Steven Gerrard returned to full training with Liverpool yesterday after almost seven weeks out with a broken foot.

And manager Rafael Benitez revealed his skipper will be back in first-team action by the weekend after next, with a reserve-team outing scheduled for Monday.

Benitez said: "Steven has made very good progress and we expect him to be back in the team within two weeks. He is training now and it is a question of match fitness." (Daily Mirror)

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Martin Jol last night pledged to silence the Spurs snipers by claiming he would live up to the legend of their late Double-winning boss Bill Nicholson.

Jol was confirmed as Tottenham’s new head coach three days after the unexpected departure of Jacques Santini for personal reasons.

The little-known Dutchman, who has a three-year contract, said: "I was at Bill Nicholson’s memorial service on Sunday and my immediate thought was it would be marvellous if I could be the second.

"It is not a minor task, but Spurs are still one of the biggest clubs in Europe. I might be a strange figure to the supporters, but I’ve been here for four months and I love it." (Daily Mail)

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Carlton Cole would rather stay at Aston Villa than head back to Chelsea’s reserves.

The on-loan forward agreed to a season-long deal in the summer, but with Chelsea’s striker-crisis they are thinking about recalling him when the transfer window opens in January.

Cole admitted: "It’s a difficult one. I’ve always wanted to play for Chelsea but unless I’m going to be in the team there, I’d rather stay at Villa and get more experience." (The Sun)

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Bryan Robson will today make an emotional return to the Premiership after nearly four years in the wilderness by being named as the new boss of West Brom, report the Daily Mirror.

Robson will be handed a two-and-a-half year contract worth nearly £1.5million - with added bonuses if he can keep Albion in the Premiership.

The ex-England skipper has not managed in the top-flight since leaving Middlesbrough in 2001, but Albion have made their move after approaches for Glenn Hoddle and Gordon Strachan were rebuffed.

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Frank Lampard believes Chelsea’s fluent football has the Premiership running scared.

Chelsea have stormed to the top of the table after winning five of their last six league games.

And England midfielder Lampard said: The front three area always going to create chances. It’s working well and they are a frightening prospect for any team." (The Sun)