Wednesday Fulham Stuff (03.03.10)

[White Noise]

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/161461/Smalling-can-t-wait-to-serve-up-a-treat-for-new-boss-Fergie

SMALLING CAN'T WAIT TO SERVE UP A TREAT FOR NEW BOSS FERGIE 



Smalling, 20, completed his rags-to-riches £12 million move to Old Trafford in January


Wednesday March 3,2010


By Niall Hickman 


CHRIS Smalling was waiting tables in a Kent hotel 18 month ago – and now he is the player in waiting, and aiming to take Manchester United by storm.

Smalling, 20, completed his rags-to-riches £12 million move to Old Trafford in January and was immediately loaned back to Fulham, who had plucked him from non-League obscurity at Maidstone United.

He will get another chance to impress his future boss Sir Alex Ferguson – he returns to Old Trafford at the end of the season – in tonight's European Under-21 Championship qualifier against Greece at Doncaster.

Stuart Pearce's youngsters need to win to leapfrog Greece and go top of their group as they seek to make the 2011 finals in Denmark.

"I was working as a waiter in a hotel in Chatham while doing my A levels and playing for Maidstone," said defender Smalling. "I was earning something like £5 an hour so things have turned around quickly. It has been a whirlwind and very exciting."

"The move to United came out of the blue. I was just concentrating on doing well for Fulham and linking up with the Under-21s, but this is a fantastic opportunity. When you have one of the biggest clubs in the world even considering that you will be good enough for them it is a massive compliment."

"I had a talk with Sir Alex and he told me how far he thought I could go. I'm sure I will be star-struck at times up there, but I really have to knuckle down in pre-season as I am so desperate to be a part of everything at United."

"England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce has been very supportive. He came from non-League football and has proved that as long as you work hard and have the ability you can go far. It hasn't been difficult to concentrate despite knowing what is going to happen in the summer. It was done nice and early in January which has enabled me to get on with everything at Fulham."

"We are going well and we are still in a couple of cup competitions. We have Spurs in the FA Cup on Saturday then we play Juventus in the Europa League and to have that type of experience is a brilliant opportunity for any player."

Greenwich-born Smalling grew up just a few miles from new England skipper Rio Ferdinand and says he has tried to model his game on him.

"When you are young and there is someone like Rio playing in your position, someone who has played so many games for England and Manchester United, you are always trying to take bits and pieces from his game," he said. "I met him when I went up to Manchester for a medical which was great."

Smalling, who only made his Premier League debut in the final game of last season, was planning on going to university while playing for Maidstone in the Isthmian League, but studies have now taken a back seat.

"I suppose it is quite rare for a footballer to have four A levels, but it was important to study while going on trials with clubs," he said.

"Just before I joined Fulham I applied to Loughborough University to do a business course. A lot of my friends are at university and they tell me it is great fun. I'm not ready for Countdown just yet though!"

[White Noise]

Reserves 2-0 Stoke


Tuesday 2nd March 2010


Fulham FC News


Goals from Christopher Buchtmann and Danny Hoesen capped an impressive night for the Development Squad who now stand six games unbeaten following this comfortable defeat of Stoke City.

Fulham certainly made the brighter of the starts with Billy McKinlay's young side catching the eye with a spell of flowing football that would ultimately set the tone for what was to follow.

One such move fashioned an early chance for the returning Rob Milsom, with the captain's low strike from the edge of the box stinging the arms of veteran 'keeper Steve Simonsen.

A teasing cross from Keanu Marsh-Brown then saw Danny Hoesen turn the ball narrowly wide at the near post, with the Dutch striker unfortunate not to slide home Alex Smith's centre from the left.

There was also a return to action for left-back Paul Konchesky with his and Freddie Stoor's experience vital either side of the young central defensive pairing of Aaron Pierre and Cheick Toure – the latter of which was making his Development Squad debut.

Another making his first start for the Whites was midfielder Christopher Buchtmann, a January transfer window signing from Liverpool, and a player that impressed from the off driving forward with conviction and endeavour with display that bodes well for the future.

In fact it was from one such surge that opened Stoke's defence; however when the ball fell to a well-placed Hoesen the referee blew for offside. The German youth international then forced a smart stop from Simonsen on the half hour mark.

