Salman Khan-Dabangg

After Shah Rukh Khan, it's Salman Khan who is calling the shots in his home production Dabangg. The actor has spent a great amount of time in editing the movie.

A source working on the film tells Mumbai Mirror, "Salman has taken a great deal of interest in editing. He's been patient and learnt all the technical aspects of being a good editor. In fact, he started editing Dabangg right during the making of the film. He knew at the shooting stage what he wanted to keep in the film, and what needed to be chopped."

According to reports, Salman also wanted to edit out a lot of his last release Veer, but director Anil Sharma hadn't let him interfere.

Salman Khan will play a corrupt and fearless cop from Uttar Pradesh in the upcoming film Dabangg, which will mark Shatrughan Sinha's daughter Sonakshi's debut in Bollywood.

The film, which will have Salman mouthing a lot of UP slang, will also mark the debut of his brother, Arbaaz Khan, as a producer. Arbaaz also acts in the film to be helmed by Anurag Kashyap's brother, Abhinav Kashyap.

Dabangg, which means bold, will feature Salman in a never before seen role and makeover, well outside the mould of the rich and stylish Prem.

Arbaaz says, “Salman Khan's role is terrific. Salman's fans have never seen him like this before. Besides, I haven't cast Salman because he is my brother, but he fits the character perfectly. When Abhinav offered me a role in the film, I immediately wanted to produce it. For long, I had been toying with the idea of turning producer. This was just the excuse I needed to take the plunge.”

Talking about casting debutant Sonakshi, Arbaaz says, “There's no point in casting a heroine who has already been seen four times with Salman. I wanted to cast a stunning new girl and Sonakshi fits the bill. She has lost a lot of weight. She still needs to lose a little more.”

Sonakshi, who turned 22 this month, has studied fashion design at SNDT college, Mumbai and was all set to pursue a career in fashion designing. However, Salman discerned a lot of histrionic potential in her when she walked the ramp at a fashion show that he attended. He convinced Sonakshi and her parents – Shatrughan and Poonam – to give acting a shot but told her she would need to shed 10 kg of weight. Sonakshi had already shed 30 kg before her ramp debut.

So far, Sohail Khan has been the producer in the 'Khan'dan, with Salman featuring in most of his film, typically co-starring with a sibling. Upcoming Sohail Khan films include Wanted Dead Or Alive featuring Salman with Arbaaz; and Main Aur Mrs Khanna featuring Salman with Sohail.

Lerner blasts City over continued Milner chase

Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner has hit out at Manchester City over their pursuit of midfielder James Milner and also hinted that caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald could be a serious contender to replace Martin O'Neill on a permanent basis.

Lerner claims City have broken rules by continuing their interest in the England international after being told Villa did not want to sell.

"Big, bad Manchester City came along and asked for Milner and we said, 'No, he is not for sale'. And under the rules you have to respect that," Lerner told The Mail on Sunday.

"Manchester City respected that for two whole days. And then they violated the rules and came in for him again."

Milner played a starring role in Villa's 3-0 win over West Ham in their Premier League opener, scoring his side's superb third goal.

"We are not a selling club. A selling club is when you let it be known that you want to sell a player, through an agent or whatever," Lerner said. "That didn't happen with Gareth Barry and it didn't happen with James Milner either. As for Ashley Young, he was never going."

Lerner then turned his attentions to the vacancy left by O'Neill's departure on Monday.

"There are those managers who like the show and the attention - and then there are those such as Kevin," said the American. "I'm not going to say it is in Kevin's hands now and I would be disappointed if it was reported like that. But much will depend on how Kevin feels, whether he thinks this might be right for him, if he is comfortable with the idea of being Villa's manager.

"He is such a cool guy, he is popular with the players - who really played for him - and with the fans and the press. We will see how he feels when he wakes up from this and then we will look at the situation from there."

Gareth Barry: City players must accept new arrivals

Gareth Barry has urged Manchester City's expensively assembled squad to pull together - and is keen to see further spending before the transfer window closes.

Barry was recruited from Aston Villa last summer and James Milner is set to make the same move after a similarly protracted pursuit this time around.

And Barry is excited about the prospect, telling the Sunday Mirror: "James brings energy and quality to any team.

"You only have to look at the number of goals and chances he has created over the last couple of seasons. He is always in the top two or three in terms of assists. He would be a great addition to any team."

The England midfielder's arrival would add to the already fierce competition for places at Eastlands, and Barry has warned that players must battle for places rather than sulking if they miss out on the matchday squad.

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given was a notable casualty on the first day of the Barclays Premier League season, sitting on the bench at White Hart Lane as England's Joe Hart almost single-handedly frustrated Tottenham.

"The manager has made it clear he's got some big decisions to make on players leaving because of this new 25-player limit that's come in," Barry said.

"One or two players will be upset because they no longer feature in Roberto Mancini's plans, but that is the way the club is going and it is a feature of how the game as a whole has moved on.

"Even some of the players who are in the 25 will be upset some weeks because they will be left out of the team. Again, that's something you have to come to terms with if you want to play for a club that is aiming as high as we are.

"I have loved seeing new players arrive this summer and if more come in that's even better.

"The competition for places will be tough and the manager has already made it clear to us that he will rotate the squad. I certainly won't spit my dummy out if I find myself being left out of the team. I will just fight even harder."

Bellamy edging closer to Cardiff switch

Cardiff are close to sealing the capture of Manchester City's out-of-favour striker Craig Bellamy, according to reports.

Bellamy has been told he can leave Eastlands by City manager Roberto Mancini, with Cardiff emerging as a strong contender to sign the 31-year-old. And while Cardiff would not confirm a deal had been agreed with Bellamy, it is thought he could complete a loan move on Monday.

A Cardiff spokesman said: "With the number and the names of the clubs being mentioned in connection to Craig it is flattering that we are an option, but at this stage it is pure speculation. Being connected to a player of this calibre shows how far we have come, to be even considered in a deal like this. We would love it to happen of course, but we are by no means alone in this.''

Bellamy suggested earlier in the week that he would be open to a move to club he supported as a boy. At a press conference in Cardiff prior to Wales' friendly against Luxembourg, he said: "I have always wanted to play for Cardiff. I've never been shy in saying that.

"My wife and kids live here, I've missed them now for the last five or six years, so that would have more of a pull to me than most. I will have to wait and see and see what options are possible but I certainly wouldn't rule it out. Would I love to get Cardiff City to the Premier League? Of course I would. I feel I'd have more of an impact doing that than playing 100 games for Wales. For us to move forward as a nation football-wise, we need a Premier League team.''

Cardiff manager Dave Jones has also spoken of his desire to lure Bellamy to south Wales, but admitted the club were likely to face stiff competition for the player's signature.

Speaking after his side's 2-1 victory at Derby on Saturday, Jones said: "If it happens, it would be fantastic and we would all love him to be here but there are bigger fish for him.''

Tottenham Hotspur 0 - 0 Manchester City

City indebted to Hart

Manchester City's top-four credentials were no clearer after a Jekyll-and-Hyde performance in a goalless draw in their Barclays Premier League opener at Tottenham.

City somehow survived a first-half Spurs onslaught as Joe Hart fully justified his new status as City and England number one with a succession of world-class saves to deny Jermain Defoe, Tom Huddlestone and Benoit Assou-Ekotto, while Gareth Bale also hit the post.

City's multi-million-pound summer signings went AWOL in the opening 45 minutes but finally turned up after the break, with Shaun Wright-Phillips having their best chance, although Bale missed a golden chance to snatch victory for Spurs.

Hart got the nod of Shay Given in the City goal, while the visitors also handed competitive debuts to Yaya Toure, David Silva and Aleksandar Kolarov.

Mario Balotelli, who only completed his move from Inter Milan on Friday, was not in the squad, with Carlos Tevez captaining the side and starting up front on his own.

In stark contrast to City's summer spending spree, Spurs' only new recruit - Sandro - had yet to arrive from Internacional.

But Harry Redknapp's men had been good enough to deny their opponents a top-four spot in May, winning at the City of Manchester Stadium to qualify for the Champions League for the first time.

Anything less than that for City this term would not be tolerated by their mega-rich owners.

A fast and frenetic opening saw a half-chance on the volley for Wright-Phillips and a Peter Crouch header kept out by Hart.

Crouch was proving a handful, setting up the first clear-cut opportunity in the 11th minute with a header back across goal from Aaron Lennon's cross.

Defoe swivelled to fire goalward at point-blank range but Hart somehow kept the ball out and Ledley King was thwarted on the rebound.

