Jamie Carragher has accused a Daily Mail journalist of having "sympathy about 115 charges" at Manchester City after seeing his attempts to sit in the away end at the Etihad Stadium reported on. The legendary former Liverpool defender has mingled with Borussia Dortmund fans in the past and had hoped to join them again for a Champions League fixture on English soil.

• Carragher previously sank pints in the Yellow Wall

  Carragher was prevented from doing so as he formed part of European match coverage for CBS Sports. In 2024, he spent an alcohol-fuelled night cheering on BVB from inside the famous ‘Yellow Wall’ as the German giants faced Paris Saint-Germain in a semi-final showdown. He told Kate Scott after that contest when asked if he was sober enough to conduct post-match interviews: "You know that's actually a good point. I haven't had too much to eat. I had a cheeseburger around half two. That might explain why I might be slurring my words because I've had about eight pints in the Yellow Wall."

  Carragher was back among some familiar faces when Dortmund paid a visit to Manchester. The 47-year-old rekindled his relationship with passionate German supporters when joining them for their march through Manchester city centre and towards the Etihad.

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• Why Carragher was blocked from sitting in away end

  Mike Keegan, chief sports reporter for the , covered Carragher’s attempts to gain entry to the away end at City. He claims that the former England international "was stopped from doing so amid concerns the move could prove incendiary".

  Sources are said to have told the that UEFA and City "took a dim view" of the request from CBS Sports, with that approach being "swiftly turned down". Keegan went on to report that: "UEFA's view was that the pundit's media credentials did not stretch to him swapping the press area for the stands, while City believed the presence of a former Liverpool player in the away end and supporting the opposition would not have been the wisest move and could well have caused a problem."

• Carragher marched to the Etihad alongside Dortmund fans

  The prospect of Carragher interviewing City players after the game having spent 90 minutes among Dortmund followers was "also deemed unpalatable". Carragher did, however, tell CBS Sports of his march – which saw him don a scarf and join in with songs: "It's been fantastic. We had a great walk in from Manchester city centre to the ground. They're enjoying themselves, they're looking forward to the game and a little bit worried about Erling Haaland. But they've got their own man up front in (Serhou) Guirassy who we think might be able to cause a problem or two. They're in full flight and hopefully by the end of the game they're going to really enjoy themselves and I might join them."

  Keegan suggested that "some may well question the wisdom" of trying to enter the away end at the Etihad "given the animosity that has developed between Liverpool and City in recent years". Carragher, though, is eager to point out that he was trying to have fun and provide viewers with a different perspective as City eventually ran out 4-1 winners on the night.

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  Man City FFP case: No verdict as yet in long-running saga

  He posted on social media in response to the article, with a nod being offered to the protracted Financial Fair Play (FFP) saga that sees City face the threat of serious sanction for alleged monetary mismanagement: "Just trying to have a good time with the Dortmund fans Mike, it was no problem it wasn’t allowed. Next time message me & I’ll tell you all you need to know, rather than Simon at Man City giving you a story. Probably explains why you’re so sympathetic around the 115 charges."

  An independent hearing into City’s FFP case was concluded late in 2024, but no verdict has been delivered as yet. Speculation regarding potential punishments has continued to rage – which range from points deductions and fines to transfer embargoes and expulsion from the top-flight.

  City have always maintained their innocence, with a “business as usual” stance being adopted, but their alleged actions have divided opinion – with many calling on the Premier League to take decisive action, while others expect little more than a slap on the wrist to be delivered.

West Ham chairman David Sullivan and the Hammers board have come under fire from supporters for a long time — even more so after their downward trajectory since 2023.

West Ham braced for fan protests as tension with ownership escalates

As per The Telegraph, West Ham supporters are poised to stage protests against the ownership at every Saturday home game this campaign — sending a clear message of discontent towards the hierarchy.

Their controversial move to the London Stadium, which forced loyal supporters to wave goodbye to the beloved Boleyn Ground in 2016, was promised to bring a change of direction — with supporters told they would get a “world-class stadium for a world-class team” (The Telegraph).

However, after what was an unforgettable closing ceremony at the Boleyn, made better by a 3-2 win over Man United that night, West Ham have done little to make good on their pledge to kick on.

