there.'

England boss Fabio Capello was at White Hart Lane to see Bent in action at the weekend and the striker added: 'Wayne Rooney is obviously the No.1 [striker] and there is always a fight for the other spot.

'As long as I can keep scoring goals and playing well when he's [Capello] watching me, it's all I can ask for.'

Manchester United to raise price of season ticket

Manchester United have confirmed they will increase season ticket prices by £1 a game next term.

While many clubs have reduced prices to attract more cash-strapped fans at a time of a global economic crisis, United once again feel confident about bucking the trend because they are still turning away an average of almost 5,500 fans per game.

Fans' groups are not too impressed with the rises, which take the cost of a ticket to a top-price £49. The cheapest ticket at Old Trafford will be £27.
However, United feel the continued clamour to watch Sir Alex Ferguson's men - average Premier League attendances this season are 75,299 - is justified.

'We are still turning away over 5,000 people per game on average and we believe it represents good value for money,' said a United spokesman.

Earlier this month, the Glazer family revealed debts of £650million.

Since then the OFT have refused to ask United to scrap their automatic cup scheme, meaning fans who do decide to purchase a season ticket - which will be reduced in number - are again committed to purchasing tickets for all cup games, apart from the Carling Cup.

In addition, the decision of the Treasury to refuse to acknowledge tickets purchased last year should be reduced because of the mid-season cut in VAT has effectively meant supporters have felt no benefit, other than with their cup purchases.

United claim they are 'highly unlikely' to add the additional 59 pence to a £27 ticket when VAT returns to its previous 17.5% level on December 31, although supporters' groups remain unimpressed.

'It has been said in the past that the owners of the club will squeeze United supporters until the pips squeak and this is clearly the case,' said Sean Bones, vice-chairman of the Manchester United Supporters Trust.

'Earlier in the year, the government gave a 2.5% reduction on the price of VAT on tickets.

'The Glazers have absorbed this benefit and added more increases on top.'

Arshavin: Arsenal fans have still to see best of me

Andrey Arshavin maintains there is plenty more to come from him after the Russian's four goals put a massive dent in Liverpool's title bid at Anfield last night.

The 27-year-old produced a brilliant individual display as Arsenal almost snatched victory over the Reds, but were once again undone by poor defending as Yossi Benayoun grabbed an equaliser deep into stoppage time as an amazing match ended 4-4.

Arshavin cannot play in the Champions League semi-final against Manchester United as he turned out for Zenit St Petersburg earlier in this season's competition.
However, the deadline-day signing - left on the bench for most of the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday - insists his display last night is only the start of things to come.

'I do not think I have adapted yet because in the first half I was quiet, except for the one moment when I scored,' the Russian said.

'It is difficult, but I will try - I need time.

'I am a new player, I have to go through [my own] pre-season and then everything will be better.'

Arshavin added: 'I had only scored a hat-trick twice in my career.

'I feel good, but also disappointed because we did not get the victory.

'Both teams wanted to win. What can I say? It was unbelievable football, but that is England for you.'

Arsenal - now unbeaten in the Premier League for 19 matches - host Middlesbrough on Sunday before heading to Old Trafford for the first leg of their European tie on April 29.

Manager Arsene Wenger accepts his makeshift defence - which could have first-choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia back from an ankle injury - must cut out costly basic errors.

He said: 'The big regret we have is that 10 minutes into the second half we were 2-1 down, but not from something created by Liverpool - it was from balls we did not clear properly from the back.

'Now we want to continue our unbeaten run in the Premier League and also qualify in the Champions League.'

Shearer pins Newcastle hopes on Barton

Newcastle manager Alan Shearer is hoping forgotten man Joey Barton can revitalise his midfield.

The former Manchester City star (pictured) is expected to return to full training this week after recovering from a fractured metatarsal, putting him in contention for the must-win Premier League clash with Portsmouth on Monday evening.

Newcastle have just five games in which to avoid relegation from the Premier League and Shearer said: 'If everything goes well over the next few days, we might have him [Barton] in full training on Thursday or Friday.

He can run on and get past the forwards, which, with all due respect, Nicky Butt, who is 34, can't do. 'If Joey is there to do that, it would free up other players.'

Liverpool legend Dalglish ready to return to Anfield

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has admitted he would love a return to the club he served so well as a player and a manager.

Speculation at the weekend suggested the 58-year-old Scot was to be brought in to oversee youth development at the club.

And although Dalglish, who had a 14-year spell at Anfield before quitting as manager in 1991, said he had little knowledge of any possible approach, he stressed he would be happy to help out. 'I was as far removed from the weekend's speculation about me returning to a role at Liverpool Football Club as it was possible to be but that's not to say the Sunday paper stories and TV debate escaped me,' he told LFC Magazine.