Hart sprang sideways to repel Huddlestone's hooked 25-yard volley moments before producing an even better save to keep out Assou-Ekotto's viciously-deflected piledriver.

Vincent Kompany earned the first yellow card for bringing down Defoe 25 yards from goal and a Michael Dawson slip in the box almost let in Tevez but King snuffed out the danger.

Hart rescued City again seconds later when Kompany was beaten to the ball by Defoe.

The City keeper was finally beaten on the half-hour but the post came to his rescue to keep out Bale's 12-yard drive and Kompany managed to block Lennon's follow-up.

City broke and Yaya Toure drilled wide from 20 yards before a wonderful crossfield ball from Assou-Ekotto sent Defoe clean through.

Hart's legs did enough to keep the ball out and Kolarov just beat Defoe to the rebound.

A peach of a cross from Bale evaded everyone before Yaya Toure's deflected drive forced the first real save from Heurelho Gomes.

Kompany escaped a second yellow card moments before the break despite a cynical foul on Defoe.

Spurs paraded the majority of their 1961 double-winning side at half-time, during which City withdrew the injured Kolarov for Pablo Zabaleta.

The visitors should have taken the lead inside a minute, Yaya Toure brilliantly picking out the diagonal run of Wright-Phillips.

But the winger's first touch let him down and Assou-Ekotto recovered to nick the ball to safety.

Yaya Toure was making inroads and Silva and Tevez both saw shots blocked from another fine ball as light rain began to fall in north London.

Zabaleta was booked for felling Lennon on the right touchline but otherwise City were defending with much greater comfort.

They were also more of a threat, Yaya Toure picking out Micah Richards, whose weak header was caught by Gomes.

City almost came unstuck just past the hour mark but an unmarked Crouch horribly mistimed his header from Lennon's cross.

Both sides made 68th minute changes, Adam Johnson coming on for Wright-Phillips for City, while Spurs replaced their strikeforce as Robbie Keane and Roman Pavlyuchenko both entered the fray.

Johnson made an instant impact, feeding Tevez, whose shot was deflected narrowly wide by the charging King.

Spurs broke from the resulting corner and Pavlyuchenko twice sent shots too close to Hart.

Lennon then cut inside and fired straight at Hart moments before being replaced for the final 13 minutes by Giovani Dos Santos.

The forward just failed to get on the end of Luka Modric's clipped ball.

Tevez saw another shot blocked - this time by the head of King - the striker's last act before being replaced by Emmanuel Adebayor for the final seven minutes.

Bale missed a glorious chance to snatch all three points for Spurs when he sliced horribly wide on his weaker right foot after Pavlyuchenko's cross had broken to him off Nigel de Jong.

The winger made amends with a glorious ball for the Russian, who was thwarted by a brilliant Kompany tackle.

Pavlyuchenko was well wide from distance in the closing moments as the game ended goalless.

Bewafa [Dhol Mix] - Imran Khan - Dj Sukh

City on the brink of Luiz swoop

Manchester City are preparing to make their move for Benfica defender David Luiz, and are ready to bid £25 million for the Brazilian defender, who they have been tracking for some time.

But as RashyCruz.Blogspot revealed earlier this month, Benfica want £35 million for highly-rated left-back Luiz, who has a £45 million buy-out clause in his contract, so City will likely be asked to up their offer.

Luiz can also play as a defensive midfielder and is on the wanted list of several top European clubs, but City have set out their willingness to spend big to land him ahead of their rivals.

City manager Roberto Mancini has watched Luiz several times this season and was impressed when the Brazilian's performance against Liverpool in the Europa League quarter-finals.

The 23-year-old has also been watched by Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United, but City are the first to accept Benfica's massive valuation.

Luiz, who joined Benfica from Brazilian club Vitoria three years ago, has formed a strong defensive pairing with compatriot Luisao at the heart of the defence, though his considerable pace allows him to be equally comfortable at left back.

Many of Benfica's players have caught the eye after guiding the club to the Portuguese title - the club's first triumph in five years - and RashyCruz.Blogspot broke the story earlier this month that City were chasing both Luiz and team-mate Angel Di Maria in a sensational double swoop.

Benfica's enormous reported price tag of £75 million for the pair would put many clubs off, but City are in a unique position to afford such princely sums.

Man City player ratings

With another term coming to end, and a summer holiday dominated by the World Cup fast approaching, it seems an appropriate time to deliver those all-important report cards for the Premier League elite.

So which players excelled themselves, and which were left fearing the hairdryer treatment on a weekly basis? RashyCruz.blogspot deliver their its out of ten.

Carlos Tevez - 9. Had a lot to live up to after a controversial cross-town move from Manchester United and that billboard, but you can't argue with a return of 29 goals. Led the line with his boundless enthusiasm and determination, and deserves to be playing in the Champions League next season. One of few players Sir Alex Ferguson will regret letting go.

Shay Given - 8.5. The Irishman's importance to City was probably best summed up by the farcical goalkeeping crisis that engulfed the club when he dislocated his shoulder with three games to go. Given was almost faultless behind a defence that was anything but, and has been arguably the best signing since the Abu Dhabi takeover.

Adam Johnson - 8. Like Shay Given, a bargain at £7 million and proof that City don't have to buy success. Few people expected Johnson to have such a big impact when he signed in the January window but his ability to excel on either flank has kept Shaun Wright-Phillips out of the team and negated the loss of Robinho. Deserves a shot at the World Cup for England.

Vincent Kompany - 7.5. Might have expected a return to midfield after City spent the best part of £40 million on Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure in the summer, but Kompany has once again been the club's outstanding centre back despite missing the first two months of the season recovering from toe surgery.

Craig Bellamy - 7. One of the most electrifying wingers in the Premier League on his day, Bellamy is an asset to any team but he lacks consistency and the ability to get on with just about anybody except Mark Hughes. The fiery Welshman's fall-out with Roberto Mancini over training and how best to protect his suspect knees is likely to lead to his departure this summer, probably to Spurs.

Nigel De Jong - 7. Arguably City's most consistent central midfielder. A tough, no-frills character who helps provide a valuable anchor to a team over-laden with attacking talent.

Pablo Zabaleta - 7. Solid performer and a popular player with Roberto Mancini who has made full use of the Argentine's versatility. Mancini has often preferred him to Micah Richards at right back, but Zabaleta has also appeared on the left side of defence and across City's midfield. Never let his manager or teammates down.

Gareth Barry - 6.5. One of those industrious 'unsung heroes' but, even so, it is tempting to wonder what all the fuss was about when City gazumped Liverpool to sign him from Aston Villa. A solid midfield operator who may yet make the World Cup after injury, but are City any weaker with Nigel de Jong, Patrick Vieira or Pablo Zabaleta in his place?

Emmanuel Adebayor - 6. Started the season on fire after a £25 million move from Arsenal but it all began to awry when he came up against his old club, earning a ban for raking his studs down the face of Robin van Persie and widespread criticism for his goal celebration in front of the Gunners fans. His season was turned upside down after the Togo terrorist atrocity in January and, unsurprisingly, will view the season as a disappointment.

Patrick Vieira - 6. Slow start by a 33-year-old who has lost his pace and arrived from Italy in January with a calf injury, but Vieira began to show flashes of the form that made him a dominant midfield force at Arsenal and was imperious against Aston Villa towards the end of the season. Worth keeping around for another year. With a full pre-season under his belt, he could improve even more.

Joleon Lescott - 5.5. Took time to rediscover his form after a fractious £22 million move from Everton, and then suffered knee and hamstring injuries just when things seemed to be looking up. No guarantee Lescott would have gone to the World Cup even if he was fit.

Wayne Bridge - 5. He will be glad to see the back of a season in which he suffered a knee injury, a hernia and a broken heart. John Terry's affair with his ex-partner may have grabbed the headlines and led to the City defender's withdrawal from the World Cup, but Bridge also suffered on the pitch as two prolonged injury absences limited his contribution.

Micah Richards - 5. The youngest defender ever to be capped by England continues to see his stock fall, and it was no surprise to see Richards' name omitted from Fabio Capello's World Cup squad. One of several homegrown City players who may benefit from a fresh start elsewhere.

Shaun Wright-Phillips - 5. His call-up to England's extended World Cup squad should not mask what has been a frustrating season. Another product of City's academy who has struggled to find favour with Roberto Mancini despite a regular run in the side under Mark Hughes, Wright-Phillips admits his form and confidence have suffered. A dispute over his new contract terms has not helped either.

