Kirkland ends his five years of frustration

Chris Kirkland, universally recognised as an immensely talented goalkeeper for several years, has finally ended his ill-fated five-year stint at Liverpool. After being signed for £6m back in 2001 by Gerard Houllier, Kirkland was never able to stay clear of injuries for a sufficient period of time to establish himself as the club’s number one.

Rafael Benitez quickly grew frustrated with Kirkland’s spout of injuries; by last summer, Kirkland had become fourth choice at Anfield and spent the season on loan at West Brom. He initially did well, before receiving an inevitable injury; the phenomenal form of Tomasz Kuszczak kept him out of the side thereafter.

Since joining Wigan on an initial loan deal in the summer, Kirkland has remained injury free and put together a run of eight consecutive Premiership games. In the process, he has forced his way into the England squad and, when appearing as a sub during England's 4-0 win over Greece, allowed his father to reap the rewards of placing a speculative bet on his son representing England when Kirkland was a child.

He is just 25 and, given the potential he possesses and the low fee Liverpool were demanding - around £1million, it was a surprise, in some ways, that no ‘bigger’ clubs made moves to sign him. But at Wigan he will be the main man and should be a guaranteed starter when fit. After several seasons treading water, Kirkland is back playing regular football. If his form is consistent and he keeps clear of the treatment table, then the notion of him becoming England’s new number one will be anything but risible.

Uefa left vulnerable with strong racist stance

Not many are backing Nikola Mijailovic over alleged racism towards Blackburn forward Benni McCarthy, in a case that has been subsequently resolved with a five-match ban for the defender from Uefa – who appear very keen to enforce their words lamenting racists in the game.

The Serbian defender, in spite of his reprimand, may deeply resent the claim that he is a racist person. What is said or done on the pitch is not usually a fair representation of a players’ character, such is the atmosphere and pressure on footballers to succeed. Needless to say, there is no excuse that reasons such behaviour.

Whatever the truth of the matter is, concerning Blackburn’s match in Poland at Wisla Krakow, Uefa’s hastiness in handing out a convincingly severe sentence with, apparently, no proof leaves the organisation open to challenge: from players, the CAS, and even courts of law.

Match referee Stefan Johannesson might have played an integral role in finding Mijailovic guilty, with Uefa stating, at the time of the complaint, that it would be very difficult to find compelling evidence: it would be one players’ word against another.

Uefa spokesperson William Gaillard admitted: "We have no reason to doubt Benni's word; he has been in the game for a long time now, playing at the top level. But the problem will be finding hard evidence to pass any sanctions."

The FA’s Adrian Bevington said: "Unfortunately we have seen the recent trend where, when our clubs have gone away in Europe or the national side has gone away, we've seen them encounter situations of racism."

Those that follow cricket will know all about the scandal surrounding umpire Darrell Hair’s personal decision over the state of a cricket ball – judging that it had been illegally tampered with by Pakistan and causing mass uproar in the process. He had no evidence to rely on, and is now set to depart the international stage as a result.

Therefore, unless the referee is certain he heard racist remarks, of which there has been no indication from Uefa, European football’s governing body has opted to have faith in McCarthy’s word – with no reason not to – and the five-game suspension backs this. But what will happen if Mijailovic appeals? Can and how will Uefa justify their verdict?

The Serb believes he is innocent: "Both of us were swearing but there was no racist abuse at all," the 24-year-old told Serbian newspaper Kurir. "Investigation will show I'm innocent, everything can be seen on tape." The tape is unlikely to reveal much that can close this case, and certainly not as blatantly as Marco Materazzi’s words to Zinedine Zidane during the World Cup final, which were interpreted across the world (albeit wrongly in most cases).

Materazzi was handed a two-match ban for ‘provocation’ rather than the actual remarks – a Fifa ruling that could hardly be contested.

McCarthy did complain at half-time to the referee, to aid his case, yet the taunts continued. Piara Powar, a spokesman for anti-racism campaigners Kick It Out, said: "It seems that Blackburn and other officials were able to produce eye-witness evidence, allowing action to be taken."

There was no question of a confrontation and verbal exchanges, but were specific racist insults heard or have Uefa decided that technicalities can no longer play a role when the racism trend is struggling to be curbed?