David Moyes guided the club to three consecutive seasons in Europe during his second spell in charge, including a journey to the Europa League semi-finals in 2022, and West Ham topped off their exploits abroad by winning the Conference League.

Their glorious night in Prague ended the Irons’ 43-year-wait for silverware, with West Ham also lifting their first European trophy since 1965.

However, apart from a brief adventure under Moyes, their move to the London Stadium has failed to deliver what was promised by the board — and West Ham have only got worse since their Conference League victory.

A succession of managers in Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter were shown their marching orders after failing to build upon Moyes’ era, with Nuno Espírito Santo now in the West Ham hot seat as he seeks to deliver where his predecessors failed.

Nuno is making his presence known by axing James Ward-Prowse already, and some reports suggest that West Ham are prepared to back their new manager with new signings in January.

However, tensions between the fanbase and West Ham have now reached breaking point, with former boss Harry Redknapp now predicting a bold move by Sullivan to transform the club.

Harry Redknapp predicts David Sullivan decision to transform West Ham

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the ex-West Ham and Tottenham manager has predicted that Sullivan will sell his West Ham shares to billionaires from the Middle East.

Interestingly, the 78-year-old has actually moved to defend Sullivan too — claiming that the divisive chair has pumped his own money into the club and a lot of the blame for West Ham’s woes lies with their recruitment department.

West Ham take on Arsenal this Saturday as Nuno prepares for his second game in charge, with Mikel Arteta’s side overwhelming favourites, especially considering their major threat from set pieces.

Failure to deal with dead balls has been a real thorn in West Ham’s side this season, so Nuno’s men are seriously up against it at the Emirates, as they also look to contain Arsenal’s plethora of attacking talent.

Manchester United are now preparing a £87m offer for an “unbelievable” forward, who has amassed 11 goals and assists already this season.

Man Utd keen on new forward despite Mbeumo's impressive start

Off the back of scoring 20 Premier League goals for Brentford last season, Bryan Mbeumo was expected to make an instant impact at Man United, and the forward has certainly made an impressive start, most recently scoring against Liverpool.

The Cameroonian opened the scoring for United after just over one minute, coolly slotting past Giorgi Mamardashvili after being played through by Amad Diallo, with Ruben Amorim’s side going on to pick up a statement 2-1 victory courtesy of a late Harry Maguire winner.

Mbeumo is not the only summer signing who has started to catch the eye in recent weeks, as Benjamin Sesko has found his feet, with the Slovenian finding the back of the net in both the 2-0 victory over Sunderland and 3-1 defeat against Brentford.

With Matheus Cunha also arriving at Old Trafford in the summer, Amorim has plenty of options in attacking areas, but another forward is of interest, with an ambitious move being planned.

Indeed, INEOS certainly aren’t messing around, with a report from Spain revealing Man United are now preparing an offer of around €100m (£87m) for former player Mason Greenwood, who has made an impressive start to the season with Marseille.

£62m Man Utd star looks like their best player "since Fergie retired"

Manchester United might just have turned a corner under Ruben Amorim’s wing.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Oct 20, 2025

Marseille would be willing to sanction a departure for the right fee, with United reportedly setting a deadline of the summer transfer window for the Ligue 1 side to agree to their terms, and the Red Devils retain a 50% sell-on fee of any sale, which would lower the cost.

Greenwood shouldn't even be considered by Man Utd

Amorim will be hoping the 2-1 victory at Anfield can be a turning point in the season, with the manager finally winning two Premier League games on the spin, and the 40-year-old is likely to have won plenty of fans around courtesy of the victory over United’s bitter rivals.

Alternatively, signing the 24-year-old would be an incredibly divisive decision, given the way in which he left United, so a move should not even be considered, despite the Englishman’s fantastic start to the campaign, chipping in with 11 goal contributions across all competitions.

Competition

Goals

Assists

Ligue 1

6

3

Champions League

1

1

Instead of signing their former academy graduate, who Nicky Butt once described as “unbelievable”, the Red Devils could look to sign Real Madrid’s Endrick, with it recently being revealed they are readying a January loan move for the young Brazilian.

