Wilshere hopes to return for Milan Euro showdown January 18, 2012 ARSENAL midfielder Jack Wilshere has given his manager Arsene Wenger a timely boost by stepping up his rehabilitation from the stress fracture to his right ankle which has kept him out of action since pre-season. The 20-year-old is due to return to full training next week and is hopeful of being in contention to feature [...]
Gatland defends handing Henson a Wales lifeline January 18, 2012 WALES coach Warren Gatland has defended the controversial selection of Gavin Henson in his 35-man squad for next month’s Six Nations. Centre Henson is set for a return to the international fold despite his indifferent club form, which has seen him dropped from the Cardiff Blues squad ahead of this weekend’s decisive Heineken Cup group [...]
Coleman to land Wales job January 18, 2012 FOOTBALL: Former Fulham manager Chris Coleman is expected to be confirmed as Wales boss today. The position became vacant after Gary Speed’s tragic death in November and is set to be filled by 41-year-old Coleman, who was capped 32 times by Wales during a playing career that was cut short by injury.
Wolves stunned by Blues January 18, 2012 FOOTBALL: Birmingham advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup after a 1-0 win over Wolves at Molineux last night. The Carling Cup holders, relegated to the Championship last season, beat their Premier League rivals and near neighbours courtesy of Wade Elliot’s 74th minute strike which earned his side a crack at League One outfit [...]
£10m Cisse joins Senegal colleague Ba at Newcastle January 17, 2012 NEWCASTLE last night completed the £10m signing of Senegal striker Papiss Cisse, in a move that will reunite him with international colleague Demba Ba. The 26-year-old, who has scored 39 in 65 games since joining German outfit Freiburg two years ago, arrived on Tyneside last night to sign a contract thought to be for five [...]
Spot-fixing still going undetected, fears Fraser January 17, 2012 EXCLUSIVE: Former England bowler believes landmark Westfield case was no one-off and other domestic players may have been targeted FORMER England bowler Angus Fraser believes spot-fixing has infested the domestic game beyond the case which has left former Essex bowler Mervyn Westfield facing prison. Westfield – the first English cricketer to be convicted of spot-fixing [...]
Prior sidesteps row over Ajmal action after England collapse January 17, 2012 ENGLAND wicketkeeper Matt Prior refused to become embroiled in a debate concerning the legitimacy of Saeed Ajmal’s action after the Pakistan spinner’s seven-wicket haul ensured the tourists face an uphill struggle to save the first Test following the first day’s play in Dubai. Familiar failings against spin were exposed by the 34-year-old Ajmal, who recorded [...]
Lendl reassures Murray after Brit’s stuttering start to slam January 17, 2012 BRITAIN’S Andy Murray insists new coach Ivan Lendl was “very happy” with his start to the Australian Open, despite having to fight back from a set down before overcoming American teenager Ryan Harrison. Murray admitted struggling with the Melbourne heat and needed more that three hours to see off world No77 Harrison 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, [...]
Home favourite Stosur suffers shock early exit January 17, 2012 US OPEN champion and home favourite Sam Stosur admitted her extreme disappointment after becoming the highest-profile first-round casualty of the Australian Open. Stosur, the sixth seed, was beaten in straight sets by Romanian world No59 Sorana Cirstea, 7-6 (7-2), 6-3, in the biggest shock this year in Melbourne. “I am extremely disappointed,” said the 27-year-old [...]
I’m innocent, Pakistan spin star insists January 17, 2012 PAKISTAN spinner Saeed Ajmal deflected criticism of his bowling action by insisting England were the masters of their own downfall on day one of the first Test in Dubai. Not since last winter’s Perth Test against Australia, when they were twice bowled out for under 200, have England been in such a precarious position after [...]