Saturday Fulham Stuff (12/11/11)...

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Norway lacking motivation

Norway captain Brede Hangeland says that some of his squad have found it difficult to motivate themselves ahead of the friendly against Wales.

A 3-1 win over Cyprus in their final Group H fixture last month was not enough to secure a Euro 2012 play-off berth for Egil Olsen's side, who missed out on second spot in their group on goal difference.

They now face a rejuvenated Welsh side that have won three of their last four games and can call on the in-form pair of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, who have been the focus of media scrutiny this week after appearing in promotional images for a Team GB supporters' shirt.

Fulham defender Hangeland is hopeful that his side can deliver, but acknowledges it has been difficult to get the squad up for a game that coincides with the first leg of the play-offs they so narrowly missed out on.

He said: "Obviously we want to win the game, and produce a good performance, but it is hard to convince everyone that this is a massively important game after a qualifying campaign.

"It is a friendly and we will try and use it to prepare as best we can for next year's Wold Cup qualifiers."

If Norway are to emerge victorious at Cardiff City Stadium, then Hangeland and his backline will need to be at their best.

Wales' recent good run has been based around the pace, power and creativity of Bale, Ramsey, Joe Allen, Craig Bellamy and Steve Morison and Hangeland knows that quintet will ensure he is in for a tough afternoon.

He said: "It's not really a surprise to see how well they are doing when you look at the players they have.

"They have guys doing well in the Premier League and it is a strong team that I expect to go on to better things in the future.

"Everyone who follows the Premier League knows Ramsey and Bale have been doing well lately and if they play we know it will be tough.

"Bale is a good all-round player, he has that pace which is something every defender will have trouble with. We know he can cause trouble but hopefully we can deal with it.

"Bellamy is another guy who is a great attacking option and we know we will have our work cut out."



http://www.teamtalk.com/wales/7304108/Norway-lacking-motivation?

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool & Spurs in £10m Belgian battle - reports
Liverpool have joined Tottenham Hotspur in race for Mousa Dembele



Liverpool have reportedly joined Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Belgian international Moussa Dembele.

The 24-year-old has endured a far from spectacular spell at Fulham after moving to Craven Cottage in the summer of 2010, with injury affecting his progress under Mark Hughes before the manager's exit at the end of the season.

Goals have also been hard to come by under manager Martin Jol, but that didn't stop Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp being linked with a move for the former AZ Alkmaar striker last week.

The Spurs boss has lined-up Dembele as a possible replacement for Rafael Van der Vaart, according to The Sun, with the Dutch international claimed to be on AC Milan's January transfer radar.

A £10 million price-tag was thought to be well in the budget of the White Hart Lane outfit, but Spurs now face fresh competition from an old foe in the shape of the Reds.

According to ClubCall, Kenny Dalglish has highlighted the player as someone who can help enhance the Liverpool squad as the Merseysiders look for a return to the Barclays Premier League.

With 18 months left on his current deal, the Liverpool boss will be hoping to get a cut-price deal on the forward, who could provide depth in a particularly weak area for the club.

Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez were both drafted in at Anfield in January for a total fee in excess of £55 million, but Liverpool lack a third striker with proven ability, and Dembele's English league and international experience make him a possible candidate.



http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/liverpool-spurs-in-10m-belgian-battle---reports?

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Young Blues Potentially Away To Fulham

Carlisle hope to take on some Premier League opposition in Round Three of the FA Youth Cup

And that would be one hell of a tough ask too as the Cottagers currently sit on top of a Premier League Academy Group A table with eight wins and two defeats from their ten games played so far this season, the Whites last year in the FA Youth Cup making it to the fifth round stage thanks to victories over West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City before losing 2-0 at home to Watford.

First up though, after thrashing Sheffield Wednesday 4-1 in round one, Carlisle must get past Kidderminster Harriers on the road in round two. Kidderminster, who are sixth at the moment in a 12 team Conference Youth League Central Division, lucky enough to have had five home ties in a row so far, beating Nuneaton Griff 5-0, Stone Dominoes 3-2, Matlock Town 3-0 and Brighouse Town 4-2 before their match against United which kicks off at 7.30pm at Aggborough on Wednesday night.

Elsewhere in the round three draw, which was made at Wembley Stadium today, holders Manchester United face an easy looking tie at home to Torquay United or Cirencester Town, Cirencester being one of eleven non-league clubs currently left in the competition, while last year's runners-up, in Sheffield United, have been drawn away to Southampton if they can defeat Port Vale at home in round two.



http://www.carlisleunited-mad.co.uk/roll/ed93/young_blues_potentially_away_to_fulham_712458/index.shtml?