The visiting 'keeper got nowhere near the next effort however, with David Elm collecting the ball from Marsh-Brown's determined run and finding Hoesen on the left of the box, but his strike flashed inches over.

However, Fulham took a deserved lead on the stroke of half-time with Konchesky breaking from defence and finding Buchtmann on the edge of the Stoke box, with a clever touch to get away from Matt Cohen the youngster finished superbly into the right hand corner of the net.

Smith should have doubled Fulham's lead just before the half-time whistle blew but Fulham entered the break in control and in confident mood.

The second half started in equally positive fashion with Buchtmann breaking forward once more and slipping his pass into the path of Hoesen whose close range strike failed to find the target.

Elm cut in from the right and curled a left-footed strike at goal, but Simonsen got down well to push the ball wide for a corner. Milsom flashed over from the resulting corner.

With half an hour on the clock it was Fulham that looked most likely to add to the scoring although Pierre did well to out-jump Dave Kitson in the face of danger.

Buchtmann tried his luck from distance as did Konchesky, before Simonsen made a stunning stop to deny Smith's clever volley.

The impressive Marsh-Brown weaved some space with 15 minutes on the clock only to fire wide, while Hoesen flashed another chance past the post with just the goalkeeper to beat.

The visitors finished the game strongly with Louis Moult and Cameron Mitchell whipping in some challenging crosses but fortunately for Fulham Stoke failed to capitalise.

At the other end Hoesen did get his goal, with his cool finish on the turn all but sealing the win with five minutes remaining.

Milsom made way for Cristian Marquez-Sanchez thereafter, and the talented midfielder will have been pleased with his evening's work having missed the last year of football following a serious knee injury.

It had been almost three months since McKinlay's team had last been in action, and a welcome return this performance was with Fulham composed and positive throughout.

FULHAM TEAM: Zuberbuhler; Stoor, Konchesky (Harris 70), Pierre, Toure; Marsh-Brown, Milsom (Marquez-Sanchez 85), Smith, Buchtmann; Elm (Trotta 77), Hoesen. (Subs not used): Etheridge, Payne.

STOKE CITY RESERVES : Simonsen; Hedley (Stockhall 87), McDonald, Cohen, Davies; Lund, Amdy Faye, Mitchell (Sinclair 87), Foster (Jackson 87); Kitson, Moult. (Sub not used): Parton.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/ReservesvStokeResult.aspx#ixzz0h5dbV6gO

[White Noise]

Juventus Away Tickets

Tuesday 2nd March 2010


Fulham FC News

Fulham have been allocated 1,537 tickets for the away leg of the Europa League match Juventus v Fulham at Stadio Olimpico di Torino (temporary home of Juventus). Supporters should note that this was the maximum allocation given to the Club by Juventus.

In view of the high demand for tickets they will be sold on the basis of 1 per Season Ticket Holder , and you must provide your full name, date of birth, accommodation details and mode of transport to Italy  at the time of purchase.

Tickets will go on sale at 9am on Wednesday 3rd March, and are priced at £20 each. 

Please note, tickets will be available in person from the Fulham FC Ticket Office at Craven Cottage at 9am, and by telephone on 0870 442 1234 ( option 3 ). A maximum of 6 tickets may be purchased by a Season Ticket Holder when using other supporters' allocation.


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/JuventusAwayTickets.aspx#ixzz0h5ds1pYW

[White Noise]

Ask AJ

Tuesday 2nd March 2010


Fulham FC News


Andrew Johnson is currently working his way back to fitness in preparation for the 2010/11 season following recent knee surgery.

The striker is back at Fulham's Motspur Park Training Ground and we're giving you an exclusive chance to question AJ on anything you like, so submit your questions on Cottage Corner today and we'll find out the anwsers to your best questions later this week.

Ask your questions now!|


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/AskAJ.aspx#ixzz0h5e7mugw

[White Noise]

http://goal.com/en/news/14/asia/2010/03/02/1814817/fulham-midfielder-andranik-teymourian-determined-to-stay-in

Fulham Midfielder Andranik Teymourian Determined To Stay In Europe


By Rupert Fryer


Mar 2, 2010 6:19:00 PM

Fulham midfielder Andranik Teymourian has said he won't be the next in an increasing line of Iranian footballers returning to their homeland, insisting he intends to stay in Europe.

