Croatian veteran Ivan Ljubicic ousted a weary world number two Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-3 as defending champion Rafael Nadal booked his quarter-final berth at the BNP Paribas Open. While third-seeded Nadal advanced on Wednesday with a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 triumph over big-serving American John Isner, Djokovic couldn't keep pace with the blistering serves and clean groundstrokes of Ljubicic, a former world number three now ranked 26th in the world. World number four Andy Murray secured his quarter-final slot with ease as Spain's Nicolas Almagro retired while trailing with an apparent left ankle injury.
Murray led 6-2, 1-0 when Almagro called it quits after receiving treatment on court at the end of the first set. Ljubicic said he was delighted to end a five-match skid against Djokovic, calling some of those defeats "brutal". "I'm really happy to be able to beat him finally," said Ljubicic, whose only prior win against Djokovic was their first meeting in Zagreb in 2006. His most recent defeats to the Serb had come in the first round of last year's US Open, and in the quarter-finals at Dubai last month. "My serve helped me, especially in difficult moments," said Ljubicic, who gave himself both of his match points in the final game with two of his 13 aces. Djokovic saved the first, but on the second Ljubicic came up with another big serve that the Serbian could only sail back across the baseline. "But also two weeks ago in Dubai I was serving unbelievably," Ljubicic said. "You can't beat Novak only with a serve, but it does help you a lot if you can get a lot of free points off that shot."

Djokovic said he knew what to expect. "I don't think any match we play is different," he said. "It's more or less based on the service and returns. As much as I get in the rallies, I think I have more chances to win the point. It wasn't the case today. "My execution was very bad and he played well when he needed to and he served well when he needed to," said Djokovic, who won his second straight Dubai Open title in February then won both of his matches to help Serbia beat the United States in the first round of the Davis Cup in Belgrade. Djokovic had looked far from sharp since arriving in the California desert, having to save three match points to subdue Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber in the third round.

"This is a tournament where I definitely didn't feel comfortable on the court," said Djokovic, the 2008 champion. "It's just because I had a very tiring couple of weeks coming from Davis Cup, which was emotionally very exhausting for me." The tournament has now lost its top two men's seeds, after world number one Roger Federer was stunned by Marcos Baghdatis in the third round on Tuesday. That left Spain's Nadal as the highest-ranked player to make it into the quarters as he withstood a barrage of 22 aces from the 24-year-old American Isner.

Nadal closed it out with a forehand winner into an open court. "I am feeling really well, and I am feeling good on court," said Nadal, who is playing his first tournament since retiring injured from the Australian Open. "I felt like I played pretty well," Isner said of his first outing against Nadal. "I might have run out of gas in the third set, but that's what he does. He makes you work so hard for every point." Nadal next faces Czech Tomas Berdych, a 6-1, 6-3 winner over Serbian Victor Troicki, while Ljubicic will take on Argentina's Juan Monaco, who beat Spain's Guillermo Garcia Lopez 3-6, 6-2, 6-1. Baghdatis, who saved three match points en route to his triumph over Federer, couldn't hold off Spain's Tommy Robredo, who notched a 7-5, 0-6, 6-4 victory to line up a meeting with seventh-seeded American Andy Roddick, who beat Austraia's Jurgen Melzer 7-6 (7/5), 6-4. Murray will play sixth-seeded Swede Robin Soderling, who beat France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3, 6-4. Meanwhile women's fifth seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland booked a semi-final berth with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over fourth-seeded Russian Elena Dementieva.

Radwanska has reached her second semi-final of the season without dropping a set, and denied Dementieva a shot at a third title of 2010 - after triumphs in Sydney and the Paris Indoors.
Radwanska will play second-seeded Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, who outlasted China's Zheng Jie 6-4, 4-6, 6-1.