'All I can say at the moment is what I've said many times; if I can help Liverpool Football Club in any way, shape or form then I'm in. That's not a new revelation.

'If I can be of help to the club I love in any capacity then I'm more than happy to play any part that I can.

'If the manager (Rafael Benitez) or the people running the club think there's a role for me then I'll fill it happily.

'Similarly, if the club think the best thing for the club is for me to stay out of the way then I'm not going to take offence at that either.

'At the moment there's not much more that I can say other than that if and when there's anything to say to the supporters - the people who keep this club alive - then they will be the first to know.'

Ipswich sack boss Magilton

Ipswich have confirmed they have sacked manager Jim Magilton after the club's failure to make the Coca-Cola Championship play-offs.

Magilton was appointed in June 2006 and after being handed £12million to spend on players by new owner Marcus Evans was expected to challenge for promotion this season.

However, despite beating deadly rivals Norwich 3-2 on Sunday, Ipswich are marooned in midtable, some 12 points adrift of the top six. Magilton had been under fire from Ipswich fans for the majority of the season after a lack of progress on the field despite spending heavily on new players like David Norris, Jon Stead and Veliche Shumulikoski.

In a statement Evans said: 'Today is a sad day for me.

'I have enjoyed working with Jim over the past 15 months and no one has worked harder to bring success to Ipswich Town in that time.

'Jim has a passion for the club but unfortunately we have not made the progress both he and I expected this season.

'I would like to put on record my thanks for his commitment to this Football Club and wish him every success for the future.'

Assistant manager John Gorman, who arrived to help Magilton at the end of January, has also left Portman Road.

No announcement has yet been made over who will take charge of the final two games of the season while Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock has already been linked with the post.

Ferguson treasures Scholes the unsaleable

Paul Scholes will make his 600th appearance for Manchester United against Portsmouth tonight - with boss Sir Alex Ferguson claiming he has never once had an approach by a rival club for the midfielder.

Scholes is a famously private man and very rarely speaks to the press but at Old Trafford he will join a select band of United legends to reach the 600 milestone.

Only Bill Foulkes, Sir Bobby Charlton and current team-mate Ryan Giggs have played more often for the Red Devils than the former England midfielder, who made his debut as a 19-year-old against Port Vale in 1994.
And Ferguson says not once has another manager enquired about Scholes' availability.

'Funnily enough we have never had one enquiry for Paul,' said the United boss. 'You know why? Because they all know he will never leave.

'Maybe he has had private situations where people have begged him to join them because that is how it happens with agents phoning up and all that nonsense.

'But they all know he wouldn't leave here.' Scholes will aim to help his side recover from their FA Cup semi-final defeat on penalties by Everton on Sunday as they attempt to strengthen their bid for the Premier league title.

And Ferguson rates the 34-year-old, who retired from international duty in 2004, among the best players the club has ever seen.

'At United, you can go back to the Best, Law and Charlton era,' added Ferguson. 'Before that you have Duncan Edwards. You are talking a wide panorama of players.

'But in my time he would be in the top six or seven without a doubt. His contribution and quality have been great, even without the fantastic goals he has scored.'

Scholes will earn a starting place against Pompey, along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, who missed the Wembley clash.

Ryan Giggs, who holds the United appearance record with 798, Dimitar Berbatov and Patrice Evra are all expected to return with only Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic remaining from the semi-final team.

Inter star open to Spurs move

Inter midfielder Suuly Muntari has admitted he would consider a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.

Muntari played under Spurs boss Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth and has been linked with a move back to England despite being an integral part of an Inter side which is set to win Serie A.

However, Inter boss Jose Mourinho could be tempted to offer Muntari to Spurs in part exchange for long-tem target Jermaine Jenas.
And Muntari said: 'I love the football in England, there is no doubt about that, that is where the best league is.

'But I only signed last year for Inter and I like it here. As long as the coach still needs me, I am happy to stay.

'At the end of the season things could change, though, so we will have to wait and see.

'Everyone knows that I really like Harry.

'He is one of the best coaches in football, he is a top manager like the one I have at the moment.

'A move to Spurs? I don't know.'

Delay to Old Firm Premier League proposal

Premier League chairmen are expected to delay discussing plans to include Celtic and Rangers in a new two-tier set-up until at least the summer.

Bolton chief Phil Gartside was set to put forward the proposal at Thursday's meeting of top-flight clubs but it has not been included on the agenda.