"I am determined to stay in Europe and I don't want to return to Iran," he is quoted as saying by Iran Sports Press.

The former Bolton midfielder is out of favour at Craven Cottage and is yet to make a single Premier League appearance for Fulham this season.

"Gaffer Roy Hodgson prefers to use the other players at Fulham and I can't stay at Craven Cottage. I am sure I am going to have bright days in European football."

The 26-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from London in the winter transfer window but admitted a lack of interest in his services.

"I wanted to join another team in the winter break but I didn't receive a good offer," he said.

Finally, the Iranian international revealed he was looking forward to the 2011 Asian Cup and tipped Team Meli to prevail in Thailand.

"We have already qualified for the 2011 Asian Cup and will play Thailand without any pressure. I believe that Iran is even able to claim the title of the 2011 Asian Cup championship," he concluded.

[White Noise]

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/03/02/on-the-spot-stephen-kelly-82029-25947544/

On the spot: Stephen Kelly



Mar 2 2010 By Jacob Murtagh



FULHAM defender Stephen Kelly gives you the low-down on Damien Duff's dodgy clobber, Zoltan Gera's taste in music and his dreams of becoming a vet if he didn't make the grade as a footballer.

First car?

A Mini.

First wage?

I used to help my dad's friend who had a building site back home when I was 15. I got £60 a week!

Worst dressed player at the club?

It's a toss between Zoltan Gera and Damien Duff, but I'd say Damo because he wears Uggs boots, and they're supposed to be for girls!

Worst taste in music at the club?

Zoli [Gera]. He listens to some Hungarian music that none of us have ever heard of!

First CD?

Jamiroquai, Virtual Insanity.

What's the last thing you downloaded for your ipod?

Mumford & Sons' album.

Who did you support as a boy?

Being from Dublin it's usually Man U or Liverpool, and Liverpool were my team.

Most skilful player at the club?

Duffer's a tricky winger.

Biggest joker?

Bobby Z.

What would you be if you weren't a footballer?

I always wanted to be a vet. I was always into my education back home and when I was over here, and it's something I would've liked to go into if I didn't make it in football.

[White Noise]

http://fulhampatsfan.blogspot.com/2010/03/what-happens-when-injured-players-start.html

What happens when injured players start returning for Fulham?


The injuries started to pile up at the beginning of the New Year for Fulham. I think the team has been able to survive these injuries. The big question is what happens to the lineup when these injured players return? Don't get me wrong having these players back will be a huge help. I am just curious what Roy Hogdson will do.

1. Paul Konchesky could be the closest Fulham player to return from injury. As I mentioned prior having these players back is wonderful. In Konchesky's place Nicky Shorey has done a great job at defender. Do you just put Konchesky back in at his position when he is ready? Maybe, you have Konchesky only play the Europa League matches and have Shorey continue to play the League games and the F A Cup games. Again, this is a good problem to have when Paul returns. Shouldn't an injured player just get his job back when he comes back from injury? I am curious to see how Roy handles this.

2. Clint Dempsey it has been reported might have already started light training back with the team late last week. Clint had a knee injury and you have to be careful how quickly he comes back. I have to say Simon Davies has done a great job in midfield. I forgot how much I enjoyed watching him play when he is back to normal. Again I am assuming Dempsey will be back in the lineup when he is ready. But, do you ease him into play or does he just go back into the starting lineup?

3. John Pantsil seems the farthest away from injury. He might not be ready to return this season. Let's go with the assumption he is good to go say at the very end of the season. I would put him in as soon as possible. John Pantsil has showed me this year his value. I still think, him getting hurt in the Chelsea game changed the complexion of that match. He has been very strong on defense and has been able to push the ball up front. I do think Chris Baird though has done a nice job. He deserves more credit than he gets.

Before I end this post I have a different question I have been thinking about. What is going on with Chris Smalling? There have been opportunities for him to play and we haven't seen him lately. I believe he cannot play in the Europa League. I understand that but why isn't he playing in the league games? This is just something I have been thinking about.