Sylvinho - 4.5. Arrived at Eastlands as a Champions League winner but his lack of pace was exposed, particularly in a 3-0 defeat at Tottenham in December when he was given a real chasing by Aaron Lennon. It wasn't all Sylvinho's fault, but that result signalled the end for manager Mark Hughes and was vital in the final reckoning for Champions League places.

Kolo Toure - 4.5. Signed from Arsenal as a leader who would bring experience and stability to City's defence, but has looked vulnerable on too many occasions. His partnership with Lescott did not live up to expectations, and no one can blame City fans for pining after Richard Dunne.

Stephen Ireland - 4. A key attacking midfielder and City's player of the season under Mark Hughes, Ireland's involvement has dipped alarmingly since Roberto Mancini took over in mid-season. The Italian says Ireland can get back to his best if his attitude changes, but he might well decide his future lies elsewhere.

Martin Petrov - 4. The Bulgarian winger missed the last three months of a frustrating season with the knee injury he aggravated in mid-February and is expected to leave at the end of his contract this summer.

Roque Santa Cruz - 4. Another forward with dodgy knees, Santa Cruz continues to live off that one good season at Blackburn. No other clubs were in the queue when Mark Hughes offered his old club £18 million for the Paraguayan and now we know why. In a season spent on the periphery, it was ironic that two of his three Premier League goals came in Hughes' last stand at home to Sunderland.

Robinho - 2. Well, what can you say? The £32.5 million Brazilian has replaced Juan Sebastian Veron as the most expensive South American flop in the history of the Premier League. Signed as a statement of intent by the new owners, he became a symbol of all that is wrong about the City 'project'. Shipped off to Santos on loan by Roberto Mancini, who made a statement of his own, it was perhaps appropriate that the disappointing Robinho soap opera ended at Scunthorpe in the FA Cup.

Roque hopes for Ireland stay

Roque Santa Cruz has urged Manchester City team-mate Stephen Ireland not to turn his back on the Eastlands club amid mounting speculation over the midfielder's future.

Ireland has struggled to find his way into the plans of City manager Roberto Martinez following the Italian's arrival midway through last season.

The 23-year-old is just 12 months into a lucrative five-year deal at City but is reportedly eyeing an exit after failing to reproduce the sparkling form he showed during the 2008/09 campaign.

However, Paraguay international Santa Cruz believes Ireland still has much to offer the Premier League club, despite the expected influx of new players this summer.

"He is a very nice guy and a fantastic player also, so I think everybody at the club would be very disappointed to see him leaving. He is a great talent,'' said Santa Cruz.

"This season has been hard for him, not finding a starting place in the team, but it is always going to be hard when you are at a team that is always getting new players who start all the time. It is very hard for everyone.''

Meanwhile, City midfielder Nigel de Jong has urged the club to sign his international team-mate, Ajax's Gregory van der Wiel.

"I know that Greg is on our wanted list at Manchester City," De Jong told the Daily Star. "I have pleaded with them to sign him, as we could use a good right back. The tempo of English football will make him stronger still and I've recommended him to City's management."

Man City and Spurs in race to sign Dzeko

Edin Dzeko has the choice between playing for Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League or a pot of cash with Manchester City

City and Spurs have both opened talks to land Dzeko, and while new Wolfsburg boss Steve McClaren has stated he wants to keep hold of the striker it seems certain he will move on.

Roberto Mancini has set his sights on Dzeko after it became apparent that Fernando Torres would go to Chelsea, rather than City, if he was sold by Liverpool this summer.

Dzeko has been in prolific form for his club since joining from Czech side Teplice in 2007, and the 24-year-old's record of 54 goals in 94 games for his club has persuaded Mancini to make him his new top target.

The player, though, has the option of going to Spurs with a tantalising place in the Champions League the big carrot that Harry Redknapp can now dangle before his transfer targets.

Bellamy Back in Favour

Craig Bellamy is back in the good books of Wales manager John Toshack and that's good news for the papers, even if they might be reluctant to admit it.

Bellers gets plenty of stick in the media - Mirror columnist Oliver Holt apart - but he's a proper character they can write about. Even his choice of golf club can be a talking point.

So his recall after a three-match absence for the Welsh squad to tackle Croatia in a friendly this month holds the promise of lively copy from the outspoken patriot of a striker.

The Mail reports it: "Craig Bellamy appears to have patched up his differences with Wales boss John Toshack after being named in the squad to face Croatia a week on Sunday."

Both men can be stubborn and opiniated, and the Mirror calls it "a surprise inclusion" while declaring that Tosh wants Craig "to spearhead Wales' attempt to qualify for Euro 2012".

They explain: "Bellamy’s international future was the subject of speculation after he was axed for the friendly loss to Sweden in March. The 30-year-old had been fit but not recalled after missing the previous two fixtures due to injury.

"Bellamy is due to visit his charitable foundation in Sierra Leone next week, and he was not expected to feature against Croatia on May 23. But a statement from the FAW said Bellamy’s trip to Africa had been delayed “a few days”, allowing him to join up with the squad.

"Bellamy, who has scored 17 goals in 58 appearances for Wales, is vital to the country’s hopes of progressing from a European qualifying group that includes England, Switzerland, Bulgaria and Montenegro."

Elsewhere, with the FA Cup Final almost upon us, the Independent's Brian Viner delivers a fine piece on one of Wembley's greatest heroes. It opens: "Even if Michael Ballack should score a hat-trick tomorrow, his name will never be as synonymous with English football's end-of-season showpiece as that of another German, Bert Trautmann."

His warts-and-all angle on the legendary City keeper, headlined "In a league of his own", has been covered pretty well recently by the Express and the Observer, but Viner is a fine writer and it's a good read.

Mancini closes in on Boateng

Manchester City are close to completing the £11 million signing of Hamburg defender Jerome Boateng.

The transfer has been mooted from German sources for weeks, but this is the first time anyone from City has confirmed that Boateng will be heading to the Premier League this summer.

Coach Roberto Mancini, who also admitted the club will struggle to attract top names after failing to qualify for the Champions League, is hopeful of sealing a deal for the 21-year-old by the end of the week.

"We are quite close to signing him,'' Mancini told the Manchester Evening News. "Boateng is a good player, a young player and strong.

"He plays for the national team and there is a good chance to get him. He can play three different positions; central defence, right full-back or in midfield. If we find a player like that it is better for us.''

But Mancini will hold out much hope of signing players like Fernando Torres.

Torres has been linked with a number of sides in recent weeks but Liverpool insist the striker will not be sold and, with Carlo Ancelotti ruling Chelsea out of the race for his signature, it is believed City are the only side to be showing serious interest at this stage.

Mancini has already confirmed that City plan to bid for Torres but, having missed out on the Champions League, he acknowledges that most of the world's best players will not be eager to move to Eastlands.

"Can we attract the top, top players, like Torres? I don't know, but I don't think so," he said in the Sun. "If we finished in the top four, it would be better and easier to attract them.

"In this situation it is different. There are probably some players who want to play in the Champions League and not in the Europa League, but there are a lot of players in Europe who will want to play for Manchester City next year.

"We won't be playing in the Champions League but we must try to win the other competitions and finish in the top four in the Premier League."

Tevez is committed to Man City, says Mancini

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini claims Carlos Tevez has committed his future to the club.

Tevez is said to have told Mancini in a midweek meeting that he wanted to stay at City, despite the club missing out on a place in next season's Champions League.

Tevez had been heavily tipped to quit Eastlands this summer after reportedly becoming disenchanted with life under Mancini. But Mancini insists the former West Ham and Manchester United forward is keen to stay and help the Blues become a major top-flight force.

"I have spoken with Carlos and asked him whether he was happy to stay here,'' revealed Mancini. "He said he was very happy, that he wanted to improve and wanted to win with Manchester City. This is important.

"Carlos is a top player. He can set the example for the others.''

Tevez collected City's Player of the Year award on Thursday night, a fitting accolade after his stellar first season following such a controversial move from United.

The pair first clashed over Tevez being back home following the premature birth of his child. And recent complaints about Mancini's preference for double training sessions were the a sign of a rift between manager and player, which the Italian is happy to quash.

"I have told him that in any week where we don't have a midweek match on one day we must have two training sessions,'' he said. "Because we have qualified for the Europa League, the chances are we will be playing nearly every Thursday and Sunday. But if we want to improve we must work harder than this year.''

Ireland admits he could leave Manchester City

Stephen Ireland has admitted there is a major question mark over his Manchester City future.

Ireland has struggled this year, starting only 16 Premier League games with a further six appearances from the bench.

Injury, illness and loss of form have combined to see a virtual ever-present from last season reduced to spending much of the campaign on the bench.

