Patrick Vieira insisted Arsenal “deserve” to win a trophy this season as he committed his long-term future to the club ahead of the FA Cup final.

David Moyes has jumped to the defence of under-fire Wayne Rooney and demanded critics look at their own consciences before hounding the teenage star.

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce is set to ring the changes for the match against fellow strugglers Blackburn at the Reebok Stadium tomorrow.

The FTSE 100 Index edged closer to the landmark 5000 barrier today as momentum from across the Atlantic rubbed off on London shares.

Roy Keane would consider going to see a musical based on the infamous bust-up which saw him walk out of the 2002 World Cup – but only if it came to Manchester and he received a free ticket.

Steven Gerrard took a rest on the substitutes bench as Champions League semi finalists Liverpool brought an otherwise strong-looking side to Fratton Park, with Milan Baros returning from suspension to join Spaniard Fernando Morientes in attack.

Wigan manager Paul Jewell believes a place in Europe is a realistic ambition for his side, despite a run of eight matches without a win.

Birmingham fans want Steve Bruce’s four-and-a-half-year reign as manager of the midlands club to end, according to a poll in The Birmingham Mail.

West Brom manager Bryan Robson has called for a limit on the number of overseas players in the English game.

England captain David Beckham has again stated his interest in playing in the United States.

Ten-man Chelsea moved closer to their second successive Barclays Premiership crown with a fabulous victory against West Ham at Stamford Bridge.

Rio Ferdinand has launched a scathing attack on the Football Association for trying to have his suspension for missing a drugs test lengthened.

David Beckham has backed Rio Ferdinand to come through his current missed drugs test turmoil and one day even replace him as England captain.

FA Cup holders Arsenal will travel to Leeds in the third round of the FA Cup.

Rio Ferdinand remains hopeful he will be able to play in the second match of England’s Euro 2004 double-header.

Barclays has reported a 20% surge in 2003 pre-tax profits to £3.84bn (€6.55bn).

Jose Antonio Reyes has won a recall from Spain as new coach Luis Aragones included the forward in his squad for next week’s friendly against Venezuela.

Porto striker Benni McCarthy believes his coach Jose Mourinho could be heading to the Premiership this summer.

Roy Keane made his hugely-anticipated return to international football tonight by winning his 59th cap for the Republic of Ireland against Romania in the friendly at Lansdowne Road.

Birmingham goalkeeper Ian Bennett starts his first game of the season against Aston Villa at St Andrews on Sunday.