However, given the start Mbeumo has made to the season, it would not be the end of the world if United missed out on the signature of another new forward, and Amorim will be hoping the 26-year-old can continue his impressive form against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend.

John Sterling retired from his role with WFAN calling New York Yankees games on the radio early last season after recognizing he just couldn't do the day-in, day-out grind of the job anymore.

For the remainder of the year, the Yankees rotated some fill-ins to Sterling's longtime chair in the booth to varying degrees of success. Sterling also returned to call postseason games. It was clear that WFAN needed to spend the offseason finding a long-term replacement for Sterling.

Thursday night, it was reported they're closing in on Dave Sims to fill the role, and Sims acknowledged the news in a classy social media post to Seattle Mariners fans. Sims has been the play-by-play announcer for the Seattle Mariners television broadcast since 2007.

Shortly after the news, a video from three years ago showing Sims calling an important end-of-season game for the Mariners resurfaced. It was his call of a Mitch Haniger hit that kept the Mariners' postseason hopes alive.

Take a listen:

So much intensity and excitement, a great call from a great broadcaster. Sims worked around the New York area for much of the early days of his career, and returns for a huge role with WFAN.

Fans are excited:

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift attended Game 1 of the American League championship series between the Cleveland Guardians and New York Yankees on Monday night. The world's most famous couple decided to skip a private showing of and instead braved the elements with thousands of fans to see the Yankees take a 1-0 lead with a 5-2 win at Yankee Stadium.

Swift and Kelce sat next to Jerrod Carmichael but still found some alone time for couples stuff like high fives and holding hands.

What a coup for Major League Baseball. After watching the NFL get all the Taylor Swift-related headlines and ratings for the last year Swift decided to show up for some October baseball. And she brought Jason Kelce's brother. Between this and the Guardians dropping the first game of the series Rob Manfred couldn't ask for a better night.

Swift doesn't resume the Eras Tour for another month so there's a chance she could just keep attending baseball games right through the World Series. Kelce might have to miss a few games, but that's his own fault for not asking for the time off work.

The Premier League is renowned as the best league in the world given the notion any team can beat anyone.

In such a competitive league, it can often come down to the finer margins when looking for a breakthrough in the 90 minutes. Sometimes the crowd can play their part with some stadiums boasting a louder set of home fans than others.

However, Premier League stadiums are not restricted to all having the same sized pitch, which could create some issues for clubs who like to play their football in a certain way.

Here is a look at which club boasts the biggest pitch and which club may look to utilise their tight pitch.

What are the rules in the Premier League for pitch size?

Premier League clubs must abide by rules set by the Football Association when it comes to the dimensions of their pitches. The law states pitches must fall in the region of 90m – 120m in length and 45m – 90m in width.

The regulations show just how much difference there could be between pitches across the Premier League with teams able to make the playing surface to play to their advantage.

In fact, the regulations allow the playing surface itself to differ meaning clubs can only use a different grass type to what is used elsewhere.

1

City Ground – Area: 7,455m

Nottingham Forest

Coming in with the biggest pitch in the Premier League is Nottingham Forest and the City Ground. Perhaps this may come as a surprise to some given Forest’s ground is by no means the biggest capacity wise, but at just over 7455m in area, it is the largest pitch.

Indeed, the City Ground is actually only the 14th biggest stadium in the league with a capacity of 30,445, however, it seems they are keen to create as much space as possible for their players to explore.

After arriving back in the Premier League last season, over the 2022/23 campaign, Forest were able to secure eight wins and six draws on home soil with just five defeats coming at the City Ground in the league.

The pitch dimensions are 105m x 71m.

2

Emirates Stadium – Area: 7,140m

Arsenal

There is now about to be a trend started in this list with the large majority of clubs holding the same sized pitch.

The Gunners are known for their attractive style of football which has become synonymous under the recent Mikel Arteta revolution in north London.

So it is no surprise to see Arsenal do not play on one of the league’s smaller pitches. However, it is perhaps a surprise that they do not play on a slightly bigger pitch given the brand of football they enjoy playing.

