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Celtic have officially confirmed that they have completed a deal to bring Brendan Rodgers back to Parkhead for a second spell in Scotland.

Majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has been in the market to find a replacement for Ange Postecoglou, and has now settled on the Australian's successor.

Rodgers will be thrust straight into the hustle and bustle of the summer transfer window and could secure the first masterclass of his second stint with the Glasgow giants by striking a deal with his former club Liverpool.

Who is Caoimhin Kelleher?

Celtic have been linked with an interest in Jurgen Klopp's back-up goalkeeper and Republic of Ireland international Caoimhin Kelleher this summer.

He is a talented young shot-stopper who could be an excellent addition to the squad and the 50-year-old manager must use any remaining contacts on Merseyside to land the 24-year-old, who has valued at £30m by the Premier League outfit, whether that is on loan or on a permanent basis.

The 6 foot 2 titan's international manager, Stephen Kenny, recently backed the talented ace, who he once dubbed "exceptional", to move on from Anfield in search of regular game time:

"I think it will happen this summer. It is not right normally to talk about a player moving, but at Liverpool, he is behind one of the best goalkeepers in the world. It is not going to get any easier and you can't improve when you aren't playing."

Celtic must take advantage of his potential availability as the promising stopper has the potential to be an upgrade on current number one Joe Hart.

The former England international averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.77 across 37 Scottish Premiership outings in 22/23 and made four errors directly leading to shots from the opposition.

Kelleher, meanwhile, averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.53 and did not make any direct errors across his three outings in the Premier League and League Cup combined for Liverpool, as he spent the majority of the campaign behind Alisson, one of the top goalkeepers in the world.

The Irish colossus also averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.72 and made zero blunders over six outings in those two competitions in the previous season, which shows that the Reds academy graduate has been exceptional whenever Klopp has called on him and is not as error-prone as Celtic's first-choice.

These statistics indicate that Kelleher would be a major upgrade on Hart if the 24-year-old can translate his form for Liverpool in recent years to consistent performances over the course of an entire season's worth of matches, due to his superior ratings and absence of mistakes.

Therefore, Rodgers could seal a masterclass by using his relationship with the Premier League side to iron out a move for the talented monster, who could improve the team tenfold next term.

Sri Lanka disintegrated to 110 all out on the second day in Cape Town as Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander collected eight wickets between them

The Report by David Hopps03-Jan-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details0:52

