Vela vows to lead Baggies fight - hot sports news

Loan striker aims for more of the same after derby equaliser

Carlos Vela is determined to help keep West Brom in the Premier League after scoring his first goal for the club on Sunday.

Vela, who has joined on loan from Arsenal until the end of the season, was the Baggies' derby-day saviour as he struck in the third minute of stoppage-time to claim a 1-1 draw at home to bitter Black Country rivals Wolves.

Keeper Wayne Hennessey fumbled James Morrison's shot and Vela was in the right spot to fire in the rebound, keeping Wolves bottom of the Premier League and West Brom one point clear of the drop zone.

But the Baggies are just three points above Wolves with 11 games remaining so Vela, 21, knows he must keep delivering the goods if Roy Hodgson's men are to be sure of survival.

"I am enjoying it because I came here to play and to try to help the team but I have to work hard and improve my level to help the team," he told Express & Star. "Yesterday was a good day for me and I hope I have more days like that.

"I feel very good. I am so happy that I could help the team a little bit to take a point. Obviously we wanted to win but at this moment we need to take any points we can and work very hard to make sure we're in the best possible position in the table.
Capitalise

"You are always trying to capitalise on a mistake from the other team and to find something. We got the goal in the last minute and got one point.

"I am happy and working hard to help the team. The fans are always very good with us and we have to play and work together and try to keep the team up and try to be more calm in the last few games of the season.

"The team wanted to win but we are happy because one point is better than nothing."

Vela came off the bench in the 73rd minute for his third league appearance for West Brom having made just four at Arsenal this season.

New manager Hodgson is glad to have Vela at his disposal and felt the Mexican striker's goal showed the predatory instincts he brings to the team.

Right place, right time

"Carlos did very, very well. He's very interesting," said the Baggies' boss.

"Arsenal don't make mistakes with talents they sign and he's been a bit unlucky at Arsenal in terms of injuries. He is a good loan signing for West Brom and he looked lively and scored a goal.

"Okay, it was from a rebound and you could say 'anyone can score that'. But that's not my experience. You need to be a goalscorer to be in the right position.

"Actually, the ball came back to him very quickly and he got his feet adjusted very quickly. I have seen those chances missed, so I am very pleased for him."

Leeds run rule over Stewart

Scottish midfielder on trial with Whites

Leeds are set to run the rule over midfielder Michael Stewart as he plays in a behind-closed-doors match on Monday.

The 29-year-old Scotland international is one of two trialists looking to impress the Whites, who are gunning for promotion from the Championship this season.

Stewart came through the ranks at Rangers before moving on to Manchester United in 1998 and has since had spells in Edinburgh with both Hibernian and Hearts.

As revealed by skysports.comat the weekend, Stewart could be poised for a switch to Elland Road after terminating his contact with Turkish club Genclerbirligi in January following a series of late and part payments of his salary, despite other interest from Blackpool.

Boss Simon Grayson told Leeds' official website: "We've got a couple of lads up here on trial who will play on Monday.

"As ever we'll have a look at them over the next few days and see how things go."

Meanwhile, Grayson is waiting to find out the extent of defender Paul Connolly's hamstring injury.

Right-back Connolly, who sustained the problem in Saturday's win over Coventry, was withdrawn in the 83rd minute and could be an early doubt for the league game at Bristol City.

Grayson added: "'Conns' could've come off a bit earlier. He tweaked his hamstring and we'll assess him over the next few days and see how he is."

Arsenal 2 Huddersfield Town 1: match report

A full match report of the FA Cup fourth-round tie between Arsenal and Huddersfield Town at the Emirates on Sunday Jan 30 2011.

Arsène Wenger had used his programme notes to claim that he now has a 25-man Arsenal squad of unprecedented and identical quality, but this was still a sobering reminder that some of his players are rather more equal than others.

Take Samir Nasri. He has been the outstanding player this season, not just for Arsenal but arguably in the entire Premier League, so the sight of him hobbling from the pitch after just 32 minutes while clutching his hamstring was particularly alarming.