His plan is for a two-tier Premier League with 18 clubs in each division, among them the Old Firm. It is understood although Uefa are neutral about the proposal, the Football Association and Scottish FA would block such a move.

Meanwhile, MPs have called for rule changes to prevent the likes of the American owners of Manchester United and Liverpool saddling clubs with debts of hundreds of millions of pounds.

Parliamentary Football Group chairman Alan Keen MP said: 'We say before someone takes over they pass a test and should be financing the takeover on money they put in and not on debt.'

Rooney: Best is yet to come

Wayne Rooney insists there is still a lot more to come from him.

Although he was denied an appearance in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against old club Everton after being left at home to rest ahead of tomorrow night's Premier League showdown with Portsmouth, it could still be a glittering year for the Manchester United striker.

A title hat-trick and back-to-back European Cup wins are still on the agenda, in addition to his matchwinning performance in the Club World Cup final last December.
On the international front, Rooney now has 50 England caps to his name, an amazing achievement considering he is still only 23.

But there is no way the United striker will start taking it easy.

He knows there is still plenty to do if he is to fulfil his talent, including scoring a few more goals.

'There is still a lot more to come from me,' he said.

'I would love to score more goals consistently each year. I am still working on that and hopefully I can improve.'

Rooney has reached 17 for United already this term, plus another seven for England.

'I am only 23 but I suppose I started off at an early age so I have achieved quite a lot,' said Rooney.

'I understand people expect things of me now.

'I just have to keep playing as well as I can. That is what I must try and do.

'If I can help Manchester United or England win trophies it would be great for me.'

If United and England are to achieve success, Rooney will be a major influence.

However, while Fabio Capello has built his new-look side around the £27million star, handing him the support striker's role many thought would be given to Steven Gerrard, at United Rooney is used slightly differently.

Ferguson does not need to be told about Rooney's prowess as a forward.

But when a specific job needs doing, stopping full-back Aly Cissokho flying down the wing for Porto last week for example, the Red Devils chief knows he can rely on Rooney.

At some clubs around the world, a star name would turn their noses up at such tasks. Rooney relishes them.

'I have played in a few different positions over the last few weeks,' he said.

'Sometimes you can't express yourself as much as you would like but you have to do a job for the team.

'For me it is easy to see the bigger picture. Maybe other players around the world don't want to put the work in.

'You never really see any of the top players running back and helping out like that. For me it is about the team. I have no problem with that.'

Barton can save Newcastle, insists Shearer

Newcastle manager Alan Shearer is hoping forgotten man Joey Barton can revitalise his midfield just when he needs it most.

The 26-year-old former Manchester City player is expected to return to full training later this week after recovering from a fractured metatarsal and would then be in contention for the make-or-break Barclays Premier League clash with Portsmouth on Monday evening.

The Magpies midfield has lacked penetration in recent months, leaving the club's strikers starved of meaningful possession, so the return of a man who is yet to even start paying off his £5.8million transfer fee cannot come soon enough.
At his peak with City, Barton both scored and created goals, and Shearer is desperate for him to do just that as his side prepare for their final five games of the campaign, with three of them must-win affairs at St James' Park.

The manager said: 'Joey has had treatment all over the weekend and if everything goes well with him over the next few days, we might have him in full training on Thursday or Friday.

'He can also run on and get past the forwards, which, with all due respect, Nicky Butt, who is 34, can't do.

'He does well in other jobs that he does, but he can't get past the forwards, and if Joey is there to do that, then it would free up some other players.'

Barton was signed by former boss Sam Allardyce in July 2007, but has managed only 31 appearances since as a result of injuries and his spell in prison.

Just five of his 25 starts have come this season with knee and foot problems having severely restricted his attempts to belatedly prove his worth on Tyneside.

The Magpies are yet to see anything like his best form on a consistent basis, and Shearer will keep his fingers crossed that he can prove an inspirational figure in what is effectively a five-game shoot-out.

Newcastle's chances of top-flight survival have realistically come down to their remaining home games against Pompey, Middlesbrough and Fulham with only three victories likely to keep them up.

Barton's return, as well as that of Jose Enrique, who has missed the last two games with a knee injury, could prove significant, although the club was today awaiting the outcome of a scan on Steven Taylor's ankle problem.

It promises to be a tense few weeks on Tyneside as the Magpies attempt to dig themselves out of a hole entirely of their own making.

However, despite the ongoing uncertainty, planning for next season is under way. Shearer has repeatedly insisted he will not be at the helm come August with Joe Kinnear expected to return in some capacity, although the 38-year-old's denials have done little to dispel speculation that he could remain in charge.

