It has been a difficult 12 months for Wayne Rooney, but the sight of Antonio Valencia returning to action at Old Trafford yesterday has put a big smile on the Manchester United striker’s face.

Arsene Wenger expects Arsenal and Manchester United will both be out to prove they are made of the right stuff when going head to head in this evening’s FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford.

Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist was today set to decide on a course of action after being handed a two-match misconduct ban for his altercation with Celtic boss Neil Lennon in last week’s ill-tempered Scottish Cup fifth-round replay at Parkhead.

Arsene Wenger will launch a stern defence when he faces up to a UEFA disciplinary charge next week, but could be facing heavier sanctions after blasting Europe’s governing body as arrogant and a “dictatorship”.

Neil Lennon and Ally McCoist are both set to watch next week’s Co-operative Insurance Cup final from the stand after being handed touchline bans by the Scottish Football Association following their altercation at the end of last week’s ill-tempered Old Firm derby.

Everton boss David Moyes insists he was not surprised by John Heitinga’s delightful equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Birmingham last night – even though the Holland international had never scored for the Toffees before.

Manchester City 2 West Ham 1

Dublin 0-22 Kilkenny 1-7

The hurlers of Kerry, Wicklow, Kildare and Down advanced in the Christy Ring Cup following victories this afternoon.

Munster 12 Harlequins 20

Protesters in London attacked a police van today as crowds swelled during angry demonstrations against rising university tuition fees.

Wales star Ryan Jones has signed a new long-term contract with the Ospreys.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy fears his side’s spirit could evaporate if they do not arrest their alarming run of form quickly.

Blackpool 2 Wolves 1

England 26 Samoa 13

Clontarf 27 UCC 8

St Mirren 0 Celtic 1

Whistle-blowing organisation WikiLeaks has set up a private limited company in Iceland for administrative purposes as part of a move to restructure its global operations, a spokesman said today.

West Ham 0 Blackpool 0

Manchester United 1 Arsenal 0