Nasri’s departure coincided with a loss in momentum for Arsenal on Sunday but far more serious is the news that he is expected to be out for around three weeks so is almost certain to miss the first leg of the Champions League tie against Barcelona on Feb 16.

For Wenger, the frustration was compounded by the fact that he had originally intended to rest Nasri ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League match against Everton.

“It looks a serious hamstring injury,” said Wenger. “I have regrets now. The plan was to play Tomas Rosicky but he was still too weak because he was sick so I took a gamble on Nasri. It backfired. It is a big blow. We are at the stage where we play so many games, so to lose bodies is very difficult for us.”

Another lost body for at least one match is Sébastien Squillaci who, having returned to play for the first time in more than a month, was again unconvincing and lasted only 42 minutes before being deservedly dismissed for blocking Jack Hunt as he ran clear on goal.

It leaves Arsenal with only two senior centre-backs for the game against Everton but, having again concluded that most Premier League defenders are over-priced, Wenger is unlikely to do any business before the transfer window closes.

Despite it being their ninth match in January, Arsenal started fairly brightly, with Andrei Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner both creating a flurry of first-half chances.

Bendtner was particularly profligate, shooting wide from the edge of the six-yard box and then missing the ball completely when Nasri had split the Huddersfield defence with a brilliantly-lofted pass. That miss attracted derision from the Huddersfield supporters but they were silenced in the next attack when Bendtner’s shot fortuitously deflected off Peter Clarke and flew past goalkeeper Ian Bennett. Replays also suggested that Marouane Chamakh had handled the ball in the build-up to the goal.

Bendtner, though, still could not resist running past the visiting supporters with one hand cupped against his ear.

Huddersfield responded admirably and, with Nasri off and Arsenal down to 10 men following Squillaci’s red card, they placed their opponents under sustained pressure.

Anthony Pilkington, Jamie McCombe and Joey Gudjonsson all missed good chances while Alan Lee forced one outstanding diving save from Manuel Almunia, playing his first match since September.

With Huddersfield dominating, the equaliser was thoroughly merited, and it was predictable that it should come from a set-piece.

Pilkington’s corner was well directed to the edge of the six-yard box and, with Abou Diaby failing to get much height on his jump, Lee headed powerfully past Almunia.

Wenger responded by introducing Cesc Fabregas and Arsenal duly resumed control. The winner, though, was also controversial, with McCombe getting the wrong side of Bendtner after Fabregas’s cute pass. The subsequent contact was minimal but it was enough to disrupt Bendtner and persuade referee Mark Clattenburg to award a penalty.

Fabregas then did little for his own popularity by furiously encouraging Clattenburg to brandish his second red card of the match, before scoring with ease from the spot.

The bad blood engendered by that moment spilled over after the game, when Pilkington used his Twitter account to allege that Fabregas had sworn at and refused to exchange shirts with some of his team-mates. However, Pilkington quickly withdrew the message and his account was closed down.

Victory preserved Wenger’s record of never having lost an FA Cup tie against a lower-league club. “It shows how seriously we take the competition,” he said.

FA Cup fifth round draw

Crawley get Utd, Orient handed Gunners test, Hammers face Burnley

Crawley Town have been handed a dream clash with Manchester United in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The only non-league side left in the competition will make the trip to Old Trafford in the pick of the last-16 ties.

Manchester United survived a scare against Southampton on Saturday and they will now face the lowest ranked side still in the cup in a real fairytale tie.

Elsewhere, League One Leyton Orient have been rewarded for their win over Swansea with a London derby against Arsenal.

Brighton, who have already beaten Portsmouth and Watford in the competition so far, face a trip to Stoke in the fifth round.

Manchester City will take on Aston Villa at home if they can overcome Notts County in their replay.

Holders Chelsea will have a home clash with Reading if they can beat Everton in their replay at Stamford Bridge.

