LIVERPOOL boss Gerard Houllier has promised four new players and no clear-out in the wake of the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.

CLAUDIO RANIERI has backed John Terry to become England’s defensive lynchpin for the next decade and then quipped: “He’s so good, I think he’s from Mars.”

EVERTON manager David Moyes yesterday challenged his squad to make sure all their hard work so far this season does not go to waste.

ROY KEANE was given a rapturous welcome by the Celtic supporters when he finally made his first appearance at Parkhead as a Hoops player yesterday.

EVER opened up a book and felt like you were looking in a mirror? Your correspondent had that experience this week and, no, before you ask, it wasn’t The Great Gatsby. Or even the latest Harry Potter.

FERNANDO MORIENTES is in line to make his debut against Manchester United tomorrow after completing his move from Real Madrid to Liverpool last night.

A SOCCER trip organiser had to pay almost €30,000 of his own money when the English match ticket agent he was dealing with ran off with the proceeds.

CLAUDIO RANIERI yesterday claimed to have cast off his tag as the tinker man of the Premiership 24 hours before his Chelsea team aim for the away victory over Middlesbrough which would take them top of the table.

BRIAN KERR yesterday saluted the huge contribution made to Ireland’s cause over the past six years by Shay Given as the goalkeeper prepared to make his 50th international appearance against Norway at Lansdowne Road tonight.

HOLDERS Real Madrid needed a last-ditch equaliser in Dortmund from Javier Portillo to keep their Champions League defence on course.

THE group of Manchester United fans planning a protest at the Cheltenham Festival have been told they have the right to demonstrate outside the racecourse but any action inside would be subject to further discussions.

EDWIN van der Sar believes the next fortnight will make or break Manchester United’s season.

GEORGE BEST’S home city was united in grief last night.

ARSENE WENGER expects Southampton to be fired up for revenge when Arsenal put English football’s only unbeaten league record on the line at St Mary’s tonight.

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger has demanded greater protection for goalkeepers after watching Jens Lehmann become embroiled in a spat with Southampton striker Kevin Phillips during Monday night’s 1-0 victory.

ALEX FERGUSON has called on his team to be more patient as they attempt to drag themselves out of their crisis – but he might as well direct his advice to the fans too.

ENGLAND assistant manager Tord Grip believes Nicky Butt’s international prospects would benefit from a move away from Manchester United.

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