It is seemingly a pitch which works for the Gunners, though, with Arteta’s men winning 14 of their 19 home games in the 2022/23 Premier League season.

The pitch dimensions are 105m x 68m.

3

Villa Park – Area: 7,140m

Aston Villa

Life under Unai Emery has been positive for Aston Villa, and it is apparent they are beginning to make Villa Park a bit of a fortress under the Spaniard.

Indeed, under Emery, Villa have won 10 of their 14 league games at Villa Park – at the time of writing.

Perhaps the excitement around the fans is providing the players with a big boost, but it seems they have also adapted the Spaniard’s style well to the size of the Villa Park pitch.

The pitch dimensions are 105m x 68m.

4

Vitality Stadium – Area: 7,140m

Bournemouth

This is perhaps slightly surprising given the size of the stadium, but Bournemouth’s pitch is still the same size as the likes of Arsenal.

The Vitality Stadium is still a tiny ground by Premier League standards at just over 11,000 capacity. Nevertheless, it seems the size of the pitch – which runs close to the stands – is working for the Cherries who were able to secure a 15th-placed finish in the 2022/23 campaign.

The pitch dimensions are 105m x 68m.

5

Gtech Community Stadium – Area: 7,140m

Brentford

Similarly to Bournemouth, Brentford have one of the league’s smaller stadiums, yet they still have – what appears to be – the standard sized pitch.

The Bees are now into their third top flight season of action in the Community Stadium which was opened in September 2020.

And again, whether it is the close feeling created by the small feeling, the fans or the pitch, something is working for Thomas Frank’s side who have an excellent home record in the Premier League.

The pitch dimensions are 105m x 68m.

6

Amex Stadium – Area: 7,140m

Brighton & Hove Albion

The Seagulls have been flying high at times in the Premier League, and they are doing so on the league’s most-used sized pitch.

There has been little to complain about for Brighton fans on the south coast with the free-flowing football now also bringing in the results to match. European football has even been played at the Amex Stadium.

The pitch dimensions are 105m x 68m.

7

Turf Moor – Area: 7,140m

Burnley

Returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking, Burnley’s Turf Moor also boasts a pitch size of 7,140m in area.

The Clarets have often been branded as playing a long-ball style of football, however, under Vincent Kompany, that has all changed.

Burnley have had a torrid time of things at home this season, but their away record isn’t amazing either, so it just appears as if the quality of the Premier League is too much right now.

The pitch dimensions are 105m x 68m.

8

Hill Dickinson Stadium – Area: 7,140m

Everton

Everton moved into their new Hill Dickinson Stadium in 2025, with the Toffees’ modern ground holding a capacity of more than 50,000.

Those on the blue side of Merseyside have made their pitch the standard size in the division after it took three and a half years to build.

The pitch dimensions are 105m x 68m.

9

Elland Road – Area: 7,140m

Leeds

A trip to Leeds and Elland Road is a daunting prospect for most teams in the Premier League due to the atmospehre created by the Whites and the fact that fans are in close to the pitch.

The Yorkshire side’s ground holds more than 37,000, although they do have plans to hit over 56,000 and is another with an area of 7,140m.

The pitch dimensions are 105m x 68m.

10

Etihad Stadium – Area: 7,140m

Manchester City

Manchester City also play on a 7,140m pitch, and it is apparent it is just the right fit for Pep Guardiola’s men.

They have become the team to beat in the Premier League over recent years and their free-flowing style of football has proven hard to match for many sides.

It is interesting to consider the pitch at the Etihad is the same size as that at Bournemouth, for example, but it seems it is big enough for the Citizens to play at their full potential under their Spanish boss.

The pitch dimensions are 105m x 68m.