David Beckham's ruptured Achilles may mean the 'end of the world' for him but it is by no means the end of England's dreams of World Cup triumph in South Africa later this year.When Beckham was at Manchester United and at the peak of his football powers, Old Trafford great George Best delivered a damning assessment of the midfielder's ability."He cannot kick with his left foot, he cannot head a ball, he cannot tackle and he doesn't score many goals," Best said. "Apart from that he's all right."Best's comments were widely dismissed as the words of an embittered former player yet they highlighted how the hype surrounding Beckham has often exceeded his deeds on the pitch.No-one can dispute the 34-year-old Beckham's efforts in trying to become the first England player to appear in four World Cups.He joined Italian giants AC Milan on loan from MLS side LA Galaxy in a bid to maintain match fitness in the run-up to the June start of the tournament.Indeed it was while playing for Milan on Sunday that Beckham suffered the injury that ended his hopes of playing in South Africa.But it is not as if Beckham's three previous appearances did much to end England's wait for a second World Cup title, which has been going on since the late Bobby Moore lifted the Jules Rimet trophy at Wembley back in 1966.In 1998, Beckham was sent-off for a petulant kick at Diego Simeone during England's quarter-final loss to Argentina, with many fans blaming his reckless act for the defeat.Four years later there were those who highlighted the way he jumped out of a tackle in the build-up to a goal scored by Brazil as being a key moment in another England quarter-final loss, this time against a 10-man Brazil side.The 2006 World Cup in Germany saw Beckham turn in some solid displays yet nowhere near the calibre of those produced by France's Zinedine Zidane or Italy's Fabio Cannavaro in inspiring their sides to World Cup glory.For all that England manager Fabio Capello has spoken warmly about Beckham's ability and positive influence on the rest of the squad, the former captain has largely been reduced to a substitute role during the Italian's time in charge.His free-kick ability remains intact but it is a long time since Beckham had a major influence upon a major match.It may seem harsh on Beckham, but few sides have won Word Cups on the basis of an ageing (he will be 35 when the World Cup starts) dead ball specialist.On the other hand, were England to lose star striker Wayne Rooney in the run-up, that would all but scupper their World Cup hopes.Much of the publicity that surrounds Beckham is not of the player's making.But his global celebrity, which seems to be something his wife, the former pop star Victoria Adams, enjoys more than her husband, has frequently proved an unwanted distraction to England, notably at the 2006 World Cup where the antics of the WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends) of players captivated the press.Beckham's absence may also embolden his rivals for the right hand side midfield berth, with the likes of the much quicker Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright-Phillips no longer having to look over their shoulder. England have not won a World Cup with Beckham, a player who has given loyal service during a 115 cap career, 58 as captain, that has yielded 17 goals. They may win one without him but, either way, the days when England's fortunes were dependent upon Beckham have passed.

Wayne Rooney fired Manchester United back to the top of the Premier League as his double-strike inspired a 3-0 win over Fulham on Sunday.
Sir Alex Ferguson's team had been knocked off top spot by Chelsea's victory against West Ham on Saturday, but Rooney struck 30 seconds after half-time at Old Trafford and added a second in the closing stages.
Dimitar Berbatov headed United's third goal in the last minute to ensure the champions moved two points clear of the Blues and third placed Arsenal. United had lost 3-0 at Fulham earlier this season but Rooney, who has now scored 16 goals in his last 11 United appearances, broke their resistance when he met Nani's cross with a first-time finish that flashed past Mark Schwarzer from 10 yards out.
England forward Rooney put the result beyond doubt when he swept in Berbatov's 84th minute cross to take his goal tally for the season to 32 in all competitions. Berbatov sealed the rout with a diving header from South Korea winger Park Ji-Sung's 89th minute cross. Manchester City will aim to keep their challenge for fourth place on course at Sunderland in Sunday's late game.

Big-spending Real Madrid was knocked out of the Champions League by Lyon on Wednesday and Manchester United spoiled David Beckham’s return to Old Trafford with a 4-0 win over AC Milan.Madrid were held 1-1 at home by Lyon which meant they went out 2-1 on aggregate and failed to reach the last eight for the sixth season in a row. In Manchester, two more goals by Wayne Rooney — who also scored twice in the first leg in Milan —helped United triumph 7-2 overall and join Arsenal and Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.Nine-time European champion Real spent $340 million on new players to try and win the trophy for the first time since 2002 and now will have to wait at least one more season. It all looked hopeful for Madrid when they wiped out Lyon’s 1-0 first-leg lead within six minutes of the kickoff. A long pass by Jose Maria “Guti” Gutierrez’ released Cristiano Ronaldo down the left and the winger fired through the legs of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris for his seventh Champions League goal of the season.It should have been 2-0 in the 26th when Gonzalo Higuain got clear and rounded the goalkeeper but fired against the post when faced by an empty net. Jean II Makoun, who scored Lyon’s spectacular goal in the first leg, squandered a rare chance for the visitor when a cross found him unmarked in front of goal as he miskicked the ball from 10 meters out.Sidney Govou missed a similar chance early in the second half but Miralem Pjanic made it 1-1 in the 75th minute when he got clear down the left and fired past goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Madrid then needed two more goals to avoid going out, but surprisingly took off Kaka, and replaced him with veteran Raul Gonzalez.At Old Trafford, Rooney scored United’s first two and Park Ji-sung and Darren Fletcher added two more. It was 3-0 by the time Beckham, on loan to Milan, went on as a substitute to a big ovation from the United fans and the former England captain.