There will be an all-Premier League tie with Fulham taking on the winners of the Bolton v Wigan replay at Craven Cottage.

Carling Cup finalists Birmingham have been handed a home tie with League One Sheffield Wednesday.

West Ham, who dispensed of Nottingham Forest in the fourth round, take on another Championship side in the shape of Burnley in the fifth round at Upton Park.
FA Cup fifth round draw:

West Ham v Burnley

Notts County or Manchester City v Aston Villa

Stoke City v Brighton

Birmingham City v Sheffield Wednesday

Leyton Orient v Arsenal

Everton or Chelsea v Reading

Man Utd v Crawley Town

Fulham v Bolton or Wigan

Southampton 1 Manchester United 2: match report

a full match report of the FA Cup fourth round game between Southampton and Manchester United at St Mary's on Saturday Jan 29 2011.

threatened to repeat their famous 1976 Wembley win over Manchester United when Richard Chaplow gave them a deserved half-time lead against the much-changed Premier League leaders.

But, as in Tuesday night's dramatic comeback at Blackpool, the introduction of the veteran Ryan Giggs helped change the game, with goals from Michael Owen and Javier Hernandez putting the visitors into the last 16.

Having admitted making a mistake by fielding a weakened side in last season's shock third-round home defeat to Leeds, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had gone strong against Liverpool earlier this month.

But he appeared to forget the lessons of the Leeds loss in picking his team today.

Buoyed by not having to face the likes of Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and facing a makeshift defence and rookie goalkeeper, Southampton sensed an upset from the off.

The former Premier League stalwarts were almost given even greater cause for optimism in the eighth minute when the ball deflected through to Dan Harding, who coolly clipped home.

Unfortunately for him, the assistant referee's flag was already up.

But that did not deter the League One high-fliers, who almost profited from slack United defending when Rickie Lambert curled too close to debutant keeper Anders Lindegaard.

Liverpool-born striker Lambert also fired two free-kicks narrowly over, while captain home captain Jose Fonte failed to get proper contact on a corner which was pouched by Lindegaard.

United, meanwhile, were looking very much like a side which had rung the changes.

Making his first start for almost four months in a withdrawn role, Owen provided an early threat, steering Fabio's inside pass narrowly wide before clattering the far post with a mishit cross.

But that was as good as it got for the visitors as the in-demand Alex Chamberlain, reportedly a target for United, began to come more and more into the game.

The 17-year-old was involved in what should have been an opener a minute before the break when Guly nodded over Danny Butterfield's cross from six yards.

But Chaplow spared his team-mate's blushes moments before half-time when he broke into the United box and slammed the ball into the roof of the net at Lindegaard's near post.

If United fans were expecting the cavalry to arrive for the second half, they were initially disappointed as Wes Brown replaced Fabio in a defensive reshuffle.

With no sign of an equaliser in the opening 13 minutes, Ferguson sent on Giggs and Nani for Anderson and Darron Gibson, controversially ignoring Rooney and the on-fire Berbatov.

However, the double-substitution was quickly vindicated, Jonny Evans nodding Giggs' free-kick too close to Bartosz Bialkowski and Owen flicking Nani's low cross over the bar.

The equaliser soon followed in the 65th minute, with Gabriel Obertan's drilled cross deflecting right into the path of Owen, who nodded home his first goal since September.

Southampton came roaring back and marauding left-back Harding lashed a cross-cum-shot inches wide.

Saints sent on Ryan Dickson for Lee Barnard for the final 18 minutes before Nani fired a low half-volley straight at Bialkowski.

But the keeper was helpless as United completed their latest comeback 14 minutes from time, Fonte's slip allowing Javier Hernandez to receive Giggs' through ball and ghost an improvised finish into the net.

Southampton threw on Dany N'Guessan for Guly before Lindegaard flapped at a Harding cross and Chaplow left the field to a standing ovation, with Oscar Gobern coming on.

If the changes were meant to give Southampton a second wind, they failed to have the desired effect as United comfortably saw out time.