With a major review of playing staff certain to follow the failure to secure a Champions League berth next season, Ireland knows he could be one of the players who faces the axe.

"There is a question mark over next year for me,'' he told the Manchester Evening News. "I don't know what will happen. I am contracted to City and all I can do is carry on doing my job and performing well when I am called upon.

"If anything changes during the summer it will be down to the club, not me. It has been a difficult year because I care so much about my job.

"I care about my game and about the club but there is a lot of frustration bottled up because I have not played as much as I would have liked.''

Cristiano Ronaldo can’t get Paris Hilton off his mind

Make no mistake, Paris Hilton still has it and never lost it. So much so, that Cristiano Ronaldo can’t forget about her — well after his link-up with Kim Kardashian.

While Hilton was making a pit stop in Madrid prior to the Cannes Film Festival, Ronaldo was attempting to meet up with her.

The two have previously dated.

“He texted her when he found out she was there, but she only had a few hours because she was in back-to-back meetings,” an insider tells E!, “So they didn’t end up meeting up.”

But apparently the twosome are expected to rendez-vous. One guess is the World Cup in South Africa in June.

Salman genuinely believed I'd achieve success: Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif, who usually remains tight-lipped about her relationship with actor Salman Khan, says the star always guided her and genuinely believed she would join the big league in Bollywood one day.

'Salman had been always there, more than anything to guide because I didn't know anything about the industry. What would remain special in my mind is that from the very beginning Salman told me that I will achieve this success in the industry. And at that point it was too far off,' Katrina told IANS in an interview.

'That time I couldn't see myself one movie ahead, forget 15 movies ahead. I think that he believed it genuinely,' the 25-year-old actor said.

She entered Bollywood in 2003 with the dud 'Boom'. Her first big hit was 2005 romantic comedy 'Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya' in which she teamed up with Salman. After that she gave a string of hits, including 'Namastey London', 'Partner', 'Welcome', 'Singh Is Kinng' and critically acclaimed 'New York'.

But Katrina feels nobody can plan success.

'It's (success) destiny, no one can plan it. There are many people who are connected with the industry because of their father, mother or other family members; still they are not able to achieve what is termed as success in the industry.

'You can come here, make two or three films, your co-stars could be your friends - all this you can plan but you can't plan which film would be successful. The miracle that happened with my life has been the success of my films. Because, had those films not been successful, no one would have done anything for me,' said Katrina.

She is now eager to take more responsibilities and do more diverse roles like the one she is doing in Prakash Jha's 'Raajneeti', where she plays a politician.

'Till now I have done a genre of films. People have accepted me, loved me and have given me so much support. I never imagined getting so much. But I feel that there are other types of films to do. See other contemporary actors, they have done much more diverse roles.

'People can say that the success ratio of my films has been very, very good, but I still feel people should see me on other kinds of films too...

'May be something like a remake of 'Sita Aur Gita'...In 'Raajneeti', I have more responsibility. But you will have to remember that there I am with six very important guys, all have very important roles,' said Katrina.

The actress maintains she always wanted to do something unusual in life.

'I always used to make a world in my head and live in that. I always wanted to be something unusual. Some of the dreams I remember, they may sound stupid - I wanted to be a firefighter, I wanted to be a stunt woman, I wanted to got to NASA. Acting was something to fancy,' said Katrina.

Shahrukh: No, I don't speak with Salman

For those of you who thought that the animosity between Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan has cooled off, here's the update for you.

Now, SRK has admitted that he does not speak to Salman and is yet to sort out his differences with the actor. It must be recalled that the friendship between the two went sour after an open brawl that had the whole media its spectator.

Though, SRK feels that Salman's family have been his well wishers all through his career, but his differences with the brawny star continues despite this fact.

The two don't see eye to eye leave talking to each other. Talk about his equation with Sallu at the moment, SRK says, "No, I don't speak with Salman."

Salman Khan, Shoaib Akhtar to play charity T20 match in Dubai

More than 40 celebrities from India and Pakistan, including actor Salman Khan and fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, are set to play a friendly Twenty20 match in Dubai later this month.

The match to be played at Dubai Sports City's cricket stadium on May 27 will help raise awareness about 'Being Human', a charity organisation run in India by Salman's family.

Besides the Khan troika of Salman, Arbaaz and Sohail, the Indian team will include Sharman Joshi and Sonu Sood.

Pakistani actor Javed Sheikh will lead the team from the neighbouring country, comprising Akhtar, fashion designer Hassan Shehryar and singer Fakhre Alam.

The match will be followed by a gala dinner next day, actors Sohail Khan and Sheikh said at a press conference yesterday.

Toure: City squad is strong enough

Manchester City captain Kolo Toure has rejected the idea that his club need a major overhaul of players this summer, after missing out on the coveted fourth place.

City were linked with a bid for Fernando Torres last month but, given the clubs' lack of Champions League football next season, they may find it difficult to land the calibre of players they crave.

But Toure believes their squad is strong enough as it is. He said: "We have a good squad," he insisted. "It doesn't matter if we bring players in or not. It's true we made a few mistakes this season. We lost a lot of points, at home especially."

Manchester City drew seven consecutive games in October and November last year, meaning they took only seven points from a possible 21 and Toure said: "We had too many draws and it cost us because we could have been fighting for the Premier League."

"We must not make mistakes like drawing against teams we expect to beat because that can make a big difference. We just need to make a little adjustment and keep our focus the whole season."

Manchester City are expected to offer Brazilian full-back Sylvinho a one-year extension on his current contract. The 36-year-old made 15 appearances for City last season, mainly as cover for Wayne Bridge.

Manager Roberto Mancini said: "Sylvinho is a fantastic man and player who always works very well. He is important for us."

Johnson like Giggs

Manchester City winger Adam Johnson has been compared to Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs by England's assistant manager Stuart Pearce.

Johnson has been included in Fabio Capello's 30-man World Cup squad, but has not made his senior debut, despite impressing since his £8 million move from Middlesbrough. However, Pearce says the 22-year-old is ready for the big stage and compared his dribbling skills to those of Wales veteran Giggs.

"He [Johnson] is probably a Ryan Giggs of his time. You watch him running at people, jinking in and out,'' Pearce told the Daily Mirror. "I saw some footage of the West Ham game and he was unfortunate not to get a penalty when he went past three players. It reminded me of Ryan Giggs 20 years ago when he first started the game. He has something unique about him. Johnno is not the completed article but he is an improving player and that is a fantastic thing to be.

"Is he ready? If you cast your memory back 20 years to Paul Gascoigne, who knew whether he was ready or not? The one thing Paul had in those days was a manager that believed in him. Now all the players that have got the opportunity know full well that Fabio has done his homework on them and if he believes in you, gives you a shirt and picks you for England, that in itself would be a fantastic lift for any player.

"At the back end of this season Johnson has shown that he has got a maturity in his play. But maybe a year ago in his own mind it was pick the ball up and run directly at opponents, but now I see a more all-round player. I see a more mature player.

"That is maybe down to maturity as an individual, and the coaching he has been getting at Manchester City has helped him as well. I am seeing a more complete player now.

"For what he did for me for two years with the Under-21s and his club form he deserves to be in the 30. It is up to Johnno over the next two weeks to push Fabio in the right direction and make sure he is in the 23.

"Johnno was with me last summer at the European Championship, and the two years prior to that, and I know he is a fantastic lad. He has hit form at the right time. The move to Manchester City has done him the world of good."

Burnley blitzed at Turf Moor

Burnley 1
(Fletcher 71st)

Man City 6
(Adebayor 4,45,Bellamy 5,Tevez 7,Vieira 20,Kompany 58)





Emmanuel Adebayor scored twice as Manchester City closed in on a Champions League slot with a 6-1 demolition of Burnley.Roberto Mancini's side displayed their credentials in the first half by racing into a 5-0 lead by the break, with three of the goals coming in the first six minutes.
Adebayor started the ball rolling in the fourth minute and added his second on the stroke of half-time.

In between Craig Bellamy, Carlos Tevez and Patrick Vieira, with his first for the club, also found the target.

Vincent Kompany added a sixth in the 58th minute before Steven Fletcher got a goal back for Burnley, who are facing a swift return to the second tier.

City went above Tottenham, who lost to Sunderland, and into that coveted fourth spot with six games remaining.

Adam Johnson saw a shot take a deflection off a defender and rattle the post before the visitors made the breakthrough in the fourth minute.

Burnley were guilty of slack marking when Johnson delivered a corner from the left and Adebayor took advantage to rifle in a shot that seemed to take a deflection on the way in.

