Peter Sheridan’s new memoir — Break a Leg — covers two decades of life in the Irish arts. He tells Sue Leonard about how it influenced his life and work

Portugal 0 Spain 0 (After extra-time. Spain win 4-2 on penalties)

Sergio Ramos has claimed referee Craig Thomson had no need to send him off against Ajax last night, even though both he and Real Madrid team-mate Xabi Alonso seemed to deliberately invite their red cards.

Real Madrid’s leading scorer Gonzalo Higuain has played down the penalty row between Xabi Alonso and Cristiano Ronaldo during the 6-2 win over Villarreal.

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani hopes to learn from the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano as he makes his gradual progression to first-team regular.

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez has held “positive talks” with Javier Mascherano about the midfielder’s future at the club.

Rafael Benitez will quit as Liverpool boss if star striker Fernando Torres is sold against his will.

IF Rafa gets bored with management he could always try his hand at ventriloquism.

WE always end up talking about the manager, even when it’s the players’ fault.

IN times of vexation, grab your consolations where ye may.

Rafael Benitez believes Lucas Leiva can help fill the gap left by Xabi Alonso's departure - and the Brazilian youngster agrees.

LIVERPOOL last night completed the signing of Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani on a five-year contract after the Italian international passed a medical.

LIVERPOOL closed in on the signing of Roma’s Alberto Aquilani yesterday with boss Rafael Benitez insisting the midfielder will “excite” the fans.

Liverpool closed in on the signing of Roma's Alberto Aquilani today with boss Rafael Benitez insisting the midfielder will "excite" the fans.

Striker Fernando Torres has insisted it would be “a serious loss to Liverpool” if Xabi Alonso completed a move to Real Madrid.

JERZY DUDEK claims a move to Real Madrid would represent a “dream come true” for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Jerzy Dudek claims a move to Real Madrid would represent a “dream come true” for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Liverpool have dismissed claims today that a fee has been agreed with Real Madrid for the sale of Xabi Alonso.

Cristiano Ronaldo has boldly predicted Real Madrid will win the Champions League and their domestic title following their lavish summer spending spree.

Real Madrid believe they can still land Xabi Alonso despite accusing Liverpool of being greedy and pricing the Spain international out of a move.

JAVIER MASCHERANO has urged Liverpool to do all they can to keep the “influential” Xabi Alonso.

Javier Mascherano has urged Liverpool to do all they can to keep the “influential” Xabi Alonso.

THE tears flowed at Anfield but it had nothing to do with Liverpool missing out on the Premier League title to their bitter rivals from up the road.

Rafael Benitez has moved today to cool speculation that Xabi Alonso is leaving Liverpool.

LIVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard insists he has to share his success in winning the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award with manager Rafael Benitez and his team-mates.

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso's agent has dismissed reports suggesting the Spain international is set for a summer exit.

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has been ruled out of tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League trip to West Ham.

AT LEAST we can concentrate on the league.

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez will be back in the Barclays Premier League front-line at the weekend armed with an array of riches.

Cesc Fabregas is looking on the bright side over his injury lay-off – because he knows it could have been much worse.

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has confirmed he will not be undergoing an operation on his damaged knee.

THOSE of you whose teeth grind painfully on seeing the words “one-man club” should look away now.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has acknowledged the stunning form of Xabi Alonso, the midfielder he tried so hard to sell in the summer.

In the afterglow of a thrilling comeback at City, swigging beer between lectures, you might think even I could not be troubled by dark clouds on the horizon.

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez is confident striker Fernando Torres can seal his place in the club’s record books and has backed skipper Steven Gerrard to rediscover his fitness and form.

RAFAEL BENITEZ has blamed the Liverpool hierarchy for the protracted Gareth Barry transfer saga.

Aston Villa outcast Gareth Barry returns to training tomorrow for the first time since his fall-out with boss Martin O’Neill over the Liverpool transfer saga.

Rafael Benitez has promised there will be at least one new big-name striker at Liverpool before the start of the season but admits he has no idea when the Gareth Barry saga will be concluded.

Xabi Alonso’s agent claims further talks are planned between Liverpool and Juventus with a view to the Spain international moving to Serie A.

Rafael Benitez is keen for Liverpool to secure fourth place before they travel to the San Siro for the second leg of the Champions League clash with Inter Milan.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez admits his team are in the middle of “a difficult week”.

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso could return against Chelsea in the Carling Cup quarter-final match tomorrow following a ten-match absence with a metatarsal injury.

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger could make his comeback at Newcastle in the club’s first match after the international break.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will find out today the extent of Xabi Alonso’s fractured metatarsal with goalkeeper Jose Reina describing the injury situation as “a pain in the backside”.