Fernando: SL troubles at No. 3 continue

The Cape Town monster was more in Sri Lanka’s own mind than the startling nature of the Newlands pitch, but the monster reared its head nevertheless on the second day of the second Test and engulfed them in a trice. South Africa had been candid about their wish for a pitch offering pace and seam, and it was delivered to order effectively enough, but Sri Lanka’s disintegration to 110 all out represented a huge overstatement of the difficulties they faced.Sri Lanka were spared the follow-on – South Africa instead stretched their lead of 282 to 317 by the close – so escaping their fate on their last appearance in Cape Town five years ago. On that occasion Sri Lanka’s batsmen did have an alibi in that they were responding to South Africa’s 580 for 4. On this occasion, as nine wickets went down for 54 in 19.3 overs, their batting often lacked nous and sometimes verged on impulsiveness.The chief instigator of Sri Lanka’s rickety resistance was Kagiso Rabada with three for 10 in 25 balls at the start of the final session. Vernon Philander then swept aside the tail with 4 for 5 in 12 balls as South Africa found things all too easy.For Sri Lanka, it brought back memories of their batting inadequacies on their tour of England last May when they returned 91, 119 and 101 in successive Test innings in a chilly northern spring. It is easy to talk of irresponsibility, and that charge could be levelled against Dinesh Chandimal in particular, but Sri Lanka were never likely to replace giants like Sangakkara, Jayawardene and Dilshan without pain, especially as there is barely an indoor net in the country.From South Africa’s perspective, at least it deflected attention away from Kyle Abbott after ESPNcricinfo revealed that he is agonising over whether to abandon his international career and take up a deal in England with Hampshire as a Kolpak player. CSA was expected to meet Abbott’s agent on Wednesday before making a statement.Abbott, who went into his 11th Test with 39 wickets at 21.30, was given the new ball and a strong breeze at his back, but after tea he had a watching brief, remained wicketless and had much time to muse in the outfield about the meaning of life. For an international of his calibre to be seriously considering a county future at 29, whatever the outcome, is deeply disturbing not just for South Africa but for the future of Test cricket where there are already not enough strong teams to go round.Sri Lanka’s openers survived diligently against the new ball – there was not much swing to be had in a buffeting wind – but such staunch beginnings did not last for long. Kaushal Silva was bowled by Rabada off an inside edge and then Kusal Mendis, who had met the introduction of the left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj by slog-sweeping him for six, envisaged a repeat in his next over and top-edged a simple catch into the off side.As a thrilling accompaniment, Temba Bavuma almost pulled off a repeat of his wonderful run-out in Perth, Dimuth Karunaratne’s dive at the non-striker’s end just beating his pick-up and underarm flick from cover. Having been reminded of Bavuma’s brilliance, Karunaratne cut the third ball after tea, from Rabada, low to the fielder’s left and paid a predictable price.Not all Sri Lanka’s dismissals were down to state of mind. Angelo Mathews pushed at a decent back-of-a-length ball from Rabada to be caught at second slip. But Dhananjaya de Silva was overly hasty as he sought to come down the pitch to Maharaj, got his feet in a muddle as he flicked to leg, and was lbw, despite a review. As for Chandimal’s wanton drive at a wide one from Rabada, that was inexplicable, especially for a vice-captain.Philander was aching to get into the act. Three successive deliveries to Rangana Herath were followed by resounding lbw appeals. The third was given. Herath, who seemed resolutely intent on keeping his legs out of the way as the ball jagged back, understandably reviewed, but the decision was narrowly upheld.Three balls later, Suranga Lakmal was caught at first slip – a knock-on from third – and the job was completed when Lahiru Kumara and Nuwan Pradeep, the latter batting despite a thigh strain that prevented him from bowling, were rounded up in successive balls.The morning had belonged largely to Quinton de Kock, who completed a third Test century as South Africa were dismissed at the end of a slightly extended session for 392. De Kock, who made 101, was one of six wickets for Kumara whose unflinching efforts in only his third Test pronounced himself a combative bowler of genuine promise.De Kock does not spend too much time on reconnaissance: life is for living, and the sooner the better. Resuming on 68, he set the tone by confidently driving Lakmal’s introductory ball of the day to the extra-cover boundary. He secured an entertaining hundred around 40 minutes later, benefiting from a final slice of good fortune as an inside-edge against Kumara skimmed past leg stump.He fell later in the over, jabbing a catch to the wicketkeeper as Kumara seamed a fullish ball away from around the wicket. Chandimal took the catch, back behind the stumps after handing his duties to Mendis on the first day because of illness. Mendis had kept well, so encouraging a rapid recovery. There were seven keeper’s catches in all – plenty to share around.Abbott, perhaps unsurprisingly in the circumstances, fell in the second over of the day without adding to his overnight score of 16, the nightwatchman beaten by turn and bounce from the left-arm spinner Herath. In the absence of Pradeep, Herath conducted a holding operation with the gentle motions of a man philosophically getting up from a sofa to pick up the TV remote.Kumara, as strong as a bullock, produced a delivery of excellent off-stump line to dismiss Philander and lunch was delayed with South Africa nine down. Kumara did not deserve that. He roused himself for a final time to have Rabada caught off an inside edge, finishing with 6 for 122. A bright spot for Sri Lanka on a bleak day.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in a Serie A gem, as Mikel Arteta prepares for the opening of the transfer window.