To close it should be interesting to see how Roy Hogdson handles the return of injured players. It certainly can't hurt to have more healthy options.
Posted by Fulham-Pats Fan at 11:53 AM

[White Noise]

http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/34944/Three_overrated_Fulham_players_.aspx

Three overrated Fulham players


Author:  Jonny Abrams


Posted on:02 March 2010 - 16:18


Angry comments at the ready, dear readers! Sport.co.uk selects three Fulham players who are highly thought of inside and/or outside of Craven Cottage but whom we – or at least this writer – fail to see what all the fuss is about. Feel free to correct us in the comments section, Cottagers fans...or indeed Roy Hodgson...

Andrew Johnson – It may be unfair to pick on the former England striker while he's sidelined through injury but the recent goal-scoring exploits of Bobby Zamora have reflected unfavourably upon the club's record signing. Johnson's pace (or what's left of it) and work rate make him a very useful outlet as a lone striker for a side playing the percentages – he's very good at hustling full-backs into conceding a throw-in, for instance – but there is no evidence of the deadliness which made him so prolific during his Crystal Palace days (as well as his first 7 games for Everton). Johnson is a likeable player and person and would undoubtedly still serve a purpose for a club in the Premier League's lower reaches, but Fulham have moved on and now require better.

Simon Davies – The general consensus amongst neutrals seems to be that Davies has returned to his Spurs best since joining the Cottagers from Everton but in truth those halcyon days of getting linked with big-money moves to Manchester United and Liverpool are still well beyond the Welsh midfielder. Davies is a bright and tidy enough footballer who occasionally wields a decent delivery but, as a wide man, he is about as penetrating as a slab of butter through a brick wall. All in all, he's another likeable player who just doesn't offer enough to be a regular starter in a top ten Premier League side.

Jonathan Greening – Now aged 31, Greening has over his career gathered a reputation as a player that could do all sorts of useful jobs for all sorts of teams without really taking anywhere by storm. One suspects that much of the regard he is held in stems from having played for Manchester United as a youngster because, at Fulham at least, he has shown up as a limited and overtly defensive presence on the left of midfield who seems to rely too much on an overlapping full-back like the on-loan Nicky Shorey.

Do you agree with any of the above? Is there anyone else at Fulham whom you consider overrated? How far can the Cottagers go in the Europa League? Does it concern you that many people see Roy Hodgson as the next England manager?

[White Noise]

http://www.godsfoot.com/

Fulham Review: Great Escape Reprints!


Filed under: General — weltmeisterclaude @ 2:35 pm





Hi

After much umming and arring I'm going to run a second print run of the now out of print Great Escape Fulham Review.

The trick here is that it's going to be a bit more expensive, as I'm not going to run off 3/400 of them (20/30 more likely).  So to cover this I'm going to ask for £10 a copy.    Hopefully this doesn't scare too many people off, but it's costing me a lot more to print them.   All 06/07 and 08/09 (and 09/10 for that matter) remain at the bargain £5 price.

If you'd like to pre-order please go to www.godsfoot.com.    When I get a few orders in I'll get them printed up and sent out.

cheers

Rich

[White Noise]

http://hammyend.com/?p=5779

Aaron Hughes: Mr. Consistent

by Dan on March 2, 2010

Aaron Hughes is one of three outfield Premier League players to have played every minute for their club this season. That shows a) just how much faith Roy Hodgson has in the Northern Ireland centre back and b) how important he is to the Fulham defence.

3- Fulham's A Hughes, Burnley's T Mears and B'ham's R Johnson are the only 3 players yet to miss a minute of PL action in 09/10. Stalwarts

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 2, 2010

[/size]

[White Noise]

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/03/02/fulham-utility-man-fires-warning-to-john-pantsil-82029-25945580/

Fulham utility man fires warning to John Pantsil


Mar 2 2010


By Jacob Murtagh


FULHAM utility man Chris Baird has warned John Pantsil he has a battle on his hands for the right-back berth.

The Ghanaian has been sidelined since the turn of the year with a knee injury, but is expected to return in the next month.

But Baird has filled the void, helping the Whites to an eight-game unbeaten streak.

And he has told his team-mate he won't give up the shirt without a fight.

