Cahill ready for England battle

Chelsea defender boosted by Champions League success

England defender Gary Cahill believes he has answered any lingering doubts about his ability to play at the highest level.

The centre-back, 26, has seen his push for a regular place in the national side increased by his move to Champions League winnersChelsea in January.

He produced a series of assured displays during the Blues' shock triumph in Europe's elite competition and put himself in pole position to start Euro 2012 alongside John Terry in the heart of England's defence.

But the ex-Bolton player was ruled out of the tournament after breaking his jaw in the Three Lions' final warm-up against Belgium.

Hungry

Now he is hoping to start England's first competitive match since Euro 2012 when Roy Hodgson's men open their World Cup qualifying campaign in Moldova on Friday.

"I think the Champions League success with Chelsea, the wins overBarcelona and Bayern Munich, have helped me, have progressed me and given me the experience of playing in those games," he said.

"Before that, there was always that question mark above my head because of where I'd come from and I'd not played in those sort of games.

"People were saying 'can he play in those situations, in those sort of games?'

"It has made me more hungry to be part of those games, but experience wise, coming to England, which is top of the tree, it will help me going forward."

During Cahill's Euro 2012 absence, Manchester City's Joleon Lescott impressed alongside Terry in England's defence, while Everton's Phil Jagielka, another centre-back contender, scored in last month's friendly win against Italy.

Fight

But Cahill also started against the Italians and is aiming to retain the shirt for the Moldova clash.

"Now I'm back fit but there is real competition and I think myself not making the Euros has made it harder," he said.

"I thought the lads did well in the Euros so for me not being able to stamp authority in that tournament has made it another fight for me to get back involved and get the starting place.

"There is great competition and the lads who are picked want to keep hold of the shirt.

"It is going to be tough but it is a fight I've had since I've joined because we're blessed with some good players in England."

Lukaku - I'm not Drogba

Belgium striker ready to make his own name at West Brom

West Brom's on-loan striker Romelu Lukaku has vowed to make a name for himself at The Hawthorns - after growing tired of comparisons with former Chelsea team-mate Didier Drogba.

The Belgian, 19, was dubbed the "new Drogba" when he joined theBlues last summer, because of his similar playing style and physical presence to the Ivorian.

But he found his path to Chelsea's starting XI blocked by Drogba and managed just one Premier League start following his £18million move from Anderlecht.

Despite the Blues legend leaving Stamford Bridge for a new career in China, Lukaku also opted to move away from west London this summer in his quest for regular first team football.

Now, he is desperate to step out of Drogba's shadow during his season-long loan spell at West Brom.

Personality

"Didier and I have a similar playing style, but I don't think he would have wanted to be compared to someone when he was young," said Lukaku, who is hoping to recover from an ankle injury ahead of Belgium's World Cup qualifier against Wales on Friday.

"Every player wants to be their own person, their own personality. I don't want to be the new anyone.

"At first it was OK - but now I'm bored of it. It isn't necessary and I don't like it now.

"I have my father's surname, I am Romelu Lukaku - I'm not anybody else. This is my own name and the name I want people to remember."

Russell to step in for Rhodes

Dundee United man aims to replace Blackburn star

Johnny Russell is well aware he has big boots to fill as he aims to fire Scotland Under-21s to qualification for the UEFA European Championships.

The Dundee United forward is aiming to cope with the pressure placed on himself in the absence of Jordan Rhodes and rise to the challenge.

Rhodes - who sealed a move from Huddersfield to Blackburn last month - has been promoted to the senior squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Macedonia after scoring eight goals for the young Scots last season.

Rhodes was also on target 40 times for Huddersfield and netted on his full international debut against Australia last month but Russell is ready to take over from the star striker as the under-21s' campaign reaches its climax.

He said: "There is a lot of expectation, especially dealing with the loss of somebody like Jordan.