The Gunners had a stellar season in the Premier League, however after falling just short of their first league title since 2004, the Spaniard will have a list of areas to improve in this summer.

A host of talent has been linked to a move to the Emirates ahead of next campaign, with the latest name being a star in Italy.

What’s the latest on Federico Chiesa to Arsenal?

As reported by Italian outlet La Repubblica, Arsenal are interested in Juventus forward Federico Chiesa.

The report names Arsenal as one of the clubs interested in the attacker, along with Newcastle United, with the Italian giants wanting €60m (£51m) for his services.

It’s suggested that the Gunners have taken the ‘first step’ in contacting Juve for information regarding the player.

What could Federico Chiesa offer to Arsenal?

Lauded as “magic” by one Liverpool reporter on Twitter, the 25-year-old has had a troubled time in Turin since making the switch from Fiorentina in 2020.

The move was initially a two-year loan spell, however, Juve opted to trigger their option to buy in 2022 following a cruciate-ligament injury leaving him sidelined for nine months.

While things haven’t worked as smoothly as hoped in Turin for Chiesa, it could be good news for Arsenal who could land themselves an established attacking threat in the Italy international.

Likened by FBref to Bukayo Saka based on his statistics over the past year, Arteta could introduce an additional threat to his dangerous front line, in a winger that could challenge the likes of Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazilian has been superb for Arsenal this season, ranking third in the club’s Player of the Season awards, with the 21-year-old having scored 15 goals and assisted five in the Premier League.

While his place is not likely to be replaced by a new face, Arteta must achieve added depth to his side, particularly with the addition of Champions League football next campaign.

Chiesa could undeniably add quality to the Spaniard’s plans, as told by his numbers over the past year.

The Italian ranks in the top 4% of wingers in Europe in terms of assists, averaging 0.42 per 90, offering quality in an area that Martinelli lacked, as shown through his average of 0.16 per 90, via FBref.

It’s vital for a side challenging at the top to have powerful reinforcements in the squad, take treble winners Manchester City’s rotation between the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish as an example, the side are rarely short on quality.

When comparing Martinelli and Chiesa via FBref, the two are similar in their strengths as supported by their statistics, with the Italian coming out marginally on top of the Brazilian in areas he excels at in Arteta’s side.

With an average of 4.53 progressive carries and 2.26 successful take-ons per 90, the lively Juventus winger could provide another outlet on the flanks in a set-up that relies heavily on wide threat.

Martinelli averages 3.95 progressive carries and 1.97 successful take-ons per 90, however is more active in the penalty area than the Arsenal target, with an average of 6.99 touches in the box to Chiesa’s 4.81 per 90.

Arteta could sign an alternative option to his attack to flood his squad with quality, an essential area with Champions League football looming.

Liverpool are on the verge of confirming Alexis Mac Allister as their first summer signing and now a new update has emerged on another Brighton and Hove Albion star who could be set to join his teammate at Anfield.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Moises Caicedo?

According to The Telegraph reporter Sam Dean, Liverpool could become involved in the race to sign Moises Caicedo this summer.

Dean tweeted: "Brighton will demand significantly more than £70m for Moises Caicedo this summer. Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have all shown interest — and Liverpool could yet become involved, depending on the eventual cost."

Should Liverpool sign Moises Caicedo this summer?

There is no doubt that Liverpool have a desperate need to complete an overhaul in midfield and the imminent announcement of a completed deal for Mac Allister will be a fantastic start to the club's intentions to inject some youth and high quality into the centre of the pitch.

The Anfield faithful will be under no illusion that FSG will be willing to splash the cash to match the extreme spending of Chelsea and Manchester United, but instead will focus on getting cost-effective deals done, with the World Cup winner reportedly costing the Reds a cool £35m for his services.

Having said that, the American owners scrimping has ultimately denied Liverpool the chance to compete in the Champions League and the struggles of last season should serve as a warning to the club hierarchy that their top-flight rivals are strengthening around them.

