For the rebel fighters who seized control of the strategic town Ukraine of Debaltseve, it was a day of jubilation and bragging of victory.

HELEN DUNMORE is not afraid of her readers.

LET us look forward, not back, dear reader. And that’s not just to avoid discussing Goodison. (Which is easily summed up: an ongoing makeshift defence; a Rooney off-day; the post-Milan hangover. Move on.)

SOME of Arsenal’s established stars are jealous of the immediate impact Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin has made at the club, according to his agent.

Arsenal appeared to edge closer to the capture of Andrei Arshavin last night after Zenit St Petersburg released a statement claiming that agreeing personal terms is an obstacle they need to overcome before signing the Russia playmaker.

Zenit St Petersburg will have to lower their inflated demands for wantaway star midfielder Andrei Arshavin if they are to strike a deal with Arsenal during the transfer window.

Zenit St Petersburg have ruled out selling striker Andrei Arshavin to Tottenham before the transfer window closes.

Tottenham are unlikely to land Zenit St Petersburg striker Andrei Arshavin, according to the player’s agent.

ALEX FERGUSON’S search for a new striker will continue even though Wayne Rooney will return for Manchester United when they begin their Barclays Premier League title defence against Newcastle tomorrow.

Zenit St Petersburg claim they have lowered their asking price for Andrei Arshavin to clear the path for the Russia forward to move to Tottenham.

ANDREI ARSHAVIN’S agent insists the player is just waiting to complete his move to Tottenham despite suggestions that the White Hart Lane outfit are set to end their pursuit of the player.

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of England winger David Bentley from Blackburn Rovers and will now turn their attentions to bolstering their attack with Andrei Arshavin.

Tottenham will wait to see if the Premier League take any action against Manchester United over their alleged pursuit of star striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Zenit St Petersburg have claimed Tottenham are in the race to sign Andrei Arshavin but need to increase their valuation of the Russia international.

Russia star Andrei Arshavin will not return to action for Zenit St Petersburg until he has made a decision on his future, coach Dick Advocaat has announced.

Russia striker Andrei Arshavin has been linked with a move to Tottenham or Arsenal after his agent confirmed he is attracting interest from a trio of western European clubs.

Chelsea‘s Didier Drogba‘s has set himself the goal of becoming the best striker in the country this season.

CHILDISH though it is to snigger over pre-match comments rendered ridiculous by subsequent on-pitch events, no column is complete without a dig at John O’Pie; so this was his warning before Saturday: “I don’t see why Bolton cannot stay the course this season. We are going to have a difficult test there on Saturday.”

Top-seed Roger Federer advanced to the second round of the Qatar Open by beating qualifier Andrei Stoliarov 6-2 6-7(4-7) 6-4.

RELATIVES of a mother-of-five and her two-year-old son only found out the pair had died in a holiday accident by a chance phone call.

Andrei Kanchelskis says he will leave Rangers before the end of the year, if he cannot hold down a regular first-team place.

Steve Howey is determined to secure a foothold for Manchester City in the Premiership - by playing on with a broken toe.

Andrei Kanchelskis is expected to arrive at Maine Road on Monday, ready to raise Manchester City's profile in the Premiership and FA Cup.

Manchester City manager Joe Royle has swooped to land Rangers winger Andrei Kanchelskis on loan.