Football News And Transfer News: November 2013

Monday, 25 November 2013

VIDEO: Defeat feels terrible - Jol

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VIDEO: Highlights - Dundee Utd 4-1 Partick Thistle

VIDEO: Highlights - Celtic 3-1 Aberdeen

VIDEO: Man Utd 'should have seen game out'

VIDEO: MOTD3: Are Saints the model for England?

VIDEO: Hull did not do enough to win - Bruce

VIDEO: Bolasie sending off harsh - Millen

VIDEO: Everton deserved to win - Martinez

VIDEO: Rodgers angry at 'reckless' Mirallas

VIDEO: Pochettino upset by manner of defeat

VIDEO: Wenger 'very happy with difficult win'

VIDEO: Mackay says Cardiff were 'very brave'

VIDEO: Everything went wrong - Villas-Boas

VIDEO: Impossible to play better - Pellegrini

VIDEO: England humbled by Hungary in 1953

More frustration for Inter's Mazzarri

Falcao substituted in Monaco victory

Tevez helps Juventus hit top spot

No rivalry with Ronaldo - Bale

Away ban threat after trouble at Nice

Cardiff deserved a point - Mackay

Man City at our best - Pellegrini

FA to investigate 'attack' on keeper

BBC Sport - Jamie Jones: Football Association to investigate 'attack' on keeper /

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Cardiff City 2-2 Manchester United

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Lineup, Bookings (6) & Substitutions (5) Cardiff City 01 Marshall 28 Théophile-Catherine Booked 03 Taylor 08 Medel 04 Caulker Booked 06 Turner 19 Cowie 07 Whittingham Booked 10 Campbell (Cornelius - 84' ) 18 Mutch (Kim - 77' Booked ) 11 Odemwingie (Noone - 65' ) Substitutes 05 Hudson 09 Cornelius 13 Kim 16 Noone 17 Gunnarsson 32 Lewis 39 Bellamy Manchester United 01 de Gea 12 Smalling 03 Evra 23 Cleverley Booked 05 Ferdinand 06 Evans 25 Antonio Valencia 31 Fellaini 14 Hernández (Giggs - 73' ) 10 Rooney Booked 44 Januzaj (Welbeck - 68' ) Substitutes 08 Anderson 11 Giggs 13 Lindegaard 17 Nani 18 Young 19 Welbeck 28 Büttner Ref: Neil Swarbrick Att: 28,016 Match Stats Possession 50 50 Shots 14 15 On target 4 5 Corners 2 8 Fouls 15 14 Live Text Commentary Full time Full Time Match ends, Cardiff City 2, Manchester United 2.

90:00

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Manchester City 6-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Keeper Hart set for Man City return

We should be ashamed - Villas-Boas

Liverpool's Enrique out for 10 weeks

West Bromwich Albion v Aston Villa

Rooney admits to making 'bad tackle'

Busby Babe Foulkes dies, aged 81

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Lennon: Reputation is intact

Neil Lennon insists the trouble in Amsterdam will not spoil Celtic fans' reputation Last Updated: November 22, 2013 5:55pm

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McCoist hopes for stability

Scottish football: Rangers boss Ally McCoist backs new CEO appointment Last Updated: November 22, 2013 5:56pm

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SFA blast Celtic and Rangers

SFA hit out at Celtic and Rangers after rejecting complaint over Lawwell "joke" Last Updated: November 22, 2013 5:57pm

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Forster focused on Celtic form

Fraser Forster: Celtic keeper hopeful of chances of place in World Cup squad

Sky Bet Loading Market ... Football Betting Get a £5 free bet every week Celtic keeper Fraser Forster hopes to give Roy Hodgson a decision to make as he ponders his choices for England's World Cup squad.

Forster made his senior international debut in the 2-0 defeat by Chile last week before handing the jersey over to regular No 1 Joe Hart for the 1-0 reverse against old foes Germany on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old now knows he has to focus on his Celtic form in the Scottish Premiership and in Europe over the rest of the season to at least make sure he makes Hodgson's 23-man squad next summer, if not challenge Hart.

Asked about his chances before Saturday's clash with Aberdeen, Forster said: "You just have to see really.

"All you can do is wait and see, play the best you can for Celtic and if you are doing that, then it gives people a decision to make.

"Nothing has been said (by Hodgson), as we obviously played on the Friday night and all the attention was turned towards playing Germany.

"It's just a case of doing what you can for your club and people can judge you on those appearances.

"You can't expect to get anything. You have to work hard and put the hours in training and at the gym and, fundamentally, put in the performances for Celtic and see what happens.

"Joe did well and made some good saves and looked sharp so that was good for him. He is a top goalkeeper so I don't think anyone expected otherwise.

"But it was nice to play and get that first cap. I have worked hard and finally got it.

"Obviously, I am used to being in and around that squad but it was really good and a great experience.

"I have always said that I would love to go to a World Cup in Brazil. It's special, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so it's just a case of me trying to do everything I can, putting in the performances for Celtic and seeing what happens later on in the season."

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Butcher in Hibernian dugout

Terry Butcher: Will be in the dugout at St Mirren Park

Sky Bet Loading Market ... Football Betting Get a £5 free bet every week New Hibernian manager Terry Butcher will be in the dugout for his first game in charge at St Mirren with the Leith outfit confirming they had appealed against his touchline ban.

The former Inverness Caledonian Thistle boss was handed a £1,000 fine and a two-match ban - one game of which is suspended until the end of the season - by a Scottish Football Association disciplinary tribunal on Thursday.

But following the appeal, he is free to now take his place in the technical area in Paisley as he starts his Hibs tenure with an away trip west.

Butcher's punishment stems from an incident which saw him sent to the stand during his former club's League Cup win over Dundee United last month.

The former England captain admitted a charge of misconduct by "acting in an aggressive manner towards players of the opposing team".

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Rogic urged to leave Celtic

Tom Rogic: Linked with a switch to Japan to boost World Cup chances

Sky Bet Loading Market ... Football Betting Get a £5 free bet every week New Australia head coach Ange Postecoglou is keen for Tom Rogic to leave Celtic in a bid to secure regular playing time, and has advised the midfielder to join Japanese club Vegalta Sendai.

Rogic has struggled to make an impact at Celtic Park since joining the Scottish giants in January, and Postecoglou wants the talented 20 year-old to switch clubs in the short-term to boost his World Cup chances.

J-League club Vegalta are reportedly among the frontrunners to sign Rogic on loan given the midfielder used to work under current boss Graham Arnold at Central Coast Mariners.

"I think that would be fantastic," Postecoglou told Fox Football Podcast on the idea of the move.

"Arnie knows him, we know Arnie is a fantastic coach... he's got the best out of Tommy and the J-League is a strong competition. I don't see why not.

"It's a World Cup year. There wouldn't be a player on the planet who is going to a World Cup who wouldn't for the next six months think the best move for him would be to play regular football."

A regular starter under Arnold at Central Coast, Rogic has only managed 11 games for Celtic since joining the club.

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Butcher steadies Hibs ship

Terry Butcher: Lost Paul Heffernan to injury early on

Terry Butcher ended Hibernian's losing run in his first match as manager as the visitors drew 0-0 at St Mirren.

Hibs made the trip to Paisley on the back of four successive defeats, but in-form St Mirren were unable to inflict a fifth as a game of little meaningful action finished without a winner.

