Rodriquez breaks hearts

Burnley-born Jay Rodriguez became a local hero by sending Premier League Fulham out of the Carling Cup at Turf Moor as the Clarets won 1-0.

Rodriguez stepped off the bench to score the winner with two minutes remaining thanks to a cool finish.

The 19-year-old rounded the goalkeeper following a superb through ball from Chris Eagles, who had also stepped off the bench.

It means Owen Coyle's men move into the fourth round draw after stretching their unbeaten run to six games.

However the Clarets found themselves on the back foot in only the fourth minute when Andy Johnson skipped away, only for his cross to be diverted to safety by Clarke Carlisle.

Johnson then tried to pick out Clint Dempsey but Clarke made another vital interception for the home side in the penalty area.

Dempsey was seeing plenty of the ball and tried to chip Brian Jensen in the 17th minute, only for the goalkeeper to make a comfortable save.

Fulham were looking dangerous on the break and three minutes later Stephen Jordan did well to block Johnson's teasing delivery from the left.

Burnley responded and Martin Paterson made space in the area but sent his effort over the bar.

The home side almost took the lead in the 31st minute when Chris McCann latched on to pass from Paterson - only for goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuhler to get a vital touch.

Three minutes later the goalkeeper was put under pressure by team-mate Chris Baird's sloppy backpass.

The pacey Paterson tried to take advantage but Zuberbuhler made a crucial block to spare Baird's blushes.

Fulham hit back and Paul Konchesky came close in the 43rd minute following a quick free-kick from Johnson.

The full-back rattled in a shot from 20 yards but Steven Caldwell made the clearance.

Fulham started the second half brightly and Dempsey's effort went narrowly wide in the 56th minute after he had been set up by Gera.

The visitors kept up the pressure and a cross from Konchesky was cut out by the impressive Carlisle.

Burnley were penned back again on the hour when Zoltan Gera made room for himself, only to see his effort blocked.

The Clarets responded in the 62nd minute with a swift counter-attack and McCann rattled in a shot which was cleared by Gera.

From the rebound McCann saw his effort go past the goalkeeper but past the post as well.

Fulham launched a swift-counter attack in the 68th minute but Seol Ki-Hyeon failed to get a good enough touch to trouble Jensen.

McCann squandered a great chance of giving Burnley the lead in the 77th minute in front of a crowd of 7,119.

He peeled away from his marker following a cross from Stephen Jordan but he sent a soft header into the goalkeeper's arms.

Rodriguez, however, had the final word as extra-time loomed to leave Fulham stunned.

Blades hit for six

Arsenal's rampaging young Gunners will take some beating in the Carling Cup after thrashing Sheffield United 6-0.

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Bendtner slots his second goal home.

Manager Arsene Wenger stuck to his policy of giving youth a chance in the much-maligned knock-out competition, naming a starting line-up with an average age of just 19 against Sheffield United, and he was not disappointed.

Mexican striker Carlos Vela scored a hat-trick, while Nicklas Bendtner - at 20 one of the senior men on display and with a wealth of first-team experience already - had put the young Gunners in command with two first half goals.

Vela chipped in a wonderful fourth five minutes after the restart, with Jack Wilshere, still only 16, adding a fifth before the 19-year-old South American completed his hat-trick as the Coca-Cola Championship side were outclassed.

Sterner tests lie ahead for the likes of Wales Under-21 midfielder Aaron Ramsey, the raw talent of Wilshere and aspiring full-back Kieran Gibbs - but on this evidence their Wembley dream may not be so far away.

The young Gunners began brightly and a crisp passing move sent Gibbs away down the left, only for his low centre to fly across the six-yard box.

United forward Danny Webber did well to weave himself into space just outside the Arsenal penalty area but then could not get any power on his shot and the ball bobbled through to Lukasz Fabianski, captain for the night and at 23 the oldest man in the home team.

Another quick passing Arsenal move on the edge of the area saw Bendtner play in Johan Djourou and the big defender turned to fire a goalbound effort which Paddy Kelly saved at full stretch.

Bendtner flicked on for Wilshere to collect in the overlap down the right but the teenager rushed his attempted curled shot and hit wide.

The Dane then showed the rest of the youngsters how it should be done with a fine finish after 31 minutes.

Vela held off Blades captain Chris Morgan before feeding the ball square to Bendtner just outside the penalty area.