As a result, the signing of Caicedo would be an incredible opportunity for Jurgen Klopp as he would have a ready-made unstoppable midfield partnership if a deal could be done to reunite the Ecuadorian ace with his Brighton teammate Mac Allister at Anfield.

The dynamic duo dominated their opponents in domestic competition this term, with the pair part of a phenomenal side under Roberto De Zerbi who excelled to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup and qualify for Europa League football with a sixth-place finish in the Premier League.

Caicedo's partnership with the 24-year-old has often been highly praised, with journalist Julien Laurens claiming that the pair are exactly what Liverpool need:

"The Mac Allister – Caicedo partnership is just so so good. They are exactly what Liverpool need so badly."

Whilst the Argentine boasts explosive attacking strengths, Caicedo – dubbed "terrific" by Tim Vickery – ranks in the top 15% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for pass completion, tackles and interceptions, whilst also ranking in the top five Premier League players this season for tackles won and interceptions completed, proving he is one of the most prolific ball-winning midfielders in Europe.

Whilst Mac Allister is likely to serve as a replacement for Naby Keita and an upgrade on Curtis Jones or Harvey Elliott, Caicedo would be the perfect alternative for either Jordan Henderson or Fabinho, injecting energy, consistency and creativity from the deeper role.

Indeed, Caicedo's reported £80m price tag will pose as a stumbling block for Liverpool as it is unlikely they would be willing to commit to such a high transfer fee, however, securing the young talent's signature alongside Mac Allister would set up Klopp's midfield for years to come.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsAlastair Cook continued his fine form with another half-century•Getty Images

The worm turns again. There is some wonderful Test cricket being played at the moment and the Edgbaston Test could bubble up into a humdinger after Alastair Cook and Alex Hales wiped out Pakistan’s lead with an unbroken stand of 117 on a day that England showed commendable resilience.Cook closed on 61, during which he become England’s leading run-scorer across all formats – overtaking Kevin Pietersen – although of more immediate relevance was the assurance with which he played, reaching fifty off 67 balls. Hales was less fluent, but showed the determination he had against Sri Lanka earlier in the season and brought up his fifty from 116 balls off the final delivery of the day. The century stand was this pair’s first in Test cricket, in their 18th innings together, and England’s first since Cook and Moeen Ali in Abu Dhabi last October.Pakistan’s eventual advantage of 103 was good, but perhaps short of what they would have hoped for late on Thursday before Azhar Ali edged the final delivery of the day. In total, their last eight wickets fell for 143, with the last five managing just 42 as the flimsy lower order was exposed once Misbah-ul-Haq’s diligent half-century was ended.England’s seamers bowled well (Moeen was only entrusted with two overs in the day) although James Anderson was ordered out of the attack after encroaching on the danger area for a third time – the second time in the year he had been removed having also transgressed in Johannesburg. But by then Pakistan were eight down and England were able to soak up his absence. Chris Woakes continued to impress to finish with three wickets while England earned another scalp through their fielding when Yasir Shah was run out.Unlike the opening day, England’s openers were able to start in sunshine and the surface remained placid. The Pakistan seamers fed