Birmingham striker Cameron Jerome is hopeful of being fit for when Steve Bruce’s side return to Barclays Premier League action after the international break despite being set to have a hernia operation tomorrow.

PETERBOROUGH director of football Barry Fry believes Rafael Benitez’s proposal for reserve teams to play in the Football League “would never happen in a million years”.

Peterborough director of football Barry Fry believes Rafael Benitez’s proposal for reserve teams to play in the Football League “would never happen in a million years”.

Paul Jewell is tipping Everton for an autumn revival and the Wigan boss just hopes his team are not the first victims.

Footall Association chairman Geoff Thompson described Brian Clough’s death as “a great loss to the game” as tributes poured in for the managerial legend.

Manchester United skipper Roy Keane has insisted that he could not be happier playing for “the biggest club in the world”.

Aston Villa boss David O’Leary is under no illusions about the size of his side’s task as they bid to get their Premiership campaign up and running against Liverpool on Sunday.

Arsenal 2

Aston Villa manager Graham Taylor saw his side draw another blank in the goalless draw with Leeds and then groaned: “That has been the story of our season.”

Liverpool have taken advantage of Arsenals 2-1 win by beating Newcastle United at Anfield to go two points ahead of Leeds United in their battle for Champions League football next season.