The 20-year-old took a couple of touches before dispatching a low strike into the bottom right corner for his third goal of the season.

Arsenal felt they had a strong penalty claim when Morgan slid through on Wilshere but referee Phil Dowd was unimpressed.

After 42 minutes Ramsey - signed from Cardiff for £5million in the summer - weaved his way into the left of the penalty area before turning and playing a superb backheel to Bendtner who beat Kenny from six yards.

Before the visitors could regroup and look towards the respite of half-time they were further behind.

Bendtner turned provider as he chipped a pass through for Vela to run on to down the right.

The Mexican sprinted into the area before bending a delightful effort into the far corner.

In the second half Arsenal continued where they had left off as Gibbs stung the keeper's hands with a fierce angled drive from the left of the penalty area.

The full-back then sent a long pass upfield towards Vela who took the ball on his chest, leaving Morgan chasing shadows, and darted into the box to finish with an audacious chip over the stranded keeper.

It got worse for the battered Blades when Wilshere drilled in a fifth after 57 minutes.

Fran Merida's right-wing corner picked out the 16-year-old - Arsenal's youngest to appear in the Premier League - and he showed great composure to drill a low shot past Kelly from 22 yards.

However, Cesc Fabregas, by just more than a month, remains Arsenal's youngest scorer at 16 years 212 days with his goal against Wolves in December 2003.

There was no holding back by the rampant Gunners with Djourou heading over at the back post following another deep corner before Bendtner narrowly missed out on his hat-trick when his close-range shot trickled wide.

Vela then completed his treble with another well-taken effort after 88 minutes after running clear down the left onto Ramsey's pass.

Giantkiller Millers

Rotherham proved the undoing of yet another Coca-Cola Championship outfit as an impressive display of attacking football saw the League Two side reach the League Cup fourth round for the first time since 1984 with a 3-1 win over Southampton.

The Millers have already disposed of Wolves and Sheffield Wednesday in this season's Carling Cup - and they made light work of the struggling Saints on this occasion.

Despite lying 47 places above the Millers in the Football League Southampton were outplayed at the Don Valley Stadium and could have gone down to an even heavier defeat than the one dealt to them by goals from Nick Fenton, Danny Harrison and Drewe Broughton.

Stern John did manage a consolation for the visitors but it proved in vain as the Millers held on to book their passage through to the last-16 stage.

Rotherham manager Mark Robins was forced into one change from the side which beat Luton 1-0 on Saturday. Defender Mark Lynch suffered a dislocated shoulder at the weekend and was replaced by former Barnsley man Dale Tonge.

Southampton welcomed defenders Michael Svensson and Lloyd James back into their starting XI.

Saints captain Svensson missed the last three matches due to discomfort in his troublesome knee but was fit enough to start while James shrugged off an arm injury to line up against the Millers.

Bartosz Bialkowski also made his first start in goal with regular number one Kelvin Davis not included in the travelling squad.

An 4-3-3 formation signalled Robins' intent for his side to attack their higher league opponents and it was the hosts who had the first chance of the match after 10 minutes.

Southampton were caught napping as Alex Rhodes drilled in a low corner from the left and the unmarked Ian Sharps connected with a sweetly timed volley which went just wide of the post.

Although it was no surprise when the Millers took the lead it was contentious to who actually claimed the goal which arrived after 23 minutes.

After a looping Alex Rhodes corner caught Bialkowski out, Millers striker Broughton smashed the ball into the the net following Nick Fenton's initial header.

However, at at half-time the fourth official confirmed Fenton's header had crossed the line before Broughton made sure so the goal was awarded to the midfielder.

The visitors improved after going behind but failed to test United goalkeeper Andy Warrington despite several penetrating runs from Andrew Surman into the box.

Rotherham began the second half with a real purpose and their three-pronged attack continued to cause the Saints defence all sorts of problems.

They made their dominance count 10 minutes after the break when Danny Harrison showed a real touch of class to send a sublime curling 30-yard shot past the helpless Bialkowski.

Substitute John breathed life back into the tie five minutes later with a well-struck shot of his own which sailed into the top corner from well outside the penalty area.

The introduction of John gave the visitors the lift they were craving and suddenly Surman and Adam Lallana started to find their passing range from midfield.

And the visitors came close to grabbing an equaliser as Lallana sent in a dangerous cross which only just eluded John at the far post.