"The shirt's mine to lose," he said. "It will be interesting to see what happens when John's back.

"The more good things that go right for me and the team, then it's up to the manager if he wants to change it.

"I feel like I've taken my chance, in midfield as well as right-back. The manager needed cover here and knows I can play anywhere."

Baird had a nightmare spell in the same position under former boss Lawrie Sanchez when he moved to Craven Cottage two-and-a-half years ago.

He looked to be surplus to requirements under Roy Hodgson, but the Northern Irishman has turned around his fortunes.

He added: I'm playing well, and am confident, which I wasn't under Sanchez.

"That put me down a bit, and that's why I wasn't playing as well. I'm just delighted to be getting the opportunity, and taking it."

[White Noise]

 
CAN'T WAIT ... Smalling


By STEVE BRENNER

Published: Today

CHRIS SMALLING used to wait tables in a hotel - now he cannot wait to dish up success at Manchester United.

The Fulham defender completes his incredible rise from non-league to the Premier League champions this summer after a deal - which may rise to £14million - was struck back in January.

But just 18 months ago he was earning £5 an hour as a waiter near his Kent home while studying for A-Levels and playing for Maidstone United.

Smalling, 20, who starts for the England Under-21s in their European Championship qualifier with Greece in Doncaster tonight, said: "It has been a whirlwind and things are happening very quickly. It is very exciting.

"My move to United came out of the blue. I was just concentrating on doing well for Fulham and linking up with the Under-21s, then suddenly it came up and it is a fantastic opportunity for me.

"When you have one of the biggest clubs in the world even considering you will be good enough for them, it is a massive compliment.

"I think at times I'll be star-struck, but I'm not nervous. When I started to play for Fulham I got a few nerves, but I've played now and have started to get used to it."



Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2875262/Chris-cant-wait.html#ixzz0h5kvurY1

[White Noise]

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/huddlestone-injury-blow-to-spurs-bid-for-topfour-finish-1914824.html

Huddlestone injury blow to Spurs' bid for top-four finish

By Mike McGrath


Wednesday, 3 March 2010


Huddlestone has started 30 games for Spurs this season


The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tom Huddlestone has suffered damage to his ankle ligaments and will visit a specialist this week to determine how long he will be sidelined and whether his World Cup hopes are in jeopardy.


The 23-year-old, who made his England debut last November in the defeat to Brazil, picked up the injury in the victory over Everton that sent Spurs back into the top four of the Premier League on Sunday. Huddlestone could not stand on his right foot following the challenge by John Heitinga and a scan revealed ligament damage.

The Tottenham manager, Harry Redknapp, has established Huddlestone as a regular in his team, starting him 30 times this season, and the injury is a huge blow in view of the midfielder's form and with Spurs already struggling with injuries.

The winger Aaron Lennon has a groin strain and must rest for at least six weeks, which also means he will be running out of time to impress Fabio Capello before the England manager picks his squad for South Africa.

Jermaine Jenas needs a groin operation, David Bentley has a tear in his groin, captain Ledley King is struggling with a thigh injury and centre-back Jonathan Woodgate is likely to miss the rest of the campaign.

As a result, Redknapp has recalled Jake Livermore from Peterborough after a nine-game spell at London Road. The 20-year-old has not played in the FA Cup this season so could be in the squad for the quarter-final against Fulham on Saturday.

But the in-form striker Roman Pavlyuchenko is putting thoughts about leaving Spurs to one side while there is plenty to fight for this season. "I try not to think about my future in the team," said the striker, who has scored six goals in his last three games. "At the moment it is senseless and unprofessional. We have clear goals: to win the FA Cup and get into the top four in the Premier League to get a ticket to the Champions League. I will start thinking about my future in June."

[Admin]

Ask AJ

Tuesday 2nd March 2010


Fulham FC News


Andrew Johnson is currently working his way back to fitness in preparation for the 2010/11 season following recent knee surgery.

The striker is back at Fulham's Motspur Park Training Ground and we're giving you an exclusive chance to question AJ on anything you like, so submit your questions on Cottage Corner today and we'll find out the anwsers to your best questions later this week.