FA Cup - Saturday preview

Toffees tackle the holders, while the Red Devils face the Saints

Saturday brings 11 games in the fourth round of the FA Cup, including three all-Premier League ties.

The current top flight leaders will also be in action, while Crawley Town fly the non-league flag.

The action gets under way at Goodison Park, with Everton playing host to Premier League foes and current cup holders Chelsea.

Swansea are also in lunchtime action, as they welcome League One outfit Leyton Orient to the Liberty Stadium.

Next to get under way are Aston Villa, who will be hoping their recent return to form allows them to dispose of Blackburn.

Birmingham and Coventry meet in a Midlands derby at St Andrews, with the hosts likely to be in buoyant mood after booking their place in the Carling Cup final.

Bolton and Wigan lock horns in another all-top flight tussle, with local pride and a place in round five up for grabs at the Reebok Stadium.
Impressive scalp

Eddie Howe will get his first taste of knockout competition as Burnley boss when the Clarets entertain fourth tier Burton Albion.

Sheffield Wednesday have hit an alarming slump of late and will want to get their season back on track when they take on Hereford.

Stevenage dumped Newcastle out in round three and will be eyeing another impressive scalp when they play host to Championship promotion chasers Reading.

Crawley Town, who saw off Derby in the last round, are the sole survivors from the non-league ranks and will fancy their chances of making further progress when they go to Torquay.

Watford face a tricky test at home to League One table-toppers Brighton and will need to be at their best against the high-flying Seagulls.

The final fixture on a busy afternoon of action sees Southampton attempt to cause the upset of the round when unbeaten Premier League leaders Manchester United roll into town.

Bullard makes Ipswich switch

Tigers midfielder heads to Portman Road on loan

Ipswich have secured the services of midfielder Jimmy Bullard on loan from Hull City for the remainder of the season.

The move sees Bullard reunited with Paul Jewell, who was in charge at Wigan when they paid £275,000 to Peterborough for Bullard in January 2003.

The 32-year-old has been restricted to just nine first-team appearances at the KC Stadium this season after being hampered by a series of injury setbacks.

Bullard looked set to leave the East Yorkshire side in the summer as they looked to slash their wage bill following relegation from the Premier League but an exit never materialised.

Having arrived from Fulham in a £5million deal in January 2009, Bullard immediately saw a serious knee problem stall his career with the Tigers and he has made just 18 league starts for the club.

He has struggled to win back a regular place in the starting line-up under manager Nigel Pearson since regaining full fitness and has now been allowed to join the Tractor Boys for the remainder of the campaign.

Swans confirm Kuqi exit

Rodgers wishes striker well after letting Finn move on

Swansea City have confirmed Shefki Kuqi is free to find another club after cancelling the remainder of his contract.

Kuqi was set to leave the Liberty Stadium after struggling to make an impact this season.

The veteran striker joined the Swans 12 months ago from TuS Koblenz and scored seven goals in 24 appearances for the club.

He spent three months on loan at Championship rivals Derby County earlier in the campaign and Swans boss Brendan Rodgers confirmed the Finn's exit.

Rodgers told the club's official website: "Unfortunately it hasn't worked out for Shefki this season because he hasn't played as much as he would have liked.

"However, it goes without saying that he has always conducted himself in a totally professional manner on and off the field.

"He is a terrific individual and we all wish him well in his next challenge."

Shittu lands QPR deal

Defender returns to Loftus Road

Dan Shittu has returned to Queens Park Rangers after being handed a contract until the end of the season.

Rangers were lining up a move to bring Shittu back to Loftus Road.

The defender, who made 182 appearances during a five-year spell at Loftus Road between 2001 and 2006, arrives as a free agent following a stint at Millwall.

The Lions were also eager to agree terms with the Nigeria international after handing him a three-month contract following his summer release by Bolton but he has elected to join the Championship leaders.

Neil Warnock feels Shittu will be an excellent addition to his squad and his previous experience with the club will help him settle immediately.