Cook with too much width early on and the fifty stand came up in the 15th over, with Cook contributing 36 of them. The pace did not slow, aided by Hales also finding his groove after some hard work, notably when he flicked Yasir over the leg side. There was little help for Yasir, although he did spin one to bring an lbw appeal against Hales which went to review but had pitched outside leg.It was Hales who took England into the lead with a textbook back-foot punch off Sohail Khan who struggled to replicate his first-innings performance. Mohammad Amir was the pick of the quicks, but Misbah will need a telling contribution from Yasir on the fourth day. When the players walked off, with nine overs unbowled due to various delays, there was a very different feel to the match than a few hours earlier.A key element to this match could yet be the control England managed to exert with the ball, meaning that even when wickets were not falling the innings did not run away from them. The third morning, which began with Pakistan 40 adrift, started in a similar manner to the previous day with them willing to soak up the pressure: Anderson’s opening five-over spell cost just four runs and while Pakistan had plenty of wickets in hand they were content, but their approach did mean the lengthy tail remained a get-out for England if they could break through.Younis Khan was slightly less jumpy than in the first two Tests but could not escape his rut, providing England their first wicket of the day when he glanced Woakes down the leg side – a similar dismissal to the first innings at Old Trafford off Ben Stokes.Misbah continued to leave and defend against some tight bowling, only occasionally breaking free when he drove Stuart Broad for consecutive boundaries, in a manner very similar to how he has played throughout this cluster of England Tests in the last eight months. By lunch, the runs had started to come more freely.Asad Shafiq started brightly at Lord’s but has been slightly less productive since and could not break the shackles in an 18-ball stay before losing his off stump when Broad made a delivery nip back which he was late on. At that point, Pakistan were yet to take the lead and England sniffed a chance to keep the Test even.Not for the first time, Sarfraz Ahmed’s appearance brought energy to the innings, both in his punchy strokeplay and eagerness to keep the strike rotating. Misbah’s early caution was also rewarded as he moved from 7 off 39 balls to a half-century off 93, although one of his boundaries came when an edge flashed past Joe Root who was stood at a very close third slip.His dismissal had a dose of bad fortune about it, although Anderson was unlikely to see it that way, when he defended at a ball which then came off pad and boot into the stumps. It gave England an opening at the lower order and brought a period where the umpires were in the thick of the action.A superb piece of fielding from Woakes at deep square beat Yasir attempt to come back for a second, Jonny Bairstow doing well to gather the throw and break the stumps with his elbow – a dismissal which led to a thumbing of the Laws: it was perfectly legal, a run out can be completed by hand to arm providing the ball is under control.Amir’s wicket also needed the intervention of the TV umpire when Woakes rightly thought the lbw shout had struck pad first, while Sohail was lbw walking across his stumps at Broad. By then Anderson had been removed from the attack by Joel Wilson, following further feedback from the third umpire, and his over was completed by Steven Finn who was destined to end wicketless again when Cook added to England’s list of dropped catches by shelling Rahat Ali at slip. It was the last moment that did not go right for them.

