Sebastien Squillaci is in line for an Arsenal debut on Saturday against Blackburn Rovers.

Squillaci is in line to make his Arsenal debut against Bolton this weekend after completing 90 minutes of the Gunners' reserve victory over Blackburn last night.

The France defender is yet to play for Arsene Wenger's side since completing his £6.5m move from Sevilla - but the 30-year-old now looks ready to challenge Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny for a starting centre-back berth after coming through Tuesday's clash at Underhill unscathed.

Everton defender Phil Jagielka didn't notice any change from Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney while away with England.

Rooney scored England’s first goal in a 3-1 win in Switzerland on Tuesday, his first from open play since injuring an ankle on Champions League duty in March.

Jagielka said: "He’s done what he’s put in the team for and he created some good chances as well, but he was there, the right man at the right time to slot in the opener.

"I don’t really have an in-depth view of how he’s been feeling. I’m not exactly best of friends with Wayne but he seems his normal self."

Everton defender Phil Jagielka accepts he may have to make way for senior England teammates when the next international round occurs.

Jagielka’s own form has been impressive for England, giving manager Fabio Capello a selection problem when Rio Ferdinand and John Terry are back from injury.

"If they’re fit, they’re fit," said Jagielka. "The manager chooses the players he wants to play. We’ve won two games, done pretty well as a team and I’ve been part of that team.

"There’s nothing much else I can do - except maybe score a couple of goals."

Michael Liddle has returned to Sunderland.

Liddle has returned from his loan spell at Npower League One side Leyton Orient.

The 20-year-old has struggled with injuries so far this season and made just a single appearance for the London outfit, in their opening-day defeat at Yeovil.

Liddle has previously spent time on loan at Carlisle and made his first-team debut for Sunderland in the 3-0 FA Cup win over Barrow back in January.

Kevin MacDonald is expected to be offered a role under Gerard Houllier at Aston Villa.

The Birmingham Mail says there is still scope for MacDonald to form part of the new coaching team with Houllier due to meet the caretaker manager and players at Bodymoor Heath today before being unveiled at a press conference tomorrow.

The Scot has been in charge of Villa since Martin O'Neill's departure.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce wants to end their way day woes with victory at former club Wigan Athletic.

Sunderland bagged 34 of their 44 total points at home last season, losing 13 times away from the Stadium of Light and winning just twice.

The away problem has perplexed a series of managers and Bruce feels it's high time his team began to collect more top-flight wins away from their own patch.

"Our mentality will have to change," Bruce told safc.com. "It's been going on for years under different managers and they've not been able to crack it.

"It's probably my biggest challenge says coming here, changing that mentality to make sure we improve and pick up some more away wins.

"To only win 10 games in six Premier League seasons away from home is utterly ridiculous.

"It is not a record to be proud of and it's up to me to do something about it."

Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha admits he's settled quickly at Sunderland.

He has made two appearances so far and will return to the squad for Saturday's game at Wigan.

Onuoha told SAFC-TV: "To be honest it's gone very well - I couldn't ask for much more. I enjoy the place and I like the people.

"Hopefully I can keep improving and keep enjoying myself personally. It was strange at first but I've settled in now."

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce says Lee Cattermole and Titus Bramble have nothing to prove to former club Wigan Athletic.

Bruce believes neither player should feel they have anything to prove upon returning to their former club.

He told safc.com: "Catts was one of my first signings at Wigan and then I brought him back up here.

"He is just getting back to the Lee Cattermole we know after the setback of being sent off. He'll enjoy the challenge and so will Titus.

"They both have nothing to prove because they had such a wonderful time at Wigan. I can only talk about my reign, but they were terrific for me there."

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is excited by what he has seen from Danny Welbeck.

The on-loan Manchester United striker has played some part in all of Sunderland's games so far, coming off the bench on three occasions and starting the Carling Cup tie against Colchester.

Welbeck, who has scored five senior goals for United, came off the bench against Manchester City and played a major role in Sunderland's 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light.

He caused havoc with his darting runs infield from the left flank and could have had a goal himself before Darren Bent scored the winning goal from the penalty spot.

"Danny's something a bit different and when he came on he looked to take us forward," Bruce told safc.com.

"He always got at City if he possibly could and that's why we brought him in, for times like that, because of his quality.

"We all know he's got that; he needs regular games to get experience under his belt."

