MARTIN O'Neill has hailed £8m Aston Villa signing Nigel Reo-Coker as the new Neil Lennon.

"I worked with Neil for five years at Leicester and another five at Celtic and I'm not so sure he was captain that many times under me," he said.

"But he played like a captain every week and he was a leader. I definitely see similarities in terms of personality when it comes to Nigel. He is exactly the same as Neil Lennon - power, energy and aggression." Tevez agent seeks deal

KIA JOORABCHIAN is still hoping to settle the Carlos Tevez affair - and complete the Argentina striker's proposed move from West Ham to Manchester United - amicably and out of court.

Joorabchian will hand over documentation relating to Tevez's contract at West Ham if instructed by the High Court. Sheffield United have their appeal against the Premier League inquiry's verdict heard tomorrow and club officials are confident of a positive outcome.

That could force Joorabchian to provide all the papers relating to Tevez's controversial move to West Ham from Corinthians last August and it is understood the documentation could potentially be harmful to West Ham's case. Moscow's made me better

GARRY O'CONNOR believes his time in Moscow will stand him in good stead in the Premiership with Birmingham City.

The Scotland striker found it difficult after his move from Hibs to Lokomotiv, but a £2.65m move is a fresh start.

He said: "Moscow was difficult for me and my wife couldn't adjust. It was affecting me a bit on the field.

"My wife eventually went home and I was on my own. I gave it my best shot, but I have a son and then my wife got pregnant again.

"Thankfully this move came off. Moscow will stand me in good stead - it has made me stronger - and I amconfident I'll do well." Gordon will hit the big time

HEARTS assistant head coach Stephen Frail believes Craig Gordon will play for one of Europe's top clubs.

The Jam Tarts have this week turned down a bid for the Scotland keeper, believed to be a £5million offer plus add-ons from Sunderland.

Frail accepts it will be hard to hold on to the 24-year-old with the transfer window still open for more than six weeks. "It's a long time to hang on because, as soon as one starts, it alerts others," he said.

"But I'm sure, in time, whether it's this move or the next one, he will go to one of the top clubs in Europe. I've got no question of that."