Brandon Roy scored 41 points, Andre Miller added 15 points and seven assists and the Portland Trail Blazers overcame a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the Golden State Warriors 110-105 on Thursday night.
Rudy Fernandez added 12 points including a pair of pivotal 3-pointers during a late 17-3 run by the Blazers, who snapped a nine-game losing streak at Oracle Arena. Portland also avoided what would have been a costly defeat as it tries to hold onto the eighth spot in the Western Conference. Corey Maggette scored 24 points and Monta Ellis added 17 before fouling out in his first game back following a six-game absence for Golden State, which lost its sixth straight. The Blazers won for the fifth time in six games and moved a season-high 11 games above .500. It wasn't easy.
Portland trailed 96-83 entering the fourth quarter after struggling offensively most of the night and didn't show much signs of life before rallying. The Blazers did it despite Roy scoring just three of his points over the final 12 minutes. Aldridge had six points during a 10-2 run to start the comeback in the fourth. Fernandez later hit back-to-back 3-pointers to tie the game at 102 and Aldridge added a key three-point play to give Portland a 108-102 lead with 1:39 left.
Stephen Curry made a 3-pointer for Golden State but Reggie Williams missed what would have been a tying 3 with 49.9 seconds left. Miller then sealed the win for Portland with a pair of free throws.
The Blazers hadn't done much until then except for Roy. He had 24 points in the first half then added 14 more in the third quarter before topping the 40-point mark for the third time this season. Roy finished 14 of 22 from the floor and added eight rebounds with four assists. Ellis, who had not played since scoring 22 points in a 127-112 loss to Denver on Feb. 25, nearly led the Warriors to an upset after getting cleared to play earlier in the day after sitting out six games due to a strained lower back. He got off to a slow start against the Blazers and had only five points in the first half but scored 12 in the third quarter when Golden State built a 96-80 lead.
The Warriors fell apart after that, however, and were outscored 27-9 in the fourth quarter while losing to Portland at home for the first time since Nov. 3, 2004.