The result marked just the second time in six games St Mirren had failed to win, and the point was of more obvious value to a Hibs side marshalled by Butcher for the first time since his switch from Inverness.

Next job on the new boss' agenda is to get his side scoring goals - at no stage at Greenhill Road did they ever seriously threaten to find the net for the first time in five matches.

A failed first-half penalty appeal, after Jim Collins had gone down under Darren McGregor's clumsy challenge, was about as much penalty-box excitement as the travelling support could enjoy.

But there was plenty to admire in the way Hibs restricted their confident hosts to a handful of half-chances over the 90 minutes, the first of them sliced wide left-footed by Steven Thompson after Paul McGowan's pass had put him away.

McGowan's soft header was nodded out of harm's way by Alan Maybury, stationed on the goal-line, and after the break Thompson made a hash of a free header eight yards out.

Hibs enjoyed a decent spell without bothering Marian Kello unduly, and it was St Mirren who finished the stronger as John McGinn flashed a fierce 20-yard shot wide deep into injury-time.

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Butcher content with a point

Scottish Premiership: Terry Butcher happy with point after Hibernian draw at St Mirren Last Updated: November 24, 2013 8:08am

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Motherwell hit form at Killie

John Sutton: His header finally broke the deadlock at Rugby Park

Motherwell bounced back from a tough defeat before the international break to beat Kilmarnock 2-0 in the Scottish Premiership at Rugby Park.

Stuart McCall's men were crushed 4-0 at home by Dundee United a couple of weeks ago but clearly used their time off well and put up a composed display that got its just rewards in the second half.

Kilmarnock set the early pace and created the first real chance when Chris Johnston won a free-kick and Sammy Clingan put in a delicious cross but Manuel Pascali could only head straight at Gunnar Nielsen.

But Motherwell soon found their rhythm with Craig Moore shooting just over the bar and Iain Vigurs failing to get enough on a James McFadden cross to test Craig Samson in the Killie goal.

Had Moore brought his shooting boots, 'Well could have led 3-0 inside the opening 30 minutes but two more golden chances were passed up by the young striker.

Samson produced a superb save to keep out John Sutton's powerful header and the busy Moore had another effort deflected wide, but visiting keeper Nielsen had to be alert to deny Kris Boyd what would have been an undeserved opener for Kilmarnock.

Moore played provider for Lionel Ainsworth just after the break but the winger dragged his shot wide, but Motherwell finally took the lead on 55 when Vigurs put over a cross and Sutton's diving header crept past Samson.

Killie responded quickly and almost levelled moments later when Michael Gardyne tested Nielsen's reflexes and no-one managed to get on the end of a wicked Craig Slater cross.

Boyd was left kicking himself with 25 minutes remaining, heading a deep cross over the bar from six yards when he would normally have backed himself to score.

The home side continued to press and sub Rory McKenzie fired a shot just wide of goal before Pascali headed a corner straight at a suddenly busy Nielsen.

But the points were settled in the 89th minute when sub Anier, who had replaced the luckless Moore 10 minutes earlier, spun past Pascali and toe-poked the ball past Samson.

The result lifts Motherwell above Aberdeen into third place and leaves Kilmarnock stuck in the relegation play-off place.

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McKay keeps Inverness second

Billy McKay: Celebrates his early goal that turned out to be a match-winner

Billy McKay's early goal proved the difference as Inverness Caledonian Thistle beat St Johnstone 1-0 to maintain their grip on second place in the Scottish Premiership.

Under-20s coaches Duncan Shearer and Scott Kellacher took charge of the team, with Caley still looking to replace Terry Butcher, and they were buoyed by a solid display that saw them stifle almost all the Saints positive play.

It took the home side less than four minutes to get their noses in front as Carl Tremarco beat two attempted tackles down the left and whipped in a lovely ball begging for McKay to tap home.

The visitors struggled to create chances, a shot wide from Nigel Hasselbaink a rare threat, and McKay came close to doubling his tally when he forced Alan Mannus into a decent save on the half-hour mark.

David Wotherspoon almost brought St Johnstone level before the break but he was denied by a brilliant block by Tremarco, and Caley went straight down the other end only to see McKay just fail to link up with Ross Draper.

Caley's dominance continued in the early stages of the second period and Draper should really have done better than shoot over from 10 yards a couple of minutes in.

Stevie May received some dark looks from Saints team-mates on the hour when he greedily shot at goal when others were far better placed.

They became increasingly frustrated in their ventures forward with Caley happy to keep the ball in midfield, a long way from Dean Brill's goal.

And their frustrations would continue to the final whistle with Tom Scobbie going into the book as injury-time wound down after fronting up to the referee, no doubt complaining at Caley's time-wasting tactics.

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Celtic snatch dramatic victory

Kris Commons: On the double as Celtic break Aberdeen hearts

A Kris Commons double helped Celtic snatch a 3-1 victory as they made it 17 consecutive home wins over Aberdeen.

Commons gave the home side the lead only for Niall McGinn to equalise in first-half stoppage-time, but second-half injury-time goals from Derk Boerrigter and Commons saw Celtic take all three points.

Celtic dominated the early possession but it was the away side who had the first on shot target through Michael Hector whose long-range effort failed to trouble Fraser Forster.

The home side hit back with an eleventh minute Darnell Fisher shot, saved by Jamie Langfield as Celtic began to assert their superiority

Georgios Samaras and Teemu Pukki both summoned Langfield into action moments later but the Aberdeen goalkeeper stood firm, saving shots from both players.

Aberdeen looked like they were weathering the storm and McGinn had a chance to give them an unexpected lead but his header failed to trouble Forster.

But their resilience didn't last long as Celtic managed to break the deadlock after 35 minutes - Commons picked up the ball near the edge of the area and rifled home right-footed into the bottom right corner to give the home side a deserved lead.

With the half drawing to a close Russell Anderson had a gilt-edged opportunity to get Aberdeen on level terms but his close-range header was over the bar.

The away side looked like they would be trailing going into the break but they snared an equaliser in first-half injury-time.

Emilio Izaguirre conceded a corner and Calvin Zola smuggled the ball to McGinn who bundled the ball home from close-range.

Celtic began the second half positively forcing a succession of early corners. Charlie Mulgrew then had a couple of shots for the home side but was unable to trouble Langfield.

Samaras thought he had given Celtic a 62nd minute lead after latching onto a pass from Commons but his flick rebounded off the post. Minutes later, Langfield denied Commons as Celtic tried to reinstate their lead.

McGinn almost stole an unlikely victory with three minutes left to play but his left-footed effort came back off the post with Forster beaten.

There was more drama to come however. Celtic took an injury-time lead through Boerrigter who bundled the ball home from a corner.

And the home side sealed the three points when Commons found himself unmarked to the right of the six-yard box before calmly slotting home as Celtic maintained their five-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

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Gauld runs riot in United win

Ryan Gauld: Set up all four Dundee United goals

Ryan Gauld set up all four goals as Dundee United recorded a comprehensive 4-1 victory over nine-man Partick Thistle to condemn the away side to their third consecutive defeat in the Scottish Premiership.

Gary Mackay-Steven gave United a first-half lead but the home side were pegged back by an Aaron Muirhead penalty. Andrew Robertson reinstated the home side's lead before Partick were reduced to 10 men after Conrad Balatoni picked up his second booking of the game.

Mackay-Steven added his second before Graham added United's fourth as they ended the game playing against nine men following Stuart Bannigan 's dismissal.