But the Millers constantly looked a threat on the break, in particular the lively Andy Rhodes who forced a good save out of Bialkowski with a stinging volley.

And it was from another incisive counter attack from which Rotherham added a third goal in the 68th minute.

Reuben Reid, who had scored the decisive penalty in the previous round against Wolves, embarked on an impressive run past several Saints defenders before sliding the ball across to Broughton, who tapped into an empty net.

Hornets sting Zola

West Ham started the day with unwelcome news off the pitch and finished it by crashing out of the Carling Cup as Hayden Mullins' own goal handed a 1-0 victory to Watford.

The third round tie was seen as the perfect way for the Hammers to forget about the ruling in the Carlos Tevez affair, which could cost them £30million by Sheffield United's estimation.

However, Aidy Boothroyd's side belied their place in the bottom half of the Championship.

The winner in the 70th minute was bizarre but they are used to that at Vicarage Road after Reading's phantom strike at the weekend.

After conceding that infamous goal against Reading at the weekend, Peter Walton was the high-profile late replacement for Keith Stroud as referee.

Watford may have been puzzled at the decision to give Stuart Attwell a Premier League game as a fourth official this weekend after his performance at the weekend, and giving Walton the tie gave them reason to be concerned as well.

Walton gave a penalty against Boothroyd's men two years ago when the ball had hit Chris Powell's head, although his blunder was not in the same scale as Attwell's and his assistant Nigel Bannister.

Half the crowd thought Lionel Ainsworth had given the hosts the lead in the 12th minute when his drive crashed into the side-netting but Walton correctly awarded a goal-kick.

It was closer to being a legitimate strike compared to Reading's `goal' - but lightning was not going to strike twice at the same ground within four days.

Ainsworth's effort was part of a lively start from the hosts. Ross Jenkins had a diving header that dropped wide of the post and Ainsworth also lobbed over Jan Lastuvka in the 14th minute and the Czech goalkeeper, making his debut, peddled back to tip over.

Freddie Sears was making the running for the visitors and he cleared the angle of crossbar and post with a drive, then Jordan Parkes panicked and almost headed a clearance past his own goalkeeper.

As the Hammers eased themselves into the game, Scott Loach was required twice to keep the score level.

Luis Boa Morte's effort from the edge of the area was heading for the top corner until it was tipped over, then David Di Michele's reverse pass sent Mark Noble through, with Loach parrying again.

Boothroyd's side were rubbing shoulders with Premier League heavyweights two seasons ago and they showed no fear as they finished the first half strongly.

Ainsworth went close again, drilling across the face of goal. Lastuvka was also required to save twice from Tommy Smith, the first after a flowing move that ended with Will Hoskins backheeling into his path.

Di Michele had sight of goal at the near post after the break but the hosts hustled him off the ball at the cost of just a corner.

Lastuvka was busier than Loach at the other end. He saved a powerful drive from Parkes before leaping to his right to stop Smith's header from Lee Williamson's cross from the left.

Lastuvka's good work was undone with 20 minutes remaining. After Walton awarded a questionable handball against Walter Lopez, Williamson swung over the free-kick from the right, the goalkeeper dived over the dipping cross, with the ball hitting Mullins and trickling over the line.

Jay DeMerit was injured and hobbled down the tunnel with five minutes to go, leaving Watford with 10 men - but they held on to inflict a first defeat for Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola.

Gomez nets in derby win

Jordi Gomez fired Swansea into the Carling Cup fourth round at the expense of 10-man Cardiff as a feisty all-Welsh affair at the Liberty Stadium finished 1-0 to the home side.

The Bluebirds, who had Stephen McPhail sent off for two bookable offences, were left to rue a host of wasted first half opportunities as Roberto Martinez's men edged a frenetic derby clash.

Gomez's curled a 20-yard free-kick past Peter Enckelman after 57 minutes to give the Swansea faithful bragging rights in the first competitive encounter between the sides since April 1999.

Enckelman had earlier denied Jason Scotland with a fine save on the stroke of half-time, while Ferrie Bodde also went close for the host.

Jay Bothroyd and Roger Johnson both looked threatening throughout for Cardiff, who started with plenty of attacking endeavour as McPhail saw his close-range header land on the roof of the net with four minutes played after rising well to meet Paul Parry's teasing cross.

In a frantic opening Joe Ledley was then booked for a late lunge on Swansea midfielder Leon Britton and Gavin Rae and Johnson both went close for the visitors.

