Javier Hernandez: Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi combined

United take on Arsenal tomorrow at the Emirates in what will be a crucial game towards deciding the outcome of the Premier League title.

If United win, Arsenal's challenge would be over, leaving only Chelsea with any chance of overhauling Sir Alex Ferguson's men - and even that is a long-shot.

Fresh from thumping Schalke 2-0 away in the Champions League semi-finals, United return to domestic matters full of confidence, with the Rooney-Hernandez partnership flourishing.

And Hernandez, also known as Chicharito, is more than happy to place his team-mate up on a pedestal alongside Messi and Ronaldo.

He said: "I always used to admire Wayne from a distance. Now it is a pleasure to play alongside him. Our relationship is perfect.

"Without doubt Wayne is one of the best forwards in the world. Wayne is better than Lionel Messi - at shooting.

"And better than Cristiano Ronaldo - at heading. All their styles are different but Rooney is a super class."

Hernandez, 23, has been a revelation in his first season as a Premier League footballer, scoring 17 goals in all competitions since moving from Mexican side Chivas.

In a recent interview with a Mexican television journalist he described himself as "being like a sponge" around Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand, absorbing everything he could from them while training at Carrington.

And Sir Alex Ferguson likes to compare him to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the ‘Baby-Faced Assassin’, who Hernandez resembles in both looks and style.

However, it has been his ability to adapt to the physical demands of English football so quickly that has earned him the highest praise.

Hernendez added in The Sun: "Today football is not only about technique but physical preparation.

"I run many miles and work on my muscles to increase my speed. In Mexico I developed a similar system, although it wasn't so intense as here.

"The physical power is key to triumph in England. Only by making sacrifices could I have achieved something that seemed impossible when I arrived last summer.

"I wanted to learn and to take my chance when it came. Never did I imagine this success.

"Back in Mexico I used to watch the Champions League on television. Now I'm part of the best club competition in the world.

"We have a great chance to make the final after beating Schalke, and Barcelona are favourites to be there as well.

"Everyone wants revenge over Barca for the 2009 final defeat and it would be magnificent to get it at Wembley."

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Inside the Premier League drop zone

Alexander Hleb - Birmingham midfielder
"I believe 100 per cent that we will stay up. It’s the players we have, combined with the manager that makes me believe that we can do that. The manager has a lot of belief in this team and when you feel that confidence from him when he speaks then that only helps the team. He knows we’re good enough."

Karl Oyston - Blackpool chairman
"I might be Mr Negative, but Ian Holloway is Mr Positive, and he’s the man to give rousing speeches. Ian has been a breath of fresh air to the Premier League, but then the whole club is geared for survival. Still, if anyone had broadcast the fact that we would be in with a chance of survival at this late stage they would have been certified insane. There is no such thing as an easy game in this league. We have four games against very good sides: as long as the players perform as well as they can, we won’t have any complaints."

Paul Robinson - Blackburn goalkeeper
"We have played ourselves into this position, so it’s our duty to play ourselves out of it, but there are no splits in the camp and we are strong as a unit. We simply have to deal with the pressure. The fans are unhappy because of recent results, but they are behind us between 3pm and 5pm and that is all that matters at this stage."

Roberto Martinez - Wigan manager
"We clicked as a team probably 10 weeks ago. I see the characters and we all want to win. We are a brave team, we take risks. Our success will rely on having everyone fit. If we have got that we will achieve our aim. Our bizarre 15 minutes against Sunderland [Sunderland scored four times to win 4-2] happens at this stage of the season. I feel the three teams who do go down are going to be too good to go down. There isn’t a team who has been very poor this season and who has only got 15 points."

Jody Craddock - Wolves defender
"We were in a similar position to this last year, spending a lot of time in the bottom three, and made it out at the right time. That will stand us in good stead heading into the final four games. We’ve been down there all season but are still fighting, and so there isn’t any nervousness about, but instead determination."

Avram Grant - West Ham manager
"I think we have a chance to stay up. We are two points from the place that will keep us in the Premier League. If I say to you now there is a 51 per cent or 32.5 per cent [after chairman David Sullivan said it was 25 per cent] chance it doesn’t matter. If you put the chances of us staying up four months ago the chances were 10 per cent, so it always changes. If we take four points from the next two games the chances will be more than the current figure and it will continue like this until the end of the season."

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Hughes wants new deal

Mark Hughes is ready to open negotiations with Fulham over an extension to his contract.

The Welshman signed a two-year deal last summer and, with the Cottagers on course for a top-ten finish, Hughes believes he merits a long-term deal.

Hughes admits he had already held preliminary talks with the board and he expects further discussions to lead him towards putting pen to paper.

"I'm hoping to sit down with the club and talk about it," Hughes told The Mirror.

"I have 12 months left and we've had initial discussions, but nothing in terms of really extending the contract.

"Obviously I'm open to conversations in that respect, because I like this club. I think it's a well-run club with good people and we can be successful."

After a difficult first half to the season, Hughes has steadied the ship at Fulham, who are unbeaten in their last eight home games.

The former Manchester City boss admits he is happy with his current squad, but he expects to freshen up his squad in the summer nonetheless.

"What we've done since Christmas gives you encouragement for next year," he said.

"We have good-quality players here and, like most clubs, we'll try to add to that quality in the summer.

"If we can, I feel confident the next few years will be very successful."

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Reds warned over Baines

Everton boss David Moyes has told Merseyside rivals Liverpool that they have no chance of taking Leighton Baines across Stanley Park this summer.

The £10million full-back has been linked with the likes of Manchester City and Bayern Munich following his emergence as one of the best players in his role in Europe.

Liverpool, who have signed Nick Barmby and Abel Xavier from Everton this Millennium, have also been linked with Baines as they bid to fill a problem position at left-back.

But ahead of Saturday's game at the 26-year-old England international's former club, Wigan, Moyes has warned Liverpool that he has no plans to sell one of his star assets.

The Everton boss said in the Liverpool Echo: "I can't see it. It's not for me that one and I think Liverpool know that as well.

"Nobody will leave the club unless I give it the go-ahead and that won't change.

"We have signed Leighton on a five-year deal. I don't want to sell him and Everton don't sell cheap.

"The chairman looks after the players and gives them what he can. So Leighton's not for sale - and they know that as well."

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Kean still keen on Venky's

Blackburn boss Steve Kean has backed Venky's after the club's owners were criticised by disgruntled fans.

The Lancashire club have slipped down the table having not won a game in the last three months, increasing fears that they may be relegated.

Concerned fans held a demonstration outside Ewood Park following Monday night's defeat to Manchester City.

Venky's have yet to form a bond with the fans and have been criticised for their lack of presence during this pivotal part of the campaign.

Rovers take on fellow Lancashire rivals Bolton on Saturday in what should be a keenly contested game and Kean insists their Indian-based owners are here to stay.

"They have purchased some property in the area and are planning to be at a lot more games - possibly expanding more businesses with the club in the UK," he said.

"I wouldn't say the owners are not worried but I would say they are understanding of where we are in the league which is not as high as we would want to be.

"But we haven't spoken about relegation at all."

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Malouda eyes Blues extension

Last Updated: April 30, 2011 10:42am

Florent Malouda has expressed his desire to become the 'Ryan Giggs of Chelsea' and remain at the club until at least 2014.

Malouda moved to Stamford Bridge from Lyon in the summer of 2007 and has established himself as a key player for the club.

He feels that criticism of his performances in the media has been harsh but remains fully committed to continuing his career at Chelsea.

The Frenchman's current contract with the Blues expires in 2013, but he is eager to add an extra year to that deal and has called on his employers to show they want him to stay.

"I want to be the Ryan Giggs of Chelsea! I want to extend my contract by one year until 2014."
Florent Malouda Quotes of the week

"I just want to feel I am important at the club," Malouda, 30, told the Daily Telegraph.

"Sometimes I don't feel so when I see in the media that the club are thinking of selling me, and I know I'm doing great.

"I want to be the Ryan Giggs of Chelsea! I want to extend my contract by one year until 2014.

"The club have been saying that because I am over 30, I have to wait until the last year of my contract to speak about an extension. Questions come into my mind. Do the club want me to stay?

"I am waiting for a signal from the club. I am much appreciated by the coach. But I need support from the club as well."

Malouda has also given his backing to Carlo Ancelotti, whose position as manager has come under scrutiny following an up-and-down campaign.

"It's unfair," said the player. "He's one of the greatest managers. He's good tactically. He's brought stability to the club, won the double at the first attempt.

"Because we are now out of three competitions and six points behind United, people outside are saying Chelsea should change everything. But all the big clubs have stability.

