BOLTON chairman Phil Gartside believes the time is right to look for a new manager with the club in the relegation zone.

SCOTLAND manager Alex McLeish claims his players have every right to be confident ahead of tonight’s crunch qualifier in Georgia and insists they will not be caught up in the sort of hysteria which surrounded the ill-fated 1978 World Cup campaign under Ally MacLeod.

RYAN GIGGS has committed himself to Manchester United for an incredible 18th season — and revealed there is no end in sight for his illustrious Old Trafford career.

In the middle of international week the Examiner’s football correspondent Liam Mackey reflects on the state of the nation after the draw with Germany and ahead of the rematch with Cyprus and also takes a look at the resumption of the Premier League campaign. You’re all exercised by the future of the Irish game and the forthcoming Drogs v Cork game but there are views, also, on English football (and rugby!) supporters; Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry; Avram Grant’s ability to count up to ten; the Merseyside derby and what it might mean for Benitez; whether United might be persuaded to spend big on Drogba and a rallying call for Martin Jol.

A NEW international challenge for eircom League of Ireland football was unveiled yesterday with the announcement of an U-23 International Challenge Trophy.

Scott Brown and Alan Hutton have both been ruled out of Scotland’s Euro 2008 qualifier against Georgia on Wednesday.

SOL CAMPBELL will return from international exile at Wembley today with England coach Steve McClaren confident the veteran defender’s body can take the strain of two punishing Euro 2008 qualifiers in four days.

CHELSEA have been struck with an uncomfortable dose of deja-vu.

ALEX FERGUSON believes this is his best ever Manchester United squad, but the class of 2007 are facing some stiff competition.

ALEX FERGUSON began his 22nd year in charge of Manchester United in much the same way he has spent so many of the previous seasons, masterminding a convincing 2-0 victory at Old Trafford that returned his team to the top of the Premier League last night.

LIVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard insists the club’s quest for the Premier League title is still on track while claiming leaders Arsenal will crack under the pressures of the campaign.

BLACKBURN have withdrawn Steven Reid from the Republic of Ireland squad after the midfielder was surprisingly recalled this week.

DAVID PIZARRO stole a late deflected equaliser to put Roma back on course for a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League and hand Manchester United confirmation of their spot.

UEFA will investigate Augustin Binya’s horror tackle which forced Celtic midfielder Scott Brown out of Tuesday’s 1-0 Champions League win over Benfica.

FIFA have come down on the side of the FAI in the dispute with the IFA over player eligibility.

The Examiner’s football correspondent Liam Mackey likes a good argument when he hears it, and he’s got strong views of his own. Today, and every Tuesday, he will be acting as referee on your opinions on the Premiership.

CELTIC’S chances of Champions League success will be seriously damaged if they do not beat Benfica tonight but boss Gordon Strachan is also looking at his side’s long-term progress.

FLORENT MALOUDA has defended Didier Drogba’s right to speak out about his feelings after the French striker revealed that he had hoped he failed his Chelsea medical and was “disgusted” on the day he signed for the club.

AS a man who treats each team he sends out as an extension of his not inconsiderable ego, it comes as little surprise that Sam Allardyce is someone who takes defeat rather personally.

OWEN HARGREAVES has only been at Manchester United a matter of months but already he is showing well-honed skills in one of the club’s favourite past-times: Arsenal-baiting.