"I just felt that with the injuries Fitz Hall has had this season that we were maybe one body light in the central defensive area," Warnock told the club's official website.

"We've got to look at every avenue for the last 19 games of what could be the most important period in the club's recent history.

"Dan wanted to come here and I wanted to get him, so it was a no-brainer in that respect. Dan knows the club inside-out and can't wait to get started."

Boro face Lita battle

Clubs chase striker

Middlesbrough face a battle to hang on to Leroy Lita.

The former Reading star has been in excellent form this season and has really found his goalscoring touch under Tony Mowbray.

Lita has bagged five goals in his last eight league matches, and this form has attracted the attention of a number of clubs.

Skysports.com understands that Wigan, Stoke and Queens Park Rangers are amongst the clubs keeping close tabs on Lita.

Boro would be loath to lose Lita, with the club still battling against relegation from the Championship, and Mowbray is a confirmed fan of the Sierra Leone-born front-man.

However, the club are still balancing their books as their Premier League parachute payments cease this term.

That means Boro would consider reasonable offers for almost any player, meaning Lita may well not be out of touch for any interested party.

Wigan are even believed to have made contact with Boro, who would be looking for in excess of £2million for a player they signed on a free transfer in 2009.

Boro have already sold two of their highest earners in David Wheater and Gary O'Neil this month.
Boyd

Meanwhile, another player who is strongly being linked with a move away from the club is summer signing Kris Boyd.

It is understood the Scottish international has shunned interest from Russia, including Ruud Gullit's new club Terek Grozny.

His old club Rangers also look unlikely to be able to finance a move for him after being linked with loan move.

"It's a simple one, that one, we couldn't afford to pay the money that Middlesbrough were paying last season and we are still in that position where we can't afford to pay it now," said Gers chief Walter Smith.

"It's just a situation where Kris left us to go to a club who could pay him more money. We couldn't pay him that money and we still can't, and that's the situation."

Kirkland leaves loan behind

Latics keeper looking to push on after frustrating spell with Foxes

Chris Kirkland admits his loan move to Leicester did him few favours, but is now hoping to push on at Wigan.

The England international opted to take in a spell with the Foxes after falling out of favour at the DW Stadium.

He endured a nightmare month with the Championship outfit, with a couple of niggling knocks restricting him to just two-and-a-half appearances for his hometown club.

Kirkland is refusing to dwell on the difficult experience, though, and hopes he can soon oust Ali Al Habsi from Roberto Martinez's first-team plans.
Concentration

"The move didn't start or end the way I hoped it would, and I'm just sorry it didn't work out better for all parties," Kirkland told the Wigan Observer.

"I'm grateful to Sven-Goran Eriksson and Leicester for giving me the chance, and it was great to play for my hometown team.

"But I'm back now and I just need to concentrate on getting back into the Wigan team."

On his short-term goals with the Latics, Kirkland added: "It was so frustrating but there you go, you've got to keep going and I'll be doing that.

"The aim of going out was with a view to coming back and getting in the Wigan team, and that's still the aim. It is good to be back and I just want to help the team as best I can."

Bhasera in Blackpool talks

Full-back could make move permanent in summer

Plymouth full-back Onismor Bhasera is in talks with Blackpool over a loan deal that will see him stay until the end of the season.

Argyle boss Peter Reid confirmed that the player had gone to the Premier League club to discuss terms, with the deal having the possibility of being made permanent in the summer.

The Zimbabwean has been a success since moving to Home Park on a free transfer in March, making 32 appearances and playing in a more advanced role on the left under Reid this season.

He scored his first goal for the club in spectacular fashion against MK Dons early in January, going on a 40-yard dash with the ball before smashing it into the roof of the net as he reached the penalty area.

"He's up there (Blackpool) at the moment," Reid told Plymouth's official website.

"From what I've been told the deal should go through. We get a fee on that as well, which helps what we're trying to do in terms of paying the tax man."