Allrounder Nischal Pandey led Nepal to their third consecutive win and a place in the semi-finals of the ACC U-16 Elite Cup with an 85-run win over Bahrain here at the Birendra Sainik Awasiya Mahavidhyalaya grounds today.Electing to bat first, Nepal scored 206-7 before restricting Bahrain to 121-9 in 40 overs. Nepal topped Group B with three wins in as many matches. Friday’s result between Hong Kong and Kuwait will determine the second team to accompany Nepal in the semi-finals from the group.For the third game in a row, it was Nischal who earned the man-of-the-match award. The left-arm spinner starred with the ball taking 4-6 in their six-wicket win over Hong Kong on Monday before excelling his performance with allround contribution the next day, taking 5-15 and scoring 58 runs in their 101-run victory over Kuwait. He also became the first ever Nepali allrounder to take five wickets and score a half century in an international match. He contunued with the form on Thursday as well — scoring 74 runs and returning with the figures of 5-28 from eight overs.Sharad Khadka (26) and Nischal laid the platform for a huge total with the first wicket stand of 86 runs in 13.3 overs. The home team lost three wickets in regular succession but Sushan Bhari Shrestha (20), Satish Bhagat (16) and Hari Chaulagain’s quickfire 27 off 20 balls helped their total cross the 200 mark. Nischal hit 12 boundaries in his 62-ball knock. Nikhil Olar and Lalith Lal were pick of the Bahrain bowlers with two scalps each.Bahrain were on the backfoot from the first over when they lost two batsmen without a single run on the board. Medium pacer Hari Chaulagain trapped Nikhil and Ali Ikram Nadeem leg before wicket with the second and third balls to reduce Bahrain to 0-2. However, Md Faiz Jasnaik (17) and Md Fayyaz (26) consolidated their innings putting on 54 runs for the third wicket. But their dismissal inside three overs meant Bahrain could only muster 121-9 in 40 overs. Aditya Sarkar also chipped in 24 runs. Apart from Nischal, Bibek Chaudhary took 2-6 while Rajiv Shah and Sharad also picked up one wicket each for the hosts.“I am extremely happy with my performance in the tournament,” said Nischal. “I was hoping to play better in the tournament but I have excelled my own expectations,” added the allrounder. “I hope to continue with the same display if am picked up for the U-19 tournaments in future.” Nepal’s coach Roy Luke Dias said he was disappointed for not being able to dismiss Bahrain before 40 overs. “After putting on such a big total, I would have liked them to bowl Bahrain completely out,” said Dias. Indicating to Nischal’s performances, Dias said, “It was pretty much a one-man-show so far in the tournament. He is an intelligent cricketer and with some practice and guidance he has the potential to establish himself as a good allrounder,” said Dias.In Group B matches, Singapore defeated Thailand by 175 runs at the Tribhuvan University Stadium and Malaysia beat Saudi Arabia by six wickets at the Pulchowk Engineering College grounds. Singapore scored 246-5 in 40 overs with contributions from man-of-the-match Vikash Rajgopal (61), Iishan Shekhar (46) and Mohit Kuldarni (44). Thailand were bundled out for 71 runs in 31.4 overs.Saudi Arabia could only muster 125 runs in 36.2 overs and Malaysia overcame the total losing four wickets in 24.1 overs. Man-of-the-match Syahadat Ramli took four and Nik Nabik three wickets for Malaysia. Ahmed Tajudin struck unbeaten 45 to steer Malaysia home.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has barred Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan from the national team indefinitely and imposed a one-year ban on Shoaib Malik and Rana Naved for behavior they say contributed to Pakistan’s poor performance on their recent tour of Australia.The PCB on Wednesday implemented the recommendations of an inquiry committee formed to evaluate Pakistan’s dismal performance against Australia in December and January. “Younis and Yousuf both cannot represent Pakistan in any international games, but they can play in domestic cricket and compete in county cricket,” PCB legal adviser Taffazul Rizvi said.Both Yousuf and Younis were involved in infighting while on tour, which resulted in bringing down the whole team, the PCB said in a statement. “Their attitude has a trickle down effect which is a bad influence for the whole team,” it said. Malik and Naved were also fined two million rupees ($23,500), wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal was handed a fine of three million rupees ($35,200) and Umar Akmal, younger brother of Kamran, was fined two million rupees ($23,500).Shahid Afridi was fined three million rupees ($35,200) for ball tampering during the one-day series against Australia. Afridi and Akmal brothers will be on a probation of six months during which their conduct will be strictly monitored, the PCB said in a statement.The inquiry committee comprised PCB chief operating officer Wasim Bari, board member Wazir Ali Khoja, director of cricket operations Zakir Khan, team manager Yawar Saeed and Rizvi. The players who were handed suspensions and fines appeared before the committee while other team officials — coach Intikhab Alam, assistant coach Aaqib Javed, the then manager Abdul Raqeeb, physiotherapist Faisal Hayat and analyst Mohammad Talha — were also interviewed. “All the recommendations of the inquiry committee were unanimous,” Rizvi said.The committee also looked into manager and coaches reports of Pakistan’s tour last year to the United Arab Emirates for a one-day series against New Zealand, their Test series in New Zealand and the disastrous tour of Australia where the team was routed 3-0 in the Test series and 5-0 in the one-day series.The penalties were the largest handed out in almost 10 years, since Justice Qayyum’s report on match-fixing in 2000 when Salim Malik and Ata-ur-Rehman were handed life bans and several players including Wasim Akram and now national coach Waqar Younis were fined.