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Fulham defender praises Arsenal and Spurs stars

Brede Hangeland believes Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale have been in excellent form this season

Fulham defender Brede Hangeland believes that Arsenal and Tottenham stars Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale will pose a major threat to Norway in their friendly against Wales tomorrow at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Ramsey and Bale have been in great form this season and will be looking to get another win as they look to climb the Fifa rankings.

Ramsey has made 20 appearances so far this campaign for the Gunners, scoring four goals including the last minute winner against Marseille, while Bale has featured 16 times this season for Spurs, scoring seven goals.

Ahead of Norway's match with Wales, Hangeland reserved special praise for the Arsenal and Tottenham midfielders.

"Everyone who follows the Premier League knows Ramsey and Bale have been doing well lately and if they play we know it will be tough," he said.

"Bale is a good all-round player, he has that pace which is something every defender will have trouble with. We know he can cause trouble but hopefully we can deal with it.

"Bellamy is another guy who is a great attacking option and we know we will have our work cut out."

Hangeland has made 23 appearances in all competitions for Fulham this season.



http://www.london24.com/sport/arsenal/fulham_defender_praises_arsenal_and_spurs_stars_1_1124430?

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Youth Cup Draw

The draw for the Third Round of the FA Youth Cup was made on Friday at Wembley Stadium. Fulham were drawn at home against Kidderminster Harriers or Carlisle United.

All third round ties are to take place by Saturday 17th December 2011. Further fixture and ticketing details will be made available soon.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/November/YouthCupDraw.aspx?#ixzz1dTfnp2xn

[WhiteJC]

 
Hangeland issues warning
Norway skipper warns against complacency against Wales


Brede Hangeland: Norway skipper has warned against complacency against Wales

Skipper Brede Hangeland has warned against complacency when Norway take on Wales, although he admits it will be hard to raise their game after their Euro 2012 play-off woe.

A 3-1 win over Cyprus in their final Group H fixture last month was not enough to secure a play-off berth for Egil Olsen's side, who missed out on second spot in their group on goal difference.

They now face a rejuvenated Welsh side at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday that have won three of their last four games and can call on the in-form pair of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.

Fulham defender Hangeland is hopeful that his side can deliver, but acknowledges it has been difficult to get the squad up for a game after narrowly missing out on the play-offs.

He said: "Obviously we want to win the game, and produce a good performance, but it is hard to convince everyone that this is a massively important game after a qualifying campaign.

"It is a friendly and we will try and use it to prepare as best we can for next year's Wold Cup qualifiers."

Tough afternoon

Wales' recent good run has been based around the pace, power and creativity of Bale, Ramsey, Joe Allen, Craig Bellamy and Steve Morison and Hangeland knows that quintet will ensure Norway are in for a tough afternoon.

He said: "It's not really a surprise to see how well they are doing when you look at the players they have.

"They have guys doing well in the Premier League and it is a strong team that I expect to go on to better things in the future.

"Everyone who follows the Premier League knows Ramsey and Bale have been doing well lately and if they play we know it will be tough.

"Bale is a good all-round player, he has that pace which is something every defender will have trouble with. We know he can cause trouble but hopefully we can deal with it.

"Bellamy is another guy who is a great attacking option and we know we will have our work cut out."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7304333/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Republic roar towards finals
by DAN on NOVEMBER 11, 2011

A superb performance from the Republic of Ireland in Tallinn tonight put Giovanni Trapattioni's team on the brink of qualifying for Euro 2012.

The Irish crushed Estonia, who finished with nine men, 4-0 and barring a stupendous turnaround in midweek at the Aviva Stadium they will reach their first major championship finals since 2002. Keith Andrews steadied any lingering Irish nerves with an early strike and the visitors were clinical in the second half as the Estonians tired. Goals from Jon Walters and a late brace from Robbie Keane completed the rout.

Trapattioni's side took the lead after 13 minutes. Walters and Keane linked beautifully to free Aiden McGeady down the left and, after the former Celtic winger had checked back inside intelligently, he delivered an inch-perfect cross for Andrews to head home. Andrei Stepanov was sent off for two yellow cards, the second of which was awarded for a desperate lunge as Keane raced clear following a defensive mistake, but initially the home side shrugged off that setback as they pressed for an equaliser early in the second period.

It took a moment of magic from Stoke striker Walters to extend Ireland's lead. The hard working centre-forward won the ball in a dangerous area found Keane, who fed McGeady for a powerful shot that Wisla Krakow keeper Sergio Pareiko couldn't hold. Keane reacted quickest to rebound and his deep cross was nodded over the line by Walters at the back post.

