Fletcher acknowledges size of task facing Scots October 10, 2011 SCOTLAND captain Darren Fletcher is confident of being fit to face world champions Spain tonight after recovering from an ankle injury. Fletcher missed Saturday’s 1-0 win in Liechtenstein, which offered Craig Levein’s men renewed hope of qualifying for Euro 2012. Scotland go into the game needing to at least match the result achieved by the [...]
Duo boost for Wales semi clash October 10, 2011 WALES have received a fitness boost ahead of the World Cup semi-final against France, a match that some within the camp are billing as the biggest in the country’s history. Lock Luke Charteris and fly-half Rhys Priestland were both forced off with shoulder injuries during Saturday’s quarter-final win over Ireland, but hopes are high the [...]
Hill: Rivalry would test Vettel’s mettle October 10, 2011 DOUBLE world champion Sebastian Vettel’s standing in the pantheon of Formula One greats can only be judged once he has faced an intense rivalry, according to British track icon Damon Hill. Red Bull star Vettel, 24, ensured his place in motorsport history at Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix when he became the youngest man ever to [...]
Romero blow for Team GB 2012 chances October 10, 2011 BRITAIN’S hopes of gold medal success at London 2012 have suffered a double blow after major setbacks in two of Team GB’s strongest suits, cycling and gymnastics. Rebecca Romero, who won individual pursuit gold in Beijing three years ago, yesterday ruled herself out of next summer’s Games following a series of injuries. The 31-year-old former [...]
Kieswetter fighting fit after being caught in friendly fire October 10, 2011 ENGLAND wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter insists he is ready for action despite arriving in India ahead of the upcoming one-day series late and sporting a badly bruised arm. The South African-born opener was hit by a straight-drive from his batting partner Jos Buttler four days ago during Somerset’s Champions League Twenty20 semi-final defeat against Mumbai Indians. [...]
Worthington ready to step down October 10, 2011 FOOTBALL: Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington will take charge of his country for the final time this evening against Italy. The former Norwich boss took over from Lawrie Sanchez in March 2007, but the side have won just two of their last 23 games under his stewardship and have missed out on qualification for Euro2012.
FA reveal cost of World Cup bid October 10, 2011 FOOTBALL: The Football Association’s failed World Cup 2018 bid was yesterday revealed to have cost a staggering £21m – £6m more than had been touted. The bid ultimately garnered the support of only two Fifa members as the tournament was awarded to Russia. Sports minister Hugh Robertson said: “I wish we had the knowledge to realise [...]
Cavendish Quick Step deal KO October 10, 2011 CYCLING: World champion Mark Cavendish has moved a step closer to joining Team Sky after Bessel Kok, part owner of the Quick Step team, denied there was a deal in place for the Brit to join them next season. “Cavendish will not ride for us,” said Kok. “There have been discussions about his future, but [...]
Whip bans for Fox and Hughes October 10, 2011 HORSE RACING: Kieren Fox and Richard Hughes were the first jockeys to fall foul of new whip guidelines yesterday. Fox was handed a 15-day ban at Salisbury after hitting Orthodox Lad 11 times, while Hughes was given five days after finishing third on Swift Blade, who was adjudged to have been hit six times inside the [...]
Ferry leap lands Tuilagi in dock October 9, 2011 ENGLAND centre Manu Tuilagi last night added to the litany of offences committed by members of Martin Johnson’s World Cup squad after the Samoan-born star was formally warned by police and fined £3,000 for disorderly behaviour having jumped from a ferry in Auckland. The 20-year-old swam to a nearby pier at the Auckland Ferry Terminal [...]