..::Football III::..

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Impossible for Pastore to leave PSG in January, says agent

Javier Pastore is set to stay at Paris Saint-Germain at least until the end of the season, according to his agent, who says it is “impossible” for the Argentina international to leave in January.

The arrival of Angel Di Maria at Parc des Princes has led to speculation the 26-year-old could quit the French club and he has admitted he was approached by Juventus about a move last summer.

Bayern Munich and Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Pastore but any transfer is unlikely to happen until next summer at the earliest according to the player’s agent.

"It is impossible that Javier will leave in the next transfer window," Marcelo Simonian told Le Parisien.

Pastore is contracted to PSG until the summer of 2019 after signing a three-year extension back in January.

The attacking midfielder has made 15 appearances in all competitions for PSG this season, scoring twice.

 

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Xavi revels in Barcelona's Clasico 'lesson'

Barcelona icon Xavi felt his former side gave a footballing lesson in Saturday's 4-0 defeat of Real Madrid, adding Luis Enrique's men should perhaps have won by more.

Luis Suarez scored twice with Neymar and Andres Iniesta also on target at the Santiago Bernabeu as Barca eased to an emphatic Clasico victory over their biggest rivals.

The result has piled pressure on Madrid coach Rafael Benitez while Luis Enrique's side sit four points clear at the top after 12 games of their title defence.

Xavi - who departed for Al-Sadd in the close-season after 17 trophy-laden years with the Barca first team - was thrilled with the Spanish champions' display even if they fell short of the five-goal 'manita'.

"Although they didn't get the manita, it could have been much more than five for the chances they had," he told EFE.

"Madrid, too, had two or three, but Barcelona had more than 20 clear chances and it could have been a bigger goal haul.

"It was a historic game, 4-0 at the Bernabeu and moreover with the way they played football.

"I think Barcelona gave a footballing lesson, an incredible one in my opinion, I enjoyed it a lot in the hotel and I congratulated them."

 

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Vardy reveals goalscoring secrets


Jamie Vardy says analysing opposition defenders in training and regular cryotherapy chambers have been key to his incredible run of goalscoring form.

The Leicester City striker equalled Ruud van Nistelrooy's Premier League record of scoring in 10 consecutive games with a goal in his side's 3-0 thrashing of Newcastle.

Vardy now has 13 goals this season - making him the division's top goalscorer - but sat out England's two friendlies last week with a tight groin.
The 28-year-old was relieved to recover in time to continue his purple patch and revealed the club's physios took special measures to get him back on the pitch.

"The cryotherapy chamber is absolutely freezing but it helps you in your recovery, so fair play to the club for getting it," he said.

"I was very close to not playing but the physios have been brilliant. I don’t think even some of the brainiest men in the world would understand the name of stuff they’ve been doing but they’ve been working constantly on me all week."
The England forward believes his work with manager Claudio Ranieri on the training pitch is also paying off.

"During the week we look at ways I can get into my best positions," Vardy said.

"We concentrate on what the opposition defenders are like, if they’re going to come in for the tackle, and then we put it into practice on a Saturday. It’s obviously working."
Ranieri says he has experienced a similar goalscoring feat during his lengthy managerial career but hoped Vardy will continue his historic purple patch.

"[Gabriel] Batistuta scored 11 goals in a row for me at Fiorentina," the Leicester boss recalled.

"That’s the best run by any player I’ve managed. Hopefully Vardy can beat that. It’s amazing we’re mentioning Jamie in the same breath as Batistuta. It’s so strange when, four or five years ago, Jamie was playing non-league football.

"In my career I’ve known just one player who took the same route to the top.


"He was a Juventus right-back, Moreno Torricelli, who went from non-league Caratese to Serie A. And then he won the Scudetto with Juventus."

 

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Lahm: If Guardiola leaves, Bayern will get another great coach

Philipp Lahm insists that he is not unduly worried about Pep Guardiola's contractual situation, arguing that if the Catalan leaves, Bayern Munich would simply hire "another great coach" to replace him.