In a year when they have won the World T20, Women’s World T20 and the Under-19 World Cup titles, West Indies will hope to add another piece of silverware, even as Australia look to make their mark under Steven Smith

The Preview by Brydon Coverdale25-Jun-2016Match factsSunday, June 26
Start time 1300 local (1700 GMT)Big PictureAnd then there were two. This tri-series, played across three Caribbean countries – Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, and Barbados – has spat out its bronze medallist, with South Africa heading home after failing to overcome West Indies on Friday. The final at Kensington Oval will be contested between Australia, the World Cup champions of last year, and West Indies, the hosts of this tournament and current World T20 champions, but a team that has had limited ODI success in recent years.To lift this trophy would be yet another welcome boost for West Indies in a year that has gladdened the hearts of Caribbean cricket fans. So far, 2016 has brought triumphs for West Indies in the World T20, the Women’s World T20 and the Under-19 World Cup. By comparison, this tri-series is small beer, but small beer is better than no beer. It would also be an encouraging sign for the leadership of Jason Holder (it was Darren Sammy who led West Indies to the World T20 title).For Australia, the No. 1 ODI side, winning a series such as this might be considered business as usual. But they still have much to play for. Only six of the XI who won the World Cup final are likely to play in this game, and stand-in coach Justin Langer noted that Steven Smith’s ODI side was now trying to make its own mark. “We’ve had great success in the past, but that means nothing, besides the fact that we have a great history and high expectation,” Langer said. “Some of the guys have played in World Cup finals, and that experience is vital, but some of the guys are still finding their way.”Form guideAustralia WLWLW (last five completed games most recent first)
West Indies WLLWLIn the spotlight Mitchell Starc’s immense value to Australia in one-day cricket should not be underestimated. Since the start of 2015, Australia have won 90% of ODIs in which he has played (18 wins from 20 completed games) and only 45% of ODIs in which he has been missing (5 wins from 11 games). He literally doubles Australia’s victory chances. Only twice in that time has Starc played in losses – against New Zealand in Auckland during the World Cup, when he claimed 6 for 28 and could hardly have done any more, and against England in Manchester last September when he had a rare bad day and went for 79 off 10 overs. He is also two wickets shy of becoming the fastest player in history to claim 100 ODI victims.Despite having made his ODI debut just two matches ago, Shannon Gabriel has already made an impact. His pace and bounce rattled the South Africa top order in their knockout match on Friday, his three early wickets leaving them at 28 for 3. Gabriel picked up a leg injury, though, and bowled only five overs before leaving the field for treatment. He did not bowl again in the game, and West Indies will hope Gabriel is fit for the final.Team newsAustralia’s batting order is settled and their main decision is whether to bring the young legspinner Adam Zampa back to add some variety to the attack. Zampa is Australia’s leading wicket-taker in the series and yet has not played the previous two matches after leaking runs against West Indies in the game prior to that. Scott Boland would be the man most likely to make way if Zampa comes in.”I dare say it’ll take a little bit of spin, so Adam Zampa certainly comes into consideration for the team,” captain Steven Smith said on the eve of the match. “I’d say he’s a pretty good chance. We’ll wait and see when we look at the wicket tomorrow, but I’d say he’s a fair chance to start.”Australia (probable): 1 Aaron Finch, 2 Usman Khawaja, 3 Steven Smith (capt), 4 George Bailey, 5 Glenn Maxwell, 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Matthew Wade (wk), 8 James Faulkner, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh HazlewoodIf Gabriel is fit, West Indies will likely take in an unchanged XI. Holder was impressive in collecting 1 for 33 from 10 overs against South Africa, just three days after tweaking his hamstring during a match against Australia.West Indies (probable): 1 Andre Fletcher, 2 Johnson Charles, 3 Darren Bravo, 4 Marlon Samuels, 5 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 6 Kieron Pollard, 7 Jason Holder (capt), 8 Carlos Brathwaite, 9 Sunil Narine, 10 Sulieman Benn, 11 Shannon GabrielPitch and conditionsThe two completed matches at Kensington Oval this series have both produced first-innings totals in the 280s – on one occasion it was ample, on the other occasion it was overhauled. The forecast for Sunday is for fine weather and a top of 28 degrees centigrade.Stats and trivia Aside from a couple of tournaments against Associate nations, West Indies have not won an ODI tournament (as opposed to bilateral series) since the 2004 Champions Trophy The three leading wicket-takers in this tri-series are spinners, one from each team: Imran Tahir (13 wickets), Sunil Narine (11) and Adam Zampa (9)Quotes”This team is trying to put its own print on trying to be a great Australian cricket team. We’ve had great success in the past, but that means nothing.”