Darren Purse powered a header over from six yards after 15 minutes as the home side failed to deal with Ledley's outswinging corner before Swansea threatened to open the scoring against the run of play.

Gomez latched on to a hopeful upfield punt and out-muscled his marker before unleashing an acrobatic effort from just inside the penalty area which Enckelman could only parry behind for a corner.

Johnson continued to cause the Swansea defence problems from set-pieces as McPhail's quickly-taken free-kick eluded everyone and the Cardiff defender ghosted in at the back post but could only steer his close-range header just wide.

Dorus De Vries denied Bothroyd from an acute angle with a sprawling low stop just before the half-hour mark as Swansea were forced to soak up more pressure from their Welsh rivals.

Bodde tried his luck with an ambitious 35-yard free-kick after Purse had fouled Scotland but Enckelman was more than up to the challenge.

Seven minutes before the interval, McPhail was next to be cautioned for clashing with Gomez in the centre circle before Scotland spurned the best chance of the first half.

Mark Gower's threaded pass allowed Scotland to turn his marker and have a rare sight of goal but the Trinidad & Tobago international fired a rasping drive which Enckelman somehow saved with his legs.

Scotland had a tentative shout for a penalty waved away following a collision with Johnson 10 minutes after the restart and moments later Swansea took the lead through Gomez.

Gower was upended by McPhail on the edge of the penalty area and from the subsequent free-kick Gomez unleashed a rasping low effort which clipped Rae in the Cardiff wall before beating Enckelman.

It was Gomez's second goal of the season and the Spaniard clearly enjoys playing in the Carling Cup having netted against Hull in round two.

Sixteen minutes from time McPhail was again penalised for a challenge on Gomez and referee Alan Wiley brandished a second yellow card followed by a red card as a result, much to the frustration of the Republic of Ireland international.

Bothroyd had an effort disallowed for offside, but Swansea hung on for victory.

Agger blast for Rafa

Liverpool's players responded to manager Rafael Benitez's pre-match challenge to earn themselves a place in his plans for Saturday's Merseyside derby with a comfortable 2-1 victory over Crewe in the third round of the Carling Cup.

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Daniel Agger celebrates his goal for Liverpool.

Jermaine Pennant was a constant menace on the right flank while Lucas and Daniel Agger produced assured performances to give the Spaniard a selection poser for the game against Everton.

Agger gave Liverpool a 15th-minute lead from a free-kick before Michael O'Connor's equaliser 10 minutes later.

Pennant supplied Liverpool's second goal with a dangerous cross which was headed home by Lucas in the 58th minute but really the margin of the victory should have been greater.

While strengthening the Reds first team for a Barclays Premier League title challenge has been Benitez's priority he is attempting to build a squad to challenge on several fronts.

The manager included only one English player - Pennant - in his starting line-up as he handed debuts to Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri and Swiss defender Philipp Degen.

Sami Hyypia, named as captain, and Agger were recalled in central defence while there were places for Lucas, Emiliano Insua and Damien Plessis while Nabil El Zhar, Ryan Babel and David Ngog carried the attacking threat.

Crewe first-team coach Steve Holland included former Liverpool youth team defender Danny O'Donnell alongside captain Julien Baudet at the back.

Degen and Pennant linked up well down the right flank in the eighth minute to create Liverpool's first chance.

Breaking from a Crewe free-kick, Pennant slipped a clever ball to Degen on the overlap and he whipped a low cross into the penalty area but neither Ngog nor Babel were able to get a touch.

Pennant continued to provide the home side's best outlet and Crewe defender Billy Jones was lucky to escape a booking after a late challenge on the winger in the 12th minute.

Liverpool's pressure eventually paid off three minutes later after Ngog was fouled on the edge of the penalty area by O'Connor.

Denmark defender Agger took the resulting free-kick and smashed a powerful low effort past goalkeeper Steve Collis.

Crewe equalised in the 25th minute after Byron Moore's shot was deflected by Agger for a corner.

Jones crossed and Calvin Zola's header was parried by Cavalieri but O'Connor made amends for his earlier foul when he slammed home from close range.

The Railwaymen began to settle but it was Liverpool who created the next opportunity in the 41st minute.

Hyypia was picked out on the penalty spot by a Pennant corner but Collis blocked his shot and Plessis could only fire the loose ball into the crowd.