Wayne Rooney will be fit for Manchester United's Champions League clash with AC Milan here on Wednesday, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed on the eve of the match.
The England forward had been a major doubt with a knee injury but came through training on Tuesday morning and is ready to be unleased against the Italian giants, to the relief of his manager.
"Rooney's fit, I'm glad to say," said the United boss, who had predicted at the weekend that he would be obliged to start with Dimitar Berbatov as a lone striker.
"He has made a rapid improvement since Saturday morning when he was extremely doubtful but he's okay."
Rooney scored twice in the San Siro as United won the first leg of their second round tie with Milan 3-2.

Real Madrid battled back from 2-0 down to beat Sevilla 3-2 on Saturday and go top of the Spanish League with Rafael Van der Vaart grabbing a dramatic stoppage time winner.

After 10-man Barcelona were held 2-2 by Almeria, the incentive was on Real who had the chance to go ahead of the Catalans on goal difference, and they managed it in dramatic fashion at the Bernabeu. They slumped two-goals down an own-goal from Xabi Alonso and a Ivica Dragutinovic free-kick which caught out Real keeper Iker Casillas. But Real piled on the pressure with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos drawing their side level. It appeared as though Real would have to settle for a draw before a grandstand finish saw Van der Vaart slot home from close range.

A brace from Leo Messi rescued a point for Barcelona at Almeria. Domingo Cisma put the home side in front after he beat Carles Puyol in the air to head past keeper Victor Valdes. Messi equalised, though, after a contentious free-kick was awarded for a foul on Zlatan Ibrahimovic. An own-goal from Puyol and then the expulsion of Ibrahimovic for kicking out put Almeria firmly in the driving seat but Messi was Barca's saviour, scoring his second from close range mid-way through the second half.

Earlier, a fine strike from Jose Guardado helped Deportivo la Coruna come from behind to beat Tenerife 3-1. Deportivo had plenty of early possession but poor defending saw Juanlu Hens give Tenerife the lead. Juan Rodriguez headed Deportivo level and while they continued to press forward it was Tenerife that went nearer to scoring again when Juan Nino saw a close-range shot saved by keeper Daniel Aranzubia shortly before half time. A powerful left-footed drive from Guardado found the corner after 55 minutes and from there Deportivo never looked back with Diego Colotto adding to their lead.


Premiership: Veteran midfielder Paul Scholes scored his 100th Premier League goal as reigning champions Manchester United returned to the top of the table with a 1-0 win at gritty strugglers Wolves on Saturday.

Scholes found the target in the 73rd minute when he was first to react after Nani's cross came off Christophe Berra. The victory allowed United to open a two-point gap on both Chelsea and Arsenal although Sam Vokes could have equalised in stoppage-time for Wolves, but he blasted over the top.

Earlier, Arsenal maintained their title push with a 3-1 win at home to Burnley. Arsenal took the lead at the Emirates Stadium with a typically stylish goal 11 minutes before half-time. Cesc Fabregas played the ball to Samir Nasri and continued his run into the box before receiving a superb return pass.

Spain international Fabregas then hit a first-time shot past Clarets goalkeeper Brian Jensen. Five minutes later Fabregas went off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury and was replaced by Abou Diaby. Arsenal squandered several chances to double their lead and were made to pay in the 50th minute when Burnley striker David Nugent lifted the ball over Gunners goalkeeper Manuel Almunia.

However, 20-year-old Arsenal winger Theo Walcott got the second goal. After being played in by Nicklas Bendtner, he curled a shot inside the far post. Andrey Arshavin sealed Arsenal's victory in the closing seconds. Wenger said club captain Fabregas's fitness ahead of Arsenal's Champions League last 16 second leg tie against Porto on Tuesday was a concern.

Bolton moved further away from the drop zone with a 2-1 win away to West Ham in a match where they played the final 18 minutes a man down after midfielder Tamir Cohen was sent-off for a second bookable offence. South Korean midfielder Lee Chung-yong set up Bolton's opener when he crossed for striker Kevin Davies to head in his eighth goal in 10 appearances against the Hammers in the 10th minute. Bolton did not have long to wait for a second goal when, six minutes later, Davies crossed to Cohen, who headed the ball back for midfielder Jack Wilshere to volley in his first Bolton goal.

But Alessando Diamanti ensured a nervous finish for

the Lancashire side when

he pulled a goal back for West Ham two minutes from time and the Londoners then missed out on a draw when Junior Stanislas hit the crossbar. Victory left Bolton five points above the bottom three.

