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Wolves manager Mick McCarthy insists star winger Matt Jarvis was already a marked man before his recent England debut.The 24-year-old made his full international bow in the recent 1-1 draw with Ghana, but McCarthy says Saturday’s opposition Everton will already know all about Jarvis.

“He’s played against everyone and he’s skinned every one of them at some stage,” McCarthy said. “He’s had better success against some than others but he’s played well all season long.”

“I don’t think there will be any surprises from any full-back over the next seven games and people saying ‘I didn’t realise he was that good.’ He’s been a marked man all season because of his performances.”

“He will get that spring in his step, no question, because you do. I don’t know how it works but you get that bit more belief in you.”

“I know it does because it happened to me – I felt a better player for playing for Ireland. You watch, listen and learn and pick things up, you become like a sponge, soaking it all up.”

“And Jarvis will. I guess being recognised as a top player by the top manager can’t do you any harm at all.”

Despite Wolves going down to a heavy 4-1 defeat at Newcastle last week, McCarthy says the 4-4-2 formation used in that game could be adopted.

Wolves had previously used a 3-5-1 system, but the former Republic of Ireland manager hinted he might stick with two up front.

“I guess how well 4-4-2 works is determined by how well the two centre-forwards play,” McCarthy said.

“Steven Fletcher and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake were our best two players on Saturday. I thought the pair of them worked really well.”

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“I thought the two up front played very well together. We will see – everything is up for consideration. I haven’t had one system set in stone that I’ve played all season. If I’ve needed to change it, I’ve changed it.”

“The lads have all played 4-4-2 – but I wouldn’t say it’s easier because they have played both ways, with three in the middle or two in the middle.”

Defender Ronald Zubar (back) and forward Kevin Doyle (knee) are definitely out.

Steve Kean has insisted he will not quit as Blackburn manager, despite speculation surrounding his future.Since Kean took over the club, Rovers have dropped down the table and are now just two points clear of the relegation zone.

Kean has been criticised in the press for his lack of experience but insists he will remain in charge.

“Do I think about quitting? Not for a day, not for a second. It just makes me more determined to go out and win,” Kean said.

“I think the criticism has been harsh. There was little written or said when we got a point at Arsenal.”

“Then the whole world is going to end because we have drawn a game at home to Birmingham.”

“It has been difficult to take. It’s in your face all the time and even the local paper is negative.”

“The lads don’t like it. David Dunn and Phil Jones are from around here and they feel it is harsh.”

“I can understand the frustration of the fans. We are sharing it too. But we are going to use it and harness it in our favour.”

“There have been too many draws but it is very fine margins and we have more points away from home than we did last season.”

“The flak goes with the job. You have to have broad shoulders and hopefully the fans will see we mean business from the first whistle.”

Forward Junior Hoilett should be back after recovering from a hamstring strain which kept him out of last weekend’s 2-0 loss to Everton.

Kean said the 20-year-old has been a revelation during his time in charge.

“He’s exploded onto the scene this season with dazzling performances at times,” Kean said.

“We are going to sit down and talk with him about his future – but I mentioned to the directors and the owners of the importance not to take the focus away from the games and his performances.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s problems in the final third have been so well documented that I’m sure even Osama Bin Laden knew of them in his hideout in Pakistan; these problems have caused Spurs to be linked with every player under the sun, so much so that I wouldn’t be surprised tomorrow to be reading “’Arry plots £10 million raid for Dean Windass”. The latest striker to be reportedly on Redknapp’s radar is £12m rated Espanyol’s Pablo Osvaldo. (Don’t worry, I thought the same thing as you, “who?”)

Osvaldo is of duel nationality, Italian and Argentinian, an incredible blend of nationalities with a sound footballing pedigree. After averaging a goal every three games for Argentinian second divison club Atletico Huracan, the forward joined Serie B side Atalanta. He earned only three appearances but still managed to bag himself a goal, yet after this relatively disappointing season Atalanta agreed a co-ownership deal with fellow Serie B side Lecce, and Osvaldo achieved a very healthy 18 goals in 31 games, catching the attention of Fiorentina, who signed the Italian Argentine for 4.5 million Euro’s. Osvaldo repaid them instantly with a brace on his debut, however, after two seasons and only five goals later, Osvaldo was on the move again to fellow Italian side Bologna, where he failed to even beat his Fiorentina tally of five goals and was quickly loaned out to La Liga outfit Espanyol. Finally, after years of living out of a suitcase, Osvaldo found his ‘footballing home’; seven goals in 20 games meant that Espanyol snapped up the chance of a permanent move for the striker and the former Lecce ace continued his loan form on, so far this season having scored 11 goals in 20 games. This level of quality and consistency is why the boys down White Hart Lane are said to be interested in obtaining his services.