Guardiola's current deal with the Bavarian outfit expires at the end of the season and Manchester City have been repeatedly linked with the 44-year-old.

However, while the former Spain international is on course to lead Bayern to a third successive Bundesliga title since arriving at the Allianz Arena in 2013, Lahm says that the club would cope without Guardiola.

"If Guardiola leaves the club, we will get another great coach," the defender told Kicker. "We'll just have to wait and see."

When pressed on his own future, Lahm reiterated that he will call time on his illustrious playing career when his own contract expires in 2018.

However, the 32-year-old is unsure as to whether he will take up a role at Bayern or the German football association (DFB).

"There haven't been talks with Bayern yet, but I definitely won't play longer then 2018," the World Cup winner stated.

"I could work for Bayern or the DFB. I had 10 great years at the national team, so it is possible as well. But I don't want to work for any other clubs."

Having retired from international football following last summer's triumph at Brazil 2014, Lahm was not a part of the Germany squad caught up in the terror attacks on Paris on November 13.

However, Lahm was deeply affected by atrocities that resulted in the deaths of 130 people and saw the reigning world champions' friendly with France in Paris targeted by terrorists.

"I was in London with my wife," he revealed. "The terror has arrived in Europe and you have to think about it.

"But we must have faith in politics and safety. We mustn't be chased by fear; we have to live our lives again. Fear mustn't take control of us."

 

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Arsenal fear three-month Coquelin absence

Arsenal fear Francis Coquelin will miss three months with the knee injury he sustained during Saturday’s defeat against West Brom.

Initial tests have shown medial ligament damage that will rule Coquelin out for at least the rest of 2015, with further scans planned in the next 48 hours after swelling has subsided.

Coquelin’s absence is a massive blow for Arsenal as their injury crisis continues, with just two recognised central midfielders available ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Champions League fixture against Dinamo Zagreb.

Only Santi Cazorla and Mathieu Flamini are available to play against the Croatian side as the Gunners fight to reach the Champions League knockout stage for a 16th consecutive season.

Mikel Arteta also limped out of the 2-1 defeat at West Brom with a calf injury, while the club’s lengthy injury list also includes the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck, while Aaron Ramsey returned to training on Monday.

Coquelin, 24, has established himself as a vital part of the Arsenal team since he broke into the side at the start of the year and has formed a strong partnership with Cazorla.

The Frenchman’s performances meant that Wenger decided not to sign a defensive midfielder in the summer transfer window, but he could now be forced to enter the market in January.

Arsenal have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions and the Londoners’ injury problems are threatening to damage their season as they prepare for a busy December period.

The Gunners sit fourth in the Premier League after 13 games, just two points behind leaders Leicester, while they are third in their Champions League group with just three points from four matches.

 

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Wenger considers January signing after Coquelin injury


Arsene Wenger has conceded he may be forced into making a signing in January following an injury to Francis Coquelin.

The midfielder was ruled out for at least two months by the Arsenal boss on Monday after damaging knee ligaments in the defeat to West Brom, though Goal understands the Gunners fear he could be out for even longer.

And Wenger has indicated he is willing to buy a new player in January to bolster his squad following a number of injuries.

“I’ll do what’s needed in January even though in January it is not an ideal transfer market,” Wenger told reporters.

Mikel Arteta will also miss the must-win Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb, but Aaron Ramsey has returned to training , though the Arsenal boss suggested that the Wales international will not be available until the weekend.

Wenger also suggested he may play Calum Chambers in midfield against Dinamo and bemoaned the growing injury list at the Emirates Stadium.

“We have players that can play in [Coquelin’s] position. Chambers has been educated in that position." he added.

"We've been hit very hard in November because, until the Sheffield Wednesday game in the League Cup, we had a good record but since have lost a few players," he said.
"We have [Aaron] Ramsey and maybe [Alex] Oxlade-Chamberlain back for the weekend and [Theo] Walcott will be the next one - all the other players are long-term injuries."