And Bruce thinks Welbeck's two-goal show for England's under-21 side in Colchester is another positive step forward.

"It was great to see Danny scoring twice - it just shows he's always a threat," Bruce added.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will not hand Asamoah Gyan a debut at Wigan Athletic if he is not fully fit.

Gyan returns today from international duty with Ghana.

Bruce told safc.com: "I will have to weigh everything up when he comes back.

"In the past I've brought people back in quickly and then thought afterwards that maybe I should have freshened it up.

"Obviously the lad will be desperate to play. We hope he comes back in one piece. He will be assessed before the end of the week and we'll see how he is."

Cristiano Ronaldo is convinced of glory with Real Madrid under new coach Jose Mourinho.

Ronaldo is recovering from injury, but hopes to be available for their Champions League game with Ajax.

"Everyone knows that Mourinho is a winner and I am convinced we will win another title," said Ronaldo. "The aim of Madrid always is to win.

"We are a team that is under construction and if we work well we can win a lot. Barca, however, are complete, but we will fight against them until the end."

Ronaldo added: "Since Mourinho arrived, the intensity of training is amazing and I love it. I think with him we have more chances to win titles than with another coach."

 
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Bayern Munich insist Bastian Schweinsteiger is not for sale.

The World Cup star was linked with Real Madrid yesterday, where coach Jose Mourinho is eager to expand his growing German contingent.

But Bayern chief Christian Nerlinger declared: "He is not for sale. Whichever club may come, and the same goes with Philipp Lahm and all our players."

 
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Nice midfielder Abdou Traore remains hopeful of catching the eye of Barcelona scouts this season.

The 22 year-old left Bordeaux this summer for Nice in search of regular first team football.

Last January, Traore was linked with Barca and he admits: "I learned that I was wanted by Barcelona, it was amazing.

"It would be a dream to play there."

 
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Eric Abidal is adamant he will end his career a Barcelona player - one way or another.

The France defender says if Barca fail to offer him a new contract, he will hang up the boots rather than play elsewhere.

Abidal said: "If the club were to propose a renewal of my Barca contract, I'd gladly accept the proposal.

"Otherwise I'll stop playing football and I will enjoy my victories and my family. I want to end my career here."

 
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Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho isn't counting on Mahamadou Diarra this season.

The Mali international failed to get a move away from Real in the summer and Madrid sources say Mourinho has no plans to use him this season.

A sale in January is the most likely solution for Diarra.

 
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Athletic defender Fernando Amorebieta is set to be handed a new contract.

The Bilbao board has decided to improve Amorebieta's terms after they rejected a €12 million offer from Rubin Kazan for the defender over the summer.

"For the club, he is a very important player, they have rejected a bid for him and, somehow, Athletic feel obliged to do something with his contract, but nothing as yet," said the player's agent, Gines Carvajal.

Deportivo La Coruna prospect David Rochela is attracting transfer interest.

Cadena Ser says Valencia and Sevilla are chasing the highly-rated 20 year-old midfielder.

Rochela has already tasted first team football under Depor coach Miguel Angel Lotina and is being followed by Valencia and Sevilla this season.

Espanyol youngster Javi Marquez is attracting interest from Bordeaux and Marseille.

The midfielder could leave Espanyol as early as January as the two French giants circle.

Villarreal expressed interest in Marquez during the summer, though this has since waned.

Malaga have made a serious move for free agent Herold Goulon.

The 21 year-old French midfielder was released from his Le Mans contract last week.

Malaga made an approach to open talks with Goulon's minders yesterday.

The agent of Diego Forlan has left the door open to a move to Inter Milan for the Atletico Madrid striker.

Forlan admitted on the eve of Atletico's Super Cup victory over Inter that he would welcome a move to the Nerazzurri.

"With Atletico Madrid, Diego is fine," assures one of the agents, Borislav Cvijanovic to Tuttomercatoweb. "Could he go to Inter in January? Yes, however he is well in Spain.

"However, despite Diego being happy at Atletico Madrid, he likes very much Inter and Italian football."

Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi has declared he wants to return to Serie A.

Rossi can no longer hide his desire to return to Italy as soon as possible.

"I really hope it can happen,” said the Villarreal striker. “I don’t know how things went during the last transfer session.

“For me any club will do. We’ll see how things pan out in the future.

“The important thing is I am hoping to return to Serie A as soon as possible.”

The agent of Maurizio Lanzaro says the former Reggina defender is delighted with his move to Real Zaragoza.