United made the best possible start to the game - Mackay-Steven getting the home side off to a flyer when he received a pass from Gauld before firing the ball into the bottom right corner from outside of the area.

Moments later, Nadir Ciftci almost doubled the home's advantage but Scott Fox palmed his long-range strike out for a corner.

United continued to dominate with Mackay-Steven and Gauld full of confidence and firing shots on goal at will.

The away side did manage to carve out an effort on goal as the half drew to a close but Kris Doolan's effort failed to trouble Radoslaw Cierzniak in the Dundee United goal.

Dundee United came out firing after the break with Gauld and Ciftci both going close in the early stages of the second half.

But United were pegged back after 56 minutes when Partick grabbed an unlikely equaliser from the penalty spot. John Souttar was penalised for a handball in the area and Muirhead put the subsequent penalty in the bottom right corner.

United regrouped, forcing a succession of corners as they went in search of their second win in consecutive matches.

They had to wait till the 70th minute to reinstate their lead when Robertson rifled the ball home after picking up a pass from Gauld.

Things went from bad to worse for Partick moments later when Balatoni was dismissed after picking up his second caution and just two minutes later they conceded.

United made the game safe two minutes later when Gauld made it a hat-trick of assists by laying on Mackay-Steven for his second of the game.

But the home side were not finished there and after 84 minutes they made it 4-1. This time Gauld found Graham inside the box who let fly rocketing the ball into the top right-hand corner.

Partick's woes were compounded when Bannigan was shown a straight red card for a foul on Mackay-Steven as they slipped to their fourth consecutive defeat.

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Motherwell boss hails his men

Stuart McCall hails Motherwell's return to form after 2-0 win at Kilmarnock Last Updated: November 23, 2013 6:26pm

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Shearer thanks Inverness fans

Duncan Shearer: Fans deserve credit for pulling Caley through

Sky Bet Loading Market ... Football Betting Get a £5 free bet every week Stand-in Inverness coach Duncan Shearer paid tribute to the contribution Caley's fans made to their 1-0 win over St Johnstone.

Shearer was taking charge of the team as Thistle are yet to replace Terry Butcher, and he had to watch his side hold off a strong rally from the Saints, who piled on plenty of pressure but failed to create many chances.

The victory came provided Inverness with a little revenge for a heavy 4-0 defeat in Perth last month.

"I thought the fans were terrific," he said. "They knew we were under some pressure at the end and got behind us which was immense.

"I didn't enjoy the game but I was delighted for the back four because they got rubbished about down there (at McDiarmid Park) last time and they were determined that it wasn't going to happen again today.

"They were backed up by the midfield and of course wee Billy (McKay) who got the goal for us. He didn't do much for the rest of the game but I'll take that kind of striker any day."

Saints boss Tommy Wright was left to rue his side's lack of cutting edge as they failed to regularly test home keeper Dean Brill.

"There was a lack of quality in the final third," he said. "I don't think it was a lack of effort but you have to compliment them on the way they defended and restricted us to very few opportunities.

"In the last third we did okay but we did not get enough chances or shots away. It's always difficult to come here but to lose a goal here early in the manner that we did.

"And I don't think there was a lot between the two teams. The first goal was always going to be vital. We said that before the game and it was the same when we played them there."

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Stevenson snatches equaliser

Ryan Stevenson: Earned Hearts a draw against 10-man Ross County

Ryan Stevenson's dramatic late equaliser salvaged a 2-2 draw for Hearts in a fiercely contested affair against 10-man Ross County in the SPFL.

Graham Carey gave the away side the lead before Callum Paterson levelled things up for Hearts.

Melvin De Leeuw reinstated County's advantage in the second half but the dismissal of captain Richard Brittain ultimately proved decisive as Stevenson nicked a point for the home side.

Ross County looked more threatening in the opening stages with Kevin Luckassen, Gary Glen and Leeuw all having efforts on goal in the first ten minutes that failed to trouble Jamie MacDonald.

And the away side got their reward on 22 minutes when the ball fell to Carey. The Irish midfielder showed great composure to calmly slot the ball into left corner of the net past the outstretched arms of MacDonald.

The goal seemed to spring struggling Hearts into action who managed to get themselves back on level terms just five minutes later.

County failed to clear a corner and Paterson was on hand in the area to fire home a low shot into the bottom right corner of the net.

Dylan McGowan then went close for the home side before County's Rocco Quinn rattled the crossbar with a rasping effort from outside the area.

Quinn had a chance to give the away side a deserved lead on the stroke of half-time but he fired his shot straight at MacDonald as the side's went into the break on level terms

County began the second half as they ended the first and they did not have to wait long to take the lead for the second time in the match.

Four minutes after the restart, Glen played the ball through to De Leeuw and the Dutchman made no mistake slamming a left-footed shot into the corner past the sprawling MacDonald to give the away side the lead.

Hearts were given a much-needed boost when Ross County skipper Brittain picked up his second caution of the game reducing the away side to ten men with 27 minutes left to play.

A minute later Jamie Hamill almost got Hearts back on level terms but he fired his shot straight at Mark Brown.

The home side piled on the pressure forcing a succession of corners as they tried to find an equaliser with Stevenson forcing Brown into another save.

Stevenson was not to be denied however when he picked up the ball in the penalty area in the 89th minute. He steadied himself and smashed the ball into the bottom right corner as Hearts snatched a late point.

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Lennon hails Celtic's spirit

SPFL: Neil Lennon hailed Celtic's spirit after 3-1 defeat of Aberdeen Last Updated: November 24, 2013 8:44am

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Locke praises Hearts character

Gary Locke pleased with Hearts' reaction after defensive lapses in Ross County draw Last Updated: November 23, 2013 7:58pm

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McNamara sweating on Gauld

Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara is hoping Ryan Gauld is not seriously injured Last Updated: November 23, 2013 8:02pm

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Resolve delights Boerrigter

Derk Boerrigter believes Celtic are reaping the rewards for patience after another late show Last Updated: November 25, 2013 8:11am

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Friday, 22 November 2013

Gers make Somers permanent chairman

Watch video St Mirren boss wary of Hibs threat 22 Nov 2013Scotland Strachan effect is positive for Scotland 19 Nov 2013Scotland Today's Scottish football gossip 15 Jan 2013 Greer proud to make Scotland debut 22 Nov 2013Brighton Thistle keen to extend Fraser loan 22 Nov 2013Partick Thistle Services Mobile Interactive TV News Feeds Podcasts About BBC Sport News Sources Help & FAQs

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Graham Turner: 35 years as a manager

I am happy, football is just a job - Muamba

Can Dortmund stop the Bayern juggernaut?

Cousins' rapid rise at Charlton

Merseyside derby 'like being in a bubble'

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VIDEO: Martinez relishing 'unique' derby

BBC Sport - Everton v Liverpool: Roberto Martinez says derby is 'strong test' /

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VIDEO: Hughes is better off at Derby - Rodgers

VIDEO: Football predictions: The National

Five Celtic fans guilty of disorder

Thistle keen to extend Fraser loan

22 Nov 2013Partick Thistle Services Mobile Interactive TV News Feeds Podcasts About BBC Sport News Sources Help & FAQs

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Karanka excited to start Boro reign

West Ham United v Chelsea

Stoke City v Sunderland

Newcastle United v Norwich City

Hull City v Crystal Palace

Fulham v Swansea City

Arsenal v Southampton

Everton v Liverpool

Man City Ladies sign England keeper

Fifa opens Simunic proceedings

Footballer to face homophobia trial

Doncaster Rovers v Yeovil Town

Football plans to attract more girls

Southampton a model club - Shearer

Poyet wants final word on transfers

Walcott set to return from injury

Theo Walcott could make his first Arsenal appearance for more than two months on Saturday after recovering from an abdominal injury.