A minute later it got even worse for the home side when Bellamy latched on to a through ball from Tevez and guided it past Brian Jensen.

The Burnley goalkeeper conceded a third in the seventh minute after making a basic error.

He spilled Adebayor's weak shot and Tevez was on hand for his 26th goal of the season.


Burnley hit back, however, with Robbie Blake dragging a shot narrowly wide.

City extended their lead in the 20th minute with Vieira's first goal for the club. He powered home a header following a corner from Johnson.

Burnley were refusing to lie down and Graham Alexander whipped in a shot from the edge of the area in the 27th minute that went narrowly over the crossbar.

This was a spirited response by the home side and six minutes later Fletcher dragged a shot wide of the post.

David Nugent then saw a header blocked by City goalkeeper Shay Given before Jensen found himself in difficulty again.

He pushed away a shot from Adebayor but Vieira found himself crowded out as he prepared to latched on to the rebound.

Jensen looked out of his sorts and he was beaten again in the 44th minute only for Tevez's effort to come back off the post after being released by Bellamy.

City did not have long to wait for another goal, however, with Adebayor extending their lead with a clinical finish after being released by Tevez.

Burnley almost pulled a goal back in the 51st minute when Nugent showed a good turn of pace only to find the wrong side of the post with his effort.

However seven minutes later the home side failed to deal with another Johnson corner and Kompany headed home for his first goal of the season.

Tevez hat-trick ignites European hopes

Manchester City 3
Carlos Tevez (72),(74),(84)

Wigan Athletic 0


Carlos Tevez raised Manchester City's hopes of a Champions League slot with a quick fire hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over 10-man Wigan.
The visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 55th minute of this Premier League match when Gary Caldwell was handed a straight red card for a challenge on Tevez.

The Argentinian striker took advantage to score his treble in the space of 13 minutes to take City above Liverpool and into fifth place.

Emmanuel Adebayor, back in the team after a four-match suspension, got into a good position in the 10th minute, only for Titus Bramble to block his effort.

City kept up the pressure and almost went ahead a minute later when Shaun Wright-Phillips delivered the ball into the path of Tevez.

The Argentinian striker whipped in a shot but Vladimir Stojkovic made a stunning point-blank save and Bramble swept the ball to safety.

Wigan launched a swift counter attack in the 27th minute when Hugo Rodallega skipped past Kolo Toure with ease.

The striker was closed down by Wright-Phillips but rattled in a shot that Given turned around the post.

Back came City and Tevez raced past Mario Melchiot only to see his delicate chip from an acute angle go inches wide.

Wigan, however, continued to look dangerous going forward and Given pushed Paul Scharner's shot to safety after a free-kick from Marcelo Moreno had been deflected off the wall.

Scharner, who was covering a lot of ground, then cleared the bar with his effort in the 41st minute after good link up play between Rodallega and Moreno.

A minute later Tevez made a vain appeal for Caldwell to be punished for a challenge when little contact appeared to be made.

Mancini made one change at half-time in an attempt to break the deadlock, bringing on Craig Bellamy for Wright-Phillips.

Adebayor did find the net in the 47th minute but his effort was ruled out for offside after Stojkovic spilled Tevez's shot.

City had a claim for a penalty dismissed in the 52nd minute when Caldwell appeared to handle under pressure from Bellamy.


Play switched back down the other end and Rodallega squandered a great chance for Wigan.

He dragged a shot wide of the post after the ball had spun off the back of Pablo Zabaleta and Toure found himself out of position.

Wigan were reduced to 10 men in the 55th minute with former Celtic defender Caldwell handed a straight red card as he tried to win the ball off Tevez.

The visitors were furious with referee Stuart Attwell but they pulled themselves together and almost went ahead.

Moreno got the better of Toure and cut inside but his effort went marginally wide.

Tevez then made another unsuccessful appeal for a penalty following a challenge by Scharner.

City made the breakthrough in the 72nd minute after a mix up between Scharner and Stojkovic allowed Adebayor to get the slightest of touches in the penalty area.

That was enough to free Tevez, who made Wigan pay for their error with a clinical finish.

Adebayor should have added a second but Scharner made up ground before Tevez added a second in the 75th minute.

He scored at the back post after Vincent Kompany had flicked on a cross from Adam Johnson and completed his hat-trick in the 85th minute.

He skipped away from a tiring Scharner and Bramble to chip into the corner.

Tevez Fires City to Fifth

Fulham 1
(Danny Murphy 76 pen)

Man City 2
(Santa Cruz 7,Tevez 36)


Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez earned victory at Craven Cottage to maintain his side's Champions League Hopes and give Fulham a European Hangover.


The host still had their famous victory against Juventus fresh in the mind when they found themselves behind to a Roque Santa Cruz's opening goal in the 7th min, with Tevez then extending the lead before the break in the Premier League Clash.

With Liverpool defeated at Old Trafford,City now move above Rafael Benitez's side and know their destiny is in their own hands-if they win the rest of their games they will be in the Top four.

Vieira charged by FA

The FA has charged Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira with violent conduct.
The charge relates to an incident involving Stoke City player Glenn Whelan during the first half of the match at the Britannia Stadium on Tuesday, February 16.

Vieira has until 6pm on Thursday, February 18 to respond to the charge. A Regulatory Commission will hear the charge on Friday, February 19.

Bellamy in the mix for Sunday,says Boss

Craig Bellamy will be available for selection for Sunday’s crunch game against Liverpool if his good progress coming back from a knee injury continues.
At his Friday morning press conference, Blues manager Roberto Mancini stated that the striker had been working with physios at Carrington since Wednesday and that if his early Friday morning session was a success he would join the main group for training.

Mancini also moved swiftly to scotch stories in some newspapers of an argument between himself and Bellamy.

“I read that I have a problem with him, that I shouted at him. Craig trained on Wednesday, yesterday and he will train today. I have spoken to him, face to face, but as a manager speaks to a player," he stressed.

"I have not shouted at him, never. I am happy to resolve things, face to face, in a room but I do not have a problem with him. If his knee is OK today and tomorrow, he will be available for Sunday.


“I did not tell him to go away for three months, that is false. He is here training today, he worked with the physio for the first time on Wednesday for the first time in 12 days.

"He worked with the physio on Thursday when the other players were off, he did so again today and if he is alright after he will be with us for training.”

The Manager will be hoping to have Bellamy as an option for the game which pits City against the team immediately below them and vying for that coveted fourth place in the Barclays Premier League table.

The Welshman could prove vital, especially with Mancini revealing that Martin Petrov has a knee injury of his own that will keep him sidelined for three to four weeks.

Also out of contention for Sunday is Patrick Vieira, who starts a three match ban at the weekend.

Mancini confirmed that he had not yet spoken the French legend about the incident and the ban.

Stoke City 1-1 Man City (EPL)

Gareth Barry’s late equaliser moved City into the coveted fourth Champions League spot on a night that seemed to be turning sour for Roberto Mancini’s men.

With the hosts reduced to ten men for most of the second half, Glenn Whelan agonisingly fired Tony Pulis’ side into an unlikely lead and even after Barry’s leveller, the Potters thought they’d won the game with almost the last kick of the match.

With five changes from the FA Cup line-up at the weekend, there was more height and muscle to the starting XI Mancini selected for the trip to the Britannia Stadium.

Out went Wayne Bridge, Stephen Ireland, Pablo Zabaleta, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Martin Petrov and in came Micah Richards, Adam Johnson, Javier Garrido, Patrick Vieira and Roque Santa Cruz.

Stoke went into the game in fine form having avoided defeat in eight league and cup matches – unbeaten in 2010 no less - and began the game with an expected aerial bombardment into the Blues' box.

In fact, the Potters should have gone ahead with barely four minutes when the unmarked Mamady Sidibe shot straight at Shay Given from six yards out. Two minutes later former City midfielder Whelan also should have done better from close range.

The packed and noisy Britannia Stadium - surely a contender with Oldham's Boundary Park for the title of 'Coldest Ground in England' - made for a hostile atmosphere for the visitors.

Delap's throw-ins were a constant threat, but as City continued to weather the early pressure without conceding, they could at least take comfort from the fact that only Portsmouth and Wolves had scored less Premier League goals this season.

City occasionally broke with purpose but Stoke's attacks carried more menace, though neither keeper was really tested in the first 45 minutes and the hosts' attacks gradually subsided.

Seven minutes after the break, the complexion of the game changed completely. Adebayor chased a long through ball with Abdoulaye Faye. Racing neck-and-neck, the Togolese striker gradually edged ahead of the Stoke skipper and Faye appeared to tug him to the ground.