"Everybody seems to want to put pressure on Ancelotti but he's really cool. He knows the squad support him. That's the most important thing for him.

"I want Ancelotti to stay. Players come and go but the manager is the key. We can win the Champions League under him one day."

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Striker a priority for Harry

Harry Redknapp has revealed he hopes to bolster his attacking options in the summer after being disappointed with the form of his strikers this season.

Tottenham may have enjoyed a long run in the UEFA Champions League this term but hopes are fading of another top-four finish in the Premier League after a poor run.

The likes of Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko have struggled for goals, notching just 15 between them in the league.

Redknapp expects better next season but still recognises that he will have to bring in somebody else.

"We're looking for strikers, not £35million ones, they're hard to find because everyone's looking for them. "
Harry Redknapp Quotes of the week

"It's been one of those years," said the Spurs manager. "Normally Defoe would have had 18 goals by now. He hasn't got them this year, Crouchy hasn't scored many, he's scored his goals in Europe. We're still in it without the frontmen having scored the goals they should have done."

Redknapp sought to remedy his side's goalscoring problems with club-record bids for Diego Forlan, Giuseppe Rossi and Sergio Aguero in January, but none of the trio arrived, thanks mainly due to their wage demands.

Redknapp admits that hurdle could be hard to overcome once the transfer window opens, but he is still committed to signing a proven striker who can guarantee him 15-20 goals a season.

"I'd like to get another frontman if I can," he said.

"They're difficult to find though. We went for Rossi last year and he was suddenly £35million.

"We're looking for strikers, not £35million ones, they're hard to find because everyone's looking for them.

"It would be up to the chairman (in terms of the cost). But we've been chasing all around the world, looking for people. They all cost big money."

Forlan recently indicated that he would be open to offers but Redknapp insists there is little chance of Tottenham going back in for the Atletico Madrid marksman.

"We can't afford him. He's on about £120k a week or something," Redknapp said.

"If you work it out on a two or three-year contract, you're talking about £28million and there's no return on your money."

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Villa link puzzles Moyes

Long-standing Everton boss David Moyes admits he has no idea why he is being touted as the next manager of Aston Villa.
Ill health to current Villa manager Gerard Houllier is the latest fuel added to the fire, with uncertainty surrounding the Frenchman's ability to carry on in the job.
Moyes, who has been in charge at Goodison Park for nine years, took a step back from suggestions he could replace Houllier with an abrupt response to deny any interest in the role.
"It is nothing to do with me," said the 48-year-old. "I am at a great club and have got a great job. I don't know what to say."
Heading into Saturday's trip to Wigan, Everton are seventh in the Premier League table, five points shy of city rivals Liverpool.
Moyes admits his team have met the pundit's predictions, but he is disappointed not to have offered a greater challenge to the top four.
"This is probably the position where most people would have put us," said the Scot. "Most people would have said we'd be between fifth and eighth.
"I'm disappointed because I felt we could have gone one better than that.
"But there is still enough to play for, we have tried to emphasise to the players it is important we stay near the top.
"That is where we want to be and I have not seen any signs from the players to suggest they think any different."
In Wigan Moyes faces a side fighting relegation and he is wary of their threat despite his side's good run of just one defeat in their last eight outings.
"They are always pretty tough games against Wigan," he said. "Roberto (Martinez) always gets his team playing in a good footballing style, but I am sure at the moment winning is the key.
"We had a spell six or eight weeks ago when I felt we had to make sure we won.
"Luckily we did and when you get those wins it brings a bit of confidence back to the team and the squad and hopefully your performances can improve.
"Just over a week ago Wigan came out of the bottom three for the first time in a long while and they will know they are not far away from that."
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Mancini eyes City legacy

Roberto Mancini has declared that he would be very disappointed to leave Manchester City at the end of the season as he wants to keep building for the future.
Mancini only took charge at Eastlands in December 2009 after Mark Hughes was sacked but expectations have been so high that his position has regularly come under scrutiny.
Fresh reports have surfaced linking Mancini with a return to Italy, where Juventus could be looking for a new boss if Luigi Del Neri departs after a difficult campaign.
However, Mancini has stressed that he hopes to remain with City and try to create a lasting legacy of success.
"After all the hard work during the first year and a half to build the basics I would be very disappointed to leave and for someone else to take it on. "
Roberto Mancini Quotes of the week
Having narrowly missed out on UEFA Champions League qualification last season, the Blues are well placed to seal a top-four finish this term and Mancini wants to keep improving as the years go on.
He said: "After all the hard work during the first year and a half to build the basics I would be very disappointed to leave and for someone else to take it on."
Regarding the growing speculation about Juve, Mancini added: "It is normal. Every two or three months every player can change squad, every manager can change squad."
Meanwhile, Mancini has asked City fans to respect their Manchester United counterparts and not sing songs about the Munich air crash.
The 1-0 win at Blackburn on Monday was marred by chants about the 1958 tragedy which claimed the lives of 23 people.
Mancini: "I did not hear this. I do not know this situation but we should have respect for what happened many years ago. The rivalry is good on the pitch, only on the pitch."

QPR sweat on deduction threat

Queens Park Rangers' automatic promotion hopes will be decided by a four-man FA hearing next week.
QPR could face a points deduction if they are found guilty of breaking third-party ownership rules over the signing of Alejandro Faurlin.
A four-man panel made up of an independent QC, two members from the FA's disciplinary panel and a football expert - a former player or manager - will meet on Tuesday to discuss QPR's fate.
The hearing could last up to three days with a decision expected next Friday.
The FA would not comment when asked about possible sanctions although the commission has far-reaching powers.
At this stage, it is believed the FA are solely focused on bringing the charges successfully, and will not discuss the possibility of sanctions.
QPR have denied all seven charges against them and are five points clear at the top of the Championship with two games remaining.
An FA spokesman told Sky Sports News: "We won't speculate or discuss anything related to the hearing."
A spokesman for QPR said: "We will not make any further statement as both the club and the FA agreed to make no comment on this matter until after the hearing."
When asked about the possibility of how any sanction and appeal would affect the Championship play-offs, a spokesman for the Football League said they would make no comment because of ongoing disciplinary proceedings.
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Mourinho stands by Barca comments

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has stood by comments he made following his side's Champions League semi-final first leg defeat by Barcelona.
Uefa is investigating Mourinho, who suggested Barcelona receive favourable treatment from referees.
He mentioned images that suggest Real's Pepe did not touch Daniel Alves in the tackle for which he was sent off.
"Whoever criticises my words criticises the pictures and must think the photos and videos are altered," said Mourinho.
"An image is worth more than 1000 words and there are so many images from that game that were shown all over the world, that I have nothing else to add.
"I have nothing else to say. I have said what I wanted."
Mourinho did, however, go on to add that the recent events had strengthened his bond with the Spanish side.
The former Chelsea manager joined Real from Inter Milan last summer and still has four years to run on his current contract.
And despite rumours that he may leave the club in the summer, he stated: "To remain at Real Madrid makes more sense than ever before.
"Now I have more willingness to continue in charge of Real Madrid for what this means.
"This [Real] jersey is white, and white now has more significance."
Real and Barcelona will make formal complaints to Uefa, European football's governing body, about each other's actions during Wednesday's fiery encounter, which Barca won 2-0.
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola did not want to respond to Mourinho's latest comments on Friday, but backed his club's decision to take the matter to Uefa.
"I can only give support to the board for their decisions," he said. "I'm an employee, one part, of this club."
And Guardiola insisted the Champions League tie is not over ahead of the second leg, which is due to be played at the Nou Camp on Tuesday, 3 May.
"We've got through one part of the tie, the other remains," he added.
"I'm not in the final of the Champions League, the only ones who have a title [Copa del Rey] this year are Real Madrid. They're not going to gift us anything."
Angry Mourinho questions Barca 'power'
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Grant unfazed by Sullivan fears