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Should media reports be true (cough cough) that Osvaldo is all set for a move to White Hart Lane, where would he fit, if at all, into Harry Redknapp’s starting eleven? Tottenham’s frontline is no doubt in need of a shake-up, and with Redknapp apparently at the end of his tether with his forwards, especially Pavlyuchenko, who may be collecting his P45 very soon, there is definitely place for Osvaldo at ‘The Lane.’ Spurs’ manager, though, isn’t looking for another ten goal-a-season striker, and, let’s be honest, the stats demonstrate that Osvaldo is merely that.

Verdict: Look elsewhere first Harry.

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Alex McLeish insists he is capable of leading Birmingham straight back to the English Premier League after they were relegated on Sunday.McLeish’s men were beaten 2-1 by Spurs at White Hart Lane, with a Roman Pavlyuchenko brace doing the damage for the Londoners and meaning Birmingham finished one point short of safety behind Wolves.

It was a season of contrasting fortunes for Birmingham, with their Carling Cup win over Arsenal at Wembley in February the undisputed high point.

But their league form dropped off badly after that triumph to see them become the first side since Norwich in 1985 to be relegated in the same season in which they lifted the league cup.

Nevertheless, McLeish insists he is the right man for the job and said he will rise to the challenge of life in the Championship when asked if he plans on staying at St Andrew’s.

“I don’t see why not,” McLeish told Sky Sports.

“I’ve been knocked down today but it’s not fatal and I’m going to rise to it again and pick myself up.”

“It’s going to be a pretty horrible few days – and whole summer I suppose – but I’ve got to get down to work to try and get Birmingham back into the Barclays Premier League.”

“I’ll chat with the chairman (Carsen Yeung) in midweek and see where we go from there. We know to get back (into the Premier League) we have to maintain the quality factor.”

“The players have got to fight on and rise to the next challenge. It’s not fatal. They’ve got to pick themselves up again; we as a club and a team have to do that as well.”

Spurs boss Redknapp, meanwhile, has hailed a terrific campaign from his men that saw them finish fifth in the league and enjoy a fantastic debut in the Champions League, progressing to the quarter-finals.

“It’s been an incredible season – the European adventure, beating Arsenal (away) for the first time (since 1993), going to Liverpool and winning.”

“We’ve had great games and this has been far and away the best season in the Premier League that Tottenham has had.”

“We have had an amazing season – it won’t get any better, enjoy it. This is good as it can get.”

“We have got to try again next year. We have got to improve the squad and go again next time but no one can complain at what they’ve seen.”

“Anyone who has got any brains will know it’s been an amazing season at Tottenham and that we’ve played great football. Anyone that does not enjoy it should go and support someone else.”

Thierry Henry is reportedly attempting to lure former Arsenal teammate Robert Pires to Major League Soccer.Pires, 37, was released from Villarreal in May 2010.

He was signed by Gerard Houllier for Premier League club Aston Villa on a six-month deal in November, but has only made four starts and seven substitute appearances in all competitions.

With Houllier’s future in doubt due to health concerns, it seems unlikely that veteran Pires will be offered a new contract at Villa Park.

Henry has apparently tried to tempt his former France and Arsenal teammate into a move to the US and possibly the New York Red Bull.

But Pires insists he is yet to receive any formal approaches for his services.

“Thierry has phoned me,” Pires said.

“He called me up and said ‘come over and play with me’ but there are no real offers yet.”

“For the moment there is nothing else, because the league is not finished. I will wait until it is finished. I am relaxed about it. I still feel fit enough to play.”

Pires won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups during his time at Arsenal.

He also collected World Cup and European Championship winners’ medals with France.

I think everyone was pleased when Fulham announced the return of Martin Jol to the Premier League as their manager last week, after his rather disrespectful exit from Tottenham Hotspur. The Dutchman though will no doubt not want fans’, pundits’ and newspapers’ reminding him of his exit from White Hart Lane as he looks to begin his own quest to go down in Fulham’s history. The former Ajax manager has taken over a club very much on the up with a supportive chairman and good ‘solid’ foundations, and with Jol looking to make his own ‘mark’ on the Fulham squad there is definitely a case that the former Tottenham man should return to North London for a few ‘bargains’.