Walcott is in the squad to face his former club Southampton on Saturday.

The 24-year-old pulled out of the league match with Stoke on 22 September after aggravating the injury four days earlier against Marseille.

"He has not played even a reserve team game, but I will put him in the squad on Saturday," said boss Arsene Wenger.

The Walcott difference Arsenal with Walcott this season: Won 6, Lost 1 Arsenal without Walcott this season: Won 7, Drawn 2, Lost 3 "He's completely fit again."

Wenger initially deployed Serge Gnabry in Walcott's role, but has since had his midfield options strengthened by the return of Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere.

"Theo has different qualities to other players and I am very pleased that he's back," Wenger added on Arsenal's official website.

"Strikers who get behind the defenders is a very important quality and Theo has that quality."

Arsenal were level on points with Tottenham at the top of the Premier League before Walcott's injury prior to the Stoke game. They now have a two-point advantage over Liverpool in second.

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Carrick extends Man Utd contract

Watch video Hughes is better off at Derby - Rodgers 21 Nov 2013Liverpool Live Sportsday - football latest 22 Nov 2013Sportsday Today's football gossip column 02 Aug 2013 Merseyside derby 'like being in a bubble' 21 Nov 2013Football Cousins' rapid rise at Charlton 22 Nov 2013Charlton Services Mobile Interactive TV News Feeds Podcasts About BBC Sport News Sources Help & FAQs

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Mourinho questions ref chiefs' call

New deals for Aberdeen trio

Pawlett (right) and Hayes celebrate goal at Partick Thistle in September

Sky Bet Loading Market ... Football Betting Get a £5 free bet every week Aberdeen have been handed a massive boost after three first-team regulars committed their futures to the SPFL side.

Goalkeeper Jamie Langfield and striker Jonny Hayes have signed deals tying them to the club until the summer of 2016.

And young midfielder Peter Pawlett, who made his debut for the Dons just days after his 16th birthday in February 2007, has signed on until the end of the following season.

Langfield, 33, has been almost ever-present since 2007 after taking time to settle following his move from Dunfermline two years earlier.

Dublin-born Hayes, a Republic of Ireland U21 international, moved to Pittodrie in the summer of 2012 and has scored two goals in 14 matches this season while Pawlett, a product of the club's youth system, has established himself as a regular over the past two seasons.

Manager Derek McInnes believes the commitment shown by his players will give the team, currently third in the Premiership table, a boost ahead of this weekend's trip to Parkhead.

"These lads want to win something with Aberdeen, make no mistake about that," he told the club's website.

"They did not take much persuading to continue their careers here. All three are very important to the club and will have signficant roles to perform in the months ahead.

"We have made a decent start to the season but are far from the finished article and it's important to keep your best players.

"Knowing Jamie, Johnny and Peter have committed to the long-term enables us to have continuity going forward and, in the short term, gives everyone a lift ahead of the weekend trip to Celtic."

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Robertson open to ICT return

John Robertson: Open to a return to management with Inverness

Sky Bet Loading Market ... Football Betting Get a £5 free bet every week John Robertson has admitted he would be open to a return to club management with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Robertson managed in Inverness 10 years ago, and took the team to the Scotish Premier League for the first time in 2003.

He has been helping out at Hearts since leaving the dug-out at East Fife last year but would be open to a return to the Highland capital.

He said: "I've had success there in the past with the championship title and the cup win and a couple of semi-finals as well.

"Kenny Cameron, the chairman, and Graeme Bennett, the director of football, have got a fantastic record of picking managers and I'm sure they'll get this right as well.

"Where Terry leaves the club - in second place and the semi-final of the League Cup with a tremendous squad of players - means it has suddenly become an attractive job.

"A lot of people possibly wouldn't have looked at it in years gone past but now they see the team doing well with a really strong squad of players playing an attacking brand of football.

"It is a tough area to relocate to and have to commit to there but if you do, you are in for a treat because it is a wonderful place to live with wonderful people.

"More importantly from a football perspective, you are picking up a very good side."

Kenny Shiels and Chris Sutton are reportedly the two current front -runners for the vacant post, while Duncan Shearer and Scott Kellacher will be in charge for Caley's weekend game against St Johnstone.

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Miller backing for Strachan

Kenny Miller is backing Scotland's revival to continue under Gordon Strachan Last Updated: November 21, 2013 2:01pm

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Marshall impresses Strachan

Gordon Strachan says that Cardiff City's David Marshall is ready to challenge Allan McGregor's place as Scotland's number one goalkeeper. Last Updated: November 21, 2013 12:55pm

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MacGregor backing for Adams

Ross County chairman Roy MacGregor promises money to manager Derek Adams Last Updated: November 21, 2013 2:10pm

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Commons more mature at Celtic

Kris Commons: Looking forward to Saturday

Sky Bet Loading Market ... Football Betting Get a £5 free bet every week Kris Commons admits he could not have envisaged enjoying such a successful Celtic career since making a dramatic debut in a League Cup semi-final against Saturday's Scottish Premiership opponents Aberdeen.

Commons had arrived at Celtic from Derby County in January 2011, less than 24 hours before his debut in the last-four Hampden Park clash, and it took just six minutes for him to make an impact.

The 27-year-old netted twice in a 4-1 win over the Dons during a dream beginning to his Hoops career and he told this week's Celtic View: "My experiences have been a huge asset to me.

"Not only league football but winning trophies, playing at the top level, playing in European games, that's the experiences I've gathered over the last three years.

"Looking back to that first game against Aberdeen, I was so fresh, I was still a boy, but now I feel more mature, I'm a man and I feel like I know the game a bit better.

"It's now my turn to guide and direct young players rather than people guiding me, and that's an experience thing for me. I was relatively mature then but there were still older players in the squad that I respected, players I'd listen to for advice.

"But it's flipped a little bit now and I'm classed as the more experienced player in the group so I'm getting asked for my input a bit more."

Commons has scored five times against the Pittodrie side since moving to Glasgow, and is looking to add to that tally on Saturday at Celtic Park.

Derek McInnes's side are doing well this season and are currently third in the league and Commons added: "Aberdeen are a good side and we found it difficult at their place at the start of the season.

"We came away with a hard-fought win, but they are well-organised with a strong fan base so they are a tough team to play against.

"It's all set up for them to do well but it's one thing to do it once every two or three weeks and another doing it week-in-week-out, and that's what you need to do to be the champions. That's where we gain the advantage because we're more than capable of doing it every week.

"My memories of playing against Aberdeen are very black and white, there's never anything in between. We either win comfortably or scrape a win so it's always a nice game to play in.

"You know you're going to get a good game but if we turn up and play to our strengths, we are more than capable of putting in a few goals."

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Locke awaiting Hearts D-Day

Gary Locke: Waiting anxiously for outcome of CVA vote

Sky Bet Loading Market ... Football Betting Get a £5 free bet every week Hearts manager Gary Locke is waiting with bated breath for the outcome of the CVA vote which will have a huge bearing on the immediate future of the troubled club.

