Harry Kewell revealed last night that the fear of being axed has made him take a long hard look at himself.

The Liverpool midfielder admits he has had a woeful time this season and if he continues in the poor vein of form his whole Anfield career could be on the line.

“I’m my own biggest critic and I don’t need people to tell me when I’m playing well and when I’m not because I know myself,” he insisted.

“Everyone knows that you could be one match away from the bench and I think that level of fear brings the best out in people.” (The Mirror)

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A furious Harry Redknapp yesterday threatened to quit Portsmouth if chairman Milan Mandaric goes ahead with plans to employ a director of football.

The Pompey manager was staggered to learn that Velimir Zajec, who recently resigned as manager of Panathinaikos, is on the verge of joining the board at Fratton Park.

Redknapp said: “It’s the chairman’s club and he can do what he wants with it - that is his decision.

“But it would be my decision whether I wanted to work under those circumstances and with those type of people.” (Daily Mail)

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Rio Ferdinand admits this season has been disappointing for Manchester United.

The United and England centre-back said: “With the players we have, we shouldn’t be in the position we’re in. It’s been very disappointing, if I’m honest.

“It’s not looking pretty. I don’t like looking at the league table when we’re not in the top two.” (The Sun)

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The Daily Express report that Chelsea have embarked on a worldwide search for a back-up goalkeeper after reluctantly agreeing to let Carlo Cudicini leave Stamford Bridge.

Cudicini desperately wants to return to Italy at the end of the season, leaving Chelsea short of a stand-in for Petr Cech.

The Premiership leaders are considering a move for 25-year-old Brazilian keeper Julio Cesar in the January transfer window, to see if he settles down before letting Cudicini leave in the summer.