West Ham boss Avram Grant says he is not concerned that co-chairman David Sullivan believes the club have a "25% chance" of avoiding relegation.
The Hammers are bottom of the the Premier League, two points from safety.
"Now we have four games to the end of the season and I don't know how the chances are by percent, I am not a businessman," said Grant.
"What I can tell you, though, is that we have a good chance to stay and we will do everything to do it."
West Ham have lost their last four matches and travel to fourth-placed Manchester City on Sunday, prompting Sullivan to tell the Daily Telegraph: "Obviously we are facing the reality that 70-75% we are likely to be in the Championship next year.
"But there is still a 25-30% chance we won't be. We have to be realistic. The bookmakers put our chances at 28% and you have to accept that."
However, Grant said he had not seen the interview with Sullivan but remained bullish about his side's prospects.
"I didn't read it so I can't tell you but David is a businessman," he said. "I think we have a chance to stay up. We are two points from the place that will keep us in the Premier League and of course we can do it.
"We showed that even we had less chances before we played well and took points."
Grant added: "If I say to you now there is a 51% or 32.5% chance, it doesn't matter. It only matters in money because if he wants to give 25% more to the players if they stay in the league, it is OK.
"If you put the chances of us staying up four months ago the chances were 10%, so it always changes.
"If we take four points from the next two games the chances will be more than [the current figure] and it will continue like this until the end of the season."
Sullivan also questioned the commitment of some of West Ham's players, saying: "I'm sure a few of the players are already looking at where they will be next season - their contracts are up, they'll be off."
Grant responded: "I can speak only about what I see. I could say yesterday [in training], against Chelsea last weekend and the games before that the players are giving everything.
"Of course we can ask for more in quality but they are giving everything and the spirit is good."
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Title race still alive - Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson says the Premier League title race is not over despite Manchester United holding a six-point lead with four games left.
His team's closest challengers are Chelsea on 67 points, with Arsenal three points further back in third.
United play Arsenal away on Sunday and are at home to Chelsea on 8 May.
"There is still drama ahead. Two months ago everyone was looking at these two games as league deciders. They probably are now," said United manager Ferguson.
"The teams at the top will drop points, including Chelsea.
"If we get to the last home game [against Blackpool] needing to win it to win the league, I would be happy with that."
After the Chelsea match, United are away at Blackburn on 14 May and then finish with the visit of Blackpool eight days later.
"The slant I seemed to be getting is that Arsenal and Chelsea are expecting to win these games and change the top of the league," stated Ferguson.
"Why can't we win these matches? Surely, given the form we are in, we can.
"It is not going to be any easier for Arsenal or Chelsea than it is for us. These are difficult games."
If Chelsea beat Tottenham on Saturday and United lose at Arsenal, the Blues could go top if they win at Old Trafford.
A draw for United on Sunday would rule out such a prospect, although Ferguson is more interested in winning.
"A point away from home at Arsenal is not the worst point - but that is not what we are going down there looking for," he commented.
United will arrive high on confidence following Tuesday's 2-0 win at Schalke in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
Only an unthinkable three-goal home defeat in the second leg on 4 May can deny the Red Devils a place in the final, where they are likely to meet Barcelona after the Catalans beat Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Ferguson expects to have midfielder Darren Fletcher available following a virus, while top-scorer Dimitar Berbatov has recovered from a minor groin strain.
But Ferguson may opt to continue with Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez in attack, with the pair having struck up a superb partnership.
"Wayne's form has been fantastic," the Scot added. "He and Javier have been a revelation in the last few weeks. It has given us all great hope."
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Wenger rues 'frustrating' season

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger suggested this season has been his toughest since taking over at the club in 1996.
The Gunners lost the Carling Cup final to Birmingham and were then knocked out of the Champions League and FA Cup.
Without a trophy since 2005, Arsenal are nine points behind Premier League leaders United, who they play on Sunday, with four games left.
"We feel more frustrated than ever because we are closer than ever to win this league," said Frenchman Wenger.
Arsenal, three points behind Chelsea and five ahead of fourth-place Manchester City having played a game more, host United at the Emirates Stadium.
"It is vital for us to show that we have some mental qualities and finish with a very strong fighting spirit," added Wenger.
"Manchester United are now in a very strong position, but we have to fight until the end of the last second of the championship.
"The title is very unlikely for us now - let's not hide the truth - but the pride of our group is to first of all finish in the Champions League laces.
"We have to look back and we have to look in front because even if there is a minimal chance, we have to fight for it.
"We promised ourselves to fight until the last second of the season, no matter what happens. That is what we want to do now - and you never know."
After beating Stoke 1-0 on 23 February, Arsenal were three points behind United and still in contention for all four trophies.
But four days later they succumbed to Birmingham at Wembley, a horrendous defensive mix-up gifting Obafemi Martins the late winner.
And that defeat was followed by a poor run of results as the Gunners drew with Sunderland in the league, lost to Barcelona in Europe and were knocked out of the FA Cup by United.
Draws with West Brom and Blackburn further dented the title bid and while victory at Blackpool kept their hopes alive, stalemates against Liverpool and Tottenham allowed Chelsea to leapfrog them into second place.
Arsenal then suffered a last-minute defeat at Bolton on Sunday to end a 16-game unbeaten run, leave them with only eight points from a possible 21 and all-but end their chances.
"I feel the team gave a lot in the last two months," stated Wenger. "Since we lost in the Carling Cup, everything has turned a little bit against us.
"When we were on all fronts this team had fought very well.
"I just feel that after the Carling Cup we continued to be absolutely spot on with our attitude, but we missed a little bit of that subconscious belief which makes you win.
"That frustrates you because you know that it is there and you want to fight against it."
Since lifting their most recent Premier League title in 2004, Arsenal have finished second, fourth twice, third, fourth and third.
In those six years the north Londoners have been 12 points, 24 points, 21 points, four points, 18 points and 11 points adrift of the champions.
"If you look at all the numbers, it is the closest we have been," Wenger commented.
"Just look at the last week - we could have had nine points quite easily against Liverpool, Tottenham and Bolton, in the end we finished with two.
"Of the two trophies [Premier League and Champions League], the most important above all for me is the league - and this year we had the quality to win it."
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Falcao inspires five-star Porto

Radamel Falcao netted four second-half goals to help Porto come from behind to beat Villarreal 5-1 in their Europa League semi-final.

Villarreal took the lead on the stroke of half-time through Cani but Porto, led by the prolific Falcao, hit back with five goals in a stunning display after the break to take total control of the semi-final.

Falcao won and converted a penalty to draw Porto level and, after Fredy Guarin had made it 2-1 to the hosts, the Colombia international netted further goals in the 67th, 75th and 90th minutes to complete a remarkable comeback from Andre Villas-Boas' in-form side.

Porto came into the match having won their last 12 competitive matches, during which run they clinched their domestic league title and progressed through to the Portuguese cup final, but it was visitors Villarreal who looked the more dangerous early on.

The Yellow Submarine, who are seeking their first major trophy, had a great chance to take the lead after just six minutes when Nilmar was sent through on goal, but the Brazilian saw his near-post shot parried away by Porto goalkeeper Helton.

Giuseppe Rossi also had a good opportunity for the Spaniards in the 28th minute when he rounded Helton but his shot from a tight angle was blocked by the sliding Rolando as Villarreal were denied a second time.

Porto also went close in the first half when Hulk's shot from the edge of the area clipped the outside of the post, but it would be Villarreal who boasted the lead at the break thanks to Cani.

Nilmar curled in a cross to the near post and Cani, having got in between Fernando and Helton, headed past the Porto goalkeeper.

Judging by how close the first half was, that looked set to be a priceless away goal - but Porto's second-half performance means that strike should now be immaterial.

Porto needed just four minutes of the second period to draw level, when Falcao beat Diego Lopez in a race for Guarin's through-ball and went crashing over the Villarreal goalkeeper.

Falcao, who came into the match as the leading scorer in this season's Europa League with 11 goals, sent Lopez the wrong way from the spot to even up the scores.

Porto got their noses in front just after the hour mark, with Guarin the goalscorer. Guarin saw his first effort come back off the near post and the keeper but he was quickest to the loose ball to head through the legs of Lopez.

Falcao saw a good chance go begging as he slipped at the wrong time but he made it 3-1 in the 67th minute with a tap-in following good work down the right by Hulk.

Falcao then added two more goals from headers in the final 16 minutes to seal a fantastic victory for the home side.

He made it 4-1 in the 74th minute with a brilliant diving header into the top corner - virtually taking the ball off the toe of team-mate Nicolas Otamendi - as the Villarreal defence appealed in vain for offside.

Then, in the final minute, he guided James Rodriguez's corner back across Lopez and into the far side of the net to put the icing on the cake for Porto.

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Clough praises departing Savage

Derby boss Nigel Clough has said he hopes Robbie Savage is remembered as a dedicated professional not a pantomime villain, as he heads for retirement.

The midfielder, 36, plays his last home game against Bristol City on Saturday.

"I hope he's remembered more for his dedication as a professional over 20 years than for some of the pantomime stuff," Clough told BBC Radio Derby.

"He wasn't the most popular guy two years ago and he had to convince the spectators he was worthy of the shirt."