After five months in administration, creditors will meet at Tynecastle Stadium on Friday 22 November to try and thrash out a deal over the club's £28m of debt can be agreed.

A positive outcome would give fans groups' hopes of a takeover fresh impetus and Locke is keeping his fingers crossed.

He said: "Not just being the manager but being a fan myself, I'm just hoping that everything goes to plan.

"It would be great if everything can be accepted and we can move forward.

"It's been a very difficult period of time for us all and we're all just wanting the same outcome.

"It's going to be a sleepless night tonight and hopefully things will work out in our favour on Friday."

Meanwhile, Locke has conceded he would be open to a change of venue for the Scottish League Cup semi-final against Inverness next February.

Caley fans are up in arms over the decision to play the game at Easter Road with a 12.15 kick-off on a Sunday - and are petitioning to get the kick-off time changed.

Locke said: "It wouldn't bother me, the main thing is that Hearts are in the semi-final.

"I will accept whatever happens but at the moment we are delighted it is at Easter Road because it is not that far away for our supporters.

"I can sympathise with them, because one of the main reasons there is a problem is that they can't get transport down to the game for the kick-off, so obviously I feel for them.

"It is a problem Inverness have got, I hope they can get a resolution to it."

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Laxey increase stake in Gers

Sky Bet Loading Market ... Football Betting Get a £5 free bet every week Laxey Partners have taken their shareholding in Rangers to more than 7.5m with the acquisition of another 3.3m shares.

The Isle of Man-based hedge fund paid £1.4m for the shares in the Rangers International Football Club, taking its stake in the Scottish League One side to 11.64 per cent.

Laxey Partners also have a deal with former Rangers chief executive Charles Green to buy his 700,000 shares when he is free to offload them on December 19.

The club's annual general meeting will be held on the same day when former

chairman Malcolm Murray and his allies, including former director Paul Murray, will put themselves forward for election to the board.

Laxey signalled that they would vote in favour of the current board members at the AGM.

The PLC board consists of Green ally Brian Stockbridge, Greenock-based businessman James Easdale plus three recent additions - Wallace, acting chairman David Somers and Norman Crighton.

Laxey founding partner Colin Kingsnorth told STV: "We will be voting for the current board at the AGM. It feels like the requisitionists have pushed the pace of change for the good and there is now a professional and competent board in place.

"This is not the old board but new, good people. Graham Wallace seems very good news. The days of wheeling and dealing seemed to have passed and a professional board is in place - we want to give them a chance to get on with it."

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Butcher: Hibs need goals

SPFL: Terry Butcher claims Hibs must find scoring touch against St Mirren Last Updated: November 21, 2013 4:25pm

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Inverness draw up short-list

Kenny Cameron: Inverness chairman hopes to make an appointment next week

Sky Bet Loading Market ... Football Betting Get a £5 free bet every week Inverness Caledonian Thistle chairman Kenny Cameron has drawn up a managerial short-list to replace Terry Butcher.

Butcher left the Highlands club to take charge of Hibernian earlier this month.

Former manager John Robertson has admitted an interest in returning to the club he left 10 years ago, while Kenny Shiels and Chris Sutton have also been linked with the Scottish Premiership high-fliers.

Cameron has been impressed by the number of applicants for the post and hopes to make an appointment before next weekend's visit of Morton in the Scottish Cup.

Youth coaches Duncan Shearer and Scott Kellacher will remain in charge of the club for Saturday's match with St Johnstone.

"The board has, after careful consideration of a huge inflow of applications, decided on a short list for the managerial vacancy," said Cameron.

"We're very grateful to all who applied for showing such interest.

"We are now proceeding to interview the candidates. It is our hope that we will make the appointment before the Scottish Cup tie with Morton on Saturday week."

Butcher banned for Hibs opener

SPFL: Hibernian boss Terry Butcher banned for first game in charge Last Updated: November 21, 2013 5:48pm

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Hearts CVA meeting delayed

Hearts fans must wait to find out the future of their club

Sky Bet Loading Market ... Football Betting Get a £5 free bet every week Hearts administrators BDO have announced that Friday's meeting with creditors to discuss a CVA has been cancelled.

After five months in administration, creditors were scheduled to meet at Tynecastle Stadium to try and thrash out a deal over the club's £28m of debt.

But the meeting has been adjourned at the request of the administrators for Ukio Bankas and UBIG, who want more time to consider the proposals.

Supporters group the Foundation of Hearts, who were last month named as the preferred bidders for the club by BDO, issued a statement insisting a deal can still be thrashed out to save the club.

The statement read: "We note the news that the creditors meeting to consider a CVA, Friday, is to be adjourned at the request of the administrators of Ukio Bankas and UBIG.

"Whilst we understand this is an anxious time for everyone involved in Hearts, we fully understand the request for the administrators to have more time to consider the proposal.

"The overall timescales do not change, and we remain calm, steadfast and focused towards our objective.

"The continued patience of the supporters is appreciated as we do all we can to get Hearts out of administration."

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Celtic fans jailed in Holland

Celtic's Champions League clash at Ajax was marred by violent scenes before the game

Sky Bet Loading Market ... Football Betting Get a £5 free bet every week Five Celtic fans have been jailed for their part in the violent scenes in Amsterdam before the UEFA Champions League clash with Ajax earlier this month.

The sentences handed out by the Amsterdam District Court ranged from two months to one month, while a sixth fan was acquitted, according to lawyer Kerem Canatan.

The five fans handed jail terms are believed to have five weeks to appeal.

The men were arrested and charged with acts of violence in a public space following clashes between supporters and police before the defeat to Ajax on November 6.

Dutch police confirmed that 28 Hoops fans were among 44 people arrested in the wake of the clashes in which eight police officers were injured, including one that was knocked unconscious in fighting in Dam Square.

Mr Canatan tweeted that the judge has awarded damages of £209 to three of the injured police officers, while one was awarded £420.

Twenty-two of the Celtic supporters were released, although some were fined up to £420, according to Dutch police.

Visiting fans had claimed they were poorly treated and provoked following their arrival in Amsterdam, prompting the club to launch an internal investigation into the incidents.

A club statement issued at the time said there was "no excuse for any form of violent conduct", but added: "There is no question that Celtic supporters have been subjected to a high degree of provocation."

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Van Dijk sets unbeaten aim

Virgil van Dijk: Targeting unbeaten league season

Sky Bet Loading Market ... Football Betting Get a £5 free bet every week Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk admits they have set their sights on going through the Scottish Premiership season unbeaten.

The reigning champions are currently unbeaten in their opening 12 games of the campaign, having won nine of those matches to lead the table by five points.

Summer signing Van Dijk believes there is enough quality in Neil Lennon's squad to maintain their unblemished league record, but knows it will be tough after suffering a shock League Cup exit at the hands of Scottish Championship side Morton.

"The Champions League has been very exciting for everyone at the club but the league games have been great as well," Van Dijk told the Daily Record.

"We are still unbeaten and that is something we want to continue for as long as possible.

"I know this is the best start to a league season Celtic have had in a long time and you want to come out on top in every game you play, of course.

"With the quality we have we think can achieve that.

"But the game against Morton showed just how difficult it is to win every time.

"We felt we were unlucky that night as we had chances to score but we still lost."