Jofra Archer chimes in with 2 for 16 from his 20

ECB Media10-Aug-2025

Southern Brave cruised to a nine-wicket victory and sealed their second win of the season in The Hundred, making it a double for both women’s and men’s teams over Birmingham Phoenix at Utilita Bowl on Sunday.Brave won the toss and chose to bowl, which looked to be a good decision early on, with Phoenix struggling to get the ball away and score freely. Facing 90mph bowling from Jofra Archer, who was sporting a Brave bucket-hat when not charging in, Joe Clarke was the only Birmingham batter to offer some resistance with 36 from 27 balls.Archer finished with 2 for 16 from his 20, with Michael Bracewell taking the starring role with his off-spin on a tricky pitch claiming three wickets for 16 runs from 15 balls. Phoenix finished on a below par 106 for 7.Southern Brave opened with the right-hand, left-hand combination of James Vince and Leus Du Plooy and the pair rarely looked troubled, rotating the strike and picking up boundaries.Although Brave finished the powerplay on the same score as Phoenix, they had the time to build through their innings, which Vince capitalised on and passed the milestone of 1,000 runs in The Hundred in the process – the third player to do so this season, after Nat Sciver-Brunt and Phil Salt.When Vince was caught behind for 41 only 32 runs were needed, and Du Plooy, top-scoring with 48 from 39, and Jason Roy saw Brave home for a comfortable win.Meerkat Match Hero Bracewell said: “Two from two and more of a complete performance. We played some great cricket and it is nice to get another win. We spoke as a spin group about how to bowl. There are big boundaries here which is nice.”The Hundred is fantastic, the crowds are amazing. Cricket has a long history here in England so it is great to be here. The weather is not what I was expecting, but I’ll certainly take it. It’s a beautiful day and we’re happy with the result.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O que motivou a briga no setor onde estavam os torcedores brasileiros e argentinos no Maracanã foram as vaias durante a execução do hino nacional da Argentina, minutos antes da partida entre as duas seleções, pelas Eliminatórias Sul-Americanas para a Copa do Mundo de 2026, nesta terça-feira (21).

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➡️Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

A confusão ocorreu no setor Sul do estádio carioca, onde não havia qualquer separação entre as duas torcidas. Brasileiros e argentinos trocaram socos, e algumas pessoas ficaram feridas. Poucos minutos depois, seguranças tentaram fazer uma barreira humana ainda no gramado, com jogadores da Argentina indo até a arquibancada atrás de um dos gols na tentativa de apaziguar a situação.

Policiais militares foram até o local para controlar a situação, mas entraram em confronto com os torcedores argentinos. Na sequência, diversos assentos foram arrancados e arremessados contra os agentes da PM. Em pânico, muitos espectadores invadiram o gramado para buscar proteção.

Diante do ocorrido, Lionel Messi, capitão da Argentina, liderou o restante da delegação albiceleste para os vestiários no Maracanã, enquanto os jogadores brasileiros permaneceram no gramado. O presidente da Federação Argentina de Futebol (AFA), Chiqui Tapia, conversou com as autoridades da Conmebol e da Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) e, após 30 minutos, a equipe argentina retornou ao campo e a partida foi iniciada com 27 minutos de atraso.

+ Veja tabela e simule os jogos do Timão no Brasileirão

The managerial saga surrounding Rangers has been a mess at Ibrox, not just during their hunt for a new head coach but during Russell Martin’s ill-fated stint in Glasgow.

The former defender was relieved of his duties just hours after Rangers’ final game before the international break and the Gers hierarchy have been rather stressfully and frantically trying to find a replacement.

At first, it looked like Steven Gerrard would head back to Scotland. That move ultimately did not come to fruition. Next on the list was Danny Rohl, but he rejected advances.

So, the top brass at Rangers focused on Kevin Muscat instead. Currently with Shanghai Port, he had made it clear he was not willing to move before the Chinese Super League season had finished.

Yet, he was the clear frontrunner and was all set to take on the reins until things collapsed on Sunday.

Consequently, the Ibrox outfit headed back towards Rohl and thankfully, this time around they avoided any late twists. He was officially unveiled on Monday afternoon.

What does the future hold for them under the German? We’ve predicted what his starting lineup could look like, and there may be one or two new additions too.

1 GK – Jack Butland

Last season, during Barry Ferguson’s mixed interim tenure, he actually dropped previously undisputed first-choice goalkeeper Jack Butland, favouring Liam Kelly, who started both legs of the Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Club in April.

This season though, Butland has very much been restored as first-choice, starting 17 of the 18 fixtures, the League Cup win over third-tier Alloa the sole exception.

