The only difference is that Sheva isn't even a shadow of the player he was back then with us in the late 90ties and early millenium-change years. Pato, Pippo, Boriello,...I see them all before Sheva now. He wanted an adventure, now he paid the price. Don't think it has to do much with Ancelotti or a coach in particular.

To be fair its hard to judge where Sheva is with his game. He's been given extremely limited opportunity over the course of the season so far. Personally the only thing that he's lost is his pace. In most the games he's played he's created both opportunities for himself and others. Even last night he got himself into a good scoring position. Not too bad considering we didn't create much and he had 10 minutes to get into the tempo of the game.

I wouldn't say Pippo is ahead of him like Mook said, in every game he's plaved he's created chances and played well, his pace is not what it used to be but that's to be expected. If you were to ask me who I'd want to start if it was a competition between Pippo and Sheva, Sheva imo should win hands down. He's a far better all round player that contributed trice as much to the team as Pippo does.

The reason he's not playing is like we've been discussing, whatever problems him and Carlo had before he left are still evident, the only difference now is that Carlo can leave him on the bench in every game without having half of Milan coming after him with torches

Exact!

I'm not saying Pato is a good choice for the Christmas tree [I believe he will be able to play in that position one day, but certainly not yet] but did you see the effort he put against Toro? he was constantly battling for the ball, coming back, helping the midfield, stealing the ball, starting a new attack, etc. he tried his best to help the team. the same with Sheva.

I'm not saying this because I'm not a fan of Pippo's football, but with him none of those happen. he doesn't contribute anything particular other than scoring goals... and not wonder goals that come out of nothing [like Sheva used to do]; mostly simple tap ins.

Ancelotti: Sheva to ruin Pompey's Euro expedition

Portsmouth have been warned that £30million Chelsea reject Andriy Shevchenko could be the man to ruin their big UEFA Cup night against AC Milan at Fratton Park tomorrow.

Milan's legendary head coach Carlo Ancelotti has the Ukrainian striker, 32, back on loan at the San Siro after two miserable seasons at Stamford Bridge where he scored just nine Premier League goals.

And although Shevchenko, who has still been troubled by a groin injury, has scored only once for Milan in his second spell with them and appeared for a total of only 128 minutes, Ancelotti insists: "He is still one of the best strikers in the world.

"He will start against Portsmouth and I'm hopeful he will play a great game. He has worked very hard getting fit.''

Ancelotti took a swipe at Chelsea's treatment of Shevchenko even though he conceded they paid the right market price for him

He said: "Chelsea always play with just one central striker and two wingers so Shevchenko was never going to take (Didier) Drogba's place in that system.

"But they bought a high-quality striker and I don't think he was allowed to express himself to the full. The money they paid was good value at the time.''

Ancelotti confirmed Brazilian ace Kaka, who is suspended for Sunday's Serie A clash with Genoa, will start alongside Shevchenko against Pompey and that former Arsenal pair, centre-back Philippe Senderos and Mathieu Flamini, will also be in the line-up.

But Ronaldinho will be on the substitutes' bench - from where he came on to hit an 89th-minute winner against Portugal's Sporting Braga in the UEFA Cup last month.

That was their second win, having beaten Heerenveen 3-1 in Holland and Ancelotti, who has left veteran skipper Paolo Maldini resting back in Milan, said: "We are confident we can seal qualification for the next round here.''

Pompey, having crashed 3-0 in Braga in their only previous Group E match, already face a tough fight to finish in the top three of the five-team second-round section and reach the last 32 knockout stage - especially as stars like Jermain Defoe, Lassana Diarra, Niko Kranjcar and skipper Sol Campbell are all out tomorrow night through injuries.

But Ancelotti conceded: "We know all about Portsmouth and they are a strong side at home. They will also have the crowd behind them which will be very beneficial but we have travelled everywhere and I believe we will not be intimidated.''

"The dressing rooms at Portsmouth may be small and the stadium a little old-fashioned English ground but the pitch is in good condition and when it comes to scoring goals that is what is important.''

Where's Kurt?!

But Ronaldinho will be on the substitutes' bench - from where he came on to hit an 89th-minute winner against Portugal's Sporting Braga in the UEFA Cup last month.

What a sig, acid. I LOVE IT

Thank you. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Nothing beats a Clint Eastwood in his prime!