Dinamo will be unable to call upon Arijan Ademi after the midfielder was banned for four years due to failing a drugs test following September's 2-1 win over Arsenal.

"I don't want to speculate too much on the career of a player but he's been punished," Wenger added.

"There are two things about that game - our performance on the day and the fact that they had a doped player.

"But we only focus on our performances and we need to put in a different performance tomorrow."

 

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Memphis must remain patient - Mata


Juan Mata has urged Memphis Depay to bide his time at Manchester United, insisting that there is no doubt that his team-mate has the talent to thrive at Old Trafford.

Memphis lit up the Eredivisie last season, scoring 22 times during PSV's title-winning campaign, with his fantastic form earning him a place on the 2015 Goal 50.

However, the Netherlands international has struggled to adapt to life in the Premer League since moving to Manchester during the summer for €27.5 million (£19.3m).

Mata, though, is convinced that it is only a matter of time before Depay settles into his new surroundings.

"Memphis has just arrived at United but last year he was spectacular with PSV and I think that's why he has been put on the [Goal 50] list," the Spain international told Goal.

"He's already scored a lot and he has a great future ahead of him. He's not playing a lot but he must be patient because he's young and has great talent."

 

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World's greatest Messi is fully recovered - Luis Enrique

Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique believes Lionel Messi is now completely injury free following his return to action against Real Madrid on Saturday.

The Argentine forward came off the bench in the Clasico to make his first appearance since getting injured in September, and enjoyed a jubilant comeback as Barca romped to a 4-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ahead of Tuesday's Champions League tie with Roma at Camp Nou, Luis Enrique erased any doubts that Messi would be held back due to not being fully fit.

"He is back fit and this is a joy for us - to see the greatest player back again and now we get to enjoy him," he told reporters.

"Messi is fully recovered, he is already in the right frame of mind and his injury is forgotten. He has to recover his muscle tone and his form, but you have to play to recover that."

The Spanish coach was also quick to dismiss the notion that there was friction between himself and his star player during the early days of his reign, though did hint that there are other players he gets on better with.

"I've always got on well with Messi," explained Luis Enrique when questioned over problems with Messi when he first arrived at Barcelona.

"I've always had good relationships with most of my players. I empathize more with some than others, but that is normal, like in school with classmates, but my relationship with all my players is good. What happens in the locker room stays there."

 

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Wenger denies Real interest and supports Benitez


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has offered his backing to under-pressure Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez and indicated he is not interested in taking over as head coach of the Blancos.

Following a solid start to his time in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu this season, Benitez faced fury from the stands as bitter rivals Barcelona thrashed his team 4-0 in Saturday's Clasico.

Madrid president Florentino Perez has called a press conference for Monday evening, where reports in Spain suggest he will offer Benitez a vote of confidence amid growing calls for him to be sacked.

Wenger holds Benitez in high regard having come up against him regularly during the Spaniard's six-year stint as Liverpool manager.

The Frenchman said Madrid would expose themselves as "not serious" if they sack Benitez so soon into his tenure and stated he would be reluctant to work under similar conditions.
When asked if he would consider taking over at the Santiago Bernabeu ahead of Arsenal's Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb, Wenger said: "No. I would just like to take this opportunity to support completely Rafa, who is an outstanding manager.

"It would not be serious to sack the manager after 12 [league] games.

"I hope he gets the support of the president. No one should bet on me to become the next [Real Madrid] manager."

 

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Ancelotti: I'd return to Madrid, Chelsea or PSG in 2016

Carlo Ancelotti would consider returning to coaching with former clubs Real Madrid, Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain - but not until the end of the season.

Madrid boss Rafa Benitez has come under pressure after his side suffered a 4-0 thrashing against Barcelona in the Clasico, with club president Florentino Perez calling a media conference on Monday to clarify the coach's future.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has also come in for criticism after a disappointing start to the season, and Ancelotti has indicated that, after a season away from coaching, he would be happy to return to one of his previous clubs.

