Joe Cole Will Decide Future After The World Cup

Soccernet understands that no decision will be made on Joe Cole's future until the end of the World Cup finals, despite reports that he has already agreed a move to Arsenal.

Cole will officially become a free agent on July 1 when his contract with Chelsea expires and the playmaker, who has been included in England's World Cup squad, has attracted attention from rival clubs.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham are all believed to be interested in signing Cole on a free transfer but it is Arsenal who appears to be favourites to recruit the 28-year-old at present.

It was even reported that Cole, who grew up in North London, had agreed a three-year deal with Arsenal and that the transfer would be announced prior to the start of England's World Cup campaign.

But Soccernet understands Cole's main focus at present is the finals in South Africa and that no decision on his club future will be taken until England's campaign has drawn to a close.

If Cole does join Arsenal he will become the fourth player in recent seasons to cross the Arsenal-Chelsea divide. William Gallas and Ashley Cole swapped clubs in 2006 and Arsenal signed Lassana Diarra from Stamford Bridge 12 months later.

Drogba Suffers Arm Fracture

Didier Drogba has fractured a bone in his right arm, during Ivory Coast's friendly against Japan on Friday.

The forward, 32, picked up the injury after a clash with Japanese defender Marcos Tulio Tanaka in the first half of Les Elephants' 2-0 win.

Drogba had flicked the ball over the defender's head before he was caught by a high boot. The striker refused a stretcher but left the field immediately.

Moments earlier he had opened the scoring with a deflected free-kick. Salomon Kalou also played, staying on for the entire 90 minutes.

Drogba is a major doubt for the World Cup, which kicks off in South Africa a week today.

Team spokesman Eric Kacou said that Drogba's fracture was confirmed by doctors after he left the field.

'It is a fracture in his right arm,' Kacou said. 'The doctor hasn't said yet whether he can play in the World Cup.'

'He had a lot of pain,' said Ivory Coast boss Sven-Goran Eriksson. 'Of course I'm worried. He's captain and one of the world's best players. It was unlucky. It wasn't bad or stupid. He (Tanaka) didn't want to hurt anyone. Football is a game of contact.'

Summary Of A Season: Ashley Cole

It was another season of unfaltering consistency for arguably the best left-back in the world, the only negative to his season being the two months he spent sidelined with a broken ankle between February and April.

It was a season of records as he earned a sixth FA Cup winner's medal, no man has as many, and won his second Double, along with Nicolas Anelka the first man to do so with two different clubs.

On a personal level, he scored a record four times in the same season, including the Chelsea Goal of the Season against Sunderland in January, a deft flick after controlling John Terry's long pass expertly and cutting inside his man.

Carlo Ancelotti's tactics certainly helped Cole's natural game, allowing him to get forward as often as possible down the left flank to support attacks, a narrow midfield, particularly in the first half of the season, creating the space needed.

He supplied goals against Stoke and Tottenham, while finding the score sheet in explosive fashion against Burnley, and then Spurs, before twice claiming assists at former club Arsenal in November.

He was as dependable on the back foot as he was offensive on the front, his pace and ability to read the game making it difficult for opposition forwards and wingers, the only blip being an ill-timed challenge inside the penalty area on West Ham's Jack Collison just before Christmas - though a Frank Lampard penalty would later even up the scores.

After fracturing his ankle in a challenge with Everton's Landon Donovan in February, it was thought he could miss the rest of the season, yet dedication and a fast-healing body helped him back before the end of April for the 7-0 win against Stoke ,and he found the net one more time against Wigan on the final day of the league season.

His disappointment will have been being absent for the Champions League games with Inter, yet his recovery will have cheered England fans everywhere ahead of the World Cup, particularly when looking at the possible left-back alternatives.

Ashley's consistency, together with those around him, helped us to 18 league clean sheets during 2009/10, as well as a club record goals tally at the other end, 103 in the league, making it a season to remember for the 29-year-old.

Lampard Gets Le Tissier Backing

Matt Le Tissier has backed Frank Lampard to continue as England's first-choice penalty taker despite his recent misses.

The Chelsea midfielder has a good record from the spot but his miss in the FA Cup final was followed by another in the friendly win over Japan on Sunday.