Wenger cools Chamberlain talk

Gunners boss quiet over Saints wonderkid

Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal are no closer to concluding a deal for Southampton starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The Gunners boss admitted his interest in the winger, who is on the radar of several Premier League clubs, earlier this week.

Southampton, who sold a young Theo Walcott to Arsenal back in 2006, were thought to be willing to negotiate a deal of around £10m for the teenager.

But Wenger, speaking after the Gunners' 3-1 aggregate win over Ipswich in the Carling Cup semi-final on Tuesday night, denied his side were near to completing a swoop for the 17-year-old, or any other of their transfer targets.

He said: "There is no news, and I would be surprised if there will be any."

Manchester United have all also been heavily linked with wonderkid Chamberlain, who already has six League One goals to his name from just 24 appearances.

But Gunners chairman Peter Hill-Wood insists the club will not get into a bidding war with their Premier League rivals for the youngster's signature.

He said in the Daily Star: "If Manchester United want to outbid us with some silly figure, that is their privilege.

"I think the boy would like to come to us."

Andy Gray sacked: Richard Keys in firing line after new Sky Sports footage emerges

Andy Gray was sacked on Tuesday by Sky Sports while the position of his fellow presenter, Richard Keys, is under increasing doubt after the emergence of more shocking off-air footage.

Hot Sports has seen a further clip in which Keys speaks offensively about a former girlfriend of Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp. That new footage was briefly posted and then removed from YouTube on Tuesday, although it is not clear when it was filmed. 

The Telegraph has seen the clip, which was filmed at Stamford Bridge, but has deemed the language too distasteful to repeat.

Keys is already on an official warning from Sky for his sexist remarks about assistant referee Sian Massey in the game between Liverpool and Wolves on Saturday. He also derided West Ham chief executive Karren Brady for raising the issue of sexism in football in her newspaper column.

The clip of Keys follows the dismissal of Gray for "unacceptable behaviour" in footage that was filmed last December but only came to light on Tuesday.

The offending clip of Gray was filmed during the Sky Sports Christmas Special. In it, Gray fiddles with his trousers and says, "Charlotte could you tuck this in here for me". The comment is ignored by his fellow presenter Charlotte Jackson, although does provoke laughter from Keys.

Gray and Keys had already both been stood down from Monday's match between Chelsea and Bolton for their remarks about Massey. Sky Sports' managing director, Barney Francis, also personally oversaw the action that was taken on Tuesday against Gray.

"Andy Gray's contract has been terminated for unacceptable behaviour," he said. "After issuing a warning, we have no hesitation in taking this action after becoming aware of new information."

A Sky statement added: "The decision, which is effective immediately, was made in response to new evidence of unacceptable and offensive behaviour. The new evidence, relating to an off-air incident that took place in December 2010, came to light after Andy Gray had already been subjected to disciplinary action for his comments of Jan 22, 2011."

Gray has now instructed his lawyers, Schillings, over the termination of his contract. The Scot, who was believed to be on a seven-figure annual salary, recently began legal action related to the News of the World phone hacking allegations. Sky and the News of the World are both part of Rupert Murdoch's media empire.

Betfair, the online betting company, have also said that they are "reviewing" Gray's involvement with their company.

Gray made no public comment but his fiancée, Rachel Lewis, did speak from their home. "He's wanted to apologise for the last few days, desperately," she said. "He was told not to by Sky."

Keys telephoned Massey on Sunday on behalf of both presenters and his apology has been accepted by the 25 year-old schoolteacher.

Sky does not regard the issue of who made the apology as relevant and has simply taken action on the basis of the footage.

Four separate off-air incidents involving Gray or Keys have now entered the public domain, but it is understood that there will be no investigation at Sky into how such sensitive material appears to have been leaked.

Sam Matterface, a former Sky Sports presenter, believes that Gray was not popular among colleagues. "He had an aura; an air about him of being untouchable," said Matterface. "I'm not really surprised that another incident has come to light. I always had the feeling, even though I had cordial exchanges with him, that he wasn't very popular among the people he worked with."