Ask your questions now!|


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/AskAJ.aspx#ixzz0h5e7mugw

Are the club mad? They could risk another injury here if they are not careful.

[White Noise]

http://www.whydelilah.co.uk/news/03_Mar_2010/Reserves+crash+at+Fulham.html

Reserves crash at Fulham

By Jon Owen | Published: Wednesday 03 Mar 2010

[email protected]

LACKLUSTRE Stoke slipped to a 2-0 defeat against Fulham in the Barclays Premier Reserve League last night.

Stoke fielded a mix of fringe first-teamers and youth team players, with Steve Simonsen, Amdy Faye, Andy Davies and last week's FA Cup hero, Dave Kitson, all starting.

Paul Konchesky was included in the Fulham starting 11, while Swiss international goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuhler was between the home side's sticks.

And it was Fulham who started the brighter of the two sides with the eager central midfielder Chris Buchtmann eager to make some early runs into the Stoke box.

Watching Fulham boss Roy Hodgson would have been impressed with his side's opening goal just before the end of the first half, Konchesky's ball forward from the left being met by the run of Buchtmann, who beat Simonsen to drive a shot home from just outside the box.

Stoke found were finding it hard to get into any rhythm during a frustrating first period, although Kitson was providing a threat in the air.

In truth, Fulham should have gone in at the break with more than the one goal as City's defensive partnership of Matt Cohen and Davies struggled to cope with Fulham's little and large strike duo of Danny Hoesen and David Elm.

The two linked well throughout the game, and Hoesen should have opened the scoring on 20 minutes but failed to meet Elm's excellent low cross.

Kitson's snapshot provided Stoke with hope, but Fulham deservedly led at the interval.

Stoke came out in the second half looking more determined to impress assistant manager Peter Reid, who was in charge of the team for the night.

Kitson and striker partner Louis Moult worked were working hard to try to create openings, but the Fulham defence coped well.

The home side grew stronger as the half wore on, and doubled their lead on 75 minutes when Hoesen's low drive from a Keanu Marsh-Brown cross beat Simonsen at his right-hand post.

City made a triple substitution in the 86th minute, bringing on Craig Sinclair, Nick Jackson and Danny Stockhall for Cameron Mitchell, Zack Foster and Alex Hedley, but they newcomers had too little time to make an impression.

TEAMS
Fulham: Zuberbuhler, Stoor, Konchesky (Harris 70), Pierre, Toure, Buchtmann, Marsh-Brown, Milsom (Marquez-Sanchez 82), Hoesen, Elm (Payne 85), Smith.

Stoke: Simonsen, Hedley (Stockhall 86), McDonald, Amdy Faye, Cohen, Davies, Lund, Mitchell (Sinclair 86), Kitson, Moult, Foster (Jackson 86).

[White Noise]

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/football-in-wales/2010/03/03/boaz-myhill-91466-25948919/

SIMON DAVIES

The former Welsh skipper hasn't played for his country since the desperately disappointing World Cup double-header against Finland and Germany a year ago.

Davies was disappointed with the flak he received after the Finnish flop, but he was extremely poor that afternoon and John Toshack subsequently went on to publicly criticise him.

The Fulham man returns tonight as the playmaker in the absence of Ramsey and has to make his mark.

[White Noise]

http://sport.stv.tv/football/161012-middlesbrough-line-up-loan-move-for-scottish-third-division-starlet/

Middlesbrough line up loan move for Scottish Third Division starlet


Livingston left winger Andy Halliday, 18, is a transfer target for the English Championship club.


By Grant Russell

03 March 2010 08:13 AM


Gordon Strachan could make a surprise loan swoop in the Scottish Third Division to bolster Middlesbrough's promotion hopes. The former Celtic boss is chasing Livingston starlet Andy Halliday, a goalscoring left winger, and is believed to have offered the Almondvale club £50,000 to take the player south for the rest of the season, with a view to a permanent transfer in the summer.

Strachan is keen to add to his attacking options but the cash move to take the youngster on loan to the English Championship will be seen as an absurd move by many, despite the player's obvious talents. The Boro boss, who sees his team two points away from play-off contention at present, may however be trying to steal a march on his growing list of rivals for the hot prospect's signature.