Former England midfielder Le Tissier was one of the best from 12 yards, converting 48 of the 49 penalties he took during his career.

He said of Lampard: "If he backs himself then you've got to take that on board. Half the battle is if the player wants to be there.

"Obviously if he misses five in a row then you might have to take the decision out of his hands but if he's still confident then let him have them."

And Le Tissier's advice to his countrymen is simply to be positive.

"For me it was a case of getting every negative thought out of my mind," said Le Tissier.

"Coming in visualising the crowd erupting when the ball hit the back of the net was the thing for me and I always looked forward to taking penalties because it was the best chance I was going to get to score a goal in a game."

England's record in shoot-outs is famously woeful but Le Tissier, who won eight caps for England in the 1990s, does not believe that should be a major factor in their fortunes this time.

He said: "It might have an effect because everybody talks about it so much but you just have to try and put that our of your mind.

"At the end of the day, they've got to stand up there and be confident and be arrogant enough to think, 'this is a free shot from 12 yards, surely I'm going to score'."

The confidence surrounding England's chances in South Africa has subsided somewhat with injuries and indifferent form affecting a number of players but Le Tissier is backing Fabio Capello's men to go far.

"I'm pretty confident," he said. "I think we can at least make the semi-finals and from that point on it's anyone's competition."

The 41-year-old, meanwhile, has also tipped Diego Maradona's Argentina and Holland to challenge for the trophy.

He continued. "Brazil and Spain are everyone's favourites but I'd be watching out for Argentina. I know they've struggled in qualification but often you find teams that do struggle a little bit all of a sudden pick up when they get to the World Cup finals and they could be one of those teams. Holland are a pretty good bet, they could be dangerous."

And it is a Dutchman that Le Tissier is predicting will be the star of the show.

He added: "Obviously Lionel Messi had a fabulous season with Barcelona and he'll be one a lot of people will be looking for to be top man at the tournament.

"But I'd go for a little dark horse who didn't play much at the back end of last season but is now fit again and that's Robin van Persie. I think he's a fabulous footballer and if he fires he could be the tournament's top scorer."

Chelsea Close To First Deal Of Summer For Darijo Srna

Chelsea will discover if they have succeeded in their bid to sign Croatia international Darijo Srna from Shakhtar Donetsk in the next few days.

Standard Sport revealed last December that coach Carlo Ancelotti wanted to bring the 28-year-old to Stamford Bridge and negotiations have already begun with the Ukrainian club, who are demanding a £20million fee.

Shakhtar are willing to sell because Srna has only one year left on his contract and the player is understood to be keen to move to the Premier League champions.

It is believed Chelsea are prepared to pay Srna up to £79,000-a-week for his signature and will make room for him in the squad by selling of Juliano Belletti and Paulo Ferreira.

Ancelotti sees Srna as a useful addition because he can not only play at right back, but also at right midfield, where the club has little competition for places.

Talks have been delayed while Srna has been away with the Croatian national team, but he hopes to meet with Shakhtar's president Rinat Akhmetov this week to discuss the situation.

A source close to the player believes that as things stand the chances of him moving to Chelsea is 80-20 in their favour, but Real Madrid and Barcelona are also monitoring the situation.

Chelsea Tracking Victor Mugabe, Brother Of Inter Milan Midfielder McDonald Mariga

Premier League champions Chelsea are tracking Inter Milan star MacDonald Mariga’s brother Victor Mugabe, who plays for Belgian Jupiler Pro League side Germinal Beerschot.

According a report appearing in the Evening Standard, Chelsea were on the trail of the Kenyan midfielder for the whole of last season and they sent scouts to watch him on four occasions.

According to Jean Baptiste, chairman of Belgium children’s fashion dealer JBC who also owns half of Mugabe’s club’s stake, Chelsea’s interest in the player is not strange considering that English clubs have traditionally worked closely with their Belgian counterparts.

"Manchester United, Fulham and Arsenal have working relationships with some clubs in Belgium and from time to time they send scouts to look for talent and we are excited about the possibility of Mugabe playing in England," he said.

Baptiste, who is currently in Kenya for a three-day scouting mission, said the English club have not said anything about their interest in Mugabe, but again stressed this was not strange as they required more time to be satisfied with his ability.