The 28-year-old was out of contract after failing to convince Reggina to keep him on and has now signed for a Liga club.

“It was a move wanted strongly by Zaragoza,” agent Emiliano Zavaglia told tuttomercatoweb.com.

“Lanzaro signed a one-year contract with an option for another two years, worth around €600,000.

“The lad had several opportunities, but chose to have this experience abroad. It is going to be an important season where he’s set for first team football. The Zaragoza directors are putting a great deal of faith in him.”

Melbourne Heart will be without attacking midfielder Rutger Worm and Brazilian striker Alex Terra for tomorrow night’s clash with Central Coast Mariners.

Dutchman Worm will miss with hamstring tightness whilst the speedy Terra has succumbed to a groin injury.

“We have two injuries, Alex and Rutger and they won’t play," coach John van 't Schip said.

"Rutger will be missing tomorrow and maybe next week, while Alex we will have to see. We hoped he would be able to play, but it is not good enough to play. He will stay here and have treatment."

Despite losing two vital members of the line-up, van ‘t Schip says he will maintain his 4-3-3 formation as the Heart look for their second win.

"We'll try to stick to the formation. But some players are different as we don’t have a second Alex or second Rutger Worm. We have to fill those positions with different type of players and they will play that role in a different way," he said.

"We will have to see how we manage that and still let the players play the way we have been training and playing."

The loss of both players may prompt van ‘t Schip to hand a first Heart start to veteran striker John Aloisi who came on in the second half of last weekend’s 1-0 win over North Queensland Fury.

Japan national team goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi admits he is surprised at the retirement of fellow gloveman Seigo Narazaki.

Narazaki quit international football after Japan’s friendly with Guatemala on Tuesday and Kawaguchi, who has enjoyed a strong rivalry with Narazaki over the years, said the announcement came as a shock.

“To be honest I am surprised. It’s not as if he couldn’t cut it anymore,” Kawaguchi said.

The 35-year old Jubilo Iwata stopper said he had no plans of joining Narazaki on the sidelines.

“I will keep trying. I have no intention of drawing a line between myself and the national team. It’s up to the coach who he calls up.”

Sanfrecce Hiroshima have defeated Gamba Osaka to progress to the Nabisco Cup semi-finals.

Despite Gamba taking a 1-0 lead into the second leg in Suita, Hiroshima managed to overcome that deficit and record a 2-1 win to advance on away goals.

Hisato Sato opened the scoring in the 26th minute for Hiroshima before he supplied for Koji Morisaki to add a second before Brazilian striker Dodo pulled one back for Gamba with eight minutes remaining.

In the other quarter-finals, Shimizu S-Pulse eliminated title holders Tokyo FC on away goals after the first leg last week ended 1-1 before the clash in Shizuoka overnight was scoreless.

Jubilo Iwata got past Vegalta Sendai 2-1 on aggregate whilst Kawasaki Frontale got past Kashima Antlers 4-3 overall.

Last year’s runners-up Kawasaki will meet Jubilo in the semis with Hiroshima taking on Shimizu.

Scottish Premier League chief executive Neil Doncaster does not expect Rangers and Celtic to leave for England for some time.

The debate has raged for several years over whether the Old Firm might go south of the border and join the Premier League.

Clubs in the English top flight discussed the matter last November, with a new-look Premier League structure incorporating the Glasgow giants on the agenda.

The proposal was rejected but Celtic's largest shareholder Dermot Desmond recently suggested the influence media organisations wield would eventually lead to the Old Firm being invited to England.

Doncaster told Sky Sports News: "We all have dreams for our clubs but I prefer to live in the day-to-day reality of where we are.

"Rangers and Celtic are an important part of what we've got in the SPL and I foresee them being here for the foreseeable future.

"They are Scottish clubs and they're in the SPL. I've got to deal with the reality of what faces me on a day-to-day basis, which is improving the environment as best I can for all Scottish clubs and that includes Rangers and Celtic.

"They are a fundamental part of Scottish football and I foresee that being the case ad infinitum."

 
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Inverness boss Terry Butcher has signed Stuart Duff until the end of the season.

Free agent Duff, who spent a month on loan at Inverness late last year, played for the club's reserve team on Monday night before completing his move on Tuesday.

The former Dundee United and Aberdeen midfielder recently turned down an offer from St Mirren in favour of Inverness and Butcher believes his previous spell will enable the 28-year-old to adapt quickly to life at the club.

