Wenger is attempting to strengthen his squad and give Arsenal an injection of vitality as they bid to break into the Barclays Premier League top four. They are currently fifth, three points behind Aston Villa and Manchester United.

So take a bow the players and staff of Nottingham Forest, Hartlepool, Southend, Torquay et al for proving  if only fleetingly, and possibly for one week only  that passion and commitment can overcome commercial and technical superiority....

Over at Upton Park, meanwhile, conspiracy theorists were having a field day analysing the team Gianfranco Zola put out against Barnsley.

Last season he played nine times for QPR before helping to save Sheffield Wednesday from relegation into League One, with three goals in 12 appearances.

The Geordie striker celebrates his 20th birthday today and, after getting his first start of the season in a United shirt during the FA Cup clash at Hull City on Saturday, he is keen to extend his run in the first team under Joe Kinnear.

Last season he played nine times for QPR before helping to save Sheffield Wednesday from relegation into League One, with three goals in 12 appearances.

The schemer had to be helped off at the Stadium of Light near the end of Sunderlands 2-1 FA Cup third-round win against Bolton after collapsing in a heap under a heavy challenge from Trotters skipper Kevin Nolan.

In the end, it was the Premier League side which booked a fourth-round trip to Sunderland by the narrowest of margins. But the Blyth team made up of students, roofers, electrical engineers and physiotherapists did themselves proud.

And spare no sympathy whatsoever for Stoke City, who failed to heed the lesson learned by Reading  and

Now, after serving his time in the reserves and gaining experience on loan last term at Preston North End, Carroll revealed his appetite for first-team football.

MIDFIELD maestro Kieran Richardson is confident he will be fit for Saturdays Tees-Wear derby  despite hobbling off at the weekend.

Hundreds of Holstein Friesians at Ffosyficer Farm at Abercych, near Newcastle Emlyn, have already been put down after the disease was discovered.

Just as Sir Bobby Robson, Wor Jackie Milburn and Alan Shearer were made freemen of Newcastle, Moncur is to be honoured by the town where he has lived for so long.

FORMER Newcastle United favourite Nolberto Solano is returning home to Peru to finish his playing career with Universitario.

The Nigerian-born striker was caught on the A696 Woolsington bypass as he made his way to Newcastle International Airport.

Kieran Richardson hopes to face Middlesbrough - ChronicleLive

Carrolls progress this season has been hampered by a foot injury sustained during the summer after a freak incident on holiday, which meant his campaign didnt really get under way until the reserve-team away fixture at Middlesbrough.

The fourth round draw pairs Sunderland with Blackburn Rovers after Sam Allardyces men won last nights David versus Goliath FA Cup clash with Blue Square North outfit Blyth Spartans at Croft Park.

But the sea of green and white across the countys biggest town were not to be silenced by top-flight giants Blackburn Rovers, 118 places above them.

And, as it transpired, Portsmouth were held to a scoreless draw by Championship side Bristol City while Defoe will now be eligible to play for Tottenham at Old Trafford in the next round.