Football news

Sam Allardyce fears his chances of ever becoming England manager may have been wrecked by the Panorama programme which claimed to expose corruption in football.

The Bolton manager strongly denied allegations made by September's BBC investigation into illegal payments in the game and promised legal action against the broadcaster.

But he fears the allegations have stained his reputation forever, saying: "It doesn't matter if you're innocent or guilty because, in the eyes of some people, you will always be guilty."

Carrick relishes great Euro night

Michael Carrick forecasts a great European night at Old Trafford come Tuesday. Manchester United host Roma in the deciding leg of their Champions League quarter-final looking to overturn the Italians' narrow lead from the first stormy encounter at the Stadio Olimpico last week. Roma won the first leg 2-1.

"It is going to be a great occasion," the former Tottenham midfielder said. "I am sure Old Trafford will be bouncing. We are really looking forward to it and we know the crowd will get right behind us. We have given ourselves every chance and, come Tuesday, we will be ready."

Liverpool driven by fear - Riise

John Arne Riise has identified fear as the major driving force behind Liverpool's quest for success in the Champions League.

The Norwegian defender feels everyone at Anfield is playing for their future with manager Rafael Benitez widely expected to spend big in the transfer market in the summer.

"You never know what the manager is going to do from one game to the next - that keeps everyone on their toes," Riise said.

"But because the new owners are here too, that's going to make everyone work hard to impress them as well."

Vieira tips Keane to coach United

Patrick Vieira sees Roy Keane as the best candidate to succeed Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager.

Former Arsenal midfielder Vieira has been impressed by Keane's first move into management at Sunderland who are fighting for promotion to the Premiership.

"Roy Keane knows Manchester United so well. He has been one of their greatest players and one of the greatest captains the game has seen," Vieira, now at Inter, told The Sun. "I think he may be the future United manager. It wouldn't surprise me at all - and he would be a success."

Cristiano Ronaldo is no Totti, says Zola

Gianfranco Zola has refuted suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo, the Manchester United stalwart, is on the same level as Roma captain Francesco Totti.

"If you could mix the characteristics of the two, then you would come up with the ideal player," he told Il Romanista.

"But Ronaldo does not have the tactical intelligence of Francesco. Besides, he is still in his first real year of confirming his qualities."

Allen slams Spanish police

Tottenham reserve team coach Clive Allen has branded the behaviour of the Spanish police during his side's Uefa Cup tie in Seville as "disgusting".

Riot police clashed with Spurs supporters during Thursday's quarter-final, first-leg with Sevilla. The Spanish side won 2-1.

"There are stories that women, children and disabled fans were struck by the police," Allen said. "I find that quite disgusting."

Maradona making progress

Argentine soccer hero Diego Maradona is spending more time awake and moving around his room at the Buenos Aires hospital where he is being treated for alcohol abuse, doctors said.

"In relation to the abstinence from alcohol, an improvement can be seen, with a reduction in the need for sedation. That means he's staying awake for longer," a medical report said.

"He's starting to move about the room, accompanied by medical staff."

Maradona is also being treated for alcohol-induced hepatitis and, while his doctors say he has been making steady progress, he will have to stay in the Guemes hospital for at least another week.

Trezeguet vows to stay with Juve

David Trezeguet has cleared the uncertainty over his future by declaring he wants to stay with Juventus next season.

The Frenchman had previously expressed a desire to seek pastures new but after Friday's 1-1 Serie B draw with Albinoleffe, Trezeguet made a surprise announcement. "I feel very close to this jersey after seven years at the club and I want to stay here," Trezeguet told journalists.

"Even if we do not reach the Champions League, that does not matter. I knew this was the situation and am ready to accept this sacrifice."

Fans throw soap at players

Angry Corinthians fans carrying brooms and boxes of soap powder ran on to the pitch during training on Friday and forced the session to be called off.

One supporter threw soap powder at the startled players, who were quickly led off the field.

The incident, intended as a symbolic clean-up by fans of one of Brazil's biggest clubs, happened three days after coach Emerson Leao was fired and replaced by Ze Augusto on an interim basis.