He added: "I think he's done that tremendously and performed at a consistently high standard for us.

"He's been a great influence, despite not having the legs he used to have."

Clough refused to take personal credit for the turn-around in Savage's reputation with Rams fans.

"He's turned it round himself," he said.

"We didn't go into any of that cliched stuff [about wiping the slate clean].

"Robbie has been around, he's a professional footballer and he knows the only thing that's going to get him in the team is performances - on the training pitch and on a Saturday.

"He got a chance [in the Carling Cup tie] at Manchester United. He came on in the second half because of an injury and I think he's been in the team ever since, purely on merit."

Savage, who confirmed in January that he would retire when his contract runs out at the end of the season, joined Derby in January 2008 but lost his place in the team under Paul Jewell, and was sent out on loan to Brighton, before regaining his place, and the captaincy, under Clough.

The former Wales international, who numbers Crewe, Leicester and Birmingham among his former clubs, is a BBC Radio 5 live pundit and intends to pursue a career in the media.

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Phone-hack police 'visit Rooney'

Wayne Rooney has been contacted by Scotland Yard detectives probing phone hacking in the wake of the News of the World scandal.

Rooney wrote on Twitter: "Scotland Yard detectives came to see me earlier and showed me some documents. Looks like a newspaper have hacked into my phone."

Scotland Yard said it was unable to confirm a meeting had taken place but that it was "up to him" what he wrote.

The paper has admitted phone hacking celebrities between 2004 and 2006.

Rooney also tweeted: "Gonna get my lawyers to deal with phone hacking until end of season. So I can focus on helping MUFC win trophies. Thx for all ur support."

Rooney's wife Coleen said on Twitter: "Newspapers hacking into phones!! Desperate and Disgusting!!!!"

Notebook pages

A source close to the Manchester United player said he was "angry at the intrusion of his privacy" after Scotland Yard detectives told him he may have been targeted by private investigator Glenn Mulcaire who worked for the News of the World.

BBC Sport's Dan Roan said two detectives visited Rooney at the end of last week and showed him pages from Mulcaire's notebooks which listed his mobile phone number and those of his close associates.

Rooney confirmed the police visit earlier on Thursday.

The footballer was the subject of several high-profile News of the World exclusives in 2005 and 2006.

Rooney's agent Paul Stretford met Scotland Yard detectives three weeks ago and they told him he may also have been targeted by Mulcaire.

Mr Stretford is considering taking legal action but Rooney will wait until the end of the season before deciding on any potential case.

'Back of mind'

He has not been informed whether he will be asked to give evidence.

Rooney's spokesman Ian Monk has declined to comment.

A News of the World spokeswoman said there were no imminent plans to comment.

Earlier this month the News of the World's owner, News International, apologised over the phone-hacking scandal and said it would admit liability in some cases.

It set up a compensation fund understood to total £20m for the victims of phone hacking.

Those involved are believed to include actress Sienna Miller, former Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, designer Kelly Hoppen and sports broadcaster Andy Gray.

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Houllier set to depart hospital

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier is expected to be discharged from hospital in Birmingham within the next 24 hours.

Caretaker boss Gary McAllister said the 63-year-old Frenchman had undergone a scan which was "favourable".

He said Houllier's condition was much better than had been expected when he was taken ill last week.

Houllier was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on 20 April with chest pains.

Recuperation and rest

McAllister said Houllier had just come through a successful scan and the doctors were pleased.

"He is going to be discharged in the next 24 hours, " he said.

McAllister added the good news from the scan had convinced doctors he was fit enough to go home.

Houllier will be back - McAllister

Houllier's future will be decided with the help of specialists and doctors, he said.

"But, knowing Gerard and his love of the game, he will want to come back," he said.

McAllister said Houllier still needed a period of recuperation and had to undertake a lot of rest.

In a statement, Houllier said he was touched by all the messages he had received and praised the care he had received at the hospital.

Consulted surgeon

Dr Mark Waller, the club doctor, said the manager's chest pain had been caused by a dissection of the descending aorta.

McAllister is expected to run the club's first team until the end of the Premier League season.

Houllier previously had major surgery after suffering heart-related problems in 2001 when he was manager of Liverpool.

When he arrived at Villa Park in September to succeed Martin O'Neill he revealed he had consulted his heart surgeon before accepting the job and was given a clean bill of health.

The club said Houllier had their "total support".

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Coventry name Thorn as new boss

Andy Thorn has agreed to become manager of Coventry City on a permanent basis.

Thorn has led the Sky Blues to Championship safety after taking over from Aidy Boothroyd in March.

Chairman Ken Dulieu said: "This is extremely good news. The evidence of how Andy has turned the team around has been there for all to see.

"The next stage of the process will be coming to terms with and the assembling of Andy's backroom staff."

Thorn, who played in the top flight with Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Wimbledon (he helped the Dons beat Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final), first joined the Sky Blues as chief scout from Everton.

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I have had really good backing from the players, excellent support from the chairman, the board and the supporters

Andy Thorn Coventry City manager

"I have really enjoyed the spell in temporary charge," said Thorn. "And I am relishing the opportunity to shape the team over the longer term.

"I have often said that I think we have a very good squad of players here who are capable of producing good, attractive football on a consistent basis.

"Of course, we will constantly be looking to improve both in terms of existing players and bringing in new recruits.

"There is always player movement in the summer and we know that will be the case again.

"I have had really good backing from the players, excellent support from the chairman, the board and the supporters and I want to ensure that I justify the confidence they have shown in me by offering me the job on a permanent basis."

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Black Cats chasing Vaughan

Sunderland are lining up a move for Blackpool midfielder David Vaughan. Vaughan is out of contract in the summer at Bloomfield Road and he has yet to agree a new deal with the Seasiders.
Blackpool are now facing a major battle to keep hold of the Wales international with the player likely to move on if they suffer relegation back to the Championship.
A number of clubs at home and abroad are thought to be waiting in the wings to sign Vaughan on a free transfer following his fine showings this season.
The 28-year-old, who has been one of Blackpool's star performers this season, has previously admitted he would keep his options open this summer.
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is thought to be a big admirer of the hard-working midfielder and is keen to lure him to the Stadium of Light.
Bruce has made midfield reinforcements one of his top priorities this summer and he is ready to offer Vaughan a lucrative deal in a bid to win the race for his services.
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Reds tracking Barton

Liverpool are keeping tabs on Joey Barton's contract situation at Newcastle, skysports.com understands.
Barton's future at Newcastle has been the subject of speculation with the midfielder yet to agree a new deal at St James' Park.
The news has alerted a number of clubs to Barton's possible availability with both Aston Villa and West Ham credited with an interest in the former Manchester City man in the January transfer window.
Now Liverpool are believed to be tracking Barton following his superb season for Newcastle this term.
With Barton entering the final 12 months of his contract at Newcastle this summer, the midfielder would be an attractive proposition for Liverpool as he could be available for a cut-price fee.
The 28-year-old has been Newcastle's standout performer this season on their return to the Premier League and he is widely expected to scoop the club's Player of the Season award.
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is thought to be drawing up his list of transfer targets and Barton could figure on it due to his success in linking up with Reds striker Andy Carroll while the pair were together at Newcastle.
Barton was the provider of eight of Carroll's goals at Newcastle this season prior to his move to Anfield in January and Dalglish could look to reunite the pair as he tries to get the best out of his £35million signing next season.
Barton has excelled in his right-side midfield role this season and he could be the answer to Liverpool's problematic right-wing position by adding some creativity to the midfield.
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Fergie - Giggs is amazing

Sir Alex Ferguson has labelled Ryan Giggs as 'amazing' after hailing Manchester United's 2-0 win away to Schalke as one of their best performances in Europe. United took a giant stride towards reaching next month's UEFA Champions League final at Wembley after second-half goals from Giggs and Wayne Rooney secured a comfortable success in Gelsenkirchen.
Giggs was pulling the strings from a central midfield role and the 37-year-old could easily have scored a hat-trick before breaking the deadlock midway through the second half.
The Welshman has agreed a contract to play on for the Red Devils next season and Ferguson is amazed by Giggs' longevity at the highest level.
"It is strange because Ryan's peak years seem to have lasted so long," said Ferguson.
"You would think, at 37, he would be showing signs of waning. I don't see any evidence of that.
"We look after him in terms of rest before games but when he gets that freshness he doesn't show any sign of fatiguing at all. He is an amazing man."
"We look after him in terms of rest before games but when he gets that freshness he doesn't show any sign of fatiguing at all. He is an amazing man."
Sir Alex Ferguson on Ryan Giggs Quotes of the week
Only Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer prevented United from building an even more commanding first-leg advantage, while the clean sheet ensured Ferguson's side have not conceded a goal away from home in Europe this season.
With a final showdown against Barcelona or Real Madrid now seemingly on the horizon, Ferguson ranked the display against Schalke on a par with his team's best in the Champions League.
The United boss added: "Overall I was delighted. It was a top performance.
"We have had some fantastic performances in Europe during my time.
"Juventus in Juventus in 1999 obviously will always be high on the list but this certainly ranks as one of the best."

