Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal passed a "big mental test" with a comprehensive 4-0 (6-0 aggregate) demolition of Steve McClaren's FC Twente to secure a place in the draw for the Champions League group stage.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane has pledged the club's full backing to striker Michael Chopra as he "deals with some personal problems".

Former Birmingham striker Walter Pandiani is negotiating a return to the Premier League, according to his agent.

Aston Villa's recent signing Carlos Cuellar could finally make his debut in Sunday's home Barclays Premier League clash with Liverpool at Villa Park.

World number eight Andy Roddick produced a serving masterclass to begin his quest for a second US Open title with a comfortable 6-2 6-2 6-2 straight-sets victory over Fabrice Santoro on Wednesday.

Jelena Jankovic and Svetlana Kuznetsova both endured some tense moments before progressing to the third round of the US Open last night but former champion Lindsay Davenport progressed without being troubled.

Warrington's England international Ben Westwood has signed a two-year extension to his contract, which will keep him at the Halliwell Jones Stadium until the end of the 2011 season.

South Africa captain Graeme Smith has been ruled out of Friday's third NatWest Series match against England at The Oval due to a tennis elbow injury.

Steven Gerrard will miss both of England's forthcoming World Cup qualifiers after having an operation on Thursday on his troublesome groin.

Rafael Benitez hailed his European lucky charm Dirk Kuyt as Liverpool scrambled their way into the Champions League group stages on Wednesday night.

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