Aston Villa staged a stunning second half fightback to reach the FA Cup semi-finals with a 4-2 win at Reading on Sunday.Martin O'Neill's side, beaten in the League Cup final by Manchester United last weekend, looked set for an embarrassing exit at the hands of Championship opposition after Shane Long scored twice in the first half.But three goals in 10 minutes from Ashley Young and John Carew, who ended up with a hat-trick, ensured Villa will return to Wembley in the last four.Long - who had scored the winner in the third round victory over Liverpool - put Reading ahead in the 27th minute when he headed in Matthew Mills' flick-on.The Royals looked on course for a famous victory when Long struck again with a fine finish from Jimmy Kebe's pass three minutes before half-time.But Young restored Villa's belief with a close-range strike two minutes into the second half.Villa's equaliser arrived just four minutes later when Norway striker Carew headed in Stewart Downing's cross.Carew put Villa ahead by cleverly flicking in Stephen Warnock's cross with the outside of his boot in the 57th minute, then scored his third from the penalty spot in stoppage time.Cash-strapped Portsmouth booked their place in the semi-finals with a 2-0 home win over Birmingham on Saturday, while Tottenham were held to a 0-0 draw at Fulham. Holders Chelsea host Stoke in the final last eight tie later on Sunday.

Michael Owen has hinted for the first time at the true depth of his frustration at being cast into the shadows by England manager Fabio Capello.Owen has been consistently ignored by Capello since the Italian took charge and will once again be at home in Cheshire when England play Egypt in Wednesday's World Cup warm-up.For nearly two years Owen has maintained a dignified silence over his international exile, but the mask slipped for just a moment in the aftermath of Sunday's bittersweet 2-1 League Cup final win against Aston Villa.After spending much of the season as a bit-part player with United, Owen was handed a rare moment in the spotlight as he started ahead of Wayne Rooney at Wembley.He seemed determined to seize the opportunity and rolled back the years with an effervescent display capped by a superb 13th minute strike to cancel out James Milner's early penalty.With Capello watching from the stands, Owen had proved he still has the ability to make his mark on the game's grandest stages.Yet before the half was over, Owen's day had taken an all too familiar turn as he pulled up with a hamstring injury.Suddenly it was easy to see why Capello isn't prepared to risk gambling on such a fragile player and Owen must have know his faint hopes of going to South Africa were over.Perhaps that was behind his revealing response when he was asked if he felt his England chances had taken another blow."I've said many times it's difficult for me to talk about it or find the right words because one slip of the tongue and I'm going to be on the back page," he said."If I said what I think or how I feel...I would only be lying to you if I spoke about England so there is no point in asking, put it that way."I didn't even know the England manager was watching. I just wanted to play well and win the trophy."After such a day of conflicting emotions, Owen could be forgiven for being in combative form when he faced reporters following the match.Owen admitted the injury is likely to keep him out for several weeks but he insisted he has no regrets about making the move to Old Trafford."It's not been difficult to accept my role here. I would like to play a lot more obviously but you try getting in the team with Wayne Rooney playing like this!" he said."If Wayne hadn't have been scoring two or three in every game then the manager might have rotated a bit more and I would have got more games, so there is no way I am unhappy with my decision or how things have gone."Out of 43 games we've played this year I have been involved in 42. No-one had been writing about injuries for a good while but everyone will have a field day again now."I've played at teams that have not been doing well in the league and I would prefer to play a lesser role if I can play and train with real top-level players every day. Then when you do play you are playing in a game like this. "Obviously it's a little sour note me having to come off and being out for a few weeks but I suppose that can't disguise the pleasure you get from scoring, winning and picking up the trophy. It's days like that you remember for the rest of your career." Although Owen will miss a portion of United's title run-in and Champions League challenge, he hopes to be back in time to play a role in the decisive final matches. "The season is not over and there's everything to play for. I'm not a doom monger. There are plenty of people who want to put a negative spin on things, but I'm too long in the tooth and have seen it all before," he said. "There are plenty of big games coming up, I've just had a child the other day, I've got four kids and I'm playing for one of the biggest teams in Europe. "It's not all doom and gloom is it? I've got every reason to have a smile on my face."