Football news

Former captain Barry Ferguson has said he could revoke his decision not to play for Scotland again.

The Birmingham midfielder, 32, has not played for Scotland since his part in the ‘Boozegate’ scandal 18 months ago.

Craig Levein, the Scotland manager, offered Ferguson a way back for the recent Euro 2012 qualifiers against Lithuania and Liechtenstein, but the former Rangers player turned him down.

But now Ferguson could be ready to change his mind.

“You can never say never in football,” he said. “To captain Scotland is the pinnacle of your career, is it not?

“Craig’s words were: ‘The door will never be shut’. It never leaves you and you always want to represent your country.

Ferdinand realistic about peak form

Rio Ferdinand has admitted it could be another five games before he gets back to his peak.

The Manchester United defender has recovered from the knee injury that wrecked his World Cup, turning in a typically stylish performance in Tuesday’s goalless draw with Rangers.

Ferdinand, who is expected to keep his place for Sunday’s north-west derby clash against Liverpool, is wary of how long it will take to find top form again.

“I don’t know how long it will take me to get back to my peak,” he said.

“I have never been out for this length of time. From what I gather it is normally up to six games before players see the best of themselves. Fingers crossed I can do it in two.”

Give us just a little more time – Kidd

Manchester City assistant manager Brian Kidd has pleaded for patience as the Premier League’s big spenders try to find their feet.

Outside the club, questions are starting to be asked about some of Roberto Mancini’s decisions, notably to omit Roque Santa Cruz from his European squad which left him with just two fit strikers for City’s Europa League match against Red Bull Salzburg yesterday.

Kidd feels Mancini needs to be given time to put his ideas into action. “From the club itself there has to be patience,” he said.

“The boss has only been here a short period and this is a building job. It is going to take time.”

FA still feeling economic strain

The Football Association are having to cover a £60 million shortfall from the collapse of Setanta and £17m costs of moving from Soho Square to Wembley, it has been revealed.

The FA on Wednesday published their accounts which reveals a £3m overall loss in 2009 – but better than the £12 million loss in 2008.

Although the FA’s turnover has increased, the collapse of Setanta has left the body needing to cover a £60 million shortfall in television income in the 2008-12 period.

The move to Wembley will also incur losses of almost £17 million as there was a 10-year lease on Soho Square, but in the long term the FA should save on costs.

Anelka explains handcuffs gesture

Nicolas Anelka fired two first-half goals to put Chelsea on the way to a comfortable 4-1 victory over MSK Zilina on Wednesday and then revealed the meaning of his ‘handcuffs’ goal celebration.

Anelka, banned by the French Football Federation for 18 games because of his part in the World Cup mutiny, admitted his gesture was aimed at the French authorities.

“It was just something for the French Federation about what happened at the World Cup,” said Anelka. “What happened in the summer is in the past, now I’m 100% focused for Chelsea.”

When asked if he would ever consider playing for France again, he replied: “No, never. It was just a joke about what happened.”

Sacchi comment irks Ibrahimovic

Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic hit out at Arrigo Sacchi following Wednesday’s Champions League victory over Auxerre at San Siro.

Speaking to Italian TV, the Sweden international, who scored a brace against Auxerre, reacted angrily to a comment Sacchi made about Ibrahimovic’s shoe size.

“Sacchi should learn to shut up. He also seems jealous because he is speaking too much,” Ibra raged.

“He must speak less on TV and in newspapers. If he wants something, he must come and see me. If you don’t like how I play, don’t watch me.”

The Mediaset studio was in total shock at Ibrahimovic’s backlash. Sacchi could only reply: “Look it was only a compliment.”

Valencia to miss most of the season

Manchester United have confirmed Antonio Valencia will be out for “a good portion” of the season.

On Wednesday , Valencia had an operation on the ankle he fractured so horrifically in the Champions League encounter with Rangers at Old Trafford the day before.

Red Devils medical staff assessed the Ecuador wide-man yesterday morning and confirmed Valencia has also suffered ligament damage.

“The operation went well, a plate has been inserted to stabilise the fracture but there is obviously significant ligament damage that follows a dislocation,” read a statement from United.

“He will be out for a good portion of the season.”