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Wallace keeps mum over future

SPFL: Graham Wallace refusing to be drawn on long-term future at Rangers Last Updated: November 22, 2013 1:03pm

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Dundee Utd v Partick preview

Partick Thistle boss Alan Archibald is without suspended duo Stephen O'Donnell and Gary Fraser for Saturday's clash with Dundee United.

On-loan Bolton midfielder Fraser has been hit with a seven-match ban for kicking Dunfermline's Chris Kane while he was on the ground during a Under-20s match and O'Donnell was dismissed against St Mirren after picking up two bookings.

Sean Welsh is struggling ahead of the trip to Tannadice with a groin injury and may also miss the game.

Dundee Utd team news to follow....

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Hearts v Ross County preview

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Celtic v Aberdeen preview

James Forrest: Misses visit of Aberdeen

Scotland winger James Forrest is out of Celtic's Scottish Premiership game against Aberdeen on Saturday.

The Hoops wideman is still struggling with a hamstring injury but manager Neil Lennon is hoping he will be fit for the Champions League clash with Milan, also at Celtic Park, on Tuesday.

Defenders Adam Matthews (collarbone) and Steven Mouyokolo (Achilles) remain sidelined.

Aberdeen are without former Celtic midfielder Barry Robson through suspension but boss Derek McInnes has no fresh injury worries after the international break.

Dons defender Clark Robertson is still out after a knee injury, and striker Josh Magennis (knee) played an U20 midweek game but was withdrawn after 12 minutes as a precaution.

Another former Celt Willo Flood (hamstring) misses out with the injury he sustained against Hearts.

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Wednesday, 20 November 2013

Fridjonsson signs Celtic deal

Iceland U21 star Holmbert Fridjonsson signs pre-contract deal with Celtic Last Updated: November 20, 2013 2:34pm

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Teenage winger Amos to make Wales debut against Tonga

Tue Nov 19, 2013 3:04pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this (Reuters) - Nineteen-year-old winger Hallam Amos will make his test debut for Wales against Tonga on Friday as coach Warren Gatland announced a team showing 11 changes from Saturday's record victory over Argentina.Amos, who made his Dragons debut at... EmailPrint

(Reuters) - Nineteen-year-old winger Hallam Amos will make his test debut for Wales against Tonga on Friday as coach Warren Gatland announced a team showing 11 changes from Saturday's record victory over Argentina.

Amos, who made his Dragons debut at 17, will have plenty of experience around him in the back three as British and Irish Lions duo George North and Leigh Halfpenny also start in the team named on Tuesday.

There is a fresh look to the midfield, however, as Ashley Beck starts alongside Owen Williams while James Hook is the third flyhalf in three games, outside Lloyd Williams.

There are six changes in the pack, including a return from injury for lock Ian Evans, while Ryan Jones packs down at number eight and will captain the side.

Friday's match at the Millennium Stadium is the first meeting between the two for 10 years - dating back to Wales's 27-20 victory in the pool stage of the 2003 World Cup.

The hosts go into it with confidence high after emphatically ending their three-year wait for a November victory by thrashing Argentina 40-6 but will not take anything for granted, having lost at home to Samoa in their "easier" match a year ago.

"Tonga are a typical south sea island side and will be physical, powerful and won't take a backwards step," said Gatland.

"We pride ourselves on matching other side's physicality and we will have to do that on Friday.

"We have made a number of changes but it's a great opportunity for these guys to show us exactly how they cope with the international game."

Wales team: 15-Leigh Halfpenny, 14-George North, 13-Owen Williams, 12-Ashley Beck, 11-Hallam Amos, 10-James Hook, 9-Lloyd Williams; 8-Ryan Jones, 7-Justin Tipuric, 6-Andrew Coombs, 5-Ian Evans, 4-Luke Charteris, 3-Rhodri Jones, 2-Ken Owens, 1-Paul James (Bath).

Replacements: 16-Emyr Phillips, 17-Ryan Bevington, 18-Samson Lee, 19-Dan Lydiate, 20-Sam Warburton, 21-Rhodri Williams, 22-Rhys Priestland, 23-Jordan Williams

(Editing by Justin Palmer)

FILED UNDER: Sports Tweet this Link this Share this Digg this EmailPrintReprints We welcome comments that advance the story through relevant opinion, anecdotes, links and data. If you see a comment that you believe is irrelevant or inappropriate, you can flag it to our editors by using the report abuse links. Views expressed in the comments do not represent those of Reuters. For more information on our comment policy, see http://blogs.reuters.com/fulldisclosure/2010/09/27/toward-a-more-thoughtful-conversation-on-stories/Comments (0)Be the first to comment on reuters.com. Add yours using the box above.
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New ball movement rule would have spared Woods' blushes

By Martyn Herman

LONDON Tue Nov 19, 2013 3:13pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this By Martyn HermanLONDON (Reuters) - Eighty seven changes have been made to the 2013-14 edition of the "Decisions on the Rules of Golf" manual but one in particular will be of interest to world number one Tiger Woods.New Decision 18/4, agreed by the... EmailPrint

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Tarasov goes from villain to hero in Russia victory

Tue Nov 19, 2013 5:14pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this (Reuters) - Midfielder Dmitry Tarasov turned from villain to hero, making a defensive blunder then scoring the winner as Russia beat South Korea 2-1 in an entertaining friendly in Dubai on Tuesday.In the first clash between the two countries, Russia... EmailPrint

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Ghana book World Cup spot despite Cairo defeat

Tue Nov 19, 2013 6:19pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this (Reuters) - Ghana secured a third successive World Cup finals appearance despite a 2-1 defeat by Egypt in the second leg of their playoff in Cairo on Tuesday.The Ghanaians triumphed 7-3 on aggregate, having done the hard work in the first leg in... EmailPrint

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Roman Polanski racing documentary revs up for new run 40 years on

By Patricia Reaney

NEW YORK Tue Nov 19, 2013 6:23pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this By Patricia ReaneyNEW YORK (Reuters) - "Weekend of a Champion," a documentary about British Formula One driver Jackie Stewart, went unnoticed for about 40 years until the London film lab where it was stored was closing and asked its producer, Roman... EmailPrint

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Herbert to stand down after World Cup campaign

By Greg Stutchbury

WELLINGTON Tue Nov 19, 2013 6:50pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this By Greg StutchburyWELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert has backtracked on earlier denials he was ready to call it quits after the All Whites' 2014 World Cup campaign and said on Tuesday he would step down when they are eliminated... EmailPrint

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Mexico not sitting on laurels as World Cup slot beckons

WELLINGTON Tue Nov 19, 2013 6:56pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Mexico coach Miguel Herrera has kept faith with the team that hammered New Zealand in the first leg of their 2014 World Cup qualifier last week for the second match at Wellington Regional Stadium on Wednesday.El Tri beat the... EmailPrint

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Oosthuizen sidelined after recurrence of back injury

Tue Nov 19, 2013 7:08pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this (Reuters) - Former British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen will be out for two weeks after suffering a recurrence of a long-standing back problem, his management company said on Tuesday.The 31-year-old South African has been told to rest after having... EmailPrint

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Kenya-born Froome to tap into Africa's pool of talent

By Drazen Jorgic

NAIROBI Tue Nov 19, 2013 7:12pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this By Drazen JorgicNAIROBI (Reuters) - Tour de France winner Chris Froome plans to develop Africa cycling by focusing on Kenya's rich talent pool of endurance athletes, the Briton said on Tuesday.Kenya-born Froome said Kenya's success in middle and... EmailPrint

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Eriksen's injury not as bad as first feared, say Spurs

Tue Nov 19, 2013 7:21pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this (Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Christian Eriksen will be back in action sooner than expected after a scan showed he only sprained his ankle playing for Denmark against Norway on Friday, the Premier League club said.The 21-year-old, who... EmailPrint

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Lady Luck smiles on World Cup qualifiers Algeria

Tue Nov 19, 2013 8:51pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this (Reuters) - Algeria needed a large slice of good fortune to defeat Burkina Faso 1-0 in their World Cup playoff in Blida on Tuesday to reach the 2014 finals in Brazil on the away goals rule.The Algerians struck early in the second half through Madjid... EmailPrint

(Reuters) - Algeria needed a large slice of good fortune to defeat Burkina Faso 1-0 in their World Cup playoff in Blida on Tuesday to reach the 2014 finals in Brazil on the away goals rule.