Butcher said on the club's official website: "I'm very pleased to add Stuart to our squad.

"He brings extensive SPL experience and adds the competition I've been looking for in midfield.

"As a result of his previous loan spell here he knows the players and knows what this club is all about, so there's no long settling-in time required, which is an advantage."

Celtic boss Neil Lennon is looking forward to working with his 11 new recruits now the transfer window has closed and the international break is over.

The manager told the Celtic View: "I'm pleased it's all over because we can settle things down and we know we're working with a group of players that isn't going to chop and change again until January.

"It's a young squad, it's a hungry squad, and it's all about managing that the right way.

"There have been quite a lot of changes but we just felt it needed doing and I'm pleased with the players who have come in.

"I think they will improve us."

 
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Hearts defender Lee Wallace suffered a torn cruciate ligament in Scotland's 2-1 win over Liechtenstein on Tuesday night and is expected to be out of action for six months.

Jambos' boss Jim Jefferies told Hearts News: "Lee has torn his cruciate ligament, the posterior, and we are looking at six months out of action.

"It appears his season is all but over and that is a hammer blow, first and foremost for the lad as everything seemed to be falling into place for him.

"His form had taken him into the international team, he had taken over the captain's armband with Marius (Zaliukas) out and he had been doing really well.

"It's also a major blow for the club and the team and it goes without saying everyone at the football club wishes him well with his recovery."

Jefferies will now have to shuffle his back line around for the visit to Celtic in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League on Saturday.

He said: "These are the things that football can throw at you and we'll just have to deal with it.

"We have had to play guys out of position before and we'll just have to try to fill the void as best we can."

Celtic defender Glenn Loovens anticipated the changes, which included Aiden McGeady moving to Spartak Moscow, and believes the impact will be positive.

The Dutchman told the Celtic View: "We didn't have a good season last year so you know there are going to be players moving in and out.

"That's normal at a big club like Celtic.

"It keeps you sharp and on your toes and you just have to make sure you are on top of your game in every match as, if you're not, there are a few players who could get in the team no problem."

 
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Liverpool icon Alan Hansen has welcomed the signing of former Porto midfielder Raul Meireles.

Hansen believes the deal is a coup for Reds boss Roy Hodgson.

"They can't be compared directly, but the closest thing we had to Meireles when I was at Liverpool would have been Terry McDermott," Hansen told LFC Weekly.

"Terry Mac was probably better technically, but he was the same type of energetic box-to-box midfielder who would start the build-up on the edge of our box and 10 seconds later would be at the other end of the pitch putting the ball in the net.

"I'd be stood there thinking 'Christ, where has he come from?'

"That's the sort of thing we've been looking for - someone who can go from being in a defensive position to ghosting into the other penalty area as a move builds up - and I believe Meireles can do that job."

He added: "Meireles will add energy to the midfield. He'll shake things up in terms of movement in the centre of the park and get from box to box in a way that no other Liverpool midfielder has done in recent times with the exception of Steven Gerrard.

"He is a dynamic player. One minute he's in defence, the next he's in the opposition's box and maybe that's what we've been lacking a bit of in the last four or five years."

 
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AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has declared he'd like to sign Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.

It's no secret that Balotelli is a Milan fan, having been pictured at San Siro watching their games on several occasions.

Balotelli was even convinced to pull on a Milan shirt on a satirical TV show earlier this year, drawing criticism from Inter fans.

When asked if he would like to sign Balotelli, Galliani said: “Yes, I would like to.”

Galliani was also no stranger to the fact that Balotelli is represented by the same agent as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho.

“Ah, I didn't know,” he joked.

 
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Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney was outstanding for England in their two Euro qualifying victories this past week.

Gerrard was full of praise for Rooney after he put off-field allegations to one side with his first England goal for 12 months and another excellent performance.

He said: "All the talk in the build-up was about Wayne but we showed a great togetherness and the early goal for Wayne did him the world of good.

"Over the two games he's been fantastic for us.

"People said the Swiss players might try to wind him up but I wouldn't say that was the case.

"I think they are an honest team and they have a good record, especially at home.

"People were talking about them being difficult to play against, hard to score against and hard to break down.

"But I thought we tore them apart at times and Wayne played a big part in that."

 
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The agent of Mario Balotelli says Manchester City is a good move for him.

