Yuvraj Singh, almost a certainty to open in Tests next season, has revealed that he wished to follow the same route as Virender Sehwag.Yuvraj, who is currently at the training camp in Bangalore, spoke about how Sehwag had blazed a trail with regard to opening the batting. “He has done tremendously in the opener’s slot,” Yuvraj said. “So, if I can do the same and be as successful as Sehwag, it would be good for the team.”Having had a successful time as an opener with Punjab last season, Yuvraj was optimistic about his new role. “I think it’s an advantage because if one sees through the new ball, one can also score big runs. So, I am looking forward to the challenge.”In the last domestic season, Yuvraj opened in all the three matches that he played for Punjab. He found the transition very smooth and the report card included 138 against Delhi, 80 against Railways and 38 in a low-scoring game against Andhra Pradesh.When asked if he will return to the middle order if he did not succeed as an opener, he said: “When you play cricket at international level, you don’t think about ifs and don’ts. Whatever the situation, you have to go through it, and be positive about it.”
The South Australian Cricket Association has announced that Woodville batsman Daniel Harris, has been flown to Brisbane to take part in the Pura Cup clash against the Queensland Bulls, starting today (January 19).Harris replaces Jeff Vaughan, who injured his left foot in Brisbane yesterday. Vaughan was hit on the foot while batting in the nets, and sustained severe bruising.Fast-bowler Paul Rofe, who dislocated and cut his finger during the ING Cup game on Friday, has been declared fit for the Pura Cup clash.The Redbacks team to face the Bulls is:
Greg Blewett (c) Mark Cleary Mark Cosgrove John Davison Shane Deitz David Fitzgerald Daniel Harris Mark Harrity Ben Higgins Ben Johnson Paul Rofe Shaun Tait
Gloucestershire again suffered at the hands of Dominic Ostler as Warwickshire batted on remorselessly on another attritional day at Edgbaston.Ostler followed up his sparkling 134 in Tuesday’s floodlit National League game with a quickfire 92 which provided some welcome entertainment for a patient crowd as Warwickshire closed on 448-9.Ostler pulled and drove impressively as he struck 13 boundaries but he missed out on his second century of the summer when he was lured out of his ground by off-spinner Jeremy Snape and stumped by Reggie Williams.But Michael Powell, Warwickshire’s captain, made the most of a good batting pitch and an attack, depleted by the absence of Jon Lewis with a back injury, as he completed his first century of the season.It was the sixth Championship century of Powell’s career but, surprisingly, his first at Edgbaston.He began the day needing only three to reach three figures but managed only two singles from the first nine overs.However, he reached his century in style with a straight driven six off Martyn Ball and looked in no trouble at all until he edged Tim Hancock to Ball at slip on 133.Ostler then took control in a delightful innings in which he helped Warwickshire to secure a fourth batting point and to take the lead.He shared a seventh-wicket stand of 94 in 25 overs with Keith Piper who added to Gloucestershire’s frustration by making his first fifty of the season.There were four boundaries in Piper’s 115-ball half-century and he steered Warwickshire past 400 and to a useful lead of 88 which gave them a slim chance of forcing a victory.The start of play was delayed for 75 minutes by morning drizzle and an embarrassing breakdown of the ‘Brumbrella’, Edgbaston’s giant pitch cover.The motors failed and volunteers had to drag the cover off the pitch which was a hitch Warwickshire could have done without in the build-up to Thursday’s England v Pakistan One-Day International.
The 15-year-old has been called up the Scotland U17 squad, and has played the full 90 minutes in recent European Championship qualifying matches, while he has also captained his country at age-group level.
The Latest: Rangers lurking
As per Football Insider’s recruitment source, the Ibrox faithful are now fighting both Manchester City and Brighton and Hove Albion to sign Rice, and a recruitment source has revealed that the latter especially are ‘keeping close tabs’ on the attacker.
However, he cannot pen a professional deal with an English club until he is 17, while he only has to wait until he is 16 for Scottish teams, perhaps giving the Teddy Bears an advantage.
The Verdict: Exciting
Rice is certainly one to watch out for in the future, and the fact that the Light Blues could fend off Premier League competition for his services is exciting.