Gray, who has been Sky Sports' main football pundit since the launch of the Premier League in 1992, was also involved in a second incident at the Wolves v Liverpool match that showed him making further sexist remarks about Massey.

That footage occurred before the match. In it, reporter Andy Burton claims a colleague described Massey as a "bit of a looker".

"He says she is all right," Burton added. "Now I don't know if I should trust his judgment on that?"

Gray replied: "Nah, I wouldn't. I definitely wouldn't."

Burton has also been warned about his conduct.

Arsenal v Ipswich preview

Gunners trail 1-0 ahead of second leg at Emirates Stadium

Arsenal must overturn a 1-0 deficit at home to Ipswich if they are to make it through to the final of the Carling Cup.

The Championship side produced a superb performance in the first leg at Portman Road earlier this month as a late goal from Tamas Priskin secured a slender advantage.

That victory will count for nothing, however, unless Ipswich can finish the job at Emirates Stadium and set up a Wembley showdown against either Birmingham or West Ham.

The Gunners, meanwhile, have the opportunity to make amends for a subdued display and will be confident of overpowering Town on their home turf.

Arsene Wenger's men have rediscovered some of their best form over the past couple of weeks with impressive wins over West Ham, Leeds and Wigan to keep their dreams of a domestic treble alive.

But the Carling Cup still represents their best chance of ending a silverware drought that stretches back almost six years, and Wenger is likely to send out a strong starting XI whilst still rotating his squad to some extent.

Kieran Gibbs, Emmanuel Eboue, Denilson, Andrey Arshavin, Nicklas Bendtner and Marouane Chamakh are all in contention after being substitutes against Wigan, while there could yet be a debut for young Spanish centre-back Ignasi Miquel.

Wenger has no fresh injury worries but midfielder Tomas Rosicky (virus), Abou Diaby (calf) and Sebastien Squillaci (hamstring) may not return until Sunday's FA Cup fourth round tie against Huddersfield.

Goalkeepers Lukasz Fabianski (shoulder) and Manuel Almunia (ankle) remain out so Wojciech Szczesny will once again line up between the posts.

Centre-back Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) is still some six weeks away from a possible return.

Ipswich news
Paul Jewell has started life as Ipswich manager with one loss and one win in the Championship since the first-leg success against Arsenal.

Ian McParland was in caretaker charge for the clash with the Gunners at Portman Road and Jewell has admitted he feels a 'bit of a fraud' to be preparing for a decisive semi-final tussle having not been involved throughout Ipswich's cup campaign.

Jewell will be without winger Lee Martin, who is cup-tied having played in the competition for Charlton earlier this season.

His place could go to Jason Scotland, Mark Kennedy or Luciano Civelli, while Marton Fulop will continue in goal in the absence of Brian Murphy (ankle).

Winger Shane O'Connor remains sidelined with a dislocated shoulder but midfielder Luke Hyam returned to the bench at the weekend after a lengthy spell out with a hamstring problem.

Maccarone makes Samp switch

Striker joins Serie A rivals from Palermo

Palermo have announced that Massimo Maccarone is to join Sampdoria after being placed on the transfer list last week.

The former Middlesbrough striker has struggled to hold down a first-team place at the Sicilian club since arriving on a three-year deal in the summer.

Palermo therefore decided to allow Maccarone to look for a new club as they felt they had enough attacking options at their disposal.

Maccarone initially seemed reluctant to leave before it was made clear to him that he had no future at Palermo and would have to spend the rest of the season watching from the stands.

Serie A strugglers Cesena were the first to express an interest but it is Sampdoria who have now won the chase for Maccarone's signature.

The 31-year-old will be relishing the opportunity to get his career back on track following a frustrating few months with Palermo.

He has previously been on the books of Empoli and Cesena as well as Boro.

Eagles eager for fresh blood

Championship strugglers determined to boost survival bid

Crystal Palace are hoping to bring in three new players before the transfer window closes next Monday.