Initially, referee Alan Wiley saw the challenge to be a fair one, but called a halt to play when his assistant flagged for his attention. Moments later Faye, who had been the last defender, was heading for an early bath with a stright red card shown for his misdemeanour.

Substitutions for both teams immediately followed with Liam Lawrence making way for Salif Diao and Wright-Phillips replacing Garrido as the Blues sniffed the chance of three points.

The dismissal seemed to lift Stoke more than the Blues who, despite camping in the Potters' half for 15 minutes, couldn't find a way through a packed and committed defence.

Then, on 71 minutes, a poor clearance from Johnson found Whelan who took aim and fired a low drive from 25 yards past Given to hand Stoke an unlikely lead on 71 minutes. It was typical that a side who spend so much energy on set-pieces should score with such a sublime strike from open play.

With the home fans in raptures, the Blues looked shaken and bereft of ideas. The thought of another demoralising defeat on the road seemed to consume them for the next 10 minutes or so until - at last - the breakthrough.

With four minutes remaining, substitute Pablo Zabaleta’s lofted cross found Adebayor who in turn flicked it into the path of Barry. The England midfielder's scrambled shot struck the post but he still managed to prod home the rebound to level the score.

The travelling fans now allowed themselves to think of three points rather than none, particularly when 24,000 home fans groaned at the five minutes of added time announcement

Yet there was still time for one more scare. Delap won a throw-in by the corner flag with 95 minutes on the clock. He dried the ball, stepped back and launched the ball into the box for Ryan Shawcross to head home at the far post.

With the home fans going crazy, referee Wiley stood with his arm pointing towards the centre - but not for a goal - for a foul, much to the fury of the home fans and the relief of those travelling from Manchester. Seconds later it was all over.

Man City 1-1 Stoke City (FA CUP)

Few people embrace a cup competition more warmly than Roberto Mancini and his love affair with England’s most historic version is still aglow.
It is appropriate that the next instalment of his passion should unfold on Valentine’s Day when the sixth round FA Cup draw will take place though his side will need all its heart after conceding home advantage after this less than dynamic draw.

Mancini is an avid devourer of the knockout format of the game having won the Coppa Italia no fewer than six times as a player and four as a manager but his ardour may be tested to the full in the replay.

City are no strangers to the sixth round of the FA Cup having reached the last eight in successive seasons in 2005-06, 2006-07 only to have been sent packing by West Ham United and Blackburn Rovers and they really should have been in the hat alone given the weight of possession they enjoyed.

However, there was a crucial lack of a cutting edge and Stoke were the ones celebrating at the final blast of Mark Clattenburg’s whistle.

It is said that familiarity breeds contempt and if that is the case then disregard could be the theme of the night at the Britannia Stadium in the next couple of weeks.

Tuesday will see the third meeting since Boxing Day for the two sides with the plot of this particular tale of two Cities still open to twists and turns.

Stoke were the first team to face the Mancini led Blues back at Christmas time when after just a week of working with his side, goals from Martin Petrov and Carlos Tevez gave the stylish Italian the best possible start to his reign as manager.

The home line up for this FA Cup tie was, however, quite dissimilar to the one that did duty that December day. With several injured and rested stars due back for the Premier League clash in three days time the cast list is likely to change markedly yet again.

Tevez was absent on compassionate leave for family matters in Argentina, there was no Craig Bellamy on view, Adam Johnson, the instantly successful January recruit from Middlesbrough was cup tied and with Vincent Kompany and Patrick Vieira afforded the luxury of a rest after a heavy workload a chance to grab the limelight was handed to Joleon Lescott, Martin Petrov, Stephen Ireland and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

It was a timely return for Wright-Phillips as England boss Fabio Capello turned up to see the four men in Blue who may yet make his World Cup squad.

Gareth Barry and Wayne Bridge were both busy and impressive enough but it was SWP who caught the eye in the 11th minute scoring what it in the end turned out to be one of the simplest goals of his career.

Ireland’s through ball from the half way line sent Wright-Phillips hurtling towards the penalty area where he chipped over the advancing Thomas Sorensen. Ryan Shawcross was odds on to clear the danger in a little versus large foot race but the defender slipped under the ball then inexplicably nodded it back into the path of the City man who said thank you very much and rolled it home from a yard.

Thereafter his confidence high, Wright-Phillips gave Andy Wilkinson a torrid time to the point where the full back was booked for one bad tackle too many.

Bridge then showed his worth to the England coach blocking superbly from substitute Liam Lawrence who looked poised to score at the far post just before the half hour mark.

Five previous FA Cup ties between these two sides have been settled by a one goal margin and without recourse to a replay but this was not destined to be another.

The home side dominated possession but were hit with a sucker punch in 56th minute when football’s worst kept secret, a Rory Delap throw in, came hurtling into the box and Ricardo Fuller nodded in a simple equaliser.

It was nip and tuck thereafter with Mancini’s men coming closest to a winner when Barry’s 78th minute header brought a fine save from Sorensen.

Toure expected to make Cup match

Manchester City v Stoke City (Preview)



Roberto Mancini expects to have skipper Kolo Toure available for Manchester City's FA Cup fifth round tie against Stoke.
Toure limped out of Tuesday's win over Bolton with a knee injury but has now recovered and is expected to partner £22million summer arrival Joleon Lescott in central defence because Vincent Kompany (groin) is out.

Craig Bellamy (knee) is also sidelined, while new signing Adam Johnson is cup-tied, having played against City for Middlesbrough earlier in the competition.

City swooped to land Johnson in an £8million deal with Middlesbrough on deadline day and already the 22-year-old has made a massive impression at Eastlands.

The England Under-21 star followed up his eye-catching debut at Hull by collecting man-of-the-match honours in the midweek win over Bolton.

"Johnson is a great player,'' Mancini said.

"If he continues like he is at the moment he could get into the national team.

"I remember Ryan Giggs when he was young and the way he moved. Johnson is the same player.

"If he keeps working hard he has a good chance for the future.''

"Maybe the FA Cup is more important to me than it is for Arsene Wenger.''

Given how close City got to reaching the Carling Cup final before they eventually succumbed to neighbours Manchester United, there is almost a desperation about the Blue camp to reach a Wembley showpiece for the first time since 1981.

And, although he qualified his comment, the City boss is more keen to beat Stoke this weekend than when the pair do battle again with points at stake.

"The FA Cup match against them is the most important one because it is the next one,'' stated Mancini.

"We want to get to Wembley and to achieve this we need to win, but it would also help put us in a good mood for next week.''

City are aiming to reach the last eight for the third time in recent years and will start heavy favourites to overcome a Stoke outfit they defeated easily as recently as Boxing Day in what was Mancini's first game in charge.

However, the Italian's knowledge extends beyond the result to the searching examination Stoke provided before Petrov opened the scoring.

"I remember the game,'' he said.

"It started off being very difficult and Shay Given made a good save after about 10 minutes, otherwise the result might have been different.''

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has a few late decisions to make regarding the fitness of a number of players.

Captain Abdoulaye Faye has missed the last two matches with a back problem but may be ready to return.

Pulis said one or two other unnamed players had minor knocks which would all need to be assessed prior to the evening kick-off at Eastlands.

Ricardo Fuller, a second-half substitute in the 1-1 midweek Barclays Premier League draw at Wigan after being arrested over allegations of a nightclub assault, could return to the starting line-up at the expense of Tuncay Sanli.

Pulis will tell his players they cannot afford to be intimidated by Manchester City and must take the game to their opponents.

The Potters boss believes some of his squad still have something of an inferiority complex when it comes to tackling the bigger teams of the Barclays Premier League.

But in a cup competition all that matters is winning and Pulis intends to attack Roberto Mancini's side from the off.

"I am looking to pick a positive team and go there to have a right go,'' he said.

"It is very important we go there and be positive and the team I pick is not overawed by the occasion or the players they are playing against.

"I think we have gone to one or two grounds and been a little bit in awe still this year.

"But our away performances have been a lot better than last year and the only way to break the taboo is by winning.

"I'm sure the last thing Roberto Mancini wants - and we all want - is a draw so it's 'gloves off' because I think both sides will want a result one way or the other.''

Despite having beaten Arsenal in the last round Pulis said his side are still second favourites against City.

He feels Mancini's players will be under some pressure to win a trophy this season, having already missed out on the Carling Cup final, because of the huge financial investment made by their Abu Dhabi-based owners.

"It's going to be very difficult for us in a game against one of the richest clubs in the world,'' he said.