Mijailovic will now miss the rest of the Uefa Cup group stage, and a further two matches beyond that – likely to be in Wisla’s next European campaign after the home defeat to Blackburn. The Serb is well advised not to appeal and drag out the procedure, further sullying an already trashed reputation.

Should the ban stand, Uefa has sent out a welcome message. The times of meagre fines for associations (like the Spanish FA following the match with England) and inaction on complaints may be at an end. A ruthless stance has to be enforced in order for a consistent problem to be brought under greater control.

Uefa, though, must ensure that they can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt and remain pragmatic when dealing with these high-profile cases. In McCarthy’s case, this seems to have been implemented, and a further step has been taken in reducing racism in the game.

Clock ticking for Flamini

Filed under: Arsenal

When your selection for a Carling Cup tie is met with general ambivalence by supporters, it is clear your Arsenal career is nearing an end. And that is the fate currently befalling Mathieu Flamini.

The combative Flamini is no bad player, of course. Indeed, he proved himself a surprisingly competent fill-in left-back last season in Arsenal’s tremendous run to the Champions League Final. But the end of his Arsenal career probably came when, at the start of the current campaign, he professed a reluctance to play there again, preferring to revert back to his previous position in the centre of midfield.

Flamini provides work-rate in abundance, energy and tenacity. In this respect, he has come close to filling the void created by Ray Parlour. But he palpably lacks the something special required; he is neither a playmaker nor a genuine holding player.

His versatility and enthusiasm have lead to comparisons with fellow Frenchman Gilles Grimandi; with the greatest respect to Grimandi, Flamini will take no pleasure from these. Since joining in 2004, he has proved himself a willing stand-in. But it seems that is no longer enough.

As well as first-teamers Gilberto, Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky, Arsenal have a host of other options in central midfield.

They have the ‘next Vieira’ Abou Diaby, who impressed greatly last season before getting injured. There is also 18-year-old Brazilian Denilson, who has the physique and footballing intelligence to be a tremendous success. Even Alexandre Song, so castigated last campaign, appears to be coming good.

With Diaby, Denilson and Song all appearing to possess far greater potential than the gutsy but limited Flamini, the Frenchman’s days at Arsenal seem nearing an end. After all the controversy following his move from Marseilles, it seems Flamini is simply not quite good enough to make the grade. Like compatriot Pascal Cygan, his willingness has never been in doubt, but, unless he is content with a role on the periphery, Arsenal will expect around £ 4million for his services come summer – or perhaps even January.

Lampard's foreign dream; Mourinho's Deco desire

The most interesting piece of gossip to land in front of my eyes was the vague reports of a potential Barcelona-Chelsea swap deal, involving Frank Lampard and Deco.

Lampard has fell under a train of scrutiny for a string of poor performances at the World Cup after scoring freely for Chelsea throughout the 2005/6 season, and critics have continued their arguments in the embryonic stages of the latest Premiership campaign.

However, Barcelona will take very little notice of a short-term form loss, and Lampard has previously stated his desire to play in Spain - his partner is a Spaniard, and, apparently, their firstborn has been kitted out in Barcelona uniform.

He appears to be the kind of player who will be unfazed by a change of surroundings - Lampard has a naturally confident outlook while never affected by the media's consistent ramblings. Settling into the Spanish lifestyle and Barcelona squad will not be a problem, and one would expect him to be up the high standards of the European champions.

Frank Rijkaard has employed squad rotation to deal with the vast amount of quality he has at his disposal, and so far has managed to keep the majority of his squad content. This is a team still on top of La Liga in the face of losing at Real Madrid on Sunday but not as unbeatable as some believe. Perhaps Lampard can boost other ailing players and add something a little different.

Meanwhile, would Jose Mourinho accept a straight swap in return for Deco? He has long admired the Brazilian-born Portuguese international since coaching him at Porto. But Deco rejected Chelsea for Barca when on the move, seemingly ending any possible chance of a move to the English champions.

It is highly unlikely a 'straight' switch will be the answer, with the purchase of the individual players likely to be favoured, potentially at different times. The public word is that neither is for sale, and it will be hard to change that stance unless situations alter and large sums of money are being negotiated.

