Football news

Ledley King is set to give Tottenham Hotspur a massive boost by returning to the side for Thursday's UEFA Cup clash with Sevilla.

The England international has been sidelined since Boxing Day with knee and foot injuries.

Spurs have been reluctant to rush the defender back into action, but assistant manager Chris Hughton believes his return will aid the side's chances of overturning their first leg 2-1 defeat to Sevilla.

"We've missed Ledley's captaincy but also what he brings as a man and a defender, and having him back will be a big thing for us," Hughton said.

Berger improves Villa prospects

Patrik Berger's energetic display in the 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers on Saturday appears to have convinced Martin O'Neill to offer the Czech midfielder a new deal at Villa Park.

Berger, who is out of contract at the end of the season, looked set to leave Villa Park a few months ago after being loaned out to Championship side Stoke City.

"When I think of the team that I will be building for next season, there will be room in it for Berger," O'Neill said.

'I want to stay', Viduka tells Boro

Mark Viduka has told Middlesbrough he wants to stay at the club. The Australia striker is currently negotiating a new deal but has called on the club to back Gareth Southgate in the transfer market.

"I've started talks with the club," he said. "I want to stay if I can. I'm starting to enjoy my football more than I was.

"I think everyone would love to see this club taking that next step up.

"The club needs to have faith in Gareth and help him buy the players he thinks are good."

Morientes to face Chelsea

Fernando Morientes has been passed fit to play in Valencia's Champions League clash with Chelsea today.

Doctors have given the Spanish international the green light to take part in the quarter-final second leg with a protective bandage on his injured shoulder.

Morientes, 30, suffered the shoulder injury last month playing in Spain's Euro 2008 qualifier with Iceland.

Roma fans will behave - Sensi

Roma managing director Rosella Sensi is confident the club's fans will not cause trouble during tonight's Champions League quarter-final away to Manchester United.

Last Wednesday's first leg tie, won 2-1 by Roma, was marred by crowd trouble at the Stadio Olimpico.

The incidents could create a hostile atmosphere at Old Trafford for today's second leg but Sensi has maintained that the Roma fans are no trouble makers. "It's a very important game for Roma but we are approaching it calmly," Sensi said.

"Our fans know how to behave whether they are in Italy or abroad."

Van Nistelrooy eyes Dutch return

Ruud van Nistelrooy feels he can still play an important role for the Dutch national team if he can sort out his differences with coach Marco van Basten.

"I think that I can still fulfil an important role in this young squad," Van Nistelrooy said.

"I called Van Basten to tell him that I want to see that everything is good, otherwise I can't get started.

"You can hold these talks with Van Basten. Contrary to what a lot of people think, Van Basten is not hard. I do find him rigorous, I just needed that good feeling because I saw what happened with Mark van Bommel - been away twice and come back. That has never worked again."

Lehmann ready for Arsenal talks

Jens Lehmann is confident that his future at Arsenal will soon be sorted out. The German goalkeeper turns 38 in November and is in the final months of his contract with the Gunners.

The Premiership club are understood to be standing firm on their policy of offering only 12-month extensions to senior players. Lehmann wants the security of a two-year deal.

"We will talk soon, in the next week or two," said Lehmann. "I have always said I would like to play at Arsenal because the team has potential.

"I can stay but I have to talk before. It is a tough decision I have to make."

Vieira missing English passion

Inter midfielder Patrick Vieira has admitted that he misses England and the passion of its football fans.

"I miss England and mostly the passion for football shown by its supporters and players," Vieira told The Sun.

"I go to London every time I have the chance to do so. I have already been to Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium three times, I believe it is one of the nicest grounds in the world."

Passarella, Burruchaga jeered

World Cup winners Daniel Passarella and Jorge Burruchaga, now coaches of River Plate and Independiente respectively, were jeered by their own fans at the weekend.

Passarella, who captained Argentina's 1978 World Cup team, was given a hostile reception for the game at home to Belgrano after the shock Libertadores Cup elimination against Venezuela's Caracas FC. Passarella made nine changes to his team, who needed a late equaliser to force a 1-1 draw.

Burruchaga, scorer of Argentina's winning goal in the 1986 World Cup final against West Germany, was insulted by fans as his team left the field at half-time during a 4-1 defeat by Gimnasia-La Plata.