Thursday Link-Up: A Little Aston Villa, A Little Cougartown

Martin's getting grumbly: Martin O'Neill is having a bit of a go at the international friendly gods, stating that perhaps they shouldn't take away the Villa players right before the first match of the season.

One Irishman down...how many more to go?: Aiden McGeady is gearing up for Russia. Maybe he'll become more fun there. Does crazy Russianness spread to others?

Not related to crazy Russians: Unfortunately. Come on, Dirty Tackle, give me more Arshavin Q&A. But until then, amuse yourself with random musing of pre-sleeping footballers.

More on Manchester Moneybags...er, City: Mario Balotelli is haggling over weekly wages. This is what happens when you flash your wealth. Didn't your mother ever tell you not to wear all your diamonds at once, Citeh? Also, step off Diego Forlan.

Finally, a little girly relief: Girls like football for more than just the cuties that play the game. But sometimes, it's nice to have a bit of fangirling show through. And to know that others are just as cougar-ish as I am. I promise, Montero is legal.