Aston Villa have pledged to support fully Paul Merson after the reformed alcoholic admitted he was back on the booze.

Merson, who has successfully fought his problems for four-and-a-half years, has confessed to downing a bottle and a half of vodka in an eight-hour drinking spree.

It is understood the incident happened more than a fortnight ago when Merson had a night out with friends in London's West End. Merson admitted he was feeling "lonely" after a row with wife Lorraine.

Since then the former Arsenal star has been desperately trying to ensure the vodka spree was a one-off relapse.

And Villa company secretary Steve Stride yesterday threw the club's support around the player who cost £6.75 million from Middlesbrough nearly six months ago.

Merson made an appearance as a substitute in the final 20 minutes of yesterday's 1-0 win at Liverpool.

Chelsea manager Gianluca Vialli has given his public support to the club's decision to stand by jailed coach Graham Rix. Rix was imprisoned for 12 months for indecent assault and having under-age sex with a 15-year-old girl. Chelsea immediately announced that although they did not condone what the former England international had done, he would be given his job back when he is released from jail in about six months' time. Vialli has avoided the topic until yesterday: "I love Graham Rix. He has been punished for something which he has done and when that finishes, there is no reason why he should be punished again. When he comes back, he will be made welcome - especially by me."

Meanwhile, Celtic's Henrik Larsson was yesterday named Player of the Year in the Scottish Premier League by his fellow professionals.

The Swedish striker, who has already scored 38 goals, was a runaway winner. Juventus coach Carlo Ancelotti claimed yesterday his team had finished celebrating their demolition of Serie A leaders Lazio - and were ready to face Manchester United.

The Italian giants meet United on Wednesday in the second leg of the Champions' Cup semi-final.

Juventus are euphoric about yesterday's 3-1 win at the Olympic stadium, but are anxious not to squander the chance to reach a fourth consecutive European Cup Final after drawing 1-1 at Old Trafford in the first leg.

Ancelotti said: "I've spoken to the players and I'm sure they are going to be wound up for this match. We've put yesterday's game behind us already and are thinking only about Manchester United."

He claimed he was not curious about United's team following Alex Ferguson's re-shuffle on Saturday. "It doesn't interest me," said Ancelotti. "I know they are going to have 11 men on the pitch and that's enough for me."