JOHN Obi Mikel climbed off the bench to inspire Nigeria to a 2-0 win over Zimbabwe in the African Nations Cup in Egypt last night.

Chelsea midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron has responded to speculation linking him with Inter Milan by admitting he would relish the challenge of joining the Serie A giants.

CELTIC manager Martin O’Neill - linked with a move to Manchester United - has raised doubts over his future at the Glasgow giants.

MILAN striker Andrei Shevchenko is the new European Footballer of the Year.

RYAN GIGGS has not abandoned hope of featuring in Manchester United’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Newcastle on Sunday — but the odds remain heavily against the Wales skipper making the Millennium Stadium encounter.

LYN OSLO and Manchester United are to report agents Rune Hauge and John Shittu, plus Barclays Premiership champions Chelsea to FIFA over the John Obi Mikel transfer wrangle.

ARSENAL edged out Manchester United in last year’s Champions League cash stakes, despite not reaching the quarter-finals.

MANCHESTER United’s crucial Premiership showdown with Chelsea has been re-arranged for Wednesday, May 9.

WAYNE Rooney is “likely” to marry his childhood sweetheart Coleen McLoughlin next summer, sources revealed yesterday.

FRANK Lampard has accused referee Mark Halsey of dropping a major clanger by dismissing Chelsea skipper John Terry at Manchester City on Saturday.

DAVID BECKHAM has returned to the England side after a four-game absence for the friendly international with Austria in Vienna tomorrow.

ALAN PARDEW admits it “hurts” to see former West Ham trainee Freddy Eastwood banging in the goals for Southend.

I HAVE no reason to disbelieve Joey Barton. He is a fine player, rightly knocking on the door of the England squad.

NEWCASTLE have confirmed the signing of defender Ronny Johnsen until January.

GARY NEVILLE believes Manchester United sent a shudder of apprehension through Chelsea and Arsenal with their victory at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Short odds in any bookies to be listed among soccer’s greats, George Best’s efforts as a tipster saw him score a losing hat-trick in the European Championships at the weekend.

MANCHESTER City have played down reports of a £100m (148m) takeover bid by former Coventry chairman Bryan Richardson and ex-Formula One boss Eddie Jordan.

ROY CARROLL is willing to sign a new contract with Manchester United, providing Alex Ferguson does not bring in even more competition during the summer.