"There are a lot of goals that need to be made up for. Hopefully myself and the rest of the boys can live up to that and hopefully show that we don't miss him too much."

Billy Stark's side host Luxembourg tomorrow night, before travelling to Austria for their final qualifier on Monday. The last meeting with Luxembourg resulted in a comprehensive 5-1 victory for the Scots last October.

Russell said: "We went into that game expecting to win and being expected to win but you need to guard against complacency in games like this.

"If we just do the things that we do right, then we will definitely get a result."

Richardson vows to come good

New Fulham signings eyes improvement

Kieran Richardson insists better things are to come for him at Fulham, after admitting he disappointed on his debut.

Richardson had a game to forget after being thrown in at the deep end in

Saturday's defeat at West Ham and was hauled off after an hour.

That was 24 hours after the midfielder's reported £2million deadline-day switch from Sunderland and he told his new club's official website that he was not happy with his debut.

"I was upset with the way the game went. I didn't feel sharp at all, I felt sluggish," he said.

"I hadn't really trained with the team so I didn't know the way they played that well but I've got a break now before the next game and I'll get my fitness up and understand more on how the team play."

Back home

Richardson, who was born in Greenwich and was on West Ham's books before joining Manchester United, was delighted to be back in London.

He said: "I'm so pleased. Me and my family are so chuffed to be here," he said.

"I first heard that Fulham were interested in me towards the end of last season, so I've always had it in the back of my mind that I could be coming here.

"Finally, it did happen for me and I want to thank the manager and the chairman. I want to do well for the club and for the fans.

"I've spoken to the manager and we've had a good chat. I'm hoping he'll get the best out of me.

"Saturday was a bad performance but I've put that behind me and I'll be working hard on the training field to prepare for West Bromwich Albion."

Richardson spent five years at Sunderland and does not regret his time in the North East.

"I enjoyed it at Sunderland," he said. "I had a really good relationship with the fans.

"But I'd been there for five years and I felt like I needed a change. My family wanted to come back south as well."

The 27-year-old was relishing linking up with another deadline-day signing, and another ex-United player in Dimitar Berbatov.

"He's got a great touch and he just seems to float around the pitch," Richardson said.

"He holds the ball up well and, as midfielders, it's our job to support him.

"Hopefully, he'll score a lot of goals for Fulham."

Malaga deny sale claims

Qataris insist they are not selling up

The Qatari owners of Primera Division side Malaga have denied the club is for sale after making several new appointments to the non-playing management team.

Having sold Santi Cazorla and Jose Rondon there were reports that owner Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani was ready to sell a club he bought for 120million euros in 2011.

But with the team third in the table and set to open their Champions League campaign against Zenit St Petersburg on September 18, Sheikh Al-Thani and vice-president Abdullah Ghubn are keen to hang on to their investment.

Executive vice-president Moayat Shatat told a press conference: "We've invested a lot into this project and have no intention of leaving.

"We love this club, and both Sheikh Al-Thani and Abdullah Ghubn are in full support, and very excited about this season. The club is not for sale.

"The important thing is to find a balance with regards to investment, and do what's best for the club.

"We've never said that we'd stop investing. We will continue to invest, but in the best way for the club.

"We're looking into a new strategy, and have now created a new organisational structure so we can have more control over the club."

The new appointments include Vicente Casado as general manager and Mario Armando Husillos as first team sports manager.

Ince - Dad's my mentor

Blackpool youngster planning to follow father Paul's footsteps

Blackpool winger Thomas Ince admits father Paul is his biggest mentor - and harshest critic - as he looks to make his England Under-21 debut on Thursday night.

Ince, 20, hopes to feature for Stuart Pearce's men in their crunch European Championship qualifier in Azerbaijan.

Group Eight leaders England need victory to edge closer to qualification ahead of Monday's potential decider against Norway.

And Ince has already been given plenty of advice from his dad, who won 53 England caps during an illustrious career, about international football.