Halliday, 18, broke into the Livingston first team in January 2009 under now-Dundee United coach Paul Hegarty, having scored a remarkable 24 goals from midfield in just 17 appearances for Livi's under-19's side last season.

This campaign he has scored 11 in 22 games as the West Lothian side have surged to the top of the Third Division table.

Glasgow-born Halliday, the latest in a long line of youth talent to emerge from the club, is now attracting interest from across the UK with his former club Rangers having sent scouts to monitor his progress, together with representatives from Manchester City, Hearts, Hibs, West Brom, Wigan Athletic, West Ham, Fulham Sunderland and Newcastle amongst others.

His goalscoring form at youth and first team level has led to many mistaking him for a striker but the modest youngster was keen to set the record straight when he spoke to STV Sport earlier in the season.

"I'm actually mistaken for a striker all the time but I'm definitely a left midfielder," Halliday said. "The chances just seem to fall for me.

"I work hard and just try my luck. I've not got a 100% strike rate, but I manage to score quite a few."

After making his second appearance for Livingston after a spell on the bench following his debut in April 2008, Halliday then went on to feature in 12 games in the 2008/08 season. The former Rangers youth player then scored his first senior goal for the Lions in a 2-2 draw at Ross County in May 2009.

Halliday had a spell on trial at English League One side Charlton Athletic earlier this season and also spent time in Italy last campaign on trial with Serie A club Parma, as the West Lothian club's then Italian board looked to forge ties in their homeland.

Should he move on from Livi, he would follow in the footsteps of West Brom's Scotland international Graeme Dorrans, Leeds United winger Robert Snodgrass, Coventry City defender James McPake, Burnley youngster Joe McKee, Dundee hot striking prospect Leigh Griffiths and St Johnstone's highly-rated midfielder Murray Davidson in leaving within the past 18 months to make their names on a higher stage, having been reared by the team's exceptional youth development system.

Their seemingly endless string of talent doesn't end there, with central defender Cameron MacDonald, triplets Kyle, Devon and Sheldon Jacobs - and their older brother Keaghan - and young striker Mark McNulty all tipped to follow in their former team-mates' footsteps.

[White Noise]

http://www.imscouting.com/global-news-article/Feature-Three-Egyptian-players-to-watch-in-friendly-with-England/6194/


Other interesting players in the Egyptian squad are veteran goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, extremely talented attacking midfielder/ left winger Shikabala (who may start as a substitute) and Mohamed Nagy 'Geddo'.  Geddo was the top scorer in the recent African Nations Cup and is a player who came out of nowhere to become a true star, regularly coming off the bench to impress during Egypt's triumphant African Cup of Nations campaign. Since the tournament ended though, Geddo has not impressed playing for his side Al Ittihad.  He has been seemingly affected by transfer links to European sides including Sunderland, Fulham and Wolves and he may take part in tonight's game only as a substitute.

[White Noise]

http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/34956/Three_overrated_Sunderland_players_.aspx

Steed Malbranque – Sunderland's current slump owes itself greatly to the side's chronic lack of creativity, which may come as a surprise to outsiders remarking on the presence of Andy Reid and former Fulham talisman Malbranque. The Frenchman was one of the league's hottest properties during his Craven Cottage days but appeared to lose his way a bit at Tottenham Hotspur. The downward trend has continued at the Stadium of Light, where he has proven to be about as useful as a baguette to a batsman. Dubious fitness or Steve Bruce's somewhat agricultural tactics could be the factors here. Still, he's got to be a better option on the right than Frazier Campbell. Perhaps the attack-inclined Alan Hutton will help him out on the right hand side.

[White Noise]

http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/34958/Morning_Tittle-Tattle_Wenger_still_keen_on_Melo_Torres_reveals_Barcelona_preference_Higuain_alerts_Premier_League_giants_Everton_lead_Dorrans_chase__Nani_encourages_Veloso_swoop.aspx

Everton FC are the frontrunners in the race for Championship star Graham Dorrans. The Scottish international has been an instrumental force for West Bromwich Albion this season and has received covetous glances from Arsenal FC, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham FC, Sunderland FC and Blackburn Rovers, however David Moyes is the strong favourite for the 22-year-old. (The Sun)