Football in brief: Zola hopes to keep hold of his England players

West Ham United: Manager Gianfranco Zola says he remains hopeful of the club holding onto their England internationals, amid rumours linking his players with high-profile moves.

Carlton Cole, Scott Parker, Matthew Upson and Robert Green have all been linked with moves away from Upton Park. "I am confident I can keep them here," Zola said. "I don't deal with these things. I am just dealing with the players we have and I try to make them happy to stay."

Petrov says Agbonlahor will end goal drought

Aston Villa: Captain Stiliyan Petrov has backed striker Gabriel Agbonlahor to recover from his recent goal drought and help the club realise their Champions League aims. The 23-year-old has scored just once in his last seven matches ahead of today's trip to Wigan. "He keeps taking on players and holding the ball up well," Petrov enthused. "He is a great outlet for us. It's great to see someone develop like that – and it's true a lot of people forget how young he still is, too."