Mino Raiola oversaw Balotelli's switch to City from Inter Milan and also assisted in Robinho's move to AC Milan.

He said: “Negotiations are made of ups and downs. All of these talks made me feel pessimistic and optimistic as time wore on. You need to stay cool to find a positive conclusion.

“I am happy that Balotelli went to England, as he needed a bit of a different experience abroad. Mario is relaxed and now has to focus on playing for Manchester City so he can grow.”

 
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David Sullivan insists he's happy with the players at West Ham United.

Sullivan was quoted as being critical of the attitude of the club's foreign players — eight were signed during the summer. Today, though, he insisted he had been talking about “one or two” and that the remainder were fully committed.

On his criticism of the club's foreign players, Sullivan said: “It was one or two I didn't want to name. The vast majority are totally committed and we have worked hard with others that wanted to go to get them back onside.”

 
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Liverpool are eyeing a January deal for Hamburg winger Eljero Elia.

The 23-year-old winger has been linked with an Anfield switch on several occasions in the past, with former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez a known admirer of the speedster.

Former Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is now reportedly keen to bring the player to Merseyside, with talkSport claiming Liverpool are keeping tabs on the player as they look to strengthen their attacking options.

After failing to land another striker on transfer deadline day, Hodgson has earmarked the player as a potential replacement for Ryan Babel, should his compatriot leave for pastures new in the winter window. A fee in the region of €10 million could be needed to complete a deal.

 
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Franco Di Santo admits it was difficult to leave Chelsea for Wigan Athletic last week.

Di Santo feels he is ready to push for a regular start in a Premier League side, and he can’t wait to get going.

He explained to the Wigan Evening Post: “Wigan is a great club for a young player to join, to fight for a place and learn about the game.

“Of course it was a difficult decision to leave Chelsea, because everybody wants to play for one of the big teams.

“But at this stage in my career I really need to play and I have to test my ability as a player.

“This is a very good opportunity and the perfect club in which to do that.”

 
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Manchester United winger Nani has revealed how he visited Old Trafford two years before signing with the Premiership giants.

The 23-year-old told Inside United of his trip to M16 as a youngster and looks back on how far he has come since.

"I came with my friend and we did the tour of the museum and the stadium," said Nani. "I remember sitting in the first-team dressing room and both of us saying ‘wow, this is Ronaldo’s place’ and ‘this is where Rooney and Giggs sit'!

"We sat there and said ‘imagine what it would be like to be part of this dressing room one day,’…and then two years later I was here. It was a great feeling when I signed."

 
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West Bromwich Albion are rallying around Joe Mattock.

Mattock has been backed by Dan Ashworth to learn his lesson from his recent court case and get his career back on track.

The Baggies technical chief told the club's website: "It was a worrying time for Joe, for his family and everyone involved.

"People forget Joe has only just turned 20.

"At that age you're not quite as worldly-wise as you should be.

"I'm sure Joe will have learnt from the error of his ways, will knuckle down and continue what is a very, very promising career.

"He's still a young boy and he's achieved a lot in his short career.

"He played a lot of first-team games at Leicester and he played a lot for us last season.

"He got to the European Championship semi-finals with England Under-19s."

 
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Inter Milan are ready to pounce for Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill.

The Sun says Manchester United and Arsenal, who Bolton visit on Saturday, have been monitoring the former Aston Villa centre-back for some time.

And they could now be joined in the race by Inter Milan, whose new chief Rafa Benitez is a long-term admirer.

Cahill made his Three Lions bow as a second-half sub in the 4-0 Wembley demolition of Bulgaria.

 
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Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has heaped praise on Manchester United counterpart Edwin van der Sar.

Everton meet United on Saturday in the Premier League at Goodison Park.

"He's performed admirably for his club and country for such a long time and he seems to get better and stay at a very high level," Howard told Sky Sports News.

"That's not easy to do in that position and at a club like Manchester United.

"Hats have to go off to him and other keepers like him at that age to keep plugging away.

"I'm nine years away from that and it's difficult now because of the pressures and the work that you put in, so when you get to that age, he's done very well."

 
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Wolves boss Mick McCarthy believes Kevin Doyle is getting back to his best.

The striker impressed for the Republic of Ireland during international week.

"I watched the Ireland game," McCarthy told the Wolves website. "And I think Doyler is getting back to his best now.

"He was still a bit ring-rusty from coming back this pre-season after carrying a bit of a hamstring problem and then a calf injury."