"But Manchester City have spent an absolute fortune on players and they will be expecting a return for that investment.

"They've got two chances to do that by winning the cup or qualifying for the Champions League so there is that pressure on them, whereas we're the underdogs and we're looking forward to it.''

LIVERPOOL NEWS

Benayoun returns to training


Rafael Benitez has revealed that Yossi Benayoun has return to first-team training with Liverpool after his broken rib.

Benayoun has not featured since the FA Cup defeat to Reading on January 13 and was ruled out for around a month, suggesting his comeback is not far behind schedule.

"Yossi was training with the team," Benitez told the club's official website. "Still we have to be careful with his rib but he was training."

Benayoun is not expected to feature in Thursday's Europa League tie at home to Unirea Urziceni but could be in the squad for their crucial Premier League match at Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Benitez hopes 19-year-old former Barcelona attacker Dani Pacheco can establish himself in the first-team in the near future.

"Dani is continuing to train with the first team," he said. "When we let (Andriy) Voronin go (to Dynamo Moscow), we immediately brought Dani into the group and every day you can see that he is progressing. His training is good.

"Every day you are thinking about when you can play, he has been on the bench a lot and sometimes you are thinking when it might be right to put him on, but you also have to think about senior players and giving time to others who need it.

"The one thing we know, though, is Dani is a player with quality. He has game intelligence and we know that he can make a difference. He is still very young but we are pleased with him and he is doing well."

He added: "Dani has no problems when he is in possession. He is clever and he always wants to try difficult things but that shows the quality that he has.

"The fact he is training with us shows what we think of him. He is with us all the time and that means he can play at any time. It depends on the game but, clearly, if he continues to keep working as he has been doing, he will definitely get his chance."

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEWS

Leonardo hails 'perfect' Beckham ahead of United


AC Milan boss Leonardo has praised David Beckham as being "tactically perfect" ahead of the visit of Manchester United on Tuesday, but he refused to guarantee the midfielder will start against his old club.

After starting Milan's first five league games of 2010, Beckham has been a substitute in their last two, although he did play the final 15 minutes of the 3-2 win over Udinese on Friday night.

But Leonardo discarded the notion that former United midfielder Beckham was being saved for his "special match'' next week, insisting he had and will continue to pick the team he believes is best suited for each individual game.

"We know it's a very special match for him,'' said Leonardo. "It's very special to play in the Champions League against his own team, let's say it like that. But we have got to analyse everything and we have a lot of players in good condition. We'll see how everybody is to choose the best team.''

Against Udinese, Amantino Mancini took the role Beckham has occupied since arriving at the Rossoneri in December, but he is ineligible to face the Red Devils having already appeared in the competition for his former club Inter Milan. His position will therefore be up for grabs.

Mancini was replaced by Alexandre Pato while Beckham had to wait until late on before taking the place of Ronaldinho, whose place in the team on Tuesday does not appear to be in any doubt after another inspirational performance against Udinese. But Leonardo's praise of Beckham's adaptability means the former England captain has a good chance of featuring against his former employers.

"I think he can play anywhere,'' added Leonardo. "He's smart and intelligent and tactically he's perfect. There are no problems choosing a system or a position for him. He's been doing very well this year. He arrived in December and he knows the team and how we play. I think David has nothing to prove to anybody. His career speaks for itself because what he did in football is something very big.''

Milan's game against Udinese set a precedent with the Italian Football League agreeing to bring the fixture forward 24 hours to grant the Rossoneri an extra day to prepare for Tuesday's encounter. However, United's elimination from the FA Cup means they have a free weekend and this could favour them, according to Leonardo.

"Fortunately we have played on Friday so we can rest a bit more, but Manchester played the other day so they have six days, which is two days more than us,'' he said. "The more you rest, the better and the more players you get back. Manchester also had some players out injured who may benefit from these extra days, but at least we played today and this gives us two days more (than usual), which is an advantage.''

Leonardo will be looking to establish an advantage for his side on Tuesday night and not leave them a mountain to climb in the second leg at Old Trafford.

"I think it is in our DNA that we always try to win,'' he said. "We always start the game only with the thought of victory.''

Hollywood News: Tila Tequila Pregnant with Brothers Baby the Ultrasound Picture

Tila Tequila, aka Thien Thanh Thi Nguyen, is in fact pregnant with her brother’s baby. This is not technically incest since it is her brother’s sperm and his wife’s egg, so Tila is just a surrogate.

Surrogate mothers are supposed to turn the child over to the biological parents once they give birth, but Tila says she is going to keep the baby because she has no friends. I don’t believe Tila since she is a habitual liar, and because Tila has no legal right to keep the baby if she is not the biological parent. Tila would make the worst parent imaginable. This is all for publicity, and then to garner more interest in her train wreck of a life she posted this statement:

" I feel stronger than ever, more confident than ever, and most importantly, I know now what really matters in life. LOVE, and this baby saved Mommy’s life, because many times before, Mommy has wanted to kill herself, but now with my baby, Mommy is going to live a long happy life now and be with my child. Everything from this moment on, will ONLY be about my child. Every penny I make, will go into my child’s savings.”

“So goodbye Hollywood. It’s been a fun ride being here with you all. I have had a lot of great memories of ‘LIVING IN THE LIMELIGHT’ however, at this point. I have seen how vicious living in the limelight can be and it is not something I want anymore.”


One thing will never change for Tila, she will always be a whore, and whore’s always whore themselves out to make money. I have no doubt Tila will be back after this commercial break. Stay tuned to see Tila on the cover of some magazine with her brother’s baby to collect another paycheck.

Hollywood News: Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor Kissing Picture

Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor star in a movie called I Love You Phillip Morris.

The movie is described as such:

The story begins with Russell, played by Jim Carrey, on his deathbed recalling the events of his life that led him there. He begins with his life in Texas as a happily married police officer who plays the organ at church, prays every night with his wife (Leslie Mann) and spends his off hours searching for the biological mother who gave him up as a child. That, and hes gay. But after finding and being handily rejected by the mother who gave him up as a baby, Steven leaves his life and family behind to go out into the world and be his true, flamboyantly gay self. He moves to Miami, finds a boyfriend (Rodrigo Santoro) and begins living the high life. He realizes quickly though, that a life of luxury is expensive, leading this resourceful former cop to turn to a life as a conman. But when his con work finally catches up with him, Steven is sent to prison where he meets, and almost instantly falls in love with Phillip Morris, played by Ewan McGregor. From there the story becomes a Don Quixote-esque story of a forlorn lover who cannot bear to be separated from his soul-mate. He will go to any lengths to be with Phillip, including but not limited to breaking out of jail on multiple occasions, impersonating Phillips lawyer and fraudulently becoming the CFO of a major corporation.

Hollywood News: Conrad Murray Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter in Michael Jackson Death

Doctor Conrad Murray pled not guilty today when he was charged with Involuntary Manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson at his arraignment hearing. Involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum of 4 years in prison.

Dr. Murray will be booked into jail today, and bail was set by judge at $75,000, which is three times the normal bail schedule, but much less than the $300,000 the district attorney requested. The judge ordered Dr. Murray must surrender his passport to the court, restricted Murray’s medical license whereas he cannot use anesthetic agents such as propofol or heavy sedatives that would be given by an anesthesiologist to put a patient to sleep.

Murray appear again before the court on April 5, 2010.

City boss Mancini still confident of top four finish

Roberto Mancini insists he is more confident than ever that Manchester City can finish fourth in the Premier League this season, despite suffering two defeats in his first six league games in charge.

Mancini watched his team go down 2-1 at Hull on Saturday to equal the number of league defeats suffered this season by his predecessor Mark Hughes.

But with Tottenham and Aston Villa sharing the points from their weekend clash, City remain three points off Liverpool in fourth with two games in hand on the teams around them going into tomorrow's clash with Bolton and Mancini believes his side have what it takes to break up the established 'big four'.

"I'm even more confident,'' Mancini said. "Because in the first three or four games we have played very well after we've lost players [to injury]. I'm confident when I recover all the players we can win this week at home and then win away [at Stoke on Tuesday].

"We must remember we have two games in hand and if we win them we go fourth. We have a good chance if we win this game. When we recover all our players I don't think it's a problem.''

Despite City's vast wealth, Mancini spent modestly in the January transfer window, signing Patrick Vieira on loan from Inter Milan and then adding young winger Adam Johnson from Middlesbrough on deadline day.

However, he inherited a large and talented squad following Hughes' spending spree last summer, and that has meant he has received little sympathy while continually referring to the injury problems he has encountered since taking over. But that does not mean Mancini is about to change his tune.

