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Bolton Wanderers player Sam Ricketts has been ruled out for the season with an achilles injury. The Wales international full-back is expected to be out for six months and is due to have an operation on Friday.

“The likelihood is he will be out for about six months which is a big blow for Sam,” said Bolton boss Owen Coyle.

Ricketts, 29, had to be carried off on a stretcher after going to ground in an attempt to close down Victor Moses.

“He has been outstanding for us and our immediate thoughts go to him as we wish for a speedy recovery,” added Coyle.

Striker David Healy has moved to Rangers from Sunderland. Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist confirmed that the player was in the Ibrox side’s dressing-room as they prepared for the match with Motherwell.

“I believe the medical has gone fine and he will be with us tomorrow,” McCoist told BBC Scotland ahead of the Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-final.

Frank Lampard has come out with astonishing statement of that Chelsea are currently lacking in belief. The England midfielder admitted: “At the moment, there’s a bit of a feeling that we’re not sure what’s going to happen when we go out there.

“The end of Scolari’s reign was a bit like this. You lose the feeling of being able to win every week.

“Once you’ve had that and lose it, it’s hard to get it back.”

Roberto Mancini has said that teams in England could do with a break. With Spain, Italy and Switzerland enjoying a Christmas and New Year’s rest, English clubs face the prospect of four matches in a 10-day period, which could play a major role in the destination of the title.

Sunday’s Boxing Day program marks the start of the gruelling schedule.

“In England, Boxing Day is a very important game,” said Mancini. “But maybe English players need a rest sometimes.

Ray Wilkins has backed his former club Chelsea to bounce back from their difficulties. The reigning champions are third in the table having taken two points from a possible 12 since Wilkins left and face a tough trip to Tottenham on Sunday. They need some new signings, like Lionel Messi.

“I honestly believe they’ll turn it around,” Wilkins, who was sacked on 11 November, told BBC Radio 5 live.

“The next three games are a very, very important period for Chelsea.”

Manchester United recorded a huge win over Blackburn side that is poor on the road by scoring seven goals. Berbatov gave United the lead from Nani’s delivery before Park Ji-Sung combined with Wayne Rooney for 2-0.

Berbatov pounced on a Pascal Chimbonda backpass to score the third before grabbing his hat-trick with a firm strike from just inside the area.

Nani lashed in to make it 5-0, Berbatov followed up Park’s blocked shot and then fired in an angled strike before Chris Samba’s late consolation header.

Daryl Murphy has set his sights for all the trophies on offer this season with Celtic, with fans sticking free bets on them making a memorable treble. Neil Lennon’s Bhoys have already been knocked out of Europe but they have made a stunning start to the domestic campaign, winning all five of their SPL matches.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes that he has never played better in his career than he is currently.

The England star has been in blistering form this season, scoring 29 goals in all competitions. Now he wants to replicate that club form for his country.

England meet Egypt at Wembley in a friendly on Wednesday night at Wembley and Rooney wants to put down a marker for the World Cup, when his form and fitness will be crucial to the Three Lions’ chances of glory in South Africa.

Derby County reserve striker is set to play in the English Premier League after sealing a loan move to Blackpool. Socceroo David Carney has been picked up by English Premier League club Blackpool on the final day of the European transfer window.

Despite initial fears the transfer had not been completed before the 6pm deadline in England, the Premier League has now confirmed the 26-year-old will make the move from FC Twente.

“It has been a busy 24 hours but I am delighted it is done now and I am just looking forward to getting out there playing,” Carney said.

New Wigan signing James McArthur has said that he cannot wait to play in the best league in the world, The English Premier league. The 22-year-old has no fears about passing today’s medical that will allow him to finally clinch his move to the Latics from Hamilton.

Prior to that the closest he got was when he unlce took him tto see Spurs in the Tottenham Hospitality Packages.