RYAN GIGGS has backed Alex Ferguson’s claim that Cristiano Ronaldo is still paying for his reputation as a diver.

SPORTING LISBON inflicted another defeat on troubled Dynamo Kiev to leave the Ukrainian side bottom of Champions League Group F.

Wayne Rooney returned to Manchester United’s starting line-up for the first time since the opening day of the season as Alex Ferguson’s men tackled Sporting Lisbon to kick off their latest Champions League quest.

Mark Delaney has hailed the contribution of goalkeeper Thomas Sorsensen in his first season at Aston Villa – even though it has meant receiving the same kind of ear-bashing that used to be handed out by Peter Schmeichel.

DAVID BECKHAM hit back at Real Madrid’s critics after the Spanish side beat Monaco 4-2 in their Champions League quarter-final first leg clash and insisted they have put their bad patch behind them.

What about that sporting blunder by Christophe Dominici against Italy in the Six Nations? But what rivals does Dominici have in a long line of sporting blunders? Simon Lewis and Micheal Moynihan investigate.

SKIPPER Olof Mellberg believes qualifying for Europe can help Aston Villa hold onto their top players – and attract new blood to the club in the summer.

Marc Overmars has warned David Beckham he faces a tougher task to prove himself in La Liga than he ever did in England.

ASTON Villa skipper Steve Staunton has revealed the ‘‘hurt’’ he felt at being dropped by manager Graham Taylor for the recent derby clash with West Brom at The Hawthorns.

Aston Villa manager Graham Taylor is set to recall transfer-listed defender Alpay for tonight’s home clash with Southampton – but warned the Turkish star not to repeat his “nonsense” when the transfer window re-opens in January.