But whatever happens over the next few weeks on and off the field, the process of identifying potential summer transfer targets is continuing despite the club not knowing which division they will be playing in next term.

Shearer said: 'That's all still happening. There have been one or two tweaks to the system, but it all has to happen for next season.

'That's for the benefit for the football club next season.'

Perhaps significantly, Shearer's return to St James' was confirmed hours after it emerged that controversial executive director (football) Dennis Wise, who was employed to oversee recruitment, had parted company with Newcastle.

RSS ICON Your views Bellamy set to miss rest of season

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has confirmed striker Craig Bellamy is almost certainly out for the rest of the season because of a knee injury.

Bellamy, who arrived from West Ham in January, has missed the last three matches after suffering the setback during the UEFA Cup quarter-final first-leg defeat at Hamburg.

Hughes said: 'Craig has got to have complete rest for two weeks then he comes back for strength work.
'Hopefully he might get the last couple of games, but the probability is that he won't.'

Bellamy's absence is a blow for Hughes as his side are anxious to claim seventh place and a spot in the Europa League.

The 29-year-old - who had problems with the knee on international duty with Wales last month - settled in quickly at Eastlands following his move from the Hammers.

Bellamy scored five goals in 10 starts for City before seeing his progress hampered by the injury.

There was better news regarding the fitness of Bulgaria striker Valeri Bojinov, who will play for the reserves tonight at Middlesbrough after being left out the squad for the victory against West Brom on Sunday.

Hughes said: 'He needs more physical work and we're hoping he comes through at Middlesbrough to be available at the weekend.'

Shaun Wright-Phillips is still struggling to recover from the ankle damage that has ruled him out of the last three games while Pablo Zabaleta's hamstring injury is also cause for concern, with Hughes admitting: 'We've probably lost him for a number of games.'

Hiddink: I won't manage Chelsea and Russia

Guus Hiddink has ruled out any prospect of combining both the Russia and Chelsea jobs next season.

The Dutchman is currently combining both roles and continues to insist he will leave Chelsea after the FA Cup final at Wembley on May 30.

Hiddink has now dismissed any chance of combining the roles next season as he attempts to guide Russia into the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

Hiddink has a clause in his contract with the Russian Football Federation that allows him to leave the job should they fail to reach the finals.

He has transformed Chelsea since he took charge from sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari and fans and most of the players are keen for him to stay.

The Blues are in the final of the FA Cup and in the last four of the Champions League as well as having an outside chance of snatching the league title from Manchester United.

But even if the Barclays Premier League club reached a further agreement with the Russian Federation to allow Hiddink to continue in both roles until their World Cup fate was known, the Dutchman would turn it down.

'It's important this relationship I have with the Russia players,' said Hiddink.

'Because, even on a practical level, it's impossible to do. In August we have a friendly game which is 48 hours before a Chelsea game.

'Then you have to look at all the Russian players ahead of the qualifiers in September, and there are more qualifiers in October.

'Hopefully not in November, but there is a possibility of a play-off. So I'll be very occupied with all that.

'I know the body of the squad - so scouting isn't the main issue, but I've challenged them and it wouldn't be fair for me to leave.

'There is this project I started to renew with my people. It would not be fair with the players who I challenged to go into a new era of football if I said: 'Sorry, I'm leaving'.'

Hiddink is preparing his side for an FA Cup final dress rehearsal against Everton tomorrow and he knows that victory will keep their dreams of a trophy-treble alive.

'We have the attitude in the club, even in training sessions, that we want to win. So, what I try to say, is that tomorrow's game we want to win as well.

'What's coming up at the end of May, at that time we will see. We still take these games seriously, even though we have the Champions League and the FA Cup coming up.

'The league is very serious for us. As long as it's possible for us, then we go on. The pressure is more on Liverpool than us in terms of Manchester United and the title.

'Mathematically it's possible. In February we had to make sure we qualified for next year's Champions League, but you cannot just be satisfied with that being such a big club.

'Everybody has done what is expected of him, so you push your targets higher. We are doing that. If you'd told us in February that we'd be playing in the FA Cup final on May 30, people would have raised eyebrows.'

Chelsea's season is reaching an exciting climax but Hiddink is refusing to rest some of his key players as they chase glory on three fronts.

The Dutchman is without Deco and Jose Bosingwa for tomorrow's home clash with the Toffees but he is keeping a close watch on the fitness levels of his squad - both mentally and physically.

'I'm very informed by my eye and the eyes of Ray Wilkins as well as by the staff who provide the data and the information on players, to make sure no player gets into an over-load situation,' explained Hiddink.

'Physical fatigue has lots to do with mental fatigue. The body can do a lot of things, but the mental part can obstruct the body.