Sky Sports has agreed a new three-year deal to cover the UEFA Champions League until 2014-15.

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Real expect Mourinho stay

Jose Mourinho will not leave Real Madrid at the end of the season and be replaced by Carlo Ancelotti, according to club general manager Jorge Valdano.
Last November it appeared almost certain that the Portuguese would be sacked just months into the job after a row with Valdano and a 5-0 humiliation at Barcelona.
But since that time Mourinho has turned around fortunes and is preparing for a UEFA Champions League semi-final against Barcelona having defeated the same team in the Copa del Rey final last week.
The former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss still has four years to run on his current contract and Valdano sees no reason why the agreement would come to a premature end.
He told Sky Sport Italia: "He has four years of his contract and says he wants to stay. Why shouldn't we believe him?
"He is the ideal coach for us because he has the same hunger to win."
There has been speculation that if Mourinho was to leave Real then the Spanish giants would target Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti as a replacement.
Reports suggest that the Italian will depart Stamford Bridge at the end of the season after a failure to win the Champions League and an apparent breakdown in his relationship with club owner Roman Abramovich.
But asked about Ancelotti moving to Real, Valdano said: "I rule it out completely."
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Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney urges side to finish job against Schalke

The England forward, returning to the scene of his sending off for the national team in a World Cup quarter-final with Portugal in 2006, made a goalscoring contribution that also saw him set up Ryan Giggs for Manchester United’s opener as they defeated Schalke 2-0 in the first leg of their semi-final last night.
Rooney said: “We’re delighted with the performance and getting two goals away from home. Now we just have to finish the job. Schalke are a great team and we can’t take them lightly [in the second leg].
“We were a little bit disappointed at half time after missing some chances but we showed real quality as a team throughout the second half.”
Ferguson was less restrained in his evaluation of United’s first-leg efforts, describing the team’s performance as “marvellous”.
“I think we’re coming to a peak now,” Ferguson said. “It was a marvellous performance. “Our concentration and intensity was excellent tonight.
“Now we need a good positive result at the weekend [against Arsenal]. We’re entering a seven-day period that’s crucial for the club.”
Giggs was as guilty as any United player in wasting opportunities, especially in the first-half, but his goal and all round contribution had Ferguson once more hailing the enduring talent of the Welshman.
‘’It is strange because Ryan’s peak years seem to have lasted so long,’’ said Ferguson.
‘’You would think, at 37, he would be showing signs of waning. I don’t see any evidence of that.
‘’We look after him in terms of rest before games but when he gets that freshness he doesn’t show any sign of fatiguing at all. He is an amazing man.’’
Ferguson virtually ruled Giggs out of Sunday’s trip to Arsenal, when victory would keep them at least six points clear at the top with only three games to go.
Instead, he will keep his longest-serving player in reserve for the return encounter with Schalke, knowing only an improbable three-goal win for the Bundesliga side at Old Trafford will take them through.
For even that very slim hope, Schalke had goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to thank after a performance from the Germany goalkeeper that is the best Ferguson has ever witnessed from an opposition player.
‘’In my time at United, it is probably the finest display of goalkeeping against us,’’ said Ferguson.
‘’I am sure there have been other feats but tonight I saw a very good one.’’
Ferguson’s side have still not conceded an away goal in Europe this season and for all Schalke’s weakness on the night it was a typically resounding performance from United.
‘’Overall I was delighted. It was a top performance,’’ said Ferguson.
‘’We have had some fantastic performances in Europe during my time.
‘’Juventus in Juventus in 1999 obviously will always be high on the list but this certainly ranks as one of the best.’’
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Stoke bullied Wolves - McCarthy

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has warned his side there can be no repeat of their performance in the 3-0 defeat at Stoke if they are to avoid relegation.
The defeat left them in the bottom three, a point shy of safety with four games remaining.
"We're in a scrap for Premier League survival," McCarthy told the BBC.
"But we don't have a chance if we play like that. My teams usually compete better than that. We were bullied and beaten by the better team."
Wolves fell behind to a Kenwyne Jones goal after 16 minutes before Ryan Shawcross doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time.
Jermaine Pennant rounded off the scoring on a comfortable night for the FA Cup finalists with a goal shortly after the interval.
"Whatever shape we play, we generally stop the opposition far, far better than that," McCarthy added. "It's not good enough.
"We've had a dreadful time recently - one point from four games.
"I won't make excuses, I'm just looking about for reasons. Funny to go from the Aston Villa performance [their last league victory] to four performances like that."
Wolves take on fellow relegation strugglers Birmingham on Sunday and McCarthy stated: "I am not going to get wound up and excited about that just now because I am too sad and disappointed about how we played.
"But on Sunday, rest assured we will be a lot better."
Stoke's victory took them to 42 points, which virtually assures them of their Premier League survival.
"It was a big game for us tonight," Stoke boss Tony Pulis reflected.
"The players' attitude and application towards the job was fantastic. The first half was as good as we have played in the Premier League.
"I am delighted with the players. When you think of the win at Wembley, getting the draw at Villa and then doing that to Wolves is something special. That shows the character of the players.
"We hope our status is guaranteed now. To get to a fourth season in the Premier League and reach the FA Cup final is quite a remarkable journey.
"This club and this team is a lot better than the team that came in. We have gradually improved."
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Fulham v Bolton preview

Fulham and Bolton will both be looking to climb the Premier League table when they meet at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night.
The hosts have been hovering just above the relegation zone for long periods of the season but will be starting to breathe easier with the end in sight.
Saturday's 1-1 draw at Wolves left Fulham five points clear of the drop zone and Mark Hughes declared after the final whistle that he was looking up rather than down.
Victory over the Trotters would catapult Hughes' side beyond the 40-point barrier and into the top half, still with four games left to play.
Fulham have been in good form at home all season but it will not be easy to overcome a Bolton side that on Sunday responded positively to their FA Cup disappointment a week earlier.
The Trotters, thrashed 5-0 by Stoke at Wembley, turned the tables with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal that effectively brought the North Londoners' title bid to an end.
Bolton now have the opportunity to move above Everton into seventh by beating Fulham, a result that would keep their faint European hopes alive.
Fulham captain Danny Murphy and star striker Bobby Zamora are expected to be fit.
A dead leg forced Murphy off during the weekend draw at Molineux, while Zamora was restricted to a late cameo after tweaking his back in training.
Andrew Johnson will also be hoping for a starting role after scoring the equaliser against Wolves within seconds of coming on as a substitute.
It remains to be seen whether winger Damien Duff has recovered sufficiently from his Achilles injury to return after two-and-a-half weeks out, while Philippe Senderos is still working his way back to full fitness having missed the entire season to date.
Bolton manager Owen Coyle is hoping striker Daniel Sturridge will have recovered from an ankle knock in time for kick-off.
The on-loan Chelsea man scored his seventh goal in nine games against Arsenal but was forced off with the problem late in the contest.
Sam Ricketts (Achilles), Sean Davis and Stuart Holden (knee) are all long-term absentees.
Fulham: Schwarzer, Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Salcido, Davies, Murphy, Sidwell, Dempsey, Zamora, Dembele.
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Knight, Robinson, Lee, Muamba, Taylor, Elmander, Kevin Davies, Sturridge.
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MPs call for Dalglish knighthood

Thirteen MPs have signed a Commons motion calling for Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish to be knighted.
The motion was tabled by Liverpool Walton MP Steve Rotheram because of what he said was his "outstanding contribution" to British football.
Mr Rotheram raised the issue two weeks ago, on the 22nd anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.
The motion said it would be a "fitting tribute" to the families of the 96 fans who were killed.
Earned respect
Dalglish was manager on 15 April 1989, when the Liverpool fans were crushed to death at an FA Cup semi-final.
He earned gratitude and respect for the way he represented the city and club in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Dalglish, now 60, helped ensure the club was represented at all of the fans' funerals and attended many of them in person.
He resigned as manager of the club in 1991, but returned in January, following the departure of Roy Hodgson.
Mr Rotheram was asked by families of those fans killed to put down an Early Day Motion requesting the honour.
The motion, to be published on Wednesday, has been signed by Labour MPs Derek Twigg; Dave Watts; Maria Eagle; Alison McGovern; Russell Brown; Bill Esterson; Stephen Twigg; Luciana Berger; Louise Ellman; Joe Benton and Clive Betts, as well as Conservative MP Therese Coffey, a Liverpool supporter.
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Hodgson targets defenders

West Brom boss Roy Hodgson admits he will be eyeing defenders in the summer transfer window.