They already have some promising youngsters in the academy, like Juan Alegria and Tony Weston, and so adding Rice to the mix will surely catch the eye of Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
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Nonetheless, the Gers will need to act fast if they are to tie him down, and could perhaps even look to sell him to one of those English clubs for a tidy profit down the line.
In other news, find out what potential ‘catastrophe’ for RFC has now emerged here!
After another disappointing end to the season for Sunderland, Martin O’Neill finally gets the chance to stamp his authority at the Stadium of Light this summer.
The Black Cats have been busy in the transfer market during previous seasons but have little to show for their efforts after big spending former managers Roy Keane and Steve Bruce left them with an unbalanced squad. After the improvements made under O’Neill it’s expected chairman Ellis Short will back him with funds but can Sunderland actually afford to invest heavily again?
Every fan craves a little transfer action but it may not be so easy for Sunderland as clubs around Europe prepare for the new UEFA Financial Fair Play Rules. Teams will have to spend within their means and many will use the time to streamline their squads before the rules kick in. Sunderland have already released nine players this summer including Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon and more are expected to follow.
It’s a difficult situation for O’Neill as he knows his squad is lacking in a few areas but he can’t spend big to flesh it out. His rebuilding job will have to coincide with the club offloading fringe players and tightening the purse strings.
Becoming a self sustaining business is something many teams are focusing on but there are some Sunderland fans who can’t understand where the money has gone. Bruce was backed heavily but his transfers actually made a profit for club. The sales of Darren Bent (£24m) and Jordan Henderson (£16m) combined with the money from TV rights and the reward of a mid table finish means they should have plenty of funds to work with.
Unfortunately it’s never as simple as that. In reality Bent was bought for £10m rising to nearer £16m and his short stay in the North East meant Sunderland still owed instalments to Tottenham when he left. Also Aston Villa didn’t pay £24m in full so the club isn’t as rich as some might think. Early season criticism of Bruce was that he never replaced Bent but he actually signed Stephane Sessegnon during the same January transfer window so it was only the Henderson money that really inflated their bank balance.
After Henderson’s departure Bruce embarked on a massive recruitment drive that saw over 10 players join the side. The permanent arrivals did much to appease fans who were frustrated by years of loan signings that only papered over the cracks. While spending £30m on 10+ players sounds great, each player was only worth roughly £3m so Sunderland were actually left with an inflated wage bill and a team full of squad players. It meant the club were unable to improve on last seasons 10th place finish and O’Neill told Sunderland Echo that any strides made during his reign will not hide their fragility for long.
“Despite us wanting to finish in the top 10, had we done so it might have glossed over a few things that we needed to address in terms of strengthening.
“After spending the second half of the season in charge here, I’ve a great idea about the strengths and weaknesses of the side and what we need to do to try to improve.”
Unfortunately Short has told O’Neill he must lower the wage bill before he can bring new players in so how much can he actually spend?
Loans of Wayne Bridge, Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Nicklas Bendtner will not be made permanent and the impending departure of Asamoah Gyan should help swell the coffers. There are returning loan players who are surplus to requirements and rumours over the futures of Kieran Richardson and Ahmed El Mohamady so Sunderland should generate enough funds to improve the team.
The only problem is selling current squad members will mean replacements are needed. Sunderland already need a left back, centre back, cover for both fullbacks, right and left wing cover and at least two new forwards to form a competitive squad with depth in every position. Fans know they also need a creative midfielder to counter grafters like Lee Cattermole and Craig Gardner so suddenly O’Neill has gone from choosing a few select signings to needing a complete overhaul of his squad.
It’s exciting for the fans but would another season of massive player turnover be a good thing given the clubs recent lack of stability?
Sunderland’s transfer policy will have a major say in their aspirations for next season. They have potential but need quality to embellish the consistent performers they already own. It wouldn’t be the first time they’ve failed to maintain a balanced squad and this time the situation is magnified because they have to sell before they can buy.
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Rivals Newcastle recently illustrated what can be achieved with some successful wheeling and dealing. It’s a precedent Sunderland fans would begrudgingly love to follow for they know if O’Neill struggles to improve the squad they’ll face another year going round in circles and have little to play for come the end of the season.
