Football news

Rio Ferdinand has vowed to return to action for Manchester United in plenty of time to ensure he can make England's squad for the World Cup in South Africa next year.

The centre-back has been sidelined since United's 2-0 loss at Liverpool in October following a recurrence of a back injury.

"I'm confident I'll be fit. There's no question I'll be ready for next summer," Ferdinand said, although he was unable to put a timeframe on his return to action with United.

"It's the worst thing for a player to be injured and to be just watching your team, so I've been working hard to get fit. It's been a tough lay-off for me because I have never been injured before."

Giovinco not leaving in January

Juve starlet Sebastian Giovinco will not change clubs in January despite being linked with a move to Lazio in a proposed swoop which would have seen Aleksandar Kolarov go to Turin.

Claudio Pasqualin, Giovinco's agent, has cast doubt over the likelihood of such a move occurring.

"We don't know anything about it, but I don't think that Juventus have any intention of selling Giovinco - especially as he is doing well," he said.

Giovinco has made 14 appearances so far this season, but is yet to break into the first team. He has been used as an alternative to Diego in a 4-3-1-2 formation, as well as one of the attacking trio in a 4-2-3-1 system this term.

Carragher reveals England approach

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has revealed he turned down an invitation from Fabio Capello to return to the England set-up.

Carragher, 31, won 34 caps for his country but announced his international retirement in 2007.

However, with encouragement from club captain Steven Gerrard he initially agreed to meet Capello's assistant Franco Baldini, but changed his mind at the last moment.

Carragher said: "I was supposed to meet Franco Baldini for a chat a year ago and at the last minute I pulled out.

"It was more out of courtesy that I was going to do it. Stevie had mentioned it to me a couple of times, so I agreed to the meeting, but at the last minute I just didn't want to do it."

Barry demands rapid City response

Gareth Barry has called for a response from Manchester City when they host Sunderland at Eastlands in the wake of a demoralising 3-0 defeat at Tottenham.

City go into today's game on the back of just one win in their last 10 Premier League games and although they have only lost once in that run, they have drawn eight and picked up just 11 points from a possible 30.

Barry said: "We are very disappointed and we are really hurting and the best thing we can do is try to put it right against Sunderland.

"From the Tottenham game, there are not too many positives to take and plenty of things to put right. We want to repay the fans that came down to Spurs and put in a good performance for them."

Redknapp plays down secret soiree

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has played down the effects of his players' secret Christmas party on their performance in the defeat to Wolves at White Hart Lane last weekend.

Redknapp had been under the impression that his players were going to Ireland on a golfing trip for their Christmas celebrations last week but it has been reported that the squad instead visited two bars and a nightclub.

Redknapp said: "Wednesday was their day off and Robbie (Keane) told me they were going to Ireland to play golf. However, it is widely known that I do not approve Christmas parties and I've always made it clear players should only drink in moderation.

"Whatever happened in Ireland, I do not accept it had any effect on the result against Wolves."

Keeper Lehmann embarrassed by his antics

Stuttgart goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has admitted his behaviour over the last 10 days has been "embarrassing", but ruled out taking early retirement.

Lehmann has stolen the headlines after first criticising his own club for sacking their coach Markus Babbel and then earning a red card and giving away an unnecessary penalty in a 1-1 draw with Mainz.

He subsequently fled from the stadium and confronted a fan as he searched for a taxi.

"I am responsible for my actions and what happened last weekend was not good and, if I could, I would take it all back," he said.

"It is embarrassing, it makes me uncomfortable and I would rather have vanished without being recognised."

Hiddink turned down City and Juve

Guus Hiddink turned down offers from both Manchester City and Juventus, the Russia manager's agent claimed yesterday.

Cees van Nieuwenhuizen has said he was contacted by City chief executive Garry Cook to request talks with Hiddink, but the former Chelsea boss's agent politely declined.

And the Dutch coach also declined a place at Juventus.

"Yes, I did (speak to Cook). But Guus is happy with Russia. Definitely," Van Nieuwenhuizen said.

"I have received calls from all over the world about Guus. There has also been an approach from Juventus."