It was 3-0 in the 71st minute when Pareiko was flummoxed by Andrews' clever free-kick and the former Leeds and Tottenham striker converted the rebound from close range. Raio Piiroja was dismissed for a second bookable offence and Keane pounced to surely put the tie beyond the Estonian side. Keane completed the rout from the spot after Ats Purje's late lunge at Stephen Hunt gave away a penalty. The spot-kick saw Keane score his 18th goal in European Championship qualifying fixtures, leaving him just one behind the record held jointly by Hakan Suker and Jon Dahl Tomasson.

Fulham's Stephen Kelly and Damien Duff both started the game, with the latter fortunate to avoid serious injury when he collided with one of his team-mates in the second half. The experienced winger was withdrawn with seventeen minutes to play.

ESTONIA (4-4-1-1): Pareiko; Jaager, Stepanov, Piiroja, Klavan; Dmitrijev, Vunk (Lindpere 61), Kruglov, Kink (Purje 67); Vassiljev; Ahjupera (Voskoboinikov 55). Subs (not used): Londak, Rahn, Saag, Teniste.

BOOKED: Stepanov, Ahjupera, Piiroja, Pareiko.

SENT OFF: Stepanov (34), Piiroja (76).

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (4-4-2): Given; Kelly, Ward, St. Ledger, Dunne; Whelan (Fahey 78), Andrews, McGeady, Duff (Hunt 73); Walters (Cox 83), Keane. Subs (not used): Westwood, McShane, O'Dea, Keogh.

GOALS: Andrews (13), Walters (67), Keane (71, pen 88).

REFEREE: Viktor Kassai (Hungary).



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/11/republic-roar-towards-finals/?

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Nacer Chadli keen on Fulham switch

FC Twente winger Nacer Chadli hopes a move to Fulham can be revived after admitting a knee injury put the transfer on hold last summer.

The 22-year-old Belgian said: 'I had an offer from Fulham but got injured and the deal fell through. It is still my goal to play in the English league.'

?Jol eyes raid on former club Twente as Fulham lodge ?8m Chadli bidFulham boss Jol told to double his ?4.3m bid for FC Twente striker Chadli


http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/nacer_chadli_keen_on_fulham_switch_712205/index.shtml?

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Mexico eases to victory

Mexico recorded a 2-0 win over Serbia in an international friendly in Queretaro thanks to goals at either end of the game from Carlos Salcido and Javier Hernandez.

Salcido, who is on loan at Mexican club UANL from Fulham, broke the deadlock after just two minutes when his cross from the left found its way into the far corner of the net.

Manchester United striker Hernandez then doubled the score three minutes from time when he sent Serbia goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic the wrong way from the penalty spot to seal the victory for Mexico in their final game of 2011.

The kick was awarded following a shove on Hernandez by Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov, who was subsequently shown a second yellow card and sent for an early bath.



http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1081017/Mexico-eases-to-victory?

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Lustig open to Bhoys talks
Sweden international would be willing to discuss Scottish switch


Mikael Lustig: Attracting plenty of interest as he prepares to become a free agent

Rosenborg defender Mikael Lustig would be willing to discuss a move to Celtic, with the Bhoys one of a number of clubs chasing his signature.

The Swedish full-back is set to become a free agent in the New Year and his imminent availability is attracting plenty of interest.

Premier League outfit Fulham are also known to be in the running, while Spanish side Espanyol are keen to bolster their defensive options.

Lustig, who is also capable of operating at centre-half, claims he is open to any offers and has no preference where he ends up.

Talks

He is prepared to talk terms with Celtic and insists he will be closing no doors as his contract in Norway runs down.

"I know Celtic and Fulham are interested but how interested is difficult to assess," Lustig said in the Daily Record.

"Nothing is clear yet but it's not like I have a hierarchy of where I want to go. I don't say Italy is number one, England is second, and so on.

"I will take it as it comes and I hope to start talking to various clubs soon."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/7303174/

[WhiteJC]

 
Stephen Kelly ready to grab Fulham chance



FULHAM full-back Stephen Kelly insists he's ready to grab his chance with both hands following a serious knee injury to team-mate Zdenek Grygera.

The Irishman has been restricted to just one Premier League start for the Whites this season, and mainly featured in the Europa League.

However, Kelly could be given a run of games at right-back after Grygera was ruled out for six months with cruciate ligament damage sustained in Sunday's defeat against Spurs.

And the 28-year-old insists he's ready to fill the void.

He said: "The Europa League has given me the chance to play and put myself in the window to show what I can do.

"Hopefully that will continue on to the Premier League. The games I've played, against Manchester City and Blackburn, I felt they were two of our best performances, so to be able to perform at that level is great.