The phrase ‘In O’Neill We Trust’ has never held so much importance and fans will hope he uses his funds wisely to propel them into the top 10 for good.
Do you think Sunderland should spend a lot this season? Do you trust O’Neill to invest wisely this summer? Let me know your views and opinions by following me on twitter – Tweet me @Alex_Churcher
Brazil is preparing itself for one of its biggest derbies, as Flamengo and Fluminense meet in Rio de Janeiro this weekend.The fixture is known as the Fla-Flu derby and brings together the 2009 champions and the current Brazilian Serie A title holders.
Ex-Portugal midfielder Deco should be fit for the weekend’s clash, after recovering from an injury picked up against Corinthians.
But Abel Braga will be without his frontman Fred, the striker is on international duty with Brazil in the Copa America.
In his absence Fluminense have scored only seven goals in their opening seven games.
Vanderlei Luxemburgo and Flamengo have no such problems – they boast the most profilic attack in the league, scoring 16 times already this season.
Ronaldinho and Deivid are in red-hot form, scoring six goals between them in the last two games.
With 99 years of tradition and just a point separating the teams, this weekend’s derby is set to be an enthralling affair.
Aleksandr Kerzhakov has conceded that despite Liverpool’s reported interest, he is unsure whether he wants to leave Zenit.
The Zenit St Petersburg has been in fantastic form this season, scoring 13 goals in 25 games, and has been linked with a plethora of clubs around Europe in the past 12 months.
Liverpool is one of those reportedly keen on the 27-year-old striker, as Roy Hodgson looks to bolster his attacking options, but Kerzhakov has conceded that he remains happy with life in Russia and there are only a few clubs in the world that could tempt him to quit Zenit.
“The talk about Liverpool is not baseless…The British club came to my agent with a proposal. I answered… I didn’t answer at all.
“I have other things to think about and in all respects I am happy in Russia. My team is in first place in the national championship and I have always said that I wanted to play for Zenit.
“In the case of Liverpool I will not take the initiative, but I can count the fingers on one hand for the amount of clubs I could theoretically go to.
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“This is because Zenit is playing beautiful, modern football and the club is growing rapidly. And I am here, at home.”Rossiyskaya Gazeta
In the most exciting of circumstances, Chelsea and Bayern Munich achieved a most unlikely double this week by defeating the two giants of Spanish football in the Semi Finals of the Champions League. Chelsea knocked out reigning European Champions, Barcelona, 3-2 on aggregate on Tuesday night after gaining a 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp whilst Bayern saw off Real Madrid in the Bernabeu after a penalty shoot-out on Wednesday.
Both games were overloaded with excitement, with the victorious teams winning through against all the odds and in Chelsea’s case, against impossible circumstances after being reduced to ten men following captain, John Terry’s, sending off and two nil down!
Following a 1-0 lead from the first leg then impetuous was on Barcelona and their intense pressure finally forced a mistake allowing the ball to find its way to Sergio Busquets in a position where he simply passed the ball into a gaping net after 35 minutes.
Terry’s dismissal soon followed following an after the ball incident which saw Terry knee Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez in the back of his leg and this left the Blues with no recognisable central defensive partnership after Gary Cahill had limped off the pitch in the first ten minutes with a hamstring injury. It took Barca just seven minutes to extend their lead when Iniesta struck the second, a goal which everyone thought would be the “final nail in Chelsea’s coffin” – except of course the remaining Chelsea players and interim Head Coach Roberto Di Matteo.
On the stroke of half time, Chelsea’s Ramires found a run to the edge of Barcelona’s box to meet a superb through ball delivered by Frank Lampard and the Brazilian audaciously chipped the ball over Barca keeper, Victor Valdes, head and into the empty net. The goal brought the aggregate score to 2-2 but crucially it put Chelsea back in the “driving seat” on the away goal rule.
Chelsea’s ten men went out for the second half knowing that they had just 45 minutes to survive but to survive against a side that had scored 104 goals at the Nou Camp this season was a tough ask!
It certainly seemed the tie was over early in the second half when an accidental trip in the Chelsea box made by Didier Drogba on Lionel Messi gave the home side the chance that they needed. The penalty also provided the Argentine International and World player of the year an opportunity to score his first ever goal against Chelsea. Incredibly his spot kick smacked heavily against the bar and bounced away to safety giving rise to the hope that this was after all going to be Chelsea’s night.