Babel went close moments after the interval when his shot from the left edge of the penalty area was deflected and wrong-footed Collis but looped on to the roof of the net.

Liverpool restored their lead in the 58th minute after good work down the right flank by the impressive Pennant.

The lively winger delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area and Brazil midfielder Lucas timed his run superbly to direct a header past Collis.

Benitez surprisingly introduced Fernando Torres and the Spain international was immediately involved.

Pennant delivered another ball into the penalty area in the 82nd minute and Torres' header was tipped past the post by Collis.

Ronaldo nets on return

Ronaldo celebrates his return with a goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to Manchester United's starting line-up with a goal as the Red Devils dumped Middlesbrough out of the Carling Cup at Old Trafford. Ronaldo nodded home Ryan Giggs' corner midway through the first half, his first goal since an equally powerful header in the Champions League final last May

Hammers and Fulham crash out

Premier League sides West Ham and Fulham crashed out of the Carling Cup at the third-round stage at the hands of Football League opposition.

Gianfranco Zola's Hammers were sent packing by Watford at Vicarage Road as goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka missed a cross and the ball went in off Hayden Mullins for an own goal (70) as the Hornets triumphed 1-0.

It was the same scoreline at Turf Moor as a goal from substitute Jay Rodriguez two minutes from time handed Burnley victory over Fulham.

League Two will have a representative in the fourth round after Rotherham piled more misery on Coca-Cola Championship strugglers Southampton with a 3-1 victory.

The Millers have yet to reach zero points having started the season on -17 but Nick Fenton scrambled the opener following a corner (20) and Danny Harrison doubled the lead 11 minutes after half-time.

Substitute Stern John gave Saints hope with a stunning shot from 25 yards (61), but instead of provoking a fightback from the visitors, Drewe Broughton made sure of victory eight minutes later.

Arsenal's next generation gave a display of precocious talent in a 6-0 home win over Sheffield United, with Carlos Vela the star of the show.

Established first-teamer Nicklas Bendtner (31, 42) finished off clever assists from Vela and Aaron Ramsey to put the Gunners two up before Vela made it three (44) with a lovely curling effort.

The Mexican then grabbed his second by leaving Paddy Kenny on his backside before calmly slotting in his second (50) and 16-year-old Jack Wilshere got in on the act with the fifth (57).

Fittingly, Vela had the last word by completing his hat-trick three minutes from time.

Swansea emerged victorious in the most keenly-contested match of the evening with a 1-0 win over bitter rivals Cardiff.

Jordi Gomez grabbed the only goal of the game with a deflected free-kick which Peter Enckelman could not keep out (57).

Ross McCormack and Jay Bothroyd both saw efforts chalked off for offside while Cardiff's misery was completed when Stephen McPhail was sent off for two yellow cards.

Andy Robinson scored an injury-time winner as Leeds defeated fellow League One side Hartlepool 3-2 at Elland Road.

The visitors were twice ahead through Andy Monkhouse (2) and Joel Porter (33), but Leeds hit back both times to equalise, Robert Snodgrass (14) and Enoch Showunmi (58) on the scoresheet.

The game looked set for extra-time before Robinson curled an effort into the top corner.

Manchester United and Liverpool both progressed safely - Sir Alex Ferguson's side beating Middlesbrough 3-1 while their big rivals saw off Crewe 2-1.

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his first start of the season with the opener at Old Trafford when he headed in Ryan Giggs' corner (25).

Brad Jones kept Boro in contention with some fine saves before Adam Johnson shocked the home crowd by drawing the visitors level with a shot from the edge of the box (56).

But they found themselves a man down when Emanuel Pogatetz was shown a straight red card for a bad foul on Rodrigo Possebon, who was carried off the pitch with what looked a bad injury.

Chris Riggott's mistake then let in Giggs to put United back in front (79) and Nani made sure of victory in injury time.

Daniel Agger opened the scoring at Anfield when he fired in a free-kick after 15 minutes.

But Crewe showed they would be no pushovers by equalising through Michael O'Connor (25) after debutant keeper Diego Cavalieri had parried Calvin Zola's header.

There was to be no fairytale victory for the League One side, however, as Lucas headed in Jermaine Pennant's cross (58) for what proved the winner.

Riera predicting goal rush against Crewe

Winger Albert Riera believes Liverpool will find their scoring touch soon as his side prepare for their third round Carling Cup clash against Crewe at Anfield.