"For sure, I could return to Real, but not at the moment as I've decided to take a year out," he told ANSA. "Next season I will return to coaching and I would have no problems returning to Madrid, Chelsea or PSG."

Benitez is reportedly at the centre of a row between Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Ancelotti has been in contact with the Portuguese star who has told the Italian he has not spoken out against the Madrid coach.

Ancelotti added: "I've spoken with him [Ronaldo] and he assures me he has never said anything against Benitez."

 

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Dani Alves: Google is more intelligent than my critics

Barcelona defender Dani Alves has reflected on last season's speculation surrounding his future and advised his critics to look him up on Google.

The Brazilian's uncertain contract situation towards the end of last term saw him heavily linked with Paris Saint-Germain as his agent regularly criticised Barca's approach to negotiations.

Alves eventually signed a new two-year deal with the option for a third season to commit to playing at the top level at Camp Nou.

The 32-year-old feels there was a campaign to get rid of him during his contract saga and hit out at those who have been critical of his contribution.

Alves said: "It depended on a lot of things and there was sadness, but I am here.

"I think there was a campaign to get rid of me but I am strong and I insist that when people compete with me they lose.

"I am so dedicated, so passionate and that counts for more than what crazy people throw at me. People who want to know who I am or my history, put my name into Google.

"Google seems to be more intelligent than some people."

 

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Ancelotti: Real Madrid should stick by Benitez

Carlo Ancelotti says Rafael Bentiez deserves patience at Real Madrid, urging the club to stick by his successor.

Benitez took over from Ancelotti in the Santiago Bernabeu hot-seat during the close season but he is under heavy scrutiny following a humiliating 4-0 loss to rivals Barcelona in the Clasico on Saturday.

And Ancelotti, who has said he is open to returning to the Santiago Bernabeu, says the Spaniard was found wanting tactically against Barca but believes he should be allowed time for his ideas to take root in the squad."Let's be slow with our judgments because we are just at the beginning," he told Radio RAI. "The Madrid players have the ability to revive the situation.

"They suffered against a really strong Barcelona. But it's difficult to judge Benitez from the outside.

"From watching the game, it seems they suffered most on the tactical level. Every coach has his own ideas and that's good, for better or for worse, he takes them forward."As for Madrid's reportedly disgruntled talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ancelotti added: "I spoke with Ronaldo last week, he never said he had a bad relationship with the coach.

"He tows the line and always tries to help his team. When things aren't going well, it's obvious that the forwards have to suffer most."

 

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Benitez BACKED by Real Madrid president

Rafa Benitez will remain in charge of Real Madrid after being backed by the club's president Florentino Perez.

Pressure surrounding the 55-year-old's position at Madrid intensified on Saturday following the 4-0 trouncing at home to Barcelona, which saw the home fans boo the players and wave white handkerchiefs at the final whistle.

"We have had a board meeting and analysed the sporting situation at Real Madrid and Rafa has all our support and all our confidence," Perez told reporters on Monday.

"Rafa Benitez has all the ability and has only just started his job here. Let him keep working and he will achieve his objectives.

"The players did not lack attitude. The team played badly but we cannot question their attitude in such an important game.

"Rafael Benitez is the chosen one to bring success to this squad that since January has struggled and now more than ever he needs the support of all of our followers.

"We offer full support for our coach who will be capable of turning this situation around. The team has suffered a deterioration since January.
"I understand the unhappiness and the anger of the fanbase with what happened on Saturday, but I ask them that they support the team.

Perez did suggest that the situation could change by the end of the season, but added that Benitez's situation is different to that of Carlo Ancelotti, who was sacked at the end of May.

"I am talking about this moment we are in now, I cannot say what will happen in the future - nobody knows what could happen in six months," said Perez.

