SOCCER players Terry Phelan and Mike Milligan were attacked early yesterday by thugs wielding bottles, it was disclosed last night.

Today's Daily Mirror said the Republic of Ireland internationals, both 29, were hit over the head with champagne bottles after CS gas was unleashed in an incident which brought terror to the Four Seasons hotel, on the outskirts of Manchester.

Chelsea's Phelan, formerly of Manchester City, needed nine stitches and Norwich City's Milligan 15 stitches, the report said.

Leeds United player Lee Sharpen told the newspaper that he had been with the pair at Kell's night club, next to the Four Seasons in Hale, Manchester.

He said: "It was late and we were waiting for a taxi in the residents' bar. A gang of lads went over to Terry's group and four or five of them were squaring up to each other. I saw one spray gas, but I don't think Terry realised what was going on."

A spokesman for Greater Manchester police said: "There was an incident in the Four Seasons about 3.30 this morning, involving some young adults. There is no complaint by either of the people involved. As far as we are concerned, that's an end of the matter."