Burnley 0

EMILE Heskey who was ousted from the England side by Wayne Rooney on Wednesday has been given a major vote of confidence by Gerard Houllier.

MICHAEL OWEN sent out an ominous message to the rest of the Premiership by declaring: ‘‘My luck is in now.’’

ALEX FERGUSON’S worst fears have been realised as the ‘witch-hunt’ against Wayne Rooney for his attack on Tal Ben Haim left the teenager striker facing a violent conduct charge and the likelihood of a three-match ban.

THE return for Ireland from nine challenge games in ten months can only be regarded as disappointing. The results have been outstanding but the old selection problems remain, in spite of Brian Kerr's best efforts.

LEEDS UNITED were continuing to work behind the scenes on a rescue package last night as the Barclaycard Premiership’s chairmen prepared to discuss severe penalties for clubs going into administration.

CLAUDIO RANIERI insisted only a “stupid man” would expect Chelsea to win the Premiership title this season.

MANCHESTER UNITED manager Alex Ferguson admitted last night that the absence of suspended defender Rio Ferdinand has tilted the Premiership title balance towards Highbury.

Super Bowl tycoon Malcolm Glazer has emerged as a major competitor to the Magnier/McManus axis, BRIAN O’MAHONY reports.

ARSENE WENGER admits Arsenal's title defence will fail if they do not sort out their costly lapses at set-pieces quickly.

PATRICK VIEIRA will miss Arsenal’s Champions League match against Panathinaikos tomorrow and is a major doubt for the Old Trafford clash with Manchester United on Sunday.

Basle 2 Middlesbrough 0

MANCHESTER United chief executive David Gill has conceded the club are lightweights in the transfer market compared with Premiership rivals Chelsea.

Chelsea 1 Charlton 1

DAVID BECKHAM pledged his long-term commitment to Real Madrid yesterday and revealed how he had been touched by the public reaction to last week’s deadly bomb attacks.

ROY CARROLL insists Manchester United cannot afford to dwell on their wasted opportunity at Craven Cottage on Monday night.

ALEX FERGUSON has been told he must get used to Roy Keane playing in friendly matches for the Republic of Ireland.

Rose Martin braves heat and culture shock to report on an exciting new project on the desert coast of a vibrant Arab sheikhdom.

REAL MADRID midfielder David Beckham admits he would have rather faced former club Manchester United in the Champions League but is still relishing a clash with Arsenal.