Monday quick hits...

Apologies for the delayed posting -- American football has diverted my attention during the PL off-week -- a las, here are some quick hits:

US loses to Brazil 4-2 but Ives says there are positives to take away from the match but Gooch needs to be replaced according to just about everyone (good analysis in the link therein).

Arsenal chairman says the club isn't up for sale, especially to Russian gangsters.

Glazers dispute more rumors about ManYoo's business operations.

Michael Ballack doesn't understand why he wasn't included on Chelski's Euro roster and Franz Beckenbauer doesn't understand why he made the move in the first place.

Tim Howard is doubtful vs. ManYoo after dislocating his finger against Brazil.

David Bentley defends his decision to back out of a previous U-21 England fixture, which has kept him out of McLaren's line-up.

Euro 2008:
Lampard and Hargreaves won't play but Stevie G will.

Iceland surprisingly draws with Spain after Spain went down to 10 men after a boneheaded kick by Xabi Alonso on an Icelandic defender.

Morecambe shocks the Carling Cup again! + Quick hits

Newcomers to the Football League, Morecambe FC, have followed up on their shocking upset of PNE with another upset -- this time Wolverhampton fell victim to the Shrimps:

SAMMY McIlroy was understandably delighted with his players' performance in beating Wolves in the Carling Cup.

After seeing his side score twice in extra-time to beat a second successive Championship team, McIlroy said the win was 'magnificent'.

He said: "I am immensely proud of my boys and the supporters must be in dreamland with the way things are going at the moment.

"It was another magnificent win for us and I don't think anyone can say we didn't deserve it.

"Wolves played some neat football and had a lot of possessions but they never really hurt us.

"We defended superbly as a team and always looked threatening on the break."

The Shrimps had looked set to win in normal time with Carl Baker's penalty enough for them to lead until, with seven minutes left, Andy Keogh scored from the spot.

But goals from Jon Newby and Garry Thompson in extra-time put the Shrimps in the third round draw with the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.

Looks like the fairy tale story will end in the next round if the Shrimps face either of the squads mentioned above but nice run lads.

Other notes of interest from the Carling Cup:
After their hot start Sunderland lost to Luton Town -- oh dear.

Kieron Dyer breaks his leg - not a good result for West Ham, regardless of the score.

Foxes match suspended at the half after player collapses in the same day that Spanish middy, Antonio Puerta, dies after collapsing on the pitch

Wayne Rooney is amazing...

Thanks to the Soccernista for finding this gem -- I don't think this behind the scenes footage is fake as he surmises though...

A must watch.

Essien injures knee, likely out Wednesday...

From the BBC:

"It was something in the knee ligament. He was in pain, I had two midfielders on the bench so I made the change immediately," said Mourinho.

"If you asked me, I would say I do not know if he will be fit for Wednesday's match against Reading."

Although Essien has been known to play through pain in the past a knee ligament injury doesn't sound good for Chelsea supporters -- especially considering the fact that he looked to be in substantial pain:

Jose might receive some help from Makele, who returned to training today, but Essien is so solid in the middle that his presence surely will be missed.

Benni McCarthy gets the all clear...

After collapsing on the pitch against Boro, Blackburn supporters might have feared the worst but it appears that McCarthy is fine and will travel with the team for their UEFA qualifier on Thursday:

Blackburn Rovers' South Africa striker Benni McCarthy was released from hospital on Saturday after collapsing on the pitch during his side's 2-1 win over Middlesbrough at the Riverside.

The forward clashed heads with Boro defender Chris Riggott during a second-half challenge. Rovers were 1-0 down at the time.

McCarthy then collapsed as he spoke with Blackburn's physio.

After several minutes of treatment on the pitch, the striker was stretchered off wearing a neck brace and taken to hospital.

He was replaced by Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz in the 60th minute.

"Benni looks to be okay. He went to hospital, but he's out now and will travel home with the team," a Blackburn spokesperson said.

I would expect Mark Hughes to give McCarthy some more rest after the valiant efforts from Blackburn's subs even if he is fit.

Tevez debut set for Wednesay...

With Rooney out indefinitely after fracturing his foot against Reading, all eyes will fall on Carlos Tevez during Manu U's match against Pompey:

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said Carlos Tevez is likely to make his debut for the club in Wednesday's league game at Portsmouth.

The 23-year-old completed his move to United last Friday and may even start the game as a result of the recent injury to fellow forward Wayne Rooney.

"He trained very hard at the weekend and will be doing light training until the day of the game," said Ferguson.

"We will now be getting Carlos ready for Wednesday's match."

Whether your a Red Devil supporter or not it should be interesting to see how the brilliant young Argentine striker will fare in his debut for Fergie's side.