David O’Leary is set to name an unchd line-up as Aston Villa look for back to back wins for the first time in 12 months against Alan Curbishley’s Charlton side.

SUNDERLAND’S Irish star Sean Thornton has asked for a transfer.

Sunderland moved up to fourth in Nationwide Division One tonight as they completed the double over struggling Gillingham with a 2-1 win at The Stadium of Light.

NON-LEAGUE Telford United and Gillingham provided shocks in the third round of the FA Cup, knocking out Crewe Alexandra and Premiership Charlton Athletic respectively.

SVEN-Goran Eriksson claims the trust in his players is unbroken after he absolved Rio Ferdinand and John Terry of any blame after a late-night incident involving the duo and hotel maintenance staff in La Manga.

Blackburn have dismissed suggestions they are about to sell midfielder Damien Duff.

Manchester City have a clean bill of health ahead of their clash with Sunderland at The Stadium of Light.

FORMER Sunderland boss Peter Reid says he would be interested in talking to the FAI about the vacant Republic of Ireland manager’s job.

Sunderland player-coach, Niall Quinn, admits he has first-hand knowledge of three of the names being linked with the post of Sunderland manager – but has no intention of taking the job himself.

Sunderland have completed the signings of Rangers striker Tore Andre Flo and Ipswich forward Marcus Stewart for a combined fee of £10m (€15.7m).