ScorecardKagiso Rabada’s bowling livened up the final session•Getty Images

Alastair Cook fell to the last ball of the day at Chelmsford sun after an intriguing duel in the sun with the South African paceman Kagiso Rabada.The England captain had reached 49 off 93 balls when a yorker by Rabada off the fifth ball of the last over trapped him lbwIt was a disappointing end to a day in which Essex had been in full control of the top of Division Two clash from the start.It had not been plain sailing before that, either. Rabada had Cook nervously dancing around in his crease at the start in the face of some serious pace and the awkward bounce that had helped the Essex bowlers so much earlier in the day.This was Rabada’s first red-ball outing since he took 13 wickets against England at Centurion in the fourth Test. The England captain was not one of his victims then, but he had been out twice to him in the second Test.Cook and Nick Browne saw off Rabada’s fierce opening spell, even if they had only reached 20 off 11 overs. Rabada rested after six overs, which had gone for just nine runs, before returning near the close after a 10-over break.Cook freed up with Rabada out of the attack, caressing the first four of his innings through the covers off Mitch Claydon. He repeated the punishment a couple of overs later as Claydon went for three fours through the off-side, one square, another through 45 degrees and the third through the covers.Browne was the first to go, getting to the ball late and spooning Rabada to Sam Northeast at mid-on for an 84-ball 33.Essex had taken advantage of a contested toss and put Kent in on a green wicket, and one on which there was swing through most of the first two sessions and some erratic bounce.Only Alex Blake, with an unbeaten 89, his highest Championship score of the season, showed much resistance to the Essex seamers. Led by Jamie Porter’s 3 for 51, Essex had reduced Kent to 48 for 4 when Blake arrived at the wicket mid-morning.His stay of 116 balls included 13 fours and he dominated a seventh-wicket stand of 56 with Callum Jackson that helped Kent post a larger total than looked likely at one stage.Kent’s wickets fell evenly between the morning and afternoon sessions with the visitors going to lunch at 88 for 5.Fabian Cowdrey was first to go when Graham Napier sent his leg-stump cartwheeling with an inswinger. Joe Denly and Sean Dickson survived some close calls before they departed within four balls, both to catches behind by James Foster off Ravi Bopara and Porter respectively.Kent captain Northeast became Foster’s third victim soon after when he wafted outside off stump to Matt Quinn and Darren Stevens was trapped lbw by Bopara.Adam Ball went soon after lunch, but not before he had been dropped at third slip by Nick Browne and had a visit by the physio to treat a hand injury. That was clearly on his mind as he tried to fend off a lifter from Porter and the ball spiralled to Jaik Mickleburgh at gully.That brought together Blake and Jackson to steady the innings. Blake reached his half-century off 72 balls with his 10th four.Jackson, making his Championship debut in the absence of Sam Billings, who is on England duty, was happy to play the junior role. He was eventually out for 19 when he tried to push Ryan ten Doeschate through the covers, missed and was trapped lbw.The last three wickets added another 50 runs to take Kent past the 200 mark. James Tredwell lost his middle-stump to become Porter’s third wicket, Rabada was bowled by Dan Lawrence and Claydon dollied one up to Mickleburgh in the gully off Napier.

كشف ناصر الخليفي، رئيس نادي باريس سان جيرمان، السبب وراء عدم الاحتفاء بالنجم الأرجنتيني ليونيل ميسي بعد تتويجه ببطولة كأس العالم قطر 2022.

كان ليونيل ميسي قد قاد منتخب بلاده للحصول على كأس العالم، في ديسمبر 2022، على حساب منتخب فرنسا.

وأبدى ميسي امتعاضه من طريقة تعامل باريس سان جيرمان معه بعد التتويج بالمونديال، حيث كان البطل الوحيد الذي لم يعترف به ناديه في بعض المناسبات الرسمية.

اقرأ أيضًا.. الخليفي يرد على انتقادات ميسي بشأن باريس سان جيرمان.. ويصرّح: اتفقت مع مبابي

وسُئل الخليفي عن ذلك الأمر، حيث رد في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “infobae” الإسبانية: “نحن لم نحتفل بـ ميسي لأنه فاز بكأس العالم على حساب فرنسا، وفاز بها أمام مبابي”.

وأضاف: “كما أننا نادِ فرنسي، لذلك لم نحتفل بـ ميسي حتى لا تقوم الجماهير بالتصفير ضده”.

Glasgow Rangers will be hoping to put last weekend firmly behind them and look ahead to the future as Michael Beale aims to get back to winning ways.

St Mirren will make the short trip to Ibrox this afternoon, and with the Premiership title race all but done and dusted after their Old Firm defeat, there could be a few changes today.

Beale has confirmed there will be six absentees for the tie against the Buddies as he spoke to the media in his pre-match press conference: "A few missing for the weekend.