The Reds have struggled in front of goal in the early part of the season with Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt both finding the net on only one occasion.

Robbie Keane is also without a goal since his £20.3million move from Tottenham but Riera, who joined from Espanyol earlier this month, is confident the floodgates will open in the near future, despite a goalless draw with Premier League newcomers Stoke at the weekend.

"It's only the beginning. It's a long season and we must be patient - I'm sure we will get better but the most important thing is how we finish the season,'' Riera said.

"The thing with Fernando and Robbie is every player has periods when they don't score - but they are fantastic players. The only problem is that the shots aren't going in for them at the moment, but I'm sure they will score a lot of goals.

"Stoke was a very difficult match for the forwards. Sometimes they had a line of nine men defending so it was hard to break through.

"We knew before the match it would be like that so it wasn't a surprise. We tried many times to score but it was one of those typical games where if you don't score quickly it becomes more and difficult because they just get more and more men behind the ball.''

Keane could be given a chance to break his duck against the Coca-Cola League One side but manager Rafael Benitez is set to rest Torres after the striker looked jaded against the Potters.

French teenager David Ngog is likely to partner Keane in attack with Benitez set to give several youngsters a chance to impress.

One player definitely in line to make his Anfield debut is Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri with first choice Jose Reina set to rested.

Reina has played every minute of the Reds' campaign so far and Benitez is keen to give the 25-year-old signed from Palmeiras in the summer a chance to prove himself.

"Normally, Diego will play in the Carling Cup - he is a fantastic professional who is learning all the time about English football,'' Benitez told the club's website, www.liverpoolfc.tv.

"It's a different style to what he was used to in Brazil but I think he showed in pre-season that he can do everything well. He's a good goalkeeper and can challenge Pepe Reina.

"It's an important competition for us but it's also one which gives us the chance to use some different players.

"We have to be careful though. We want to win the game and go on to win the tournament so while we can use some of our youngsters, we need to make sure we get the team right for winning.''

Southgate eyes another win over Man United

Gareth Southgate is targeting success in this season's Carling Cup, starting with a win over Manchester United at Old Trafford tonight.

The Middlesbrough manager lifted the trophy back in 2004 when he skippered the club to their only major domestic honour.

Since then Boro have gone beyond round three twice in four attempts, going as far as the quarter-finals in 2005/06.

Southgate believes a run to the final is a possibility this season and pinpoints Portsmouth's progression to May's FA Cup final as the inspiration.

Pompey overcame Manchester United at Old Trafford on the way to Wembley and the Boro boss believes all successful cup runs include a tie against one of the 'big boys'.

He also points to his club's excellent record against the European champions in recent seasons.

"We have had some very good results at Old Trafford and some good performances and that would be the mindset again,'' he said.

"We don't fear going into any game, the confidence is still in the team to play, we know we are a threat on the break, we know we are a threat going forward and the shape of the team away from home.

"We've got to play as we did at Sunderland on Saturday and be prepared to keep the ball and attack Manchester United.''

Despite three defeats in their last four Premier League games, Southgate will not rest key players for tonight's tie with a view to keeping them fresh for Saturday's home game against West Brom.

He said: "It's an important competition, it's one we want to win.

"We've been given the toughest possible draw. It's a great draw for us as a club in terms of the profile of the game and the finance involved in it, but we now have to go there and try to beat them.

"The fact is you have to beat at least one of the big boys on the way to winning a cup competition,'' he added.

"Even Portsmouth, who maybe had good draws last year, had to beat United away to get to the final.

"If you look, most cup finalists have to win one big game on the way through.

"That's the challenge for us and in cup football anything can happen on the night.''

Whatever the outcome of tonight's match, Southgate recognises the huge gulf between his club and the champions.

The Reds can pull in more than 75,000 fans for every home match and their earnings from virtually guaranteed top-three Premier League finishes and continual European football puts them in a different financial league.

He said: "We go there tonight and one home game for them just in terms of ticket sales and size of crowd is something like three for us and that's what you've got to compete against.

"It's very difficult but that's the challenge we face.''

Ronaldo to step up comeback in Carling Cup

Mike Phelan believes tonight's Carling Cup tie with Middlesbrough offers Cristiano Ronaldo the perfect opportunity to ease his way back into Manchester United's starting line-up.