"Of course, I couldn't have had a better mentor than my dad," he told FATV.

Guidance

"I have my critics - he'll be the main one. I've had double guidance in everything I've done. He can help me off the pitch.

"I've got [Blackpool manager] Ian Holloway on the pitch and I've also got Stuart Pearce, the gaffer here, who's currently with me now.

"So I've got help from all angles and that can only benefit me in the long run."

Ince, previously capped at Under-17 and Under-19 level, said he was "elated" at his latest international call-up from Pearce.

"I've been through a couple of the youth set-ups with England, but the Under-21s is something special," said the ex-Liverpool youngster.

"It's one step away from the first team, so to get that call was fantastic."

Internacional won't budge on their valuation of reported Manchester United target Leandro Damiao

Internacional president Giovanni Luigi insists the club will not let Leandro Damiao leave unless his buyout clause is met amid rumours linking him with a move to Manchester United.

The Brazil international striker was heavily tipped for a switch to Tottenham during the summer transfer window but Internacional have claimed they turned down an offer from the White Hart Lane club because it did not match their valuation.

Luigi has previously revealed the youngster has a €60million (£47million) buyout clause in his deal at Inter, where he is contracted until 2016.

It is also believed Damiao was offered to Liverpool on loan but the deal was considered too expensive by the Merseysiders.

Speculation has now surfaced that United are targeting a January swoop for the 23-year-old, who starred for his country at the Olympics, finishing the tournament as top scorer with six goals.

Luigi says Internacional will stand firm on their valuation if United do come knocking and is adamant the Premier League giants must speak directly to the Brazilian club.

He told Zero Hora: "We aren't talking about a small team. We are talking about Internacional. They (Manchester United) have to talk with Internacional, not with the player.

"If Manchester United came here today, I would ask them to pay his buyout fee. They have to know that Internacional are a big club.

"Now, Leandro Damiao only leaves if the buyout fee is paid."

Eye surgery for Balotelli

Italian striker may miss Manchester City's next match after minor operation

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli could miss the Premier League champions' next match against Stoke after undergoing laser-eye surgery in Italy.

Balotelli, 22, returned back to his homeland for Wednesday's minor operation, which he needed after suffering from conjunctivitis associated with wearing contact lenses.

Balotelli's surgeon suggested he could return "in around 10 days" meaning he faces a race against time to be ready for City's trip to the Britannia Stadium on September 15th.

"He had a few problems with contact lenses some years ago," surgeon Emanuele Scuri told Sky Sport Italia.

"We waited for the defect to stabilise over the last four years and this was the right time to have the operation. His eyes did not tolerate the contact lenses and had problems at the start of the season.

Paparazzi

"I think in around 10 days he should be ready to play again. Already this morning he asked if he could drive and I suggested he should get a lift until Thursday.

"We brought the operation forward by a day to avoid paparazzi. This surgery will enable Balotelli to see very well."

City waited until the international break to book Balotelli in for the procedure, which has ruled him out of Italy's World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Malta.

Should Balotelli fail to return in time for the Stoke match he could be available when City open their UEFA Champions League campaign against Real Madrid three days later.

Moxey calls for patience

Chief executive admits it will take time for Wolves to rebuild

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey has warned disgruntled supporters that things may get worse before they get better, as the club opens a new era.

After suffering relegation out of the Premier League last season, the Molieux outfit are struggling to get to grips with life back in the Championship.

They are, however, working under a new boss in Stale Solbakken and have seen influential figures such as Matt Jarvis and Steven Fletcher head through the exits.

Returning stability to the ranks and bringing about an improvement in performances on the field is now the order of the day, but Moxey admits that will take time.

He told the Express and Star: "It may need to get worse before it gets better and maybe people need to understand that.

"We have to be realistic about what we can achieve given the scale of change. We have seen that some foreign players take longer to settle compared to their British counterparts, and that is natural.

"I wouldn't say we are relaxed about the situation because we are never relaxed when we lose."