"It may not happen next season because Mugabe needs to play more matches at his current club. Next season will be very crucial for him if he is to land such a lucrative move," he said.

"English clubs respect talent and Mugabe has what it takes, but he needs a lot of matches," he pointed out.

Mugabe confirmed the interest from Chelsea and said he was aware that they had sent scouts to look at him on four occasions.

"It is of course exciting to know that a club like Chelsea is interested in you, but I am not letting it get to my head. My focus is to get more matches and see what happens after that," said Mugabe.

Chelsea Boss Ancelotti In Ibrahimovic Talks In Miami

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has met with Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Miami to discuss a move to Stamford Bridge, Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo reports.

Ibrahimovic and Ancelotti are staying in the same holiday resort in Miami and whether that it is coincidence or not, Mundo Deportivo claims that they are discussing a possible move to Chelsea.

On paper, Ibrahimovic has enjoyed a good first season in Spain, scoring 20 goals in 41 appearances for Barcelona since his high profile move from Inter Milan last summer. However, his performances have been criticised by the notoriously harsh Spanish media.

With Barcelona having just signed Valencia hitman David Villa, speculation that Ibrahimovic will leave has intensified, with Manchester City also thought to be keen on signing the Swedish striker. However, Chelsea is thought to hold the upper hand, given the lure of Champions League football which City cannot offer.

Stamford Bridge boss Carlo Ancelotti knows that although Chelsea won the Premier League title, the experience of a player like Ibrahimovic could be important in capturing the elusive Champions League.

Real Madrid To Sign Manchester United And Chelsea Target Di Maria

Real Madrid will complete the signing of Benfica winger Angel Di Maria before the World Cup, disappointing both Manchester United and Chelsea, according to Spanish daily AS.

Reports in recent months claimed Chelsea had sent Frank Arnesen on scouting trips to watch Di Maria, whilst Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson viewed him as a possible long-term replacement for Ryan Giggs. However, new Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has reportedly prioritized a move for Di Maria and wants to tie up a deal before the World Cup.

The Argentinian just completed his third season at Benfica and enjoyed another excellent term, scoring nine goals and impressing during the Portugese side's Europa League campaign. He reportedly has a buyout clause of 40 million euros, but AS claims that Di Maria will move to Real Madrid for a fee of 35 million euros.

Di Maria's agent is Jorge Mendes, who has very good relations with Real Madrid and negotiated the world-record deal which took Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu last summer from Manchester United.

With Franck Ribery having committed his future to Bayern Munich, should Di Maria end up at the Bernabeu, it would leave both Manchester United and Chelsea scratching their heads in the search for additional left-sided options.

Di Maria has eight international caps and is set to star at the World Cup for Diego Maradona's Argentina side.

Juventus & Atletico Madrid Chiefs In Talks Over Chelsea Target Sergio Aguero

Juventus and Atletico Madrid transfer chiefs are holding talks in Turin over the futures of Sergio Aguero and Tiago, according to Tuttosport.

Giuseppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici are discussing the possibility of signing Aguero with Garcia Pitarch, the Atleti sporting director.

Talks centre around the Spanish side's hopes of signing Tiago on a permanent deal. He has convinced coach Quique Sanchez Flores to keep him, and the clubs are set to agree on a transfer fee that will take the midfielder to Spain permanently.

Juventus will use that window to lay down plans for Aguero. It's no secret new manager Luigi Del Neri has asked for reinforcements at the Italian club and the Argentinian, who turns 22 today, is admired by club chief Andrea Agnelli.

However, he has a €50 million (£41m) release clause in his deal - a figure Juve cannot meet. Marotta is now thinking about clearing that obstacle by offering Tiago, Diego and €20m in cash for the hitman.

Aguero has reportedly been a long term target of Premier League champions Chelsea, who are expected to move for a striker in the summer. Manchester City have also been touted as a possible destination for the young striker.

Ghana's Michael Essien 'Cursed By Father' Out Of World Cup 2010

Ghana and Chelsea star Michael Essien can blame the crushing of his World Cup dream on a jinx by his estranged father, according to South African Independent Online.

The Black Stars’ captain was ruled out of this summer's tournament after failing to recover from a knee injury picked up in January.