Deco was extremely quiet in the defeat in Madrid on Sunday, yet remains a superb talent who also contributes with goals, some of which have the ability to astound you.

It is another Chelsea midfielder who looks more likely to make the move across the continent - Shaun Wright-Phillips is lining up a move to Atletico Madrid, likely to be on-loan at first, in order to build-up first team appearances and regain his shattered confidence levels. Madrid's secondary team are in desperate need of midfielders following the long-term injuries to Maxi Rodriguez and Martin Petrov.

It is a strange move considering Wright-Phillips would have to uproot his family and make a new home in a fresh country, with no guarantee of a regular starting berth or indeed success. Conversely, to Lampard's character, the ex-Manchester City player is someone who may need security and surely another big change is a huge risk.

Exciting Denilson to be given first opportunity

Arsenal will go back to the Hawthorns for a Carling Cup tie tonight - a ground at which they lost at last season - but, as is common, a relatively inexperienced line-up will be given an opportunity.

With the likes of Arturo Lupoli and Nicklas Bendtner out on loan to Championship sides, Neves Denilson is likely to play a role in the fixture. With the furore surrounding Ashley Cole's protracted transfer, the late signing of the Brazil Under-19 captain on deadline day went largely unnoticed, at least by non-Arsenal fans.

The ex-Sao Paulo midfielder's £3.4m move from the Copa Libertadores finalists, after making 12 appearances by the young age of 18, came out of the blue. But Arsene Wenger is an astute market mover, and should Denilson be offered a opportunity, eyes will be primarily fixed upon him on his first ever Arsenal appearance.

Arsenal's defence has been surprinsgly strong in the absence of Phillipe Senderos, who will make a comeback in the Carling Cup fixture. Having emerged from the doldrums, Arsenal's push to be reckoned with for the title can only be boosted by Senderos's return. The Swiss star, who scored and dislocated his shoulder at the World Cup finals, has overseen the exit of Sol Campbell and dealt with his own issues concerning concentration to develop into a central defender first on Wenger's teamsheet.

Theo Walcott will make a rare start, hoping to avoid a similar fate to that of striking compatriot Jeremie Aliadiere. Having made a sizeable impact when starring after coming on as a sub with an assist in Arsenal's 5-1 win at Inter Milan in the Champions League just a couple of years ago, loans spells at the likes of Celtic, West Ham and Wolves have proved difficult - either the Frenchman has failed to earn a regular starting place or not been prolific enough to sustain a run in the team.

It appears Wenger is ready to have Aliadiere taken off his hands, should an appropriate bid come in. With few problems in the forwards department, and the emergence of Mr. Walcott, a move down to the Championship or abroad may be the best way to salvage a once promising career that has turned stale.

Errors corrected - thanks for the input.

Defoe suffers at picky media

Isn't it nice to hear the FA haven't decided Jermain Defoe's nibble at Javier Maccherano is worthy of more than a three-game ban, as would have been the reason should they have acted.

Nevertheless, Defoe's actions have earned an incredible reaction - just as Joey Barton pulling his shorts down attracted calls for limitless bans - simply because such an action has not been witnessed for so long. I doubt it will catch on with other players, as most enjoy a full allotment of handbags, and nor was it a red card offence.

There are solid arguments that Steve Bennett should have yielded the red instead of yellow, but then the reaction would have been far different - 'nanny' referees and all the rest. Instead Defoe has had to release a statement, via his paid agent, defending the nibble as a facet of his character.

The Argentine was shocked more than hurt by the vicious doggish attack. Mascherano probably believed the days of feral football hooligans had been left behind with the Torneo Apertura in South America, but the juvenile attack may just spring him into life, along with colleagues and under-pressure manager.

Alan Pardew will not be sacked in the next month unless more than losses arise from the dressing room walls, and although some have said the trip to Chesterfield in the Carling Cup is a one they could have done without - for obvious reasons - a victory would end the seven-match rot and hopefully realise West Ham's true potential.

Dean Ashton is a figure being hugely missed, but the Hammers have enough quality to recover and finish inside the top half once again. A home tie against Blackburn on Saturday will be a crucial match-up, and one worth betting on in West Ham's favour - if only draw no bet.

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