The highlight of his campaign, so far, has been saving a penalty from former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu against Genk, even if the Gers did lose that game anyway.

Butland has certainly been busy so far this season, particularly in the eight European ties, underling his quality, giving Rohl no reason to make a change.

2 RB – James Tavernier

He may divide opinion, but James Tavernier is a bona fide Rangers legend and, whatever supporters may say about him, he remains an integral figure in this team.

Already this season, the right-back has scored five goals across all competitions, netting four of the eight they have bagged in the Premiership.

Last Saturday, the club captain took his tally to 531 appearances and 135 goals for the club, still a pivotal figure in this team, at both ends of the pitch.

The 33-year-old was controversially left on the bench by Martin for crucial Champions League qualifiers against Viktoria Plzeň and Club Brugge, but he has since reiterated that he is undroppable.

3 CB – John Souttar

On paper, Rangers do actually have the makings of a solid centre-back pairing, not that they’re showing it very much this season.

Everyone connected with Scottish football has to be pleased to see John Souttar doing well given the injury misery he has endured, rupturing both anterior cruciate ligaments during his time at Hearts.

Last season, the 29-year-old managed to stay fit, accumulating 40 appearances, the most he’d ever managed in a campaign, so continues to be a solid contributor for both club and country, and should remain first-choice under Rohl.

4 CB – Derek Cornelius

Many of Rangers’ summer signings have been, to put it politely, underwhelming, underlined by the fact few feature in this dream XI.

However, one signing who, in the long run, will prove to be an excellent addition is Derek Cornelius.

After arriving on deadline day, before even making his debut in light blue, he gave Rangers supporters an amuse bouche of what he is capable of by scoring a sumptuous free-kick for Canada against Wales in Swansea.

Cornelius arrived from Ligue 1 giants Olympique de Marseille, following one season at Stade Vélodrome, having become something of a globe trotter, even at just 27 years old, having already played in Germany, Serbia, Canada, Greece, Sweden, France and now Scotland.

Since his debut against Hearts, Cornelius has started every match, instantaneously establishing himself as one of the first names on the team sheet, and he should very much remain that going forward.

5 LB – Max Aarons

If we’re being truthful, there is no dream solution to Rangers’ left-back conundrum.

Jayden Meghoma has started pretty much every match since arriving on loan from Brentford, but the 19-year-old has appeared out of his depth, really underlining his inexperience.

So, for now, Max Aarons would be the most solid solution, having filled in at left-back both during his career in general and this season.

In truth though, this’ll surely be one of the positions any manager seeks to strengthen come January.

6 CDM – Pierre Ekwah: new signing

According to a recent report, Rangers and Celtic are both interested in signing Pierre Ekwah.

The 23-year-old can play at centre-back or as a defensive midfielder, and will certainly want to be on the move come January.

He spent last season on loan at Saint-Étienne from Sunderland, with les Verts making the move permanent for £5m over the summer, but this came after they had been relegated to Ligue 2.

Thus, reports claim that Ekwah has refused to play in France’s second-tier, thereby yet to feature at all this season, leaving him in the proverbial wilderness.

Highly rated from his time in Chelsea and West Ham’s academy, he may prove to be available at a cut-price and would represent an upgrade on someone like Joe Rothwell.

7 CM – Mohamed Diomandé

Ahead of the start of the new season, big things were expected of Mohamed Diomandé, who has so far endured something of a campaign to forget, albeit he’s not the only one.

The 23-year-old was sent off against Genk on the opening night of the Europa League, and his absence was felt as they were beaten 2-1 by Sturm Graz a week later.

He also sat out Saturday’s draw with Dundee United due to injury, but has certainly shown his quality in the past, so they’ll want him back in the line-up as soon as possible, possibly at the expense of Thelo Aasgaard.

8 CM – Nicolas Raskin

Likely to be World Cup-bound, Nicolas Raskin, has started four of Belgium’s last six qualifiers, including each of the last three, starting alongside Kevin De Bruyne, who isn’t bad, is he?

Despite this, Russell Martin decided he was surplus to requirements, leaving him out of four matches, not even on the bench for home games against Celtic and Hearts, with supporters choosing to side with Raskin, which is when the anti-Martin protests really ramped up.