The Baggies are closing in on Premier League safety, with the 2-2 draw at Spurs last Saturday taking Hodgson's side to 40 points.

But the Hawthorns outfit have failed to keep a clean sheet in a record 31 successive league matches and Hodgson is looking to recruit new faces in the summer.

"It is stating the obvious to say that if we do stop up this year, you need to improve your team," the Baggies boss told the Express and Star.

"Maybe one of the things we'll need to look at during the close-season is making certain we do shore up a little bit defensively because I don't think you can rely on your team to score two or three goals every game, especially away from home.

"We scored three away from home to win at Sunderland, two away to get a draw at Tottenham on Saturday and two to get a point against Arsenal.

"We can't rely upon that all the time."

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Bent - Villa duo must stay

Darren Bent has urged Aston Villa not to sell wingers Ashley Young and Stewart Downing in the summer.

Speculation has suggested the pair could leave Villa Park at the end of the season, but Bent believes Villa need to keep hold of them if the team is to be successful in the future.

The England striker insists every player at the club wants Young, who has just over a year remaining on his contract at Villa Park, to stay despite reported interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham.

He told Sky Sports News: "Everyone in the dressing room hopes he stays because he has had a fantastic couple of years at Aston Villa and we want it to continue.

"He's a top, top player and he has been linked to some of the best clubs in the country and when you are playing as well as he is, it is only right.

"Stewart Downing has been fantastic since I've been here, supplying goals for me left, right and centre as well as scoring them. If we can keep hold of those two players it will be fantastic.

"Obviously, for selfish reasons, you want those two players to stay because they supply chances left, right and centre.

"If Aston Villa want to move forward we want to keep our best players and those two are certainly two of our best players."

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Schalke v Manchester United: Christoph Metzelder thankful to be facing United, not Barcelona

Although United start their 12th European Cup semi-final as favourites to reach the final at Wembley on May 28, history suggests they will not have it easy.

United have fallen to German opposition at this stage during Sir Alex Ferguson's reign and despite their poor form in the Bundesliga, Schalke's five-goal hammering of Inter Milan earlier this month indicates they are worthy challengers.

And Metzelder knows United are not quite the force of old despite their presence at the top of the Premier League.

''Every nation might have its likes and its dislikes but I know we would not have liked to play against Barcelona,'' said Metzelder.

''They are a very disciplined team, who do not let you have the opportunity to score goals. It will be two very tight games.''

The game has particular significance for Ralf Rangnick as it takes the 52-year-old back to his youth.

As a student in the late 1970s, he spent a year at Sussex University, regularly travelling to London to fulfil a lifelong passion with the beautiful game, either by watching Tottenham or Arsenal.

Occasionally, he would venture to the Goldstone Ground, which at the time housed a Brighton side good enough to hold their own in England's highest league.

''It was a wonderful feeling to see the support for everything,'' he said.

''I am looking forward to the atmosphere, both tomorrow and at Old Trafford. In England you don't get situations where the fans whistle in displeasure. It is real support.''

However, Rangnick is not so star-struck as to be deflected from a path to glory.

And, rather than view the position as a negative, the Schalke coach views his side's relative inexperience as a pretty significant positive.

''Sir Alex Ferguson has more experience and has won many more trophies,'' he observed.

''Manchester United do have a very experienced team, on average three to four years older than ours.

''But maybe the fact we are more inexperienced means we are a really hungry team with more passion.

''It is something that makes this match all the more alluring for our team.

''Our players are in this position for the first time, with the exception of Raul, who might be there for the last time.

''We have to show what we can achieve and get the best out of it, so hopefully, this will be a benefit for us.''

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Stoke City v Wolverhampton Wanderers: match preview

This is the third meeting this season, with one win apiece.

In the Premier League in August two first half goals, from David Jones and Steven Fletcher, earned Wolves a 2-1 win.

But in the FA Cup, also at Molineux, Stoke won on their way to the final, beating Wolves 1-0 in the fourth round with a late goal from Robert Huth.

Stoke will be without Ricardo Fuller after the striker suffered an Achilles injury after as a substitute in the 1-1 draw at Aston Vila on Saturday.

John Carew was ineligible to face his parent club but was suffering from illness and could be available.

Meanwhile, Wolves striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is a major doubt after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury, as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Fulham.

Stephen Hunt, Steven Mouyokolo and David Jones will be added to the other 17 players on duty against the Cottagers.

But striker Kevin Doyle (medial ligament) misses out and while George Elokobi (hamstring) is also absent -- but he could return for the derby game with West Bromwich Albion on May 8.

Stoke have won 28 of their 39 points at home, representing 72 per cent.

And Wolves have taken just eight away points – that is just 24 per cent of their total of 33.

Mick McCarthy’s team have also scored just 12 goals in 16 away games, the fewest in the Premier League.

This season: Wolves 2 Stoke 1.

Last season: Stoke 2 Wolves 2, Wolves 0 Stoke 0.

Stat of the game: The last three league meetings between these sides at Stoke have ended in draws.

Betting tip: Wolves are poor away; try 2-0 to Stoke at 7-1.

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Sunderland lose Gyan and Welbeck

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has revealed that strikers Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck are likely to miss the rest of the season through injury.

The duo were both withdrawn with hamstring injuries during Saturday's 4-2 win against Wigan and leave the Black Cats short of striking cover.

"We're unlikely to have Gyan and Welbeck for the rest of the season," Bruce told BBC Newcastle.

"It was nice to win, but we're training with 13 fit players now."

Bruce's options have been severely affected by the loss of Gyan and Welbeck, with Fraizer Campbell already a long-term absentee after undergoing a knee operation earlier this month.

Those injuries, added to Darren Bent departure to Aston Villa in January, mean that 18-year-old Ryan Noble is the club's only recognised striker.

However the Wearsiders' boss could revert to the unorthodox partnership of Stephane Sessegnon and Steed Malbranque that ended Saturday's victory at the Stadium of Light.

"The problem with Ryan is that he hasn't played a lot of football, and he's got a youth team game tomorrow," Bruce added.

"I will look at it, because the one area we did do well and we played very well at the start of the season, was when we had Steed Malbranque off the front, and he gives us something different.

"In my mind, we scored three with Malbranque and Sessegnon up front, so maybe that's the way we'll go."

Gyan arrived at the Stadium of Light from French side Stade Rennais for a fee in excess of £13m in August last year, while Welbeck is on a season-long loan from Manchester United.

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Mourinho cools Real expectations

Jose Mourinho believes Real Madrid's recent success against Barcelona will count for little in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg.

Real have the momentum going into the tie having beaten Barca 1-0 in last week's final of the Copa del Rey.

But Mourinho said: "I don't have a magic potion. We're not favourites, there exists no favourite.

"It's between two teams that know each other, two teams with tradition, two teams who have won big games before."

Real, who have won European football's most sought-after trophy a record nine times, are playing in their first Champions League semi-final since 2003, while rivals Barcelona are in the last four for the fourth successive year.

Last year, the Catalan side were beaten over two legs by a Mourinho-coached Inter Milan, who went on to win the trophy.

And the Portuguese manager is aiming to become the first man to guide three different teams to the title, having won the competition for the first time with Porto in 2004.

However, he is refusing to get carried away with thoughts of reaching the final at Wembley.

"I'm the same coach, the exact same, that lost 5-0 against Barcelona six months ago," he said. "Every game has its own story."

Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, who was sent off in the 5-0 defeat back in November, echoed his coach's comments, saying: "We don't regard ourselves as favourites because I don't think it serves for anything.

"If anything has led to success it's been simplicity, humility and hard work. And those are the values we must uphold.

"Both Barcelona and Real Madrid have great players and nobody can predict what will happen. We all know the responsibility we have and what it takes to defend these colours and we know we have to give it everything."

Real returned to the Mestalla, the scene of their Cope del Rey triumph, on Saturday to take on Valencia in La Liga and, despite fielding a weakened side, routed the third-placed side 6-3.

Meanwhile, league leaders Barca were less convincing in beating relegation-threatened Osasuna 2-0 at the Nou Camp, although the victory maintained their eight-point lead over Real at the top of La Liga with only five games remaining.

