Newcastle job latest

Mark Hughes now the favourite, as Houllier, Mourinho and McLaren linked

Newcastle's search for a new manager continued last night, with Mark Hughes instantly becoming favourite when he refused to rule himself out of contention. Club sources admit he is on the shortlist for consideration. Other names being thrown into the ring include Gerard Houllier, the ex-Liverpool manager (not upto it after his illness - he's stated he could never do a job like he did at Liverpool again and Newcastle is much bigger), Jose Mourinho (waiting for Rafa Benitez to get the boot & why wouldn't he, comparing their squad to Newcastle's) and Steve McLaren (surely they wouldn't dare appoint him!)

Manchester City 2-2 Blackburn

Blackburn show their mettle and grab a point

Blackburn battled back to gain a point in a game that had a better second half than first. Any team of Mark Hughes's is not going to give up, and so it was as Blackburn battled back to score a late equaliser. They could even have won it as they finished the stronger.

The game exploded into life with three goals in six minutes. Vassell headed home from Petrov's cross, Santa Cruz levelled, and then Blackburn captain Nelsen scored an own goal after Petrov again caused mayhem.

The second half saw Blackburn put in a much stronger performance and they could have won it, finishing stronger at the end. Their attackers of Bentley, Santa Cruz and McCarthy played some great football, linking well throughout.

Overall Mark Hughes was satisfied his team battled back for a point. Blackburn can certainly score goals, but their defence is all over the place at times. Manchester City seem to be slightly fading now in performances and results.

Hargreaves out for England, Premiership Roundup

Reports are coming through of Owen Hargreaves being out injured for England. Seems to me its the old Fergie trick of minimising his players exposure to playing internationals. And why wouldnt he you might ask given the ridiculous ask of playing on a Friday night in Austria! Surprised theres not more 'long-standing' injuries that need a bit of rest.

Its really a bit of a boring week really - no Premiership and the chance of England being out of Euro 2008 by the end of the weekend. It'll be a long old week next week if that happens!

A quick round-up sees rumours of Liverpool and Man Utd battling it out for Ezequiel Garay at a reported $10m. The Guardian is reporting Liverpool will have to sell before they buy it they tumble out the Champions league. Elsewhere Arsenal are hoping to welcome back Van Persie for the visit of Wigan. Mark Hughes has been rewarded for his excellent job at Blackburn with reports of a new 12 month rolling deal.

Meanwhile Anton Ferdinand has been living upto the Ferdinand family name by allegedly being caught brawling by CCTV reports the BBC. Quality conduct!