"Any game I'm getting I'm just trying to show what I'm capable of doing."

Kelly and Fulham team-mate Damien Duff are preparing for one of the biggest games of their lives tonight as the Republic of Ireland take on Estonia in the Euro 2012 play-offs.

And the defender admits it would be the highlight of his career to help his country into the finals of a major tournament.

"These games are huge for our country," he added. "Getting to the Europa League final with Fulham was amazing, but to get to a major tournament with our country would be fantastic.

"I've spent my whole life watching Ireland, so to have a chance to go there myself would be amazing. The country's in a bit of a bad way so qualifying would give everybody a boost."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/11/11/stephen-kelly-ready-to-grab-fulham-chance-82029-29756273/#ixzz1dTi3FA2t

[WhiteJC]

 
Euro 2012 play-off: Estonia 0-4 Republic of Ireland


Keith Andrews headed the Republic of Ireland into a 13th-minute lead in Tallinn

The Republic of Ireland effectively sealed their place in the Euro 2012 finals thanks to a big win in Tallinn.

Ipswich midfielder Keith Andrews rose to head in a 13th-minute opener and then Estonian defender Andrei Stepanov was sent-off for a second yellow card.

Ireland took advantage in the second half with Jonathan Walters forcing in a header and Robbie Keane making it 3-0.

Estonia were down to nine men when Raio Piiroja was dismissed before Keane got the fourth with a late penalty.

The skipper slotted in his 53rd goal for the Republic after substitute Stephen Hunt went down under Ats Purje's challenge.

DID YOU KNOW?
The last time Republic of Ireland featured in a major tournament was the 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea, where they reached the last 16 before losing on penalties to Spain

A carnival atmosphere can be expected in Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Tuesday when Giovanni Trapattoni's men will surely confirm their place in next summer's finals in Poland and Ukraine, an outcome that improves Trapattoni's chances of a new contract from the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).

Estonia made an encouraging start with Konsantin Vassiljev's shot deflecting off Andrews and looping over the bar.

However, the opening goal came at the other end as Keane supplied Aidan McGeady on the left and his chipped cross from the edge of the box set up Andrews to head in his third international goal.

Stoke City's Jonathan Walters, in for the suspended Kevin Doyle, sent a couple of efforts off target while Vassiljev had a worried keeper Shay Given diving for a shot from distance that looked only inches wide.

Stepanov's dismissal for a second yellow card came 11 minutes before the interval, and Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai could well have flashed a straight red as Keane looked to be the last man when the home defender clattered into him.

ALL-TIME TOP SCORERS IN EURO CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFICATION
19 - Hakan Suker (Turkey), Jon Dahl Tomasson (Denmark)
18 - Robbie Keane (Republic of Ireland), Jan Koller (Czech Republic), Raul (Spain)

The Irish did not immediately go all out to try to kill off the contest, but they hammered home their advantage in the second half.

Walters headed in from Keane's looping ball to the far post in the 67th minute after McGeady's free-kick had been parried by keeper Sergei Pareiko.

Keane tapped a rebound into an empty net to make it 3-0 on 71 minutes.

An Andrews free-kick deceived Pareiko and, when he could merely flick out a foot to block the ball, LA Galaxy striker Keane pounced.

Piiroja's night went from bad to worse 13 minutes from time when he was booked for a second time, this time for handball, joining fellow central defender Stepanov back in the changing rooms.

Keane capped a memorable night with an 88th-minute penalty after Purje was adjudged to have impeded Hunt.

Estonia: Pareiko, Jaager, Stepanov, Piiroja, Klavan, Dmitrijev, Vassiljev, Vunk (Lindpere 61), Kruglov, Kink (Purje 68), Ahjupera (Voskoboinikov 55).

Not used: Londak, Rahn, Saag, Teniste.

Republic of Ireland: Given, Kelly, St Ledger, Dunne, Ward, Duff (Hunt 73), Whelan (Fahey 78), Andrews, McGeady, Keane, Walters (Cox 83).

Not used: Westwood,Keogh,McShane,O'Dea.

Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Att: 10,500



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15572442.stm

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham target former Chelsea star Sinclair



Martin Jol has targeted Swansea striker Scott Sinclair.

The Fulham boss sees him as a replacement for Moussa Dembele, who might be lured away from Craven Cottage by Spurs.

Sinclair cost Swansea £1.5million when he joined from Chelsea and has 18 months left on his current contract.

The England Under-21 forward scored 27 goals for City last season when they won promotion to the Premier League and has three so far this campaign.



http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/Fulham-line-up-former-Chelsea-star-Scott-Sinclair-as-replacement-for-Spurs-target-Moussa-Dembele-article829375.html