The Algerians struck early in the second half through Madjid Bougherra, the ball deflecting in after Bakary Kone's attempted clearance struck him on the head, as the tie finished 3-3 on aggregate.

Burkina Faso, bidding to qualify for the first time, went agonisingly close late on when they hit the post.

Algeria join Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Nigeria as Africa's World Cup representatives.

The Mustapha Tchaker stadium was full six hours before kickoff and the sense of expectation from the fans translated to the players as the home side made a cautious start.

Algeria had only one clear sight of goal in the first half, Islam Slimani heading wide from a Faouzi Ghoulam cross out on the left.

Lady Luck smiled on the hosts three minutes into the second period when Ghoulam's free kick was not cleared by the Burkinabe defence and the ball fell kindly for Bougherra three metres from goal.

His initial effort was saved by Daouda Diakite and as Kone tried to hook the ball away he succeeded only in blasting it against the forehead of Bougherra and it rebounded into the net.

Slimani then flashed a shot on the turn just wide as Algeria, buoyed by the jubilation in the stands, pushed forward in search of a second goal.

The remainder of the game was largely played in the Burkina Faso half but there was late drama when a corner from the visitors was deflected on to the Algeria post and bounced away to safety.

(Reporting by Nick Said; editing by Tony Jimenez)

Rock-solid Gibraltar hold Slovakia to memorable draw on debut

FARO, Portugal Tue Nov 19, 2013 9:05pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this FARO, Portugal (Reuters) - Gibraltar celebrated their first match as a UEFA member with an impressive defensive performance to hold Slovakia to a goalless draw on Tuesday.The stands at the 30,000-seater Algarve stadium were big enough to fit in the... EmailPrint

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Mitroglou shines as Greece qualify for World Cup

BUCHAREST Tue Nov 19, 2013 9:13pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Greece qualified for a second successive World Cup after another Kostas Mitroglou goal secured a 1-1 draw with Romania in the second leg of their playoff on Tuesday and a 4-2 victory on aggregate.Mitroglou, who scored twice in... EmailPrint

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Surprise friendly defeat for Spain in South Africa

This has NOT been served from cache Request served from apache server: S263585RGSF07 token: 9d8a8397-82f3-4fba-8320-2b5f5439c508 App Server /S263585RGSF51/ Spain's defeat in South Africa may be expunged

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Coach Bula's career mirrors Gibraltar's grit

By Daniel Alvarenga

ALMANCIL, Portugal Tue Nov 19, 2013 9:28pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this By Daniel AlvarengaALMANCIL, Portugal (Reuters) - When Gibraltar coach Allen Bula enters the Algarve stadium for the team's momentous UEFA debut on Tuesday, he will look back at a career built on the same principles that earned them an elusive court... EmailPrint

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Mandzukic, Srna lead 10-man Croatia to World Cup

By Zoran Milosavljevic

ZAGREB Tue Nov 19, 2013 9:41pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this By Zoran MilosavljevicZAGREB (Reuters) - Ten-man Croatia reached next year's World Cup finals after goals from striker Mario Mandzukic and captain Darijo Srna secured a 2-0 aggregate win over Iceland in an action-packed return leg of their playoff... EmailPrint

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Ronaldo hat-trick fires Portugal to World Cup

STOCKHOLM Tue Nov 19, 2013 9:56pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - A sublime second-half hat-trick by Cristiano Ronaldo took Portugal to the World Cup finals with a 4-2 aggregate victory in their World Cup playoff against Sweden on Tuesday.In a tie billed as a monumental battle between the... EmailPrint

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France overturn 2-0 deficit to reach World Cup finals

By Julien Pretot

PARIS Tue Nov 19, 2013 9:59pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this By Julien PretotPARIS (Reuters) - France came back from the brink to overpower Ukraine 3-0 in a thrilling playoff return match to qualify for the 2014 World Cup with a 3-2 aggregate victory on Tuesday.Oleg Gusev put through his own net in the 72nd... EmailPrint

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Three more Barca players hit by injuries

MADRID Tue Nov 19, 2013 10:05pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this MADRID (Reuters) - Barcelona's injury woes deepened on Tuesday when tests showed Xavi had a hamstring strain, Victor Valdes limped out of Spain's friendly in South Africa and Cristian Tello suffered ankle ligament damage in training.Goalkeeper... EmailPrint

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Mertesacker goal gives Germany win over England

By Mike Collett

LONDON Tue Nov 19, 2013 10:09pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this By Mike CollettLONDON (Reuters) - England lost at home for successive matches for the first time since 1977 after a powerful first-half header from Per Mertesacker was enough to give an experimental Germany a 1-0 win at Wembley on Tuesday.It was... EmailPrint

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Austria hand U.S. controversial 1-0 defeat

Tue Nov 19, 2013 10:12pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this (Reuters) - Austria handed World Cup qualifiers the United States a controversial 1-0 friendly defeat in Vienna on Tuesday after the visitors had a goal disallowed because the referee ruled the ball had not crossed the line.The U.S., who had won 15... EmailPrint

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Dutch end 2013 unbeaten after Colombia stalemate

Tue Nov 19, 2013 10:17pm GMT

0 Comments Tweet Link this Share this (Reuters) - The Netherlands ended the year unbeaten after being held to a 0-0 draw with Colombia in an international friendly in Amsterdam on Tuesday.The Dutch had to play with 10 men for almost an hour after Jeremain Lens was sent off after 35... EmailPrint

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Yingli Solar provide energy for Football for Hope Centres in South Africa

Getty ImagesRenewable energy company Yingli Solar have helped with FIFA’s Football for Hope Centres in Africa, providing energy and solar street lighting for the football pitches and the Football for Hope Centres themselves.

On the occasion of the opening of the 16th Football for Hope Centre in Africa, FIFA emphasized again the importance of sustainability in its social legacy campaign in Africa. In support of this goal, Yingli Green Energy used its global expertise in renewable energy to provide help to FIFA in improving the social environment for children in Africa through solar power.

For the latest Football for Hope Centre in Alexandra, Yingli Green Energy provided solar panel modules for the solar street lighting system and the company has equipped all Centres with a total of 258 solar panel modules. Each Centre was able to choose between a variety of systems such as a solar-powered lighting system for the playing field, a water pump including water reservoir or a solar power supply system.

Four Centres are left to be completed by the end of the year or in 2014. FIFA has closely and constantly collaborated with the communities where the Centres had been built, in order to ensure that the new infrastructure would meet the local needs. Each Football for Hope Centre consists of a playing field for football and a building where educational projects take place and football is viewed as an instrument for promoting motivation and dialogue within the community.