According to reports in Africa the reason for the midfielder’s long-term injury is that of a bad luck curse, known as a juju, issued by his estranged father.

James Essien, who resides in a mud hut in rural Ghana, is currently very ill from a self-imposed hunger strike after hearing the news of his son's inability to play for his national side in South Africa.

Essien has apparently made many attempts to contact his son, who he hasn’t spoken to in 15 years, without receiving a reply.

Ghana's first match of the World Cup is against Serbia on June 13.

Clean Sheet For Ivanovic

Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic played 90 minutes in Serbia's disappointing 0-0 draw with Poland on Wednesday night.

The defender returned to the side after sitting out the weekend's defeat to New Zealand, and will be pleased to have kept a clean sheet, though the team's poor form continues.

Ivanovic played at right-back, the position he has become accustomed to both at club and international level, but was not partnered on the night by Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic.

The Serbs had the better of the game, but again proved impotent in front of goal, Birmingham City's new signing Nikola Zigic having little sight of goal, while Arsenal's Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was on hand to prevent Danko Lazovic.

The Serbs have one more game to prepare for the World Cup, against Cameroon on Saturday, before they start their campaign against Ghana on June 13.

Summary Of A Season: Yury Zhirkov

The Russian arrived from CSKA Moscow in the summer with a reputation as a pacy winger capable of beating players that could also fill in at left-back.

Injury to Ashley Cole meant we certainly saw the latter, but the form of others, largely Florent Malouda, meant the 26-year-old's attacking prowess only came to the fore in flashes.

Fitness problems of his own prevented Zhirkov from a competitive Chelsea debut until late September, a troublesome knee meaning all Blues fans had seen of him to that point was an impressive bow against AC Milan in Baltimore, in which he scored the winner from a tucked-in midfield position.

The player himself admitted the two months that followed were a struggle as he adapted to a new country and a new club without the day-to-day involvement that full training allows.

Speaking just before Christmas, by which time he had still only played a handful of matches, Yury announced he had not 'done anything special so far' but chances would come in 2010.

He impressed against Watford and Sunderland, creating goals in each, and figured regularly during a January where we were missing key players at the African Cup of Nations.

Then came Cole's injury in early February, a fractured ankle that would keep him out two months. Such luck then that just two games into his spell at left-back, Zhirkov suffered injury of his own - a knock on the calf against Wolves resulting in him missing our Champions League first leg against Inter.

Back for the second leg, he found himself marginalized by the excellent Maicon and too often sucked inside on the defensive. If that night was a low in the season, then his highlight was undoubtedly against Aston Villa 11 days later.

Given free rein to attack, he galloped forward time and again, twice beating his man inside the area before being brought down for penalties, and then supplying the pinpoint cross for Malouda to volley home the goal of the game.

Cole's return to fitness in late April meant Yury featured less in the run-in, but with a season of adaptation under his belt, and a more comfortable grasp of the language, expect him to be a key player in 2010/11, when he will be hoping to up his goals return to something like the levels he achieved in Russia.

Harry - Cole Deal Already Done

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp believes Joe Cole has already decided to leave Chelsea and found a new club.

The 28-year-old, who has been named in England's 23-man World Cup squad, is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer so is available on a free transfer.

The attacking midfielder has been linked with a number of clubs, notably Spurs, Manchester United and Arsenal.

But Redknapp, who gave Cole his senior debut as a 17-year-old at West Ham, reckons not only that Spurs are already out of the running but a deal has already been done.

"It looks to me someone's going to make a great free transfer, if he doesn't stay at Chelsea," he said.

"I genuinely don't know who that is. I don't think it's going to be Tottenham.

"I've got a feeling, I may be wrong, that he's already agreed a deal with someone, and it's not Tottenham.

"I'm not saying if he hadn't agreed a deal with someone and he was available and didn't stay at Chelsea that we wouldn't be interested.

"I'm a big fan of Joe's, but the feedback we've had is that he might well have already done something."

Cole came back from a major knee injury at the start of last season and upon on his return he struggled to hold down a regular starting role for Chelsea.