For the rest of the half, Barcelona attacked relentlessly while Chelsea defended heroically, shots were saved, tackles made, vital interceptions became common place and fouls were given away when nothing else would suffice. Cech was inspired in goal and in Drogba, Chelsea had a striker who gladly slotted into both full back positions when called upon and who also made a series of great defensive headers. He was also on hand when needed up front and held up the ball on its rare visits to the Barcelona half.
Attack after attack rained in on Chelsea’s beleaguered ten men but Barcelona, despite having 90% of the ball could not score a goal. They had the ball in the net but it was ruled offside and a glaring chance was wasted by Busquets who scooped his shot over the bar.
Barcelona were running out of ideas as the game wore on and Chelsea’s place in the final was confirmed when Fernando Torres broke clear on the counter attack, rounded Victor Valdes in the Barcelona goal and score a minute into stoppage time. Torres, who had come on for an exhausted Didier Drogba could not have scored a more important goal to silence the many critics who have questioned his performances following the £50 million move to Stamford Bridge from Liverpool last year.
The second part of Chelsea’s battle to win the one trophy that has eluded them since Roman Abramovich took over ownership of the club in 2003 will take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich where the Blues will face Bayern Munich, who become the first team in the Champions League era to hold home advantage in the final.
Di Matteo is the ninth manager during Abramovich’s tenure to try and deliver Champions League success at Stamford Bridge and whilst the odds favour the Germans, after overcoming Barcelona, Di Matteo and this Chelsea team will be confident of defying the odds once again.
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Aston Villa has turned their attentions to Roberto Martinez to fill the managerial shoes at Villa Park. It is believed that Steve McClaren was also in the running, but a fans backlash saw Randy Lerner and his team look elsewhere.
In the papers this morning there have been a mixed bag of stories that include Liam Brady predicts new Arsenal signings, Martin Jol looks to snap up Robbie Keane, while Sunderland launch a triple raid at Old Trafford.
*
Villa turn their focus on Martínez – Guardian
Premier League at a loss despite record £2.2bn revenue – Daily Mail
Brady predicts new Arsenal signings – Guardian
£16million Jones was won over by Fergie factor – Mirror
Jol looks Keane on a reunion – Sun
Henderson and Jones lead English revolution – Daily Telegraph
Ashley Young and Villa scrap meeting over new contract – Mirror
Blow for Pearce as crocked Gibbs is forced to withdraw for Under 21s – Daily Mail
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Revealed! The three men Redknapp wants for Spurs – Mirror
Sunderland launch £12m swoop for United trio Brown, Gibson and O’Shea – Daily Mail
Sir Alex Ferguson claims his Manchester United successor must have experience in order to cope with major issues like the Wayne Rooney saga.
Ferguson is widely credited with playing a decisive role in persuading Rooney to change his mind and sign a new five-year contract last week.
The England striker appeared to be on his way out of Old Trafford after citing the club's lack of ambition.
The veteran Scot put the issue into the public domain during an impassioned press conference and Rooney subsequently signed a new deal following an apparent change of heart.
The 69-year-old went on to criticise "difficult" agents and has now followed that up by stressing the need for a club like United to have an experienced hand on the tiller.
"I don't think it's harder for managers to deal with – I've just got the benefit of having been at the club for such a long time," he explained.
"I have experienced a lot of things that do happen and there have been times in the past when I have gone down the same road.
"When you are the manager of our club, you have to have someone strong who can deal with all the issues and we have had to be strong over the years.
"That's why I don't think Manchester United could ever go down the road of having a young manager, to be honest with you.
"It's a job that needs a lot of experience and a lot of experience at the top end of the game.
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"That's something for the future, but at the moment we have the benefit of my 24 years at the club, so fortunately that's the way we can deal with it.
"At Manchester United, you can never be surprised. There is always something happening in the club and there are always issues to deal with.
"I don't think you can deny that we got a lot of publicity that we didn't enjoy last week, but you have to deal with these situations and I think we dealt with it very well."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email