Yingli Green Energy are the world’s largest solar panel module manufacturer, and became the first renewable energy company to sponsor the FIFA World Cup

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Dortmund relishing Bayern's 'big challenge'

Getty ImagesBorussia Dortmund are relishing hosting European champions Bayern Munich in Saturday's Bundesliga showdown with midfielder Ilkay Gundogan suggesting they are currently the only European team who can beat the Bavarians.

Second-placed Dortmund, who are four points behind leaders Bayern in the Bundesliga, host Pep Guardiola's side at Borussia's Westfalenstadion in a repeat of May's UEFA Champions League final.

Bayern's France winger Franck Ribery has already said the league match will be "decisive in the title race" and it is being billed as the Bundesliga's key showdown.

"It's a big challenge, they are the most difficult team in the whole of Europe and it's a highlight to take on this top team," Germany midfielder Gundogan, who is currently injured, told magazine Kicker.

"In both the German Super Cup and the Champions League final, we have proved in recent months that we are the only team in the Bundesliga, and perhaps in the whole of Europe, who can deny Bayern.

"We believe in our own strengths and we're confident of winning the game."

Gundogan converted a penalty for Dortmund's only goal in their 2-1 defeat to Bayern in the Champions League final.

The 23-year-old also scored Dortmund's final goal in their 4-2 win at home against Bayern in July's German Super Cup final.

Gundogan has also said he is looking forward to seeing ex-Dortmund star Mario Goetze, who joined Bayern for €37m in July.

This will be Goetze's first match in Dortmund since leaving to join rivals Bayern and the 21-year-old expects a challenging homecoming.

"It will be one of the most difficult moments of my career," Goetze admitted in Kicker.

"In the end, I have to deal with it. It was my decision to leave."

Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has urged Borussia fans to spare Goetze any whistles and jeers.

"Whistles would not be justified, Mario hasn't deserved them," said Watzke.

"He behaved properly towards us."

Gundogan admitted it is strange to see Goetze play in Bayern's red shirt.

"It's unusual to see him in red," admitted Gundogan.

"But Mario is a comrade of ours, even if he plays for Bayern Munich.

"We still have contact with him. We wish him all the best and we hope that he does well on the path he's chosen.

"I think he'll come back to Dortmund with a lot of respect, because he knows how much he has to thank Borussia Dortmund for."

Gundogan last played in Germany's 3-3 draw with Paraguay in August, when he picked up a back injury and has not said when he will return.

"It will take a bit of time, I hope I can come back even stronger," added Gundogan, who admitted he has not set a return date to save himself possible disappointment.

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Three nominees announced on 9 December

Getty ImagesThe three nominees for the FIFA Ballon D'Or and FIFA Women's World Player of the Year Award, as well as the shortlisted trios for the Puskás Award, FIFA Fair-Play Award and the respective Coach of the Year prizes for men’s and women’s football will be announced on FIFA.com, FIFA TV on YouTube and Francefootball.fr on Monday 9 December (time tbc).

At the same event, the list of 15 forwards pre-selected for the FIFA FIFpro World XI will also be announced, which will complete the shortlist of 55.

After the event which will be streamed exclusively on FIFA.com, FIFA TV on YouTube and Francefootball.fr, you then will be able to vote for your favourite from the remaining three candidates for the FIFA Puskás Award. You could also try to predict the FIFA FIFpro World XI and see if you have made the same choice as the professional players on Monday 13 January.

If you want to know more about the nominees, be sure to visit FIFA.com on Monday 9 December.

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Spurs get Eriksen injury boost

Getty ImagesTottenham Hotspur said Tuesday that Christian Eriksen's ankle injury was not as severe as first thought.

The midfield playmaker limped off 40 minutes into Denmark's 2-1 friendly win at home to Norway on Friday following a late tackle by Vegard Forren.

Spurs feared the 21-year-old had ruptured ankle ligaments, but scans revealed just a sprain.

"Following an MRI scan on Monday it has been determined that Christian Eriksen suffered a sprain of the lateral ankle ligaments playing for Denmark against Norway on Friday," a Tottenham statement said. "The scan showed no sign of ruptured ligaments which will result in a shorter period of recovery for the attacking midfielder."

Although Spurs haven't specified a time-frame for Eriksen's recovery, if all goes well the £11.5m pre-season signing from Dutch giants Ajax could be back in action against Liverpool at White Hart Lane on 15 December.

Eriksen was man-of-the-match on his Spurs debut against Norwich City and scored in the following fixture against Tromso in the UEFA Europa League.

A dip in form saw him lose his place to Lewis Holtby but Eriksen was in the starting XI for Spurs' last game against Newcastle United.

Holtby, Erik Lamela, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Harry Kane can all play in Eriksen's position while Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas could also opt to change formation and play two strikers rather than a lone forward up front.

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Ghana qualify, Egypt go down fighting

after seeing off Egypt 7-3 on aggregate, despite the hosts putting up a more spirited display than the opening leg, winning 2-1 on the night.

Amr Zaki and Gedo secured the victory on home soil, where their first-half display gave occasional hints that something special could be in store, but Kevin-Prince Boateng's late strike sent Ghana to Brazil on the back of a comfortable triumph over two legs.

After the devastating 6-1 defeat in Kumasi, restoring pride was always going to be the most achievable goal for the Pharaohs. But in front of a Cairo crowd who had not seen their national team play in two years, and with an away goal to their name, there is no doubt an optimistic few some inside the 30 June Stadium still held on to the slim hopes that a miracle could come to pass.

Egypt came out of the blocks the only way they could to have any chance of achieving the impossible: quickly and with purpose. Ghana were thrown onto the back foot almost immediately and the recalled Zaki had tested Fatawu Dauda from 30 yards inside the opening minute.

Ghana looked rocked by the intensity that met them, but they almost hit the hosts with what would have been a decisive sucker-punch soon after, with Rashid Sumalia putting the ball inches wide of the Egyptian upright. The men in red remained in charge however as the visitors looked flustered, continually putting themselves under pressure during the first-half with sloppy passing and individual errors.

It was the latter that brought about Zaki's goal, as Douda came to meet Mohamed Aboutrika's free-kick the goalkeeper could not get past the crowd of players in front of him, with the striker in the right place at the right time to deflect the ball in.

Zaki remained the principle threat to Ghana's imposing lead, again forcing Douda into a save with an effort from distance, before a neat one-two between Mohamed Salah and Hazem Emam saw the latter test the Ghanaian keeper again.

It was a more secure Black Stars side that emerged from the break, with more intention of imposing their own game on the hosts. As a result the near-unopposed pressure from Egypt that had characterised the opening period subsided, with the previously fervent crowd losing much of their initial impetus too.

Aboutrika fired wide as the old master looked to conjure up some hope of a maiden World Cup appearance, but when Zaki exited with an injury the writing looked to be on the wall for all in Cairo. With 15 minutes remaining Gedo forced a save from Douda, before Daniel Opare had to be on hand to clear Mohamed Salah's follow-up off the line.

Gedo did double Egypt's score on the night, firing under Douda from inside the area, but with three still needed in the final six minutes, few were in doubt it was just a consolation goal. When Boateng converted Asamoah Gyan's cross, it provided a moment for the small cluster of travelling to cheer ahead of the delight of the final whistle.

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