Difficult

Another change to have occurred at Molineux is the removal of Terry Connor from the coaching staff.

After 13 years at the club, which included a spell as manager last season, the services of a highly-respected figure have been dispensed of by Solbakken.

The Norwegian tactician told the Birmingham Mail: "It was not a conversation I wanted to have. It was one of the most difficult decisions.

"But I have to do what I think is right for the club. I can't sit here in two or three months' time having not done what I think I should do.

"I'm the one who has to make the decisions to bring us forward and this is not a decision you want to take but it is a decision I felt was very right."

Saints eyeing Donnelly deal

Lomas looking to line up move for midfielder

The 24-year-old is available as a free agent after being released by the Swans over the summer.

He has spent much of the last two seasons on loan at Wycombe having found it difficult to make an impact in South Wales.

Trial spells at Bradford and Southend were taken in following his exit from the Liberty Stadium, but he remains without a club.

St Johnstone boss Steve Lomas could, however, be about to offer the former Queens Park Rangerstrainee a route to Scottish football.

Lomas was at Loftus Road with Donnelly as he graduated out of the academy ranks and is well aware of what the goalscoring midfielder could add to his squad.

Distin - Toffees can compete

Stopper hails quality in Toffees squad

Everton defender Sylvain Distin feels the club are in a good position to 'compete for something interesting' this season.

Manager David Moyes started his summer business early, bringing in Steven Naismith and re-signing Steven Pienaar.

He added £6million forward Kevin Mirallas last month and brought in Bryan Oviedo, 17-year-old Kilmarnock winger Matthew Kennedy and midfielder Vadis Odjidja-Ofoeon loan late on.

Strength

The Toffees are still waiting for FIFA to rubber-stamp the latter's move from Club Brugge as the deal was completed so close to the deadline but are hopeful that confirmation will come later this week.

And despite the departures of midfielders Jack Rodwell and Tim Cahill, with defender Joseph Yobo finally completing his move to Fenerbahce after two seasons on loan, Distin believes the squad has plenty of strength.

"When you see new players coming in you know everything is moving in the right direction and that is what every single player wants," said Distin.

"It's a bit early to say this is the best squad during my time here.

"We need a bit of time for players to adapt and see how well they are going to do but I rarely remember the squad having so much quality.

"We have enough quality to compete for something interesting this season."

Unusually for Everton they got off to a flying start, winning their first two matches, although defeat atWest Brom clipped their wings somewhat.

However, Distin believes there is a different mood around the club this season.

Good feeling

"We are not used to this and it is a good feeling," he told evertontv. "We have started well and the squad is only going to get better and bigger.

"We want our team to get better and for there to be more competition between the players.

"But we should never expect too much too soon. It is a good start, which is very positive, but we are so far from the end [of the season]."

Feeney blow for Millwall

Lions winger faces two months out with ankle injury

Championship side Millwall have suffered an injury blow with winger Liam Feeney ruled out for eight weeks.

Feeney, 25, injured his ankle during Saturday's 3-1 win againstMiddlesbrough at the Den.

He suffered damaged ligaments after replacing James Henry as a 83rd-minute substitute in the Lions' first home win of the new campaign.

"Liam suffered significant ankle ligament damage and he will be out for a minimum of eight weeks," saidLions physio Bobby Bacic.

But there was better injury news for boss Kenny Jackett as skipper Paul Robinson and midfielderTamika Mkandawire made their much-anticipated returns this week.

Step

Mkandawire has been sidelined for almost a year with a knee injury, but played 90 minutes for Millwall'sUnder-21 Development side against Barnet on Tuesday.

"I'm glad to come through unscathed," he told the club's official website.

"The plan was to play 60 minutes and take it from there, but I played the full game and I'm glad I did. It's a massive step for me."

Defender Robinson, yet to feature this season after a hernia operation, also completed 90 minutes in the 3-1 win.