The Eagles are third-bottom in the Championship after Saturday's 0-0 draw at home to Bristol City, one point adrift of safety.

New manager Dougie Freedman is hoping to bolster his squad with a new defender, midfielder and striker.

And co-chairman Steve Parish insists he will do his utmost to give the rookie boss the reinforcements he needs.

"We haven't got a recognised left-back so that's a massive priority at the moment," said Parish.
Left-back needed

"We're looking to add to the strikeforce and probably something in midfield as well. We are working hard to do that."

Palace look set to miss out on Chelsea midfielder Jack Cork, who has been on loan at Burnley, and Everton striker James Vaughan, who spent a loan spell at Selhurst Park earlier this season.

But Freedman is not giving up hope and expects a host of late deals to go through before the window slams shut.

"We're working every minute and we'll be working until the final minute of the deadline," said the Scottish boss.

"These things seem to work with a trigger effect.

"We know Darren Bent went from Aston Villa and the money gets flushed around and one or two things start to move.

"So we may have to wait until the big boys get what they want, then they let one or two out and we can all start to do more business."

Hull release Zayatte registration

Guinea defender free to join Turkish side after compensation deal

Hull City have released Kamil Zayatte's registration to Turkish club Konyaspor for 'nominal compensation'.

The Tigers revealed last week they allowed the Guinea international to leave the Championship club with immediate effect in order to return home to France on compassionate grounds.

The 25-year-old defender walked away from a contract that still had 18 months to run and was worth a reported £20,000-a-week.

Hull retained his registration in the event of securing future compensation if Zayatte joined another club, and an agreement has now been reached allowing Zayatte to complete a move to Turkey.
Best wishes

"Kamil leaves with the club's best wishes and regards for his future career," read a club statement.

Zayatte initially joined the Tigers on loan from Swiss side Young Boys in August 2008 before finalising a £2.5million transfer later that season.

The former Lens trainee scored four goals in 79 appearances for the club, including 17 starts this season.

The Tigers have since signed 23-year-old Tunisia midfielder Tijani Belaid until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.

Boro eye Bayern stopper

Mowbray contemplates German deal

Middlesbrough are keen to seal a deal for Bayern Munich reserve captain Maximilian Haas, according to Germany sources.

The 25-year-old, who can play in defence or midfield, is understood to be a target for Tony Mowbray - as he looks to bolster his squad in the January transfer window.

Having sold David Wheater, he does have room for defensive reinforcements, and Haas could be that option.

Haas moved to Bayern in 2007 from Freising and is yet to play for the first team, although he was promoted to the senior squad by Louis van Gaal in the summer - but all his action has been with the reserves.

Now Werner Kern, youth director of Bayern Munich, has admitted Haas could be on his way.

"We are aware of that and we do not plan to put any obstacles in Maximilian's way," Kern told kicker-Sportmagazin.

"We are, however, still to receive a concrete bid from Middlesbrough for his services."

Haas' current deal is due to expire in the summer, and Boro look keen to take him on loan with a view to a permanent deal at the end of the season.

Nugent - I'm going nowhere

Pompey ace wants to stay at Fratton Park

Portsmouth striker David Nugent insists he will not be leaving the club during the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old forward's contract is up at the end of the season and cash-strapped Pompey could be tempted to sell rather than risk him leaving on a free.

Nugent has hit seven goals in 24 Championship appearances so far this season and is currently negotiating a new deal with a view to extending his stay at Fratton Park.

Premier League sides Blackpool and Wigan are thought to be keeping tabs on his progress, but the former Bury and Preston man claims he is happy at Portsmouth.

"I'm settled. I will be here until the end of the season," he said.

"I'm still negotiating my contract, so hopefully that can get sorted. We'll see what happens.

"I'm committed to Portsmouth until the end of the season, definitely."

Portsmouth are currently 18th in the second tier and take on Burnley at home on Tuesday night.