Sports

LONDON: Manchester United central defender Rio Ferdinand (pic) is set to miss out on Euro 2012 when new England manager Roy Hodgson announces his squad on Wednesday media reports claimed on Tuesday.

ROME: Britain's world number four Andy Murray (pic) celebrated his 25th birthday here on Tuesday with a hard fought 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 victory over veteran Argentinian David Nalbandian to reach the third round of the Rome Masters.

LONDON: Roberto Di Matteo has revealed he had Saturday’s Champions League final in mind when he paired Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres in Chelsea’s win over Blackburn.

Drogba and Torres both came off the bench in the Blues’ last Premier League game of the season, linking up for the final 21 minutes of the 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.

LONDON: Randy Lerner knew he had to swallow his pride and sack Alex McLeish after Villa Park became a cauldron of hate.

Villa’s US owner Lerner went against supporters’ wishes to appoint McLeish from relegated archrivals Birmingham last summer.

Lerner splashed out £1.5million in compensation for Big ‘Eck to succeed Gerard Houllier despite protests from fans.

And even during a miserable campaign with just seven League wins, Lerner was doggedly sticking by his man — stressing the need for continuity.

LONDON: Nicklas Bendtner was axed by Martin O’Neill after being late for the team bus — and now faces a search for a new club.

The Danish striker will return to Arsenal this summer and hope for a fresh chance after his loan spell at Sunderland ended in double embarrassment.

Bendtner said his goodbyes on Wearside after Sunderland’s defeat by Manchester United — and was later spoken to by police on the way home from the Stadium of Light for “erratic” driving.

LONDON: Lukas Podolski claimed he can be three strikers rolled into one for Arsenal next season.

Versatile German striker Podolski, Arsenal’s £10.9m (RM55m) signing, said: “In Cologne, I played as a centreforward and also as a playmaker.

“In the national team I play wide on the left, I honestly don’t mind where I play, as long as it’s in a forward position. But it’s always the coach who decides where you play and I will do my best wherever I play.

LONDON: Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has reiterated his desire to keep on-loan Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor (pic) at White Hart Lane, but admitted wages remained a stumbling block.

The Togo international netted his 17th Barclays Premier League goal of the campaign yesterday as Spurs Fulham 2-0 to secure fourth place.

LONDON: Robin van Persie could be heading to Manchester City.

Van Persie will hold crunch talks over his future today and Arsenal fear he will tell them he wants to leave.

City are leading a three-way battle for van Persie with Manchester United and Juventus but it is believed the newly-crowned Premier League champions are in pole position.

LONDON: Kenny Dalglish (pic) is facing showdown talks in Boston today over his Anfield future.

Dalglish jetted out to America yesterday to deliver his end of season report to owners Fenway Sports Group.

And after reports of his bosses showing interest in Wigan’s Roberto Martinez, Dalglish is determined to put an end to the uncertainty caused by Liverpool’s miserable league campaign.

MANCHESTER: Manchester City have apologised to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson after striker Carlos Tevez held up a banner goading his former manager.

Tevez has also expressed his regret after he was pictured with a sign which read “RIP Fergie” during City’s celebratory title-winning parade in Manchester.

The 28-year-old is thought to have been passed or thrown the banner by a fan as City’s open-top bus made its way through the city centre with the squad and the Premier League trophy.