Fulham are lacking a striker who can consistently get them 15-20 goals a season, Bobby Zamora and Moussa Dembele are their main attacking outlets and both players’ do offer attacking flair in the final third but the two forwards, in my opinion, will not be setting the goalscoring charts alight any time soon, which why a cut price move for Lilywhites striker Robbie Keane would be an ideal signing. The Irishman has continually proven himself as a clinical finisher in the Premier League, and despite a disappointing campaign this season, which has culminated in Harry Redknapp stating that Keane doesn’t feature in his plans, the former Inter Milan forward could be a huge success at Craven Cottage with just a little bit of TLC.

The Cottagers lack that spark in midfield, that player that can unlock a defence or win you a match but if Jol were to sign Niko Kranjcar all those problems would be solved. Many Spurs fans rate the former Portsmouth player highly and were left baffled when he didn’t start the Champions League first leg against Real Madrid after Aaron Lennon pulled out. It is moments like that which have led to the Croatian international stating he wants to leave White Hart Lane and with Redknapp clearly lacking faith in Kranjcar, he could be available for next to nothing.

The third and final addition that I believe the new Fulham boss should make from White Hart Lane is Jermaine Jenas (don’t shoot me down just yet). Fulham will be a bit light in midfield with both Clint Dempsey and Zoltan Gera more than likely on the move in this transfer window, and Danny Murphy isn’t getting any younger (even though his performances have gotten better with age if anything), so the signing of the former Newcastle United player would help re-energise the middle of the park for Fulham. The England international doesn’t have too many admirers in the beautiful game but on his day the former Nottingham Forest player can be a real influence at the heart of the midfield.

Think these are shocking suggestions? Let me know at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Daniel-T-Blazer/185495024836102

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England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce has been rewarded for his efforts with a new two-year contract.The 49-year-old has led the England Under-21 national side to three successive European Championships, including a runner-up finish in 2009 and a semi-final appearance in 2007.

But their 2011 campaign ended in disappointment, with England unable to make it past the group stages in Denmark last month.

Regardless, Pearce has been slated for another two years in the job, where he works alongside England manager Fabio Capello to bring the nation’s best young talent to the fore.

He has already mentored the likes of Joe Hart, James Milner, Ashley Young, Adam Johnson and Theo Walcott during his time with the national set-up.

Football Association chairman David Bernstein backed Pearce to rebound from the lacklustre showing in Denmark when qualifying for the 2013 championships gets underway in September.

“Continuity is vital as we continue to build our club ethos, and Stuart is an important member of the England coaching structure,” Bernstein said.

“I know he was as disappointed as anyone at the Under-21s’ most recent tournament results at the European Championships in Denmark, but we mustn’t forget the team had an excellent qualifying campaign and continues to produce young players ready and prepared for senior team experience.”

Pearce added: “I am delighted to have signed my new contract and to be able to continue in a role I very much enjoy.”

“In my time with the England Under-21s we have experienced an excellent record and my aim now is to qualify for Israel in 2013 and hopefully go on to secure silverware with another exciting group of young players.”

European Club Association chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has hit out at FIFA and called for the 200 clubs in his organisation to protest.The Bayern Munich chief executive officer spoke in the wake of the lifetime ban handed to ex-Asian Football Confederation chief Mohamed Bin Hammam on July 23, after the Qatari was found guilty of bribery accusations.

Former Germany international Rummenigge also targeted FIFA president Sepp Blatter, despite his pledge to rid the game’s governing body of corruption.

“Sepp Blatter is saying (that he’s cleaning up the game) but the fact that no one believes him tells you everything you need to know,” Rummenigge told The Guardian.

“I’m not optimistic because they believe the system is working perfectly as it is. It’s a money machine, World Cup after World Cup, and, for them, that’s more important than serious and clean governance.”

“It is a nice game but (it) is decided by people who are corrupt. I am not ready to accept the system as it is and I am not alone. I am asking for transparency, balance and democracy in governing bodies like FIFA and UEFA. “

“I don’t accept any longer that we (should be) guided by people who are not serious and clean. Now is the moment to intervene, because knowing something is wrong is an obligation to change.”

Rummenigge has long been an opponent of international friendlies, and again touched on the subject.

“European clubs provided 75 percent of the players for the 2010 World Cup, and each club lost at least 10 million euros but we accepted it as a favour to the players, and now we find dates have been given for international friendlies,” he said.