Barca coach Pep Guardiola conceded: "We are not going [to Madrid] in the best condition but in mental terms we will travel to the Bernabeu with a lot of enthusiasm.

"We accept that Madrid are favourites, they have earned that in the last few weeks, and we'll try to turn that around."

Barcelona are looking frail at the back with left-backs Eric Abidal, Maxwell and Adriano all definitely missing, although influential skipper Carles Puyol and centre-back Gabriel Milito have recovered from injuries in time to play.

Despite the injuries, Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta is still optimistic.

"We would all have settled for being where we are in the league, being in the Champions League semi-finals and playing the Copa del Rey final," said Iniesta,

"We have to go out with what we've got. We have to find strength where there is none.

"The players are fine, and we are focused on what we have ahead of us. And what we have ahead of us is something very nice indeed to focus on."

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Mancini delighted by Dzeko opener

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini praised Edin Dzeko after the striker scored his first Premier League goal in the 1-0 win over Blackburn.

The Bosnian joined City from Wolfsburg in January for £27m and had previously scored twice in the FA Cup and twice in the Europa League.

But after nine league games without a goal, Dzeko finally broke his duck.

"I'm very happy for Edin because he deserves to score, he is a good player and a good man," said Mancini.

"I am sure it will help his confidence. Edin is a fantastic striker.

"He had problems with not playing some games and had difficulties not scoring but tonight he scored an important goal for us.

"It was not easy for him so I will enjoy tonight.

"With Carlos injured, Mario [Balotelli] played a fantastic game and with Edin scoring his first league goal it was very important."

Dzeko's drought had drawn comparison with Fernando Torres, who joined Chelsea from Liverpool for £50m in January but only scored his first goal against West Ham on Saturday.

Dzeko, 25, said: "It's football, Torres scored a lot of goals at Liverpool and changed club, I'm happy for him too because I know what the pressure is.

"Now we have to look at the future - today was very good, it is a new beginning for me and for City.

"I'm very happy that this goal helped my team to win the game.

"Sometimes it's difficult, I'm not the first who didn't make the best start but I'm happy because I scored today and helped the team."

The result put City four points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham and both sides have five games remaining as they battle for a Champions League spot.

Mancini added: "It was a very big win, especially as it was away from home, because at this stage every game is difficult. In the first half we played some great football and should have scored two goals.

"We scored in the second half when we had some problems because Blackburn played long ball. We found it difficult to play football but we deserved to win.

"Sometimes a top squad needs to find different ways to win and that's what we did."

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We're gutted we didn't get anything from the game but if we play like that, we've got a great chance of staying up

Blackburn manager Steve Kean

Blackburn remain a point above the relegation zone in 16th place, having won only three times in 17 league games under manager Steve Kean, who replaced Sam Allardyce in December.

Nevertheless, Kean insisted his team showed enough in defeat to suggest they will avoid relegation.

"We feel as a group if we play like that against Bolton on Saturday we can get a win, never mind a draw," said Kean.

"We're gutted we didn't get anything tonight but if we play like that, we've got a great chance [of staying up]."

City striker Mario Balotelli appeared to be in an offisde position, standing in front of goalkeeper Paul Robinson when Dzeko scored, and Kean was unhappy the goal was allowed to stand.

"Balotelli was right in front of Paul Robinson, so I'm saying that was offside," said Kean.

Rovers also had claims for a first-half penalty dismissed by referee Andre Marriner when Jason Roberts was challenged by Vincent Kompany.

Kean added: "There was contact, Jason was saying he wanted to go through and finish."

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Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger concedes club's title chances after defeat to Bolton

"Our chances are minimal now but we have to continue to fight," Wenger said. "It is all very frustrating to get just two points from the last nine available, but that has been the story of our season.

"I feel the players have had an outstanding attitude for the whole season but they are not to blame. If anybody is to blame it is me. I pick the team, I choose the players and for me they have had an outstanding attitude all season."

Not since 2005 when they won the FA Cup have Arsenal secured silverware.

"Yes, it's very unsatisfactory," added Wenger. "On paper it was one of the easiest run-ins we have had for a long, long time. But we didn't take our chances many times and that is frustrating.

"We feel the potential is there but we are in a job where you have to take your chances and be realistic.

"We still lack something like maturity and experience in important situations. When you don't win you are questioned about your principals, but if something is wrong in our team it is not that.

"I'm convinced we are a good footballing side. We have not been stable enough defensively.

"We have conceded six goals this week and you can't afford to concede six goals in three games in April and win the championship. Defensively we have been too frail."

Bolton's Cohen, an 85th minute substitute, celebrated his winner by taking off his club shirt to reveal a T-shirt with a picture of his late father Avi on it, and he struggled to contain his emotions afterwards.

"I am so happy to score this goal as it was a very emotional moment for me after this season. It has been a very difficult but I do the best for my team," Cohen said.

Daniel Sturridge had opened the scoring for the hosts with his seventh goal in nine league appearances since arriving on loan from Chelsea.

Robin Van Persie equalised for Arsenal after Kevin Davies had missed a penalty for the hosts before Cohen had the last say.

Sturridge said he was happy the fans had something to celebrate after Bolton's 5-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Stoke seven days earlier at Wembley.

"We are just delighted to have come out and worked so hard for these fantastic fans," said Sturridge.

"After last week's result we wanted to show them we had the passion. We were very unhappy with the performance last week and we wanted to show that it was just one bad day."

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Blackburn 0-1 Manchester City

Edin Dzeko's first Premier League goal allowed Manchester City to take control of the battle for a place in next season's Champions League and plunge Blackburn Rovers deeper into relegation trouble.

Dzeko, who has struggled to make an impact since his £27m move from Wolfsburg in January, made the decisive contribution with the late winner three minutes after coming on as substitute to secure a priceless three points for Roberto Mancini's FA Cup finalists.

The Bosnian's goal saw City establish a firm grip on fourth place and open up a four-point gap on closest rivals Tottenham after a performance that relied more on resilience than sparkle at Ewood Park.

Struggling Blackburn had opportunities to take a point and showed commendable spirit despite their lowly league position, but they paid the price for missed chances and now stand only one point clear of the relegation places with four games remaining.

After Fernando Torres ended his barren scoring sequence since his £50m move from Liverpool to Chelsea with a goal against West Ham United on Saturday, Dzeko chose the perfect moment to break his own duck and put daylight between City and Spurs.

Mancini reacted to the dismal defeat at Liverpool a fortnight ago by promising City would reach the FA Cup final and the Champions League. He has now moved a long way towards fulfilling those pledges with victory against Manchester United in the Wembley semi-final, followed by a win that could prove vitally important as they attempt to reach Europe's elite tournament.

The Italian saw no reason to change the side that was so impressive in reaching Wembley again - and that show of faith appeared fully justified by a blistering start.

David Silva, who was dictating affairs in those early exchanges, saw a left foot shot ricochet across the face of goal after striking an upright and Michael Salgado rescued Blackburn with a clearance off the line from Gareth Barry's flicked header.

Slowly but surely, however, Blackburn managed to stem the tide and ended the half with a measure of control that looked highly unlikely after being penned in their own territory for the first 20 minutes.

And they had a highly presentable penalty appeal rejected by referee Andre Marriner when Jason Roberts appeared to be fouled by City captain Vincent Kompany as they finally ventured into City's half.

Phil Jones and the giant figure of Christopher Samba were symbols of Rovers' recovery. And after Jones won a corner, Samba rose highest to head inches wide as suddenly it was City's turn to feel the pressure.

City attempted to regain that earlier control in the opening moments after the interval when Silva's cross found Yaya Toure at the far post and his header was turned over the top by Blackburn keeper Paul Robinson.

Blackburn had also gained confidence from their improvement and the stretching Jermaine Jones was frustrated to only find the side-netting after Roberts touched on Salgado's cross. Silva was also fortunate to get in the way of a thunderous drive from Samba as both sides fought to break the deadlock.

Mancini made the decisive change when he sent on Dzeko with 18 minutes left - and he wasted little time in finally starting to repay some of the vast fee paid to Wolfsburg.

Phil Jones could only deflect Silva's shot into his path 12 yards out and the striker demonstrated touch and composure before firing a finish high past Robinson to send City's massed ranks of fans into ecstasy.

Blackburn refused to give up the fight and had their chances to claim a point in a frantic closing spell. Phil Jones should have done better than head over the top from substitute Ruben Rochina's cross and in the closing seconds Hart did well to dive to his right to save Martin Olsson's long-range free-kick.