"We are convinced that we have a great squad that will give much happiness to a fanbase that deserves everything.

"We chose Rafa with confidence he could turn it around.


"I did not back Ancelotti, I said that it was not true that if he lost he was out. This is different, the board supports Benitez completely and has complete confidence in him."

 

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Barcelona interested in signing Giovinco - agent

Sebastian Giovinco's agent has revealed that Barcelona are keeping a close eye on the former Juventus player, although he ruled out an immediate move.

Giovinco has been in brilliant form in MLS with Toronto FC, racking up 22 goals and 15 assists for the Canadians.

And according to Andrea D'Amico, the league's Newcomer of the Year has attracted the attention of the Catalan giants.

"The Blaugrana have been scouting him for a long time. There has been no concrete approach by the way, only a general interest," the agent told Calciomercato.

D'Amico, however, discarded the prospect of a transfer back to Europe, as well as rumours linking Andrea Pirlo with a return.

“Is Giovinco thinking about coming back? Not at all. Let me add that rumors concerning Pirlo are absolutely not true. He doesn’t want to come back, that’s obvious," he affirmed.

"The same can be said about Giovinco. He has never considered the possibility to come back in Italy. He’s a mainstay of Toronto and the club don’t even think about selling him.

"They want to strengthen the squad and Giovinco is part of the project.”

 

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Chelsea reveal £23.1million loss and drop in turnover

Chelsea suffered losses of £23.1million and a drop in turnover for the financial year ending June 30, 2015.

The Premier League champions announced their financial results for the year on Monday, confirming the loss on revenues of £314.3m for the year.

Turnover fell from £319.8m to £314.3m, a reduction the club attributes to their Champions League performance in the 2014-15 season.

Chelsea were knocked out in the last 16 by Paris Saint-Germain in the previous campaign, having reached the semi-finals in 2013-14.

A club statement read: "After relevant adjustments the club is comfortably within the allowable limits of Financial Fair Play. Chelsea has complied with FFP criteria throughout its monitoring periods which began with the 2011-12 season."

Chairman Bruce Buck added: "Chelsea football club has been consistent in our intention to comply with FFP and it was a primary aim in the past financial year to be one of the clubs with a continuous record of meeting the regulations, which we have achieved.

"To record the second highest turnover figure in the club's history despite the Champions League campaign ending at the earliest knockout round demonstrates our business is robust, and is testament to good work regarding our commercial activities, our growing fanbase around the world and the tremendous support the team received at home and away matches in 2014-15."

 

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Aguero: I'll always play in top gear, regardless of injuries

Sergio Aguero says he has no intention of changing his playing style in order to bring an end to his persistent injury problems.

The Manchester City attacker has spent periods on the sidelines during every season since he moved to the Premier League side, having suffered several knee and hamstring injuries.

However, the Argentine will not slow down on the pitch, insisting it is the only way he can play the game.

“You cannot truly measure the intensity with which you play,” Aguero told The Telegraph. “And on top of that, I always try to kick into top gear. I can't imagine playing in any other way.

"Sometimes these unfortunate things happen, but the ultimate reward only comes if you give it your all.

"It was a shame when I was injured because I hadn't had a muscular injury in over a year, but what happened happened and I can't turn back the clock. "I did feel well before the Ecuador game for Argentina. I had taken a special training programme to specifically avoid overexertion and I felt in good condition.

“But you never know when an injury is going to come. I went to play as I usually do - giving it my all.

“Then at one moment, when I went to kick the ball, I felt the strain.”

City take on Juventus on Tuesday as they look to finish top of their Champions League group, and Aguero feels their time to cement their place among Europe's elite is now.
"I've always said it was only a matter of time before we got into our stride in the Champions League.

“In all our previous runs we would have wanted to move into the next round without any hitches, but now we are more experienced and we are developing naturally.

“Our will is as strong as it's ever been and we want to excel and go as far as we can.

“The team was brilliant against Sevilla. They played a marvellous match over in Spain and that made me very happy."