Ronaldo has been named in a 20-man squad for the Old Trafford encounter as United look to atone for their embarrassing first hurdle exit in the competition last term.

While the Portugal winger has come on as substitute against Villarreal and, 48 hours ago, in the battling draw at Chelsea, Sir Alex Ferguson knows Ronaldo cannot reach the level he needs to be an effective force in the Premier League without further match sharpness.

So Middlesbrough, who have had plenty of run-ins with the 23-year-old before, are inadvertently cast in the role of experimental guinea pigs.

"Cristiano is maybe a couple of weeks behind everybody else but his progression has been fantastic,'' said Phelan, who was confirmed as Ferguson's full-time assistant a fortnight ago.

"The work he has put into his recovery and training has been first class and he has been introduced into games for 15 or 20 minutes at a time.

"He knows he still needs a few more minutes to get to the level he wants to be at. Tonight is a great opportunity to do that, which is why his name is in the squad.''

Ferguson will have a few more genuine first-teamers than usual in his side, with Anderson and Nani also needing games. England duo Gary Neville and Owen Hargreaves might be involved as well, although there is confusion over the availability of striker Manucho, who was due to make his debut.

In his programme notes, which were written last week, Sir Alex Ferguson suggested the Angolan would miss out due to a foot injury.

However, Ferguson's assistant Mike Phelan yesterday claimed Manucho would be in a 20-man squad for the cup tie.

There will also be the usual scattering of youngsters, although young Brazilian Fabio Da Silva misses out, having been forced to undergo a shoulder operation.

England Under-19 international Danny Welbeck is also expected to be handed at least a place on the bench, with Phelan admitting the younger members of Ferguson's squad must not spurn their chance.

"Looking back 12 months to the defeat against Coventry, we were disappointed with that and we do not want to go out so early again,'' he said.

"This is a rare opportunity and in some cases it is a great opportunity. It can launch your career.

"Some of these younger players have been here a while and some might not even have played at Old Trafford. That in itself is an experience.''

Ferguson must try and strike the right balance between offering the experienced players in his squad some valuable time on the pitch, whilst ensuring as many youngsters as possible gain experience of life on the big stage.

"We have a squad of 20 players and the young ones in it are now hoping to be in the starting line-up,'' observed Phelan.

"I am sure the ones who get into the team will perform. It is what they have worked so hard to get to. They need to produce because this is a critical point of their careers.''

Zola to stay true to Hammers' youth system

Gianfranco Zola is determined that his West Ham side will maintain a strong emphasis on youth.

The new Upton Park boss got off to the perfect start with a 3-1 victory over crisis-club Newcastle and will take his squad to Coca-Cola Championship side Watford for tonight's Carling Cup tie, where some of the younger players could be given a chance to impress.

From World Cup winners Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters through to current England internationals Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Michael Carrick, the Hammers' academy has a long tradition of producing top-quality players.

Midfielder Mark Noble, an England Under-21 international, is one first-team regular to have come up through the youth ranks, along with squad men Freddie Sears, Jack Collison and James Tomkins.

Zola - who worked with the Italy Under-21s before taking up his post at Upton Park - is determined for that conveyor belt to continue.

"I believe every club should have a strong youth foundation, and that was one of my main aspirations when I came here,'' he said. "I believe very strongly there should always be the possibility of allowing young players to come through to the first team.

"I know there are some good young players here and that the academy has produced many top players over the years.

"It is one of my dreams to give our young players the chance to play in our first team and become wonderful players for this club. It is part of the project I have taken on here as manager.''

West Ham impressed in Zola's first match, when they played some entertaining football to please the demanding Upton Park faithful.

However, the former Chelsea midfielder is ready to mix things up when needed.

"Obviously we want to play good football, to entertain the fans, but to get the victory at the same time,'' he said.

"However, sometimes that does not always go hand in hand - you have to, at times, try to just get the victory.

"But what we want to do, and will work at doing, is to play good football and get victories which will see us have success.''

West Ham will again be without striker Dean Ashton (ankle) and Craig Bellamy (hamstring/groin) is a doubt, while Carlton Cole is set to be rested after picking up a slight foot problem in a man-of-the-match display against Newcastle.

That means Sears is expected to be given a chance to impress.

Zola said: "For us, the Carling Cup is an important competition and we are going to try to be very competitive.

"We do not give anything away, so we are going to try to play as well as we can.''