And Kean's side, much to City's relief and the frustration of Ewood Park, had penalty appeals ignored once more by referee Marriner in injury time when substitute Niloka Kalinic went down under challenge from Barry.

City showed resilience to close out the victory and the celebrations from fans and players at the final whistle illustrated theimportance of these three points.

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Ferguson wary over Schalke threat

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admits he is apprehensive ahead of the Champions League semi-final first leg against Schalke 04.

United have never beaten German opposition in a two-legged European tie during Ferguson's long reign.

And the Scot insists he is not taking surprise package Schalke lightly, saying: "Semi-finals are never easy.

"This is going to be a difficult game and we will treat it that way," he said ahead of Tuesday's match.

Schalke are currently 10th in the 18-team Bundesliga but stunned reigning European champions Inter Milan in the quarter-finals, beating them 5-2 in Italy and 2-1 at home to set up their tie with Ferguson's men.

"Schalke have beaten every team at home in the Champions League this season, including Valencia and Inter Milan. If you just take that in isolation, it is good form.

"There is no way we will be led into believing this is going to be easy," he added.

This is where we should be - the expectation has always been high with regard to the European scene

United will compete in their 12th semi-final when they meet Schalke in the Veltins-Arena, but only four of those resulted in an appearance in the final.

Last season they were knocked out by Bayern Munch at the quarter-final stage, and there were defeats to Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen in the last four in 1997 and 2002 respectively.

Ferguson was successful against German opposition in the stunning 2-1 win over Bayern Munich in the 1999 final in Barcelona, but says that when you reach the last four, expectations are even greater.

"You always get apprehensive at this stage of the competition. We had the same situation in 1999 when we played our semi-final against Juventus," he said.

"There was an apprehension in our first game at home that we released in the second leg. When we played Barcelona in the first leg [in 2008] we got the result we wanted. But the last 20 minutes of the second leg were absolute agony."

Ferguson admitted United's failure to turn more of their semi-finals into finals and European titles was a thorn in his side.

"This is where we should be. The expectation has always been high with regard to the European scene and you do get envious of other clubs' great record in Europe.

"You look at Real Madrid (nine wins and three runners-up spots), AC Milan (7-4), Bayern Munich (4-4), Ajax (4-2) and Liverpool (5-2). We are trying to gain parity with that.

"We really need to progress quickly to get to that level, and the present group have enough experience in Europe now."

Schalke manager Ralf Rangnick, who only took charge at the club in March, said the pressure is all on United.

"Of the two teams, we have much less to lose. We may be less experienced, but we are hungry and we have a lot of passion.

"Against Inter, we compensated for our lack of experience with our enthusiasm, our commitment and our discipline. It's up to us to reproduce that in front of our fans and at Old Trafford.

"It's an important match for all of us. Who knows how many players in this team will find themselves in this position again?"

He added: "United are a very organised team. I expect a close game and a result that may give us a chance in the second leg."

Meanwhile, United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has pinpointed Schalke's veteran Spanish striker Raul as the main threat to his team's hopes.

"Raul is quite an amazing player," said the Dutchman, who will be appearing in a record-equalling 13th Champions League semi-final.

"He had so many years at Real Madrid at a high level and scored so many goals for them in the league. In addition, he is top scorer in the Champions League [with 71 goals].

"He is not someone you can lose sight of - he is so dangerous and only needs a little chance to score. Our defenders should be on their toes."

Van der Sar, 40, who retires at the end of the season, added that facing either Real Madrid or Barcelona in the final at Wembley on 28 May would be a fitting finale to his playing days.

"I have had a reasonable career so far. Let's hope I can finish it off nicely."

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Cardiff City 2 Queens Park Rangers 2: match report

Queens Park Rangers' promotion party remains on hold despite twice coming from behind to draw with Cardiff City in a captivating clash in the npower Championship.

Neil Warnock's side went into the encounter knowing victory would seal their return to the Premier League after a 15-year absence, although they can now do so with victory over Hull at Loftus Road on Easter Monday.

For Cardiff, a draw was not really good enough for their automatic promotion ambitions and they now sit one point behind second-placed Norwich with just three matches remaining.

A blistering start, with two goals inside the opening 10 minutes, set the pattern for a pulsating afternoon.

At the heart of it was enigmatic QPR skipper Adel Taarabt, who showed why he is the Championship's player of the year with two great finishes, the second of which came in the 71st minute to cancel equally impressive first-half efforts from City's star duo Jay Bothroyd and Craig Bellamy.

R's striker Heidar Helguson had promotion within his grasp in the 89th minute, but he could only find the side-netting with the goal at his mercy.

Both sides were unchanged from their last outing and it was Bellamy who set up the first clear opening for Peter Whittingham after just three minutes, but the 10-goal midfielder failed to connect properly with his shot and Paddy Kenny saved well.

But it mattered little as Bothroyd soon broke the deadlock in stunning fashion.

The former Arsenal trainee picked up the ball on the right touchline and skipped inside a challenge before curling a delightful left-footed effort from 18 yards into the top corner off the crossbar.

But anything Bothroyd could do, Taarabt could match.

The Moroccan saw a corner returned to him on the left but an acute angle mattered little as he planted a stunning curling shot beyond the reach of Stephen Bywater and into the far corner.

Despite the pace of the opening stages slowing slightly, half chances continued to flow at either end.

And the majority of the 26,058 inside the Cardiff City Stadium were brought to their feet again in the 35th minute.

Bothroyd was allowed time to send over an inswinging cross from the right which Matthew Connolly failed to deal with, even using his hand in the process, and the ball squirmed through to Bellamy to swivel and smash past Kenny into the top corner.

Bywater preserved City's lead going into the break, producing a great diving save after Shaun Derry's shot took two deflections.

Whittingham wasted his second good chance of the afternoon shortly after the restart.

Unsurprisingly, the pace of the second half failed to match that of the first and that was reflected in the lack of clear-cut opportunities created.

But Taarabt made sure he did not waste the one which did come his way in the 71st minute, shrugging off the attentions of Kevin McNaughton to bring down Wayne Routledge's chipped forward pass and beat Bywater from just inside the area.

Bellamy was denied by Kenny but it was Helguson who passed up the best chance of victory, somehow shooting wide from close range late on.

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Manchester United 1 Everton 0: match report

Javier Hernandez edged Manchester United to within seven points of a record 19th league title with late winner at Old Trafford following a nervy encounter with Everton.

Hernandez, a £7m signing from Chivas de Guadalajara last summer, took his tally for the season to 19 goals when he headed in Antonio Valencia’s far post cross on 84 minutes.

Everton had seen two penalty appeals rejected by referee Peter Walton prior to the goal and will feel aggrieved at emerging with nothing for their efforts.

But with four games left to play – including fixtures at Arsenal and at home to Chelsea – United now know that two wins and a draw will confirm the title.

With the Champions League semi-final against Schalke looming on Tuesday, Ferguson gambled on wholesale changes to his starting line-up in order to rest key players ahead of the trip to Germany.

But with Everton’s recent form seeing them climb to seventh in the table, such tinkering was always likely to be a risky tactic against David Moyes’s team.

As has been proved on numerous occasions already this season, the likes of Jonny Evans, Darron Gibson and John O’Shea lack the quality of the more established players that they replaced and it showed as United struggled to put Everton under any sustained pressure.

The home side did not even test Everton keeper Tim Howard until 29 minutes had elapsed, but the former United number one did well to deny Javier Hernandez following his snapshot from Wayne Rooney’s pass.

Everton were unfortunate not to win a penalty on 36 minutes, however, when Evans’s clumsy challenge on Jermaine Beckford went unpunished by referee Peter Walton.

Moyes’s team were then denied what appeared a certain penalty on 56 minutes when Rio Ferdinand bundled substitute Victor Anichebe over on the edge of the six yard box. Once again, Walton ignored Everton appeals.

United were certainly riding their luck, but with Everton looking comfortable at the back, Ferguson replaced Nani with Michael Owen on 63 minutes in an effort to find a crucial goal.

And Owen, who has scored just once in the Premier League this season, almost put United ahead when his effort from Fabio’s cross was deflected onto the near post by defender Sylvain Distin.

Everton also went close, though, when United target Jack Rodwell forced Edwin van der Sar into full-stretch save to push his 20-yard strike past the post.

United appeared to be heading for a draw they simply did not want when Hernandez saw a header brilliantly tipped over the bar by Howard on 81 minutes.

But the Mexican striker won the game three minutes later with a brave header at the far post that left Howard beaten and moved United nine points clear of Chelsea and Arsenal.

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