Villa plot emergency keeper deal

The Premier League has given Aston Villa permission to sign a keeper on loan because Stuart Taylor has joined Thomas Sorensen on the sidelines.
Taylor, 26, has undergone surgery after injuring a knee in Monday's draw with Sheffield United and he will miss the festive campaign.
First-choice Sorensen, 30, is also out of action with a knee problem, leaving Robert Olejnik as the only fit option.
However, the 20-year-old has yet to make his Premiership debut.
Taylor is understandably disappointed that his first extended run in the side has been ended by injury.
He told the Villa website: "I am absolutely gutted, there is no other word for it.
"I can't believe this has happened just as I was getting a run in the team.
"Thomas' injury meant I was getting a chance to prove myself for the first time - but it was obviously not meant to be.
"There is nothing I can do about it though. I just have to focus on getting back to full fitness then I can push Thomas for the shirt again."

Source www.bbc.co.uk/sport

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Kirkland leaves Hospital

Kirkland was taken to a local hospital as a precautionWigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has been released from hospital after suffering concussion during Saturday's 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough.
The 25-year-old was taken to hospital at half-time after an accidental collision with team-mate David Wright.
But the injury was not as serious as feared and Wigan boss Paul Jewell said: "The main thing is Kirky is all right.
"In the ambulance he did apparently say to tell the gaffer he would be okay for Wednesday against Arsenal."
Kirkland received treatment on the pitch but was given oxygen and put in a neck brace at half-time following a delayed reaction.
"Chris went into shock," explained Jewell. "He was surrounded by six or seven paramedics and they were concerned, very concerned.
"I saw him come in and the next thing, he was on a bed.
"It was probably one of my hardest ever half-time team talks, to keep the players' minds focused on the job at hand. It's not easy when you see a team-mate suffering."
Chelsea goalkeepers Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini were knocked out in the same match against Reading in October

Source www.bbc.co.uk/sport

Lehmann: Cole deserves abuse

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has stoked up the heat ahead of Sunday's game with Chelsea, after claiming Ashley Cole deserves any abuse likely to be aimed in his direction.
The England left back soured a long and successful relationship with Arsenal when he left Emirates Stadium in August, when swapping North London for West.
Relations between the two clubs have been frosty ever since allegations of 'tapping-up' were made in January 2005, with Arsenal supporters further enraged by the publication of Cole's autobiography 'My Defence', in which he was less than charitable about his former paymasters.
Sunday's clash, live on Sky Sports 1, is the first time Cole will line-up against his former team-mates and with a hostile reception awaiting, Lehmann feels he has only himself to blame.
"Of course Ashley should expect criticism from supporters on Sunday," said the Germany international. "He should get criticism.
"That is football. It makes the game exciting. If he didn't it would have meant that he wasn't an important player, but he was.
"He was a vital member of our squad and we enjoyed some major successes with him.
"So obviously he should expect some negative emotions when he plays against Arsenal.
"I do not understand why young players write books. I do not know why a player at 25 wants to tell me all about their big experiences.
"When I consider the age I am now, I would have a lot to tell people. But it seems to be an English habit to come out with books that nobody needs.
"I don't know if Cole should have waited before writing his book but the English mentality seems to be different to elsewhere.
"I will probably write one when I retire. But I am a bit older than these players. As I said, what is the point of writing a book at 25?"

Source www.skysports.com

New Wolves deal for keeper Murray

Murray's deal will be extended if Wolves reach the PremiershipWolves keeper Matt Murray has signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal - which will be extended by a year if they reach the Premiership in that time.
The 25-year-old's previous contract was due to expire in the summer of 2008, leading to speculation about a move.
"This shows his commitment to Wolves, and I'm thrilled," manager Mick McCarthy told the club website.
"It's a huge boost as we all rate him very highly and think he's one of the best keepers in the country."
Murray has made 74 league and cup appearances since coming through the youth ranks at Molineux.
He made his first-team debut in 2002, and has also had loan spells at Kingstonian and Tranmere.


Source www.bbc.co.uk/sport