'But it depends on a player's character, too. Some say they feel 'top' because they like to play, and it's better for me to protect them. Others you have to push a bit harder.'

O'Neill: Villa lack the cash

Martin O'Neill has admitted Aston Villa "won't be able to compete financially" with the big four clubs in the Barclays Premier League.

But the Villa manager insists he is still driven on to succeed and to overcome that disadvantage.

"We won't be able to compete financially. We are trying to run this as a business at this minute. That is difficult, especially in this day and age," he said. "It is a tough old business. Financially it is tough out there - and we are not going to be running this club in the manner of some other clubs.

"But I think that is part of the excitement of it all. You have to try and find other ways to compete. I don't think we'll ever be up there in finance terms but it doesn't mean you cannot compete in other ways."

Villa have been in the top six virtually all season and were in strong contention for a Champions League spot until a recent poor run of results left them trailing Arsenal by seven points.

O'Neill added "We have been up there all season, never out of the top six.

"But we are in the same league as Manchester United, who have gates of 75,000 and are a different entity. We are in there against Arsenal, who house 60,000 fans every home game.

"Then we are against the other two (Liverpool and Chelsea), who have our sort of gates but not only have the experience behind them but a lot of money to go at it as well."

Santa Cruz set on Rovers exit

Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz claims he has told Blackburn he wants to leave the club at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old, currently recuperating after undergoing a surgical procedure on his troublesome right knee last week, told Paraguayan radio he has informed Rovers he wants to move on in the summer.

'I have already told them (Blackburn) and they know that before the transfer window closes I would like to continue my career at a bigger, more ambitious team,' he told Radio Nanduti.
He added: 'Even though I haven't heard anything, I haven't changed my mind. I think it will be very difficult for me to play again this season because of the recovery. Our last league match is on May 24 and I also need a couple of days for my knee to physically recover.'

The former Bayern Munich frontman could, therefore, have played his last match for Blackburn, as he does not intend to take to the field again before he is 100% fit.

Santa Cruz last week underwent an arthroscopy in Germany, which showed 'a minor degree of wear and tear'. He had the joint washed out but did not require any active surgical procedure.

'I had to clean the zone of the cruciate ligament operation I had three or four years ago because there was some liquid there,' he said.

'When I had the tendonitis in the left knee, it made the other leg overwork. That's why it got worse and I needed the surgery.

'Now, it is up to the knee. The recovery time is between four and six weeks and I will not hurry. The most important thing is to play without any problems. I will wait for my knee to be perfect, no matter how long it takes.'

Liverpool hit back in Rafa row

Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee has dismissed criticism of boss Rafael Benitez as 'sad'.

And Lee has questioned why Blackburn chief Sam Allardyce never mentioned to him he felt humiliated by the Spaniard's hand gesture after the recent Premier League match at Anfield.

Both Allardyce and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson attacked Benitez for a gesture he made when his side scored the second of their four goals against Rovers.

But Lee, who was Allardyce's former No.2 at Bolton, felt the Rovers boss should have voiced his concerns at the time if he felt there was an issue.

Lee said: 'I'm surprised Sam, if he felt that strongly about it, didn't mention it to me when we were sat having a drink after the game. We have a close relationship but I can't speak for what other people read into things.

'We know what we want out of football and it is not for us to talk about other clubs. When people are successful others will always want to knock you.'

Wenger tells Fergie to forget mind games

Arsene Wenger insists he has no interest in being drawn into Sir Alex Ferguson's mind games ahead of tonight's trip to Anfield.

The Manchester United manager has clashed with Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez this season and could not resist having his say ahead of Arsenal's visit, which could have a crucial bearing on the title race.

Ferguson's side are a point clear of the Reds at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand.
A point for Benitez's men would be enough to send them top once more and Arsenal's chances of avoiding defeat could be harmed if Wenger decides to make wholesale changes to the team defeated by Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.

Striker Emmanuel Adebayor will be rested as he has a slight hamstring problem while leading scorer Robin van Persie is absent with a groin strain.

Ferguson, who fielded a virtual reserve team himself in United's semi-final loss to Everton on Sunday, said: 'I don't know what Arsene will be thinking about tonight but, no matter what, Arsenal always try.

'That is the mantra of Arsene himself. He is a winner. Providing they try, it is all I can ask for.'

Wenger, though, is unconcerned by what rival managers have to say. He insisted: 'I believe it [mind games] was always something which was overrated a bit.

'It is a little bit like advertising - it is needed but what impact it has on sales you never know.I believe it can sometimes have a negative impact rather than a positive impact.'