SPORTSPORT 24 METROSPORT Thursday, October 1, 2009 D Certified Distribution August 3-30, 2009: 50,145 Published by Fortunegreen Ltd, Embassy House, Herbert Park Lane, Dublin 4 Printed by The Irish Times at Citywest in Dublin Editorial: (01) 637 5900 Advertising: (01) 637 5989 Classified: (01) 637 5979 Distribution: (01) 637 5901 Harrington planning late charge up European ranks Page 22 Carrick on target to steer Reds to victory Anelka the hero again for Chelsea MAnCHEsTEr UnITED boss sir Alex Fer- guson was delighted with the battling qualities his side showed to come from behind to beat German champions Wolfsburg 2-1 last night. ryan Giggs 150th goal for the red Devils courtesy of a deflected free-kick in the second half cancelled out Edin Dzekos shock open- er at Old Trafford, paving the way for United to go on and clinch victory through a superbly placed effort from midfielder Michael Carrick. And Ferguson said he was pleased with the standard of Uniteds performance as they main- tained their four-year home unbeaten European record against a strong Bundesliga outfit. Ferguson said: Their goal was a surprise but I thought it was a matter of time before we scored. We got a bit fortuitous for our goal with the deflection but the performance deserved it. I thought it was a very good performance. What they are good at is they never give in. no matter what the score is, they keep playing and they get their reward. Our performance level was very good. The United boss, whose joy was dampened somewhat by a groin injury which forced off striker Michael Owen on his second start for the club, also hailed the unbelievable contri- bution of Giggs as the Welshman became just the ninth United player to reach the 150 mark. Hes unbelievable, Ferguson said. With all the superlatives and praise hes had over the years, I dont know how you can add to it. Hes a marvellous player. Elsewhere, nicolas Anelka was Chelseas European match-winner for the second game running after his superb first-half strike in a 1-0 victory over Cypriot champs Apoel nicosia. The Frenchman netted the Blues only goal against Porto at stamford Bridge two weeks ago and was on the mark again with a curling strike to earn a hard-fought victory in the GsP stadium. Three points puts us top of the group and its six points from two games which is a very good start, said skipper John Terry. Thatll do it: Anderson leaps into the arms of winning goalscorer Michael Carrick RepubliC of ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has refused to be perturbed by the fact his team may face one of europes elite nations in the November World Cup play-offs for a place in the finals in South Africa next summer. Fifa president Sepp blatter announced on Tuesday that the eight play-off teams will be seeded by world ranking, making it more likely ireland would face a powerhouse such as France, Germany or Russia in the two-legged encounter. We are concentrating on the next two games at home to italy and Montenegro and are not taking anything for granted, said Trapattoni. but, being in a tough qualifying group with italy, we are more than capable of making life difficult for any of europes big sides. Trapattoni unruffled by Fifas play-off surprise sUnDErLAnD manager steve Bruce would have only positive things to say about Andy reid if republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni gave him a call. The 27-year-old midfielder found himself struggling to command a regular place at club level and out of the reckoning on the international stage last season. However, with new boss Bruce in place, reid shed more than a stone and has not only forced his way back into the Black Cats side, but proved one of the clubs star players during a promising start to the campaign. But for all his form and fitness, reid remains out of favour with the Ireland manager, who insists the mercurial reid does not match his preferred system. Asked what he would say if contacted by Trapattoni about the Dubliner, Bruce replied: He has been arguably our best player for a month. The penny dropped with him that you must be in some physical condition to play in the Premier League and he has done extremely well since. But Trapattoni is a bit more experienced and better than I am, so thats his call. Bruce: Ill back Reid if Giovanni comes calling Wearside revival: Reid Picture: APChampions League reports: Page 23 by keviN AiTkeN index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html24.html25.html26.html27.html