"I think this is a good squad but we have had more players injured and this is difficult,'' he said. "In midfield, we have had only three midfielders, Gareth (Barry), Nigel (de Jong) and Stephen (Ireland), and it's impossible that you can play a season with only three midfielders.''


The midfield engine room has been a particular problem for City of late, with Gareth Barry underperforming. Vieira made his debut in the second half of the Hull defeat, but despite impressing, he arrived too late to turn the result around.

The first half was arguably City's worst display under Mancini, and the usually cool Italian admitted he had let his players know about it at half-time.

"Yes, I was angry,'' he said. "This is normal. I was angry after the first half, but I told them if they had a good second half they could recover.''

City improved after the break, but could not find an equaliser as Hull lifted themselves out of the drop zone, leaving Mancini in need of three points tomorrow to quickly restore his side's momentum.

"I watch the players every day and when they work they work well and they want to arrive at our targets,'' he said. "On this I'm very confident. I think that Tottenham, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Arsenal are five teams playing for two places and we have a good chance.''

Manchester City 2 - 0 Bolton Wanderers

Man City close gap on top four

A new Manchester City star was born in winger Adam Johnson as the Blues nudged up towards the top four with victory over Bolton Wanderers.

Strike duo Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor might have scored the goals that leave City trailing fourth-placed Liverpool on goal difference, but there was no doubt Johnson was the real star.
Signed for £8million from Middlesbrough on deadline day, the 22-year-old left to a standing ovation six minutes from time after providing most of the thrills on a chilly evening.

It was Johnson who won the penalty that Tevez converted to put City ahead. And although fellow new-boy Patrick Vieira set up Adebayor to seal victory, it was Johnson who kept Bolton on the back foot and ensured there was no second away point of the season for Owen Coyle, whose only other one came on this ground in November when he was still at Burnley.

It is a run that must end quickly given Bolton could easily find themselves in the drop zone after tomorrow night's games, and facing Coyle with a massive job to prove it was not a mistake to bring him in to replace Gary Megson.

While Vieira required no introduction on his home debut, Johnson remained a bit of an unknown in these parts.

Not in his native north-east though, where he was rated good enough to merit a place in the Middlesbrough line-up, aged just 20, even though Stewart Downing occupied his favoured left-sided midfield berth.
Those days on the right flank have served the England Under-21 star well by the ease with which he swapped wings to unsettle the Bolton defence.

City were probably glad they made their deadline-day purchase too.
Without Johnson's swift movement and nimble feet, Roberto Mancini's men might have been in trouble against a Bolton side, trying to metamorphosise into a passing team under Coyle while at the same time desperately attempting to stave off relegation. The arrival of Jack Wilshere should help.

Arsene Wenger clearly approves of Coyle's approach to the beautiful game and Wilshere brings an element of silk to go with the steel Bolton will also need if they are going to survive.
What the Trotters can certainly do without is the kind of rash tackle Paul Robinson made to chop down Johnson, when the only place he seemed to be heading was over the goal-line.
Referee Mike Jones had no doubt it was a penalty despite Robinson's protests, TV replays indicating the Bolton full-back was engaging in a cover-up exercise given the ridiculous nature of his challenge.
Not that Kolo Toure did any better when he scrambled across Johan Elmander, sending the Swede tumbling to the deck as he was about to reach a loose ball with his back to Shay Given's goal.

The protests were just as fierce but this time Jones said no, denying Bolton a chance to level Carlos Tevez's 19th goal of the campaign after Jussi Jaaskelainen had failed to keep the South American's poor effort out.
Bolton could have done with getting Wilshere into more central positions because with a bit more guile they could easily have levelled, such was the impetus they gained at the start of the second period.
As has been pointed out to Wenger repeatedly over the past few days, possession and passes are all very well, but football's hard currency will always remain goals and points.

Mancini was sufficiently disturbed to abandon his solid three-man midfield line by bringing on Shaun Wright-Phillips for Wayne Bridge, a move that involved a significant reshuffle given one is a right-winger, the other a left-back; Gareth Barry's adaptability allowing him to fill the latter role.
The move was unorthodox. But it worked a treat, unlike Bolton's offside trap as the visitors failed to keep tabs on Adebayor as he ran onto Vieira's elegant chipped through ball.

A chest control and crisp, volleyed finish came straight out of the textbook and Adebayor raced away to celebrate.

Bolton continued to huff and puff until the final whistle, by which time Johnson had departed to a standing ovation he is set to receive plenty of on this evidence.

Roque Santa Cruz Bio

Roque Santa Cruz made a name for himself rapidly. He started at Olimpia at the age of nine, and his goalscoring made him the club's most promising young gun. Luis Cubilla called him up to the first team at the age of 15, and he made his debut a year later.
In the 1998 and 1999 seasons, Santa Cruz won two titles with Olimpia and was chosen as Paraguayan player of the year. As expected, many offers arrived from abroad, and Bayern Munich signed him in 1999. But despite his talent and a rapport with fans, he never reached his true potential with the team.

Injuries and bad relationships with his coaches were to blame for his lack of a regular spot in Munich. At Bayern he played 146 games and scored 31 goals before England's Blackburn Rovers signed him in 2007. He was a key player at Ewood Park: in 54 games, he scored 23 goals. Finally, after a long courtship, in the summer of 2009 he was purchased by Manchester City. With the Paraguayan national team he has played in two World Cups, and is the second-most prolific scorer in their history.

Strengths: His height means the aerial game is his main weapon though he is also two-footed and not lacking in composure on the ball.

Weaknesses: The long list of injuries he has suffered during his career.


Career high: During 2007-8, his first year at Blackburn Rovers, he revived his career and was top scorer.

Career low: One of the many knee injuries that he suffered towards the end of 2005 kept him for six months meaning he would later struggle to regain his previous form.

Style: A constant presence in the box, his physical strength is the basis of his game.

Trivia: A German band composed a song honoring Santa Cruz, entitled "Ich Roque". In the video, Santa Cruz appears singing the chorus.

Quotes: "He has been fantastic since he's come through the door. Not only have we been impressed by his technical ability and the pace and power that he has, but by his demeanour as well around the place." Mark Hughes.

Rashy Cruz says: His injuries are a problem and have kept him from performing at his best. His great challenge will be to find first-team place in the next few months and arrive at the World Cup in his best possible shape

Beckham: I won't celebrate scoring against United

AC Milan midfielder David Beckham has promised he will not celebrate if he scores against former club Manchester United in next week's Champions League last-16 clash.

United face Milan in the Champions League at the San Siro next Tuesday, with the return leg on March 10 at Old Trafford. And after 394 appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, the England midfielder believes it would be inappropriate behaviour should he find the net for the Rossoneri.

It is the first time Beckham has faced his former club and he remains grateful to the fans who backed him after he was sent off against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup.

"Sometimes emotion can get the better of you when you score but I do not think I would celebrate," Beckham told Inside United magazine. "I respect the supporters and the club. The relationship I have with the fans is still important to me.

"I went through some difficult times but they never stopped supporting me. I would not have got through everything without them. To me they are the best fans in the world and the support they gave me week in, week out was incredible. Nothing will ever better that.''

Beckham started his career at United after moving up from London to sign schoolboy forms with the club and made his league debut in 1995, going on to play for eight more years at Old Trafford before moving to Real Madrid.

A high-profile transfer to LA Galaxy followed and the former England captain is currently on loan at Milan in a bid to retain his form and fitness and earn a place in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad. But Beckham admitted that after playing for three of the world's bioggest teams, it is his first club who remain his first love.

"I always wish I was part of Manchester United, it is just in me. Even though I am not there any more, I am still a huge fan. Coming to terms with not being a United player was certainly the toughest thing I've ever had to deal with. When you are a Manchester United player and a Manchester United fan you never want to play for any other club.

"I always want them to do well and be successful because the club still means so much to me. I've still got season tickets and I will always keep them because I love to watch every game where possible. I would love to take my sons one day. United will always be such a special place to me, so we will just have to see what the future holds.''


"United was the club I always wanted to play for and I loved every minute of my time there. The first few years (after leaving) were hard and there were a lot of things I missed. When I was at Real Madrid it just never felt right to come back to Old Trafford.

"The thought of playing against United always gave me that sick feeling because I missed the club so much. But when the draw was made this time it felt as though it was the right time to go back. I felt really emotional. It will also be extremely emotional for myself and my family on the night.

"I met so many amazing people during my time there, on and off the pitch, that I am looking forward to seeing everyone again. It is the biggest club in the world and it is one you always want to be a part of.''