Peter Reid has emerged as the surprise favourite to take over as Blackburn boss, according to the Sun.

Reid’s name is apparently at the top of a list which also includes David Moyes, Gerard Houllier and Mark Hughes.

The former England midfielder has powerful and long-standing allies at Ewood Park.

Rovers tried to tempt him from Sunderland before they appointed Graeme Souness four years ago.

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Jermain Defoe earned glowing praise from Sven-Goran Eriksson following his impressive full England debut last night.

Photographs of Defoe scoring the opening goal against Poland and then celebrating feature on nearly all of the back pages.

Eriksson said: "Defoe couldn’t have done much better. He played very well and will always score goals.

"He is a great talent and I am sure he will have many more good games."

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Chelsea defender Glen Johnson fears his long-term England chances are being wrecked after being frozen out at Stamford Bridge.

Johnson, 21, has won two full England caps but has not had a look-in at Chelsea this season after new manager Jose Mourinho brought in Portuguese international Paulo Ferreira.

"I can’t expect to be picked for my country if I’m not playing for Chelsea every week," said Johnson.

"But I know I’m going to get games at Chelsea this season. I’ve spoken to the manager and it’s just a case of waiting for my turn." (Daily Mirror)

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Sam Allardyce has ruled Ricardo Gardner out of Bolton’s clash with Manchester United this weekend due to his international commitments.

Gardner plays for Jamaica in El Salvador before a five-flight dash back from Central America to the Reebok Stadium.

Allardyce said: "He wouldn’t have the energy to mow his lawn never mind play Premiership football." (Daily Mirror)

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Chris Kirkland would play for Liverpool for nothing if someone could guarantee him staying injury-free.

The young keeper is currently recovering from a back problem – the latest in a series of setbacks in his career with club and country.

Kirkland said: "All I want to do, in fact all I have ever wanted to do, is to play for Liverpool.

"I’d even play for free if it meant I could stay injury-free." (Daily Star)