Delap looks to play into forties

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 19 March 2009 )

English Premier League football News

Delap looks to play into forties
Stoke City midfielder Rory Delap has said he wants to continue his playing career beyond his 40th birthday.

Potters manager Tony Pulis has previously hailed the 32-year-old as one of the fittest players he has ever worked with.

Delap told BBC Radio Stoke: "I've always said that I'll keep going until I start making a fool of myself.

"Even if it's in the Conference, as long as I'm still enjoying it, I'll play until I'm 40. Why not 41?"

The Republic of Ireland international added: "I've got a little girl now, and my wife's always saying that it would be nice if she could remember me playing. It's just those little things that make you want to carry on."

Delap began his career with Carlisle United, making his senior debut for the Cumbrians in 1996.

He joined Derby County for £200,000 in 1998, but said he would like to return to Brunton Park before he retires.

"Hopefully they'll be up at the top of the leagues by then, but I've got no qualms about dropping into the lower divisions," he added.

After spending three years with Derby, Delap joined Southampton for £4m in July 2001 before joining Sunderland five years later.

Delap left the Black Cats to join Stoke on a free transfer in October 2006 and has shot to prominence this season because of his trademark long throw-ins.
by bbcnews.

English Premier League football News

Ferdinand eyes Sunderland return
Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand admits that his recent injury problems could not have come at a worse time.

He has missed the last two Premier League games with a hamstring injury but hopes to be fit for Sunday's trip to Eastlands to face Manchester City.

"It's been very frustrating," Ferdinand told BBC Radio Newcastle. "We find ourselves in a sticky situation again.

"But that's what makes the Premier League so good this year. And we've got to make sure that we stay strong."

Sunderland currently sit 14th in the table and, although just three points clear of the relegation zone, Ferdinand is optimistic.

"We have to deal with the situation we're in at the moment," he said.

"Four points from the last two games against Spurs and Wigan would have been a great return, but that wasn't the case.

"Now we've got to look forward at what's next in line and that's two massive away games at Manchester City and West Ham."

If Ferdinand, 24, is fit, the game against West Ham on 4 April will be his first return to Upton Park since signing for Sunderland in August.

He was on the losing side when the Hammers came to the Stadium of Light in November - and won 1-0.
by bbcnews.