 
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Newcastle Jets coach Branko Culina is confident his side can defeat co-league leaders Adelaide United this weekend.

The Jets met the Reds in Round 1 at Hindmarsh Stadium and were unlucky not to win the match which ended as a scoreless draw.

Since then, Adelaide have won three of four whilst Newcastle have drawn two and lost one but that match in early August, doubled with the uncertainty that the club’s financial situation brings, gives Culina plenty of confidence.

“The fact we played Adelaide five weeks ago and were clearly the better side gives us that bit of confidence," Culina told the Newcastle Herald.

"The players have to understand . . . when we step out on the park we are basically playing for our futures.

"If we can't be motivated by that, then maybe there should be a question mark over where we go from here.

"But I have no doubts we will rise to the occasion and you will see us climb the ladder."

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy insists he hasn't signed Marcus Bent just to fill out his squad.

The striker has arrived on-loan from Birmingham City.

"Marcus will add something to the squad," McCarthy told the Wolves website. "He's only 32 and had a real tough time with his hamstring last year.

"But whenever he's played against any of my teams he's been a real handful.

"He's big, quick, powerful and I remember when he played against us here with Cameron Jerome against Mance (Michael Mancienne) and Stears (Richard Stearman) he didn't half rough us up.

"He caused us problems by his presence and all the qualities that he has are the things defenders don't like playing against.

"He's quick, good in the air, he backs into people and he's got a goal in him."

 
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West Bromwich Albion technical chief Dan Ashworth says goalkeeper Luke Daniels is likely to leave on-loan.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper has just returned to training following the pre-season back injury that scuppered his season-long move to Bristol Rovers.

"Luke Daniels has resumed training," Ashworth told the WBA website.

"He was set for a season-long loan but now the window has gone you can't do that.

"He'll be fit again for match action probably in the next two weeks and I imagine he'll go out on loan.

"He's played around 100 first-team games now on loan at Shrewsbury and Tranmere, so I imagine there will be a few takers for Luke."

 
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West Bromwich Albion technical chief Dan Ashworth says Joe Mattock is likely to leave on-loan.

The England U19 fullback is available again after going through a recent court case.

Ashworth told the WBA website: "He's still only young and he's got two terrific players vying for the same slot, in Marek Cech and Nicky Shorey.

"If it means Joe having a few more games in the Championship to gain experience, then fine.

"We've got a situation now where we've only got one fit left-back.

"Marek and Joe have both got injuries and Joe will be fit before Marek, so Joe will probably be back in the squad until Marek is fit again and then we will look at the possibility of loaning him out."

 
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Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti says he can now communicate better with his players.

This time last year he admitted he was still not always comfortable in expressing himself, particularly when dissatisfied with his side, but he feels it is no longer a problem.

He told chelseafc.com: "Now I am in English,' he smiles. 'I don't like to shout, in my career it happened a bit but not a lot of times.

"I think it is better if you can explain things, mistakes, without shouting. Now after one year my relationship with the players is very close, so they can understand me very well and I can understand them very well. If you shout all the time they do not listen."

 
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Newcastle United reserves coach Peter Beardsley was pleased with Sol Campbell's performance in their 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

Campbell slotted in alongside young Geordie defender Matt Grieve for the second string.

Beardsley told the Evening Chronicle: “Sol is a top pro, there's no doubt about it.

“You know your own body and I know what he's going through.

“He'll be ready when he's ready, but he looked quite comfortable and confident. The main thing is he brings a great presence to our young team.”

 
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Carlisle United are eyeing Newcastle United's young players.

The Evening Chronicle says Carlisle United are keen on taking one of United’s young guns on loan, with England Under-19 international Ryan Donaldson one of the Toon starlets available.

Cumbrians’ player/coach Graham Kavanagh was a face in the crowd last night, while Sheffield United were also represented by former United coach John Carver.

 
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Hatem Ben Arfa admits he's been impressed by the quality of his teammates at Newcastle United.

Ben Arfa has had a fortnight to settle in with his new team-mates and, while the Parisian 23-year-old arrived with a wild boy reputation, he has had no problems slotting into life on Tyneside thus far.

He told the Evening Chronicle: “There is a superb atmosphere amongst these players and which I noticed straight away.

“There is a really, really good feeling within the group and the training centre.

“I have been impressed with a lot of the players – they have such great skill and technique.”

 
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