"Connor Goldson is still unavailable. Ridvan, Colak, Wright, Jack and Kent are also unavailable for the weekend."

With this in mind, some fringe players could potentially come in and gain some minutes and with nothing left to really play for, Beale could get a feel for who he wants at the club next season.

We at Football FanCast predict the Rangers starting XI that will take to the Ibrox pitch today.

What will the Rangers starting XI look like against St Mirren?

4-2-3-1 – McGregor; James Tavernier, Leon King, Ben Davies, Borna Barisic; John Lundstram, Nicolas Raskin; Todd Cantwell, Malik Tillman, Fashion Sakala; Alfredo Morelos

Allan McGregor will continue to keep his place between the posts, despite conceding three against Celtic and struggling to reach a poorly hit John Souttar backpass, with his lack of pace costing the club dearly.

James Tavernier and Borna Barisic will occupy the flanks, although there will be a change at the heart of defence, with the 6 foot 1 Souttar being dropped in place of youngster Leon King, who could be given an opportunity under Beale for the first time since he arrived. Ben Davies will partner him at the back.

John Lundstram will come in for Ryan Jack and Nicolas Raskin will keep his place from the weekend. He was dubbed a “standout” by Joshua Barrie for his display against Celtic, and he will be hoping to replicate that performance today.

Malik Tillman will operate in the number ten role behind the lone striker, and he will be flanked by Todd Cantwell on the right and Fashion Sakala on the left. It is a perfect opportunity for the 26-year-old Sakala due to Kent being absent and the “firework” – as lauded by Alan Hutton – could add to his six goals scored under Beale.

Alfredo Morelos will be hoping to continue his rich streak of form against the Paisley side, having scored eight goals in just ten appearances against them during his Rangers career, and he could be the one to seal all three points for the Light Blues today.

Liverpool have ‘sent scouts’ to watch Benfica defender Antonio Silva ahead of a potential move to the Premier League, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: £87m release clause

The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol but Jurgen Klopp has reportedly made the 19-year-old one of his top transfer targets this summer.

The Portuguese has a €100m (£87m) release clause included in his current contract which the Anfield outfit wouldn’t be willing to pay, but they remain hopeful that a deal can be struck thanks to their strong relationship with the club having purchased Darwin Nunez.

Journalist Jacque Talbot has claimed that this situation could be ‘one to watch’ as the season draws to a close, and it appears that the hierarchy are already taking the necessary next steps…

The Latest: Liverpool scout Silva

According to Jacobs (via CaughtOffside), Liverpool and four other potential suitors are completing background checks on Silva ahead of the upcoming window. He said:

“Silva is contracted until 2027 with a €100m release clause. Real Madrid, Liverpool, Dortmund, Napoli and Manchester United are among the clubs who have recently sent scouts to see Silva play.

“But there’s nothing to get too excited about just yet. It’s normal to watch top young players at this stage of the season and it will take time before it’s clear if any club moves.

“It will be interesting to see how Benfica handle summer suitors if they do arrive. They really don’t want to lose Silva yet, and although Rui Costa said the same about Enzo Fernandez, the fact they got €121m from that deal leaves them with no need to sell.”

The Verdict: Potential advantage?

Silva shares the same agent as Fabinho, Diogo Jota and Nunez which could give Liverpool the potential edge over their competitors when trying to get a deal over the line.

The 6 foot 1 ace currently averages 3.2 clearances and two tackles per league game, via WhoScored, whilst ranking in the 99th percentile for pass completion, highlighting his calmness and composure when playing out from the back.

The Adidas-sponsored centre-back has only made 33 senior career appearances given his young age but already has two international caps to his name having been chosen to represent Portugal at the World Cup in 2022.

Finally, Silva has been hailed a ‘superstar’ by Reds legend Jamie Carragher and he would be a hugely exciting signing for the future of the club in years to come.