“When I won the European Championship (with West Germany in 1980), there were eight teams in the finals. That figure will triple by 2016. In the World Cup, it used to be 16 teams, now it’s 32.”

“The clubs pay the players but are not part of the decision-making process. We are not treated respectfully.”

In recent months we have seen a number of clubs clashing with their local councils. Tottenham are one side who have had trouble with their local council, Haringey. After coming up with an ambitious plan to redevelop White Hart Lane and the surrounding area, they have faced numerous objections and obstacles which have hampered the development. The council at first embraced the idea, but seemed to not provide the support and constructive help along the way to get the project off the ground. The project has the potential to develop and regenerate local commerce and habitation in a long neglected area, bringing in more business on match days and creating more jobs. Spurs are an important aspect of Haringey and a vital source of revenue for the council so should the council be willing to do more to help?

Due to the problems Spurs have been forced to look elsewhere, and could still leave the Haringey area altogether. They were in the running for the Olympic stadium, but lost out to West Ham. When they announced they were interested in moving to the Olympic stadium, Haringey council quickly objected to the plans, so it seems Spurs can’t win with the council neither supporting their bid to stay and regenerate, or the option of them moving away.

Liverpool are another who have run up against obstacles in their development of a new stadium. They have faced ongoing problems for the last 10 years. Their project faces continued delays, as the council obstructed plans for a redeveloped Anfield due to legislation which means that you cannot build in an area which blocks natural light getting into peoples homes, which is understandable as it a legal requirement. However, the council has been less than supportive through the process in helping Liverpool to get their plans off the ground. Considering the opportunity to regenerate the whole of north Liverpool, should the council have done more to help out with certain conditions, making it easier for the club to get the finances it requires? The council have now forced Liverpool into a deadline which means they can’t explore either the option of regeneration, or moving to Stanley Park fully. They have forced Liverpool into a corner, with the people set to lose out being fans and local residents. Of course the delays aren’t only the councils fault, the plans were originally put back because of the clubs previous owners as well. However, it seems as if the council is unwilling to do more to help Liverpool out.

Stockport County, are another side, currently struggling with their local council. There is controversy over whether or not they should be given money by the local council to sort out their ailing finances. On the one hand, the side are a vital aspect of the community, putting the area on the map, and bringing in vital business for the local area. However, we are in a recession and with cuts by the local council to schools and health budgets, it does seem difficult to justify the argument that the local council should be helping out County more. A football club is a business like any other, so it should be able to stand on its own two feet, rather than relying on the council and taxpayers money.

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As well as the bigger teams, smaller grass roots teams are also struggling, many like Tower Hamlets have had their funding cut by local councils, and are now struggling to survive. Too many councils have sat by as their community clubs have died. The benefits of a local side in the community cannot be understated, they promote the neighbourhood, and provide employment and enjoyment for all.

There are some councils who have done more to help out their local clubs. Oldham Athletic, Stevenage and Tranmere are just a few who have received the full support and backing of their local councils. It seems not all local councils are unwilling to go the extra mile to help their local side, when they see what they bring to the area.

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It’s tough to weigh up whether councils should do more to help. On the one hand a football club is likely to be the biggest source of revenue for the council, as well as a centre of community life. However, in the harsh economic climate we are in, it is difficult to see what more local councils can do without sacrificing vital services elsewhere. Local councils have a duty to their residents as well as to their football clubs and that is something they have to balance.

Let me know your thoughts below or follow me on Twitter @LaurenRutter

Newcastle United is reportedly looking to ban players and staff from tweeting, in light of Joey Barton’s recent outburst. Alan Pardew did hint that there could still be a future for Barton at St James Park next season and that he could well be restored to the first team training set-up in the coming week.

In the papers this morning there have been a mixed bag of stories that include Sven hits out at Manchester City grumblers; Capello set to call up Phil Jones to the England set-up, while Peter Kenyon awaits call for breakaway league.

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Newcastle issue legal warning after Barton tweets – Guardian

Sven: City’s grumblers are there for work not holidays – Independent

Gunners snub new Cesc bid from Barca – Mirror

We want £12m for Samba! Blackburn want to keep defender at Ewood Park – Daily Mail

Capello to call-up Jones against Holland – Guardian

Kenyon awaits call for breakaway league – Guardian

Stoke join Spurs and Chelsea in £8m chase for West Ham midfielder Parker – Daily Mail

Newcastle weigh up move for unsettled United winger Obertan – Daily Mail

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Cole: Judge me on the pitch – Sun

Liverpool line up new Lucas  – Mirror

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