Setting all that aside, the Belgian is clearly Rangers’ most talented player, named the club’s player of the year last season, so the new manager has to make him a central figure.

9 RW – Bobby Clark: new signing

It was actually reported earlier this week that Celtic were set to sign Bobby Clark from RB Salzburg for £6m, only for Brendan Rodgers to very much shut down those rumours. So, could the former Liverpool midfielder end up on the other side of Glasgow?

The 20-year-old, who made his senior debut at Liverpool, is currently on loan at Derby County, after a forgettable spell in Austria.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout describes him as a “roaming playmaker” who possesses “amazing technical quality” and can operate anywhere behind a striker, which sounds like exactly the type of player this Rangers team is lacking, does it not?

The fact he’s also been described as “the new Gazza” should also help convince those of a Rangers persuasion of his natural talent. He looks a fine replacement for Oliver Antman on the right flank.

10 LW – Djeidi Gassama

If only one Rangers player has shown glimpses of genuine quality this season, it has to be Djeidi Gassama.

After arriving from Sheffield Wednesday where he was managed by Rohl, he announced himself in style, scoring four goals in his first four appearances for the club, on target home and away against Panathinaikos in Champions League qualifying, before also bagging a double against Viktoria Plzeň in the following round.

The Frenchman has only scored once since, this also in Europe against Sturm Graz just before the international break, but is clearly a talented player that this current Rangers set-up is failing to get the best out of.

Albania manager Sylvinho heaped praise on Thomas Tuchel's England as the Three Lions near a perfect World Cup qualifying record. Having already booked their berth in the flagship competition next year, the Three Lions are now aiming to maintain their 100 per cent win record in the qualifying rounds. England will meet Albania in their last group game on Sunday in Tirana.

• England's fiery form under Tuchel

  Tuchel's journey as England boss has been near perfect as the Three Lions have won eight out of the nine matches they have played thus far, since March 2025. This incredible run of form includes a seven-game winning streak in the World Cup qualifiers and they are now on the verge of ending their qualifying campaign with a 100 per cent win record. They have also scored 20 goals in seven qualifiers and have kept a clean sheet in each of those games. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Tuchel's England praised by Albania boss

  Albania manager Sylvinho, who has featured for clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City during his playing days, was full of praise for Tuchel's team as he told reporters, "Unfortunately, I have to say they are stronger than six months ago. The numbers are amazing. It's disgusting! What can I say? But we are happy, we are going to face one of the best tomorrow and we are going to try to do our job. My players have confidence and love what they are doing on the pitch. We are going to prepare something, try to score and have a great match. I've heard in my life in 90 minutes of football, anything can happen."

  He added: "They are in a completely different level [to us]. Don't make any confusion about us. We are very happy with our team, so we are for the first time going to play the playoffs in March, but it is completely different. Tomorrow is a great game, it's a difficult game as well. Great coach, love him, the way that he plays and also he has some of the best players in the world."

• Kane hailed Tuchel as one of the best managers ever

  Speaking about the former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager, England captain Harry Kane earlier said: "He's done a really good job. Coming in to being England manager is never easy, especially after Gareth who was one of our most successful managers. He's [Tuchel] tried to stamp his own feel into training, into meetings. He comes with a lot of enthusiasm. Tactically, we are really precise going into every game. 

  He's been building different ideas leading up to next summer. From now until then, there will be more he would like to add. Tactically, he has been fantastic. He brings a personality, he brings an aura that represents an England manager. Going into a major tournament that is important as well. Other teams know he is one of the best managers in the world and that brings weight as well."

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  Tuchel wants a strong bench in England squad

  Speaking on the importance of having a strong bench in the England squad, the German coach said: "We need a good bench, we play in 40 degrees and we will play after a long, long season, we are maybe the nation that suffers the most from international football, from long seasons, from two cups, from cup finals, from semi-finals. 100 per cent we need to be ready to do substitutions until hopefully the late stages of the World Cup. Once we go to a tournament, I think clarity in the role is very important. The better player can also think about it and be honest: 'Can I accept this, is it good for me, can I make the most of this for the team?'"