He did enough to be named in Fabio Capello's provisional World Cup squad, though, and booked a ticket to South Africa after impressing as a half-time substitute in Sunday's warm-up win over Japan - his 54th international appearance and first since September 2008.

Cech Rejects Real Link

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has dismissed reports he could be reunited with his former manager Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.

Since Mourinho was confirmed as Real's new coach he has been linked with moves to sign several of his former Stamford Bridge charges.

The likes of Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole have been mooted as targets for Mourinho, while Cech has also been put forward as an option for the Portuguese.

However, Cech has moved quickly to dispel any notion that he could leave Chelsea for Real, particularly with Iker Casillas the undisputed No.1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"It is common to say 'never say never', and it always happens that, if such a coach is appointed at such a big club, plenty of potential targets appear in the press," Cech told CTK.

"At the moment it is just at the level of big rumours and I don't think it is necessary to comment on them at all.

"Speculation will always be there, but I don't see it (a transfer) as being realistic.

"The goalkeeper's position is the last area Real have to improve and that makes it the end of the story for me."

Cech, who joined Chelsea in 2004, the same year Mourinho was appointed as manager, is hoping the club can win the UEFA Champions League next season following this term's Double triumph.

The Czech Republic ace added: "I am happy there. The only major trophy that is left for Chelsea to win is the Champions League.

"And, in my opinion, at the moment we have a team strong enough to win the competition.

"As for my ambitions, I am satisfied and that is why I don't intend to leave for anywhere."

Galatasaray Close In On £2.5m Move For Miroslav Stoch

Chelsea winger Miroslav Stoch could be set for a move to Turkey after Galatasaray made a £2.5 million bid for him, according to a report from The Daily Mirror.

The winger has returned to Stamford Bridge after a season on loan with Twente Enschede, where he helped Steve McClaren's side to the Dutch title.

The left-sided starlet will also be a part of Slovakia's squad at this summer's World Cup finals.

The Mirror reports that the player will discuss personal terms with Gala once this summer's tournament in South Africa is over.

Joe Cole 'To Join Arsenal On Free Transfer After Signing Three-Year Deal'

Joe Cole could be on the verge of making a shock move from Chelsea to Arsenal on a free transfer after rumours emerged today he has signed a three-year contract at the Emirates Stadium.

According to reports, Cole's representatives met up with Arsenal officials yesterday to thrash out the terms of the deal while the midfield playmaker was being called up to England's World Cup squad by Fabio Capello.

Barring any complications in the process the transfer is expected to be finalised next week, with a view to announcing the move before the tournament in South Africa begins in ten days' time.

The rumours follow hot on the heels of comments by Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp earlier today, when he admitted he believes Cole has agreed in principle to a move to another Premier League.

'It looks to me that someone's going to make a great free transfer,' Redknapp is quoted as saying.

'I genuinely don't know who that is, but I don't think it's going to be Tottenham.

'I've got a feeling - and I may be wrong - that he's already agreed a deal with someone.

'I'm a big fan of Joe's, and I would be interested if he didn't stay at Chelsea, but the feedback we've had is that he might well have already done something.'

If true, the news would be a huge boost for Arsenal fans still reeling from the revelation that captain Cesc Fabregas could be leaving the club to join boyhood team Barcelona this summer.

Cole's signing also fits in with the Arsene Wenger transfer philosophy in that the England international would represent a shrewd bit of business.

The 28-year-old is out of contract at Chelsea and would be available on a free transfer.

And while his wage demands may have presented a stumbling block - given the Blues are reluctant to meet his expectations - Wenger is said to be more willing to offer larger contracts to players in a bid to build a title-winning team.

Former West Ham United star Cole is also believed to be keen to stay in London, as partner Carly Zucker has recently given birth to a son and is reluctant to relocate.

Chelsea's Anelka Crashes On Mountain Bike Ride

Nicolas Anelka survived a scare when he crashed during a mountain bike ride at France's World Cup training camp on the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion on Tuesday.

Anelka, who has started up front in the two warm-up games France have played so far, escaped unhurt after losing his balance on a slippery road and falling at the end of a 50-minute ride on the spectacular volcanic island.

In an effort to make his team bond, France coach Raymond Domenech has organised all sorts of group activities since the start of their preparations, including a hike up a glacier in the French Alps and a dune buggy race.