 

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UEFA Champions League 2015.11.24 Fixtures

UEFA Champions League 2015.11.24 Fixtures

BATE Vs Leverkusen

Zenit Vs Valencia

Barcelona Vs Roma

Arsenal Vs Dinamo Zagreb

Bayern Vs Olympiakos

Porto Vs Dynamo Kiev

Tel-Aviv Vs Chelsea

Lyon Vs Gent

​

 

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Ranieri: I beat Van Gaal's Barcelona three times in 10 days

Claudio Ranieri is looking forward to his reunion with managerial counterpart Louis van Gaal, who he once beat three times in 10 days during the pair's time in Spain.

Table-topping Leicester City host Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday, with Ranieri out to continue his strong record against Van Gaal.

Ranieri completed a hat-trick of wins in just over a week against Van Gaal's Barcelona as Valencia went on to win the 1999 Copa del Rey title.

Reflecting on his Valencia days, Ranieri told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I remember it well. On February 18th, 3-2 at Barcelona in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey.

"On the 24th, 4-3 to us at the Mestalla in the return leg and the 27th 4-2 at the Camp Nou in La Liga.

"At the end of the season we won the Copa del Rey, beating Atletico Madrid 3-0 in the final. We had a great squad."

Leicester remarkably top the standings with just one defeat from 13 matches while United are one point adrift ahead of their trip to King Power Stadium.

"It is a big challenge," Ranieri added. "Manchester United are a giant of world football and Van Gaal is one of the best."

 

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Ibrahimovic adamant PSG can win Champions League

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is adamant Paris Saint-Germain have what it takes to win the Champions League this campaign.

The Ligue 1 champions have not made it past the quarter-finals in the past three seasons, but Ibrahimovic believes this could be PSG's year.

"We are a lot better than last year, so we have a good chance of winning the Champions League," he told Uefa's website.

"It doesn't mean that we will win, but we have a great team that has improved a lot from last year.

"We have the potential to go a long way, but it takes a lot to win. It’s not always the best team that wins, so we'll see."

Ibrahimovic has won league titles in Netherlands, Italy, Spain and France, but European success has eluded him.

Nevertheless, the Sweden star has stressed he would not see it as a failure if he does not win the Champions League during his career.

"You want to win. I haven't won the Champions League before, as everyone knows, but we are going to do everything we can to win," he added.

"If I don't win, I won't be disappointed. Definitely not. What will happen will happen."

PSG sit second in Group A with seven points from four games and will book their ticket for the knockout stages if they beat Ibrahimovic's boyhood club Malmo on Wednesday.

 

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Manchester United always believed in me - Lingard

Jesse Lingard is determined to repay Manchester United for the faith shown in him as he feels the club always believed in him.

The 22-year-old made his first-team debut in Louis van Gaal's first game at the helm – a 2-1 loss to Swansea City on the opening day of the 2014-15 season – and has started to establish himself this term.

The former Derby County loanee netted once in United's 2-0 Premier League win over West Brom this month, while he set up the winner in the 1-0 Champions League victory over CSKA Moscow.

"I was very small as a kid and they just gave me that trust. They could have let me go, they could have sent me to another club, but obviously the coaches stuck by me. They knew the ability I had," Lingard told Uefa's website.

"Coming up to the Under-18s, reserves, that's when I started kicking on a bit more. David Moyes promoted me to the first team and my confidence just grew from then."

Lingard revealed he took inspiration from fellow academy graduates as he made his own journey from youth-level prospect to first-team player.

"The fans want to see homegrown players come through. Seeing the likes of Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley coming through, that gave me confidence to say: 'I can do it as well'," he added.

"With the youth cup team we had in 2010-11, I thought most of us would come into the first team and nail a place down, but it's not always like that. It's good to get one or two through to the first team.

"As soon as you step on to the pitch, the fans are behind you straight away – even if you make a mistake, they're still there."