Martinez - McCarthy form will be rewarded

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592725header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592725header.jpg" /></a>James McCarthy is the next Everton player in line for a new contract after impressing in his debut season, says Roberto Martinez.<br /> <br /> Martinez has just tied down young defender John Stones to a new five-year contract and is keen to reward the work done by McCarthy since his arrival from Wigan Athletic.<br /> <br /> The pair worked together at the DW Stadium for four years and the 23-year-old midfielder was one of the first players Martinez brought with him to Goodison Park.<br /> <br /> After making his debut against Chelsea last September, McCarthy went on to make 34 appearances as Everton finished fifth in the Premier League table.<br /> <br /> His continued progress has earned him further international recognition with the Republic of Ireland - he now has 23 caps - and Martinez insists a new deal is on the cards.<br /> <br /> "It will be natural. James's contract is already performance related so the longer that he plays he gets a bigger reward," he told the Liverpool Echo.<br /> <br /> "We will always be looking at rewarding players as they do well and James, clearly, is one of those.<br /> <br /> "We always want to keep our young players important at the club and keep rewarding them. That will never change. That goes along with players who change their roles in the squad.<br /> <br /> "We talk a lot about our young players and rightly so, but sometimes we forget that without that solid base of experienced lads behind them you don't go anywhere.<br /> <br /> "We must remember that we have continuity too which is vital."<br /> <br /> Tim Howard, Seamus Coleman and Ross Barkley have also signed new contracts at Goodison Park during the close-season.

Everton James McCarthy Liverpool news news sports Premier League Roberto Martinez Martinez - McCarthy form will be rewarded

James McCarthy is the next Everton player in line for a new contract after impressing in his debut season, says Roberto Martinez. Martinez has just tied down young defender John Stones to a new five-year contract and is keen to reward the work done b…

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Ramsey aims to emulate Lampard and Gerrard

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592773header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592773header.jpg" /></a>Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey wants to match the goal-scoring exploits of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard over the next few years.<br /> <br /> Ramsey struck 16 times in all competitions for the London club last season, easily his best haul since his move from Cardiff City in 2008.<br /> <br /> The last of those goals was also arguably Arsenal's most important in nine years, as Ramsey burst into the box in extra-time in the FA Cup Final to score the winner against Hull City and ensure Arsenal secured their first major trophy since 2005.<br /> <br /> Just like Lampard in the 2009 FA Cup Final and Gerrard in the 2005 UEFA Champions League decider, Ramsey produced the goods when it mattered most and the Welshman wants to become Arsenal's answer to the famous English midfield duo for years to come.<br /> <br /> "I see myself as that midfielder who can score goals for Arsenal and I think that's important," Ramsey told The Telegraph on Thursday.<br /> <br /> "It's proven over the years to be important for successful sides to have goal-scoring midfielders and, hopefully, I'll do the same this season.<br /> <br /> "The likes of Gerrard and Lampard have done it for many years on a consistent basis and that will be my aim now to do that.<br /> <br /> "I've always felt I'd be a goal-scoring midfielder. Before my serious injury, I had broken into the team and scored a few goals. I've always believed in my ability to do that and I've always been in goal-scoring situations.<br /> <br /> "But I haven't been as composed as I was last season. I just felt like I had a lot more time in front of goal, whereas in the past I rushed a few decisions and shots that I made."<br /> <br /> Arsenal will return to Wembley on Sunday for the Community Shield against Manchester City and the Wales international is determined to start the new season on a high note.<br /> <br /> "Our season starts on Sunday and we'll be going out to win the game," he said.<br /> <br /> "It will be a good marker because we let ourselves down last year against the bigger teams. If we improve on that this season, we'll have a great chance [to win the Premier League] and we'll be right there at the end."

Arsenal Champions League FA Cup Frank Lampard news news sports Premier League Ramsey Steven Gerrard UEFA Ramsey aims to emulate Lampard and Gerrard

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey wants to match the goal-scoring exploits of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard over the next few years. Ramsey struck 16 times in all competitions for the London club last season, easily his best haul since his move from…

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Nicky Butt Van Gaal has Ferguson aura

<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592771header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592771header.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" /></a>Nicky Butt is confident Manchester United are in safe hands this season after likening new boss Louis van Gaal to Alex Ferguson.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> Butt has been impressed with the way the Dutchman, who guided his country to third place in the World Cup, has settled in at United and believes the club could challenge for the title this season.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> The former United midfielder has been retained as part of the backroom staff at Old Trafford, with his focus on developing young players.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> David Moyes struggled under the pressure of succeeding Alex Ferguson at United last season, but 39-year-old Butt does not expect the new man in charge to have any such problems.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> "He is obviously a very in-control man," he told the Manchester Evening News. "He has an aura about him - when he walks in the building, you know who the boss is, and I think that is very important.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> "We had that with Sir Alex for all those years and I think we have that now with Van Gaal. He walks into the building and he commands your respect.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> "All the players look up to him as the leader and that is how it should be.</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> "From afar, when I've looked at him it looks like he takes no messing about and if anyone doesn't toe the line, I'm sure they will be out of the team."</div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.00299835205078px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> United have won every game since the 63-year-old arrived and have one friendly against Valencia remaining before their opening Premier League clash with Swansea City on August 16</div>

Ferguson football Manchester United news news sports Nicky Butt Premier League soccer United Van Gaal Nicky Butt Van Gaal has Ferguson aura

Nicky Butt is confident Manchester United are in safe hands this season after likening new boss Louis van Gaal to Alex Ferguson. Butt has been impressed with the way the Dutchman, who guided his country to third place in the World Cup, has settled i…

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Promes agrees Spartak switch

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592797header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/8/592797header.jpg" /></a>Spartak Moscow have announced the signing of promising Dutch forward Quincy Promes on a four-year contract from Twente.<br /> <br /> Promes burst onto the scene in the Eredivise last season with 11 goals in 31 appearances as Twente qualified for the UEFA Europa League with a third-placed finish.<br /> <br /> The 22-year-old's domestic form attracted attention from then-Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal and earned him an international debut against France at Stade de France in March.<br /> <br /> Promes was also included in Van Gaal's provisional squad for the World Cup in Brazil, but failed to make the final 23.<br /> <br /> His form attracted the attention of a number of clubs, but it is Spartak have won the race for his signature and Promes is looking forward to the next chapter in his career.<br /> <br /> "I am happy that all the formalities are settled and I am now a Spartak player," he told the club's official website.<br /> <br /> "For me as a young player, this move is certainly a step forward.<br /> <br /> "Here I get the opportunity to grow and develop as a professional, playing in a strong league, and I hope to be able to benefit from a new team.<br /> <br /> "This is a very big club with a great history."<br /> <br /> Twente have moved quickly to replace Promes with the signing of South Africa international Kamohelo Mokotjo from Zwolle on a four-year deal.

Champions League football news news sports Spartak Twente UEFA Promes agrees Spartak switch

Spartak Moscow have announced the signing of promising Dutch forward Quincy Promes on a four-year contract from Twente. Promes burst onto the scene in the Eredivise last season with 11 goals in 31 appearances as Twente qualified for the UEFA Europa L…

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