The coach's latest idea was a bike ride on Reunion, where the players landed on Tuesday from Tunisia.

Under ominous skies and a slight drizzle, the players rode up a steep, narrow road and down again, with Franck Ribery the fastest and Djibril Cisse the slowest.

Some 100 fans stood in the rain at the ride's starting point and cheered on the players, who waved and smiled but did not stop to sign autographs or talk to the media.

All the players participated except number two goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, who stayed at the hotel but had "nothing serious", according to a team spokesman.

After the ride, the team returned to their luxury hotel, overlooking a beach just outside St Pierre, the island's second largest city.

A more traditional training session is scheduled for Wednesday on Reunion, where France will play China on Friday in their last match before the June 11-July 11 finals in South Africa.

The former world and European champions have switched to a new 4-3-3 formation and Domenech has left forward Thierry Henry out of his starting line-up for their first two warm-up games, a 2-1 win over Costa Rica and a 1-1 draw in Tunisia.

France, whose popularity has reached a depressing low after their Euro 2008 flop and the uninspired performances that have followed, will face hosts South Africa, Mexico and Uruguay in Group A.

Uli Hoeness Advises Michael Ballack To Retire From International Football

Experienced midfielder Michael Ballack missed out on Germany's World Cup squad due to a serious ankle injury and Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has now advised the Chelsea star to consider retiring from international football.

"As a friend, I would recommend Michael to concentrate solely on his club in the future. This could be a good moment for him to retire from international football," said Hoeness to Bild.

"I don't think it would be clever to set the European Championships in 2012 as a goal. Even if it is bitter, you have got to be able to realize when the time has come to say enough is enough."

The 33-year-old Ballack made his debut for the Nationalelf in April 1999 against Scotland and has since racked up almost 100 international appearances for Germany.

Branislav Ivanovic: Every Game At World Cup 2010 Is A 'Final' For Serbia

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has indicated that Serbia do not want to let themselves or their country down at the World Cup this summer, and will be treating every game like it was the final.

The Serbs are in a tough group with Germany, Australian and Ghana, but topped a qualifying group that included France as they sealed a place at the finals.

Many have tipped them as a potential surprise package, and Ivanovic maintains that they will be not lacking when it comes to a positive attitude.

"We qualified in first position ahead of France, which was very good for us," the versatile stopper told his club's official website.

"We did a lot of good things and we have to continue to play like we did in the qualifiers.

"But of course, the World Cup is completely different to the qualifiers. If you make a mistake, it is very difficult.

"Every game is like a final in the World Cup and we have to remember this when we play."

This is Serbia's first World Cup as a nation in their own right, and Ivanovic is well aware of the special significance of the campaign for players and fans.

"It is our first one as Serbia, and my first one. It is a pleasure and it makes me proud to play in a World Cup, as it is for any player," he said.

"It is a special thing to play for your country and to represent them in a World Cup is the dream of every player. Every one of us is happy with this."

Summary Of A Season: Daniel Sturridge

After his contract at Manchester City expired, the 20-year-old forward chose Chelsea and the Champions League as the place to develop his talents further.

We already knew what he could do having seen him score against us in the FA Youth Cup two seasons ago, and it was in the senior version of the competition that he really began to make his mark at Stamford Bridge, netting four times in three games against Watford, Preston North End and Cardiff City after the turn of the year.

Signed as one for the future, Daniel’s ambition shone through immediately and he scored on his Chelsea debut in a friendly against Seattle, turning sharply and slotting home. He was rewarded with a call-up to England Under-21s in August, making his debut against Holland.

When the real business got going though he had to be patient, waiting until October for a first Chelsea start, and then missing two big chances to get off the mark against Bolton in the Carling Cup.

Confidence remained high though, and his introduction against Fulham just after Christmas instigated a vital comeback. Then in the absence of Didier Drogba, January saw him begin to find the net as Carlo Ancelotti predicted he would, with the three Championship sides dispatched on the way to the last eight of the Cup.

A first Premier League goal arrived in April when Stoke were put to the sword, and a winners' medal after appearing 13 times will have spurred him on for more success next season. The manager has already discussed giving youth a chance, so expect Sturridge to feature more regularly.