Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew insists he is better than many of the Premier League's big-name managers but has no immediate plans to leave Selhurst Park for a table-topping side. Palace have won six out of 10 league games since Pardew succeeded Neil Warnock at the start of the year to all but guarantee their place in the Premier League next season. The Eagles were in the bottom three when Pardew took over and their climb up the table has succeeded in easing relegation fears and subsequently boosting the profile of a manager who has yet to take charge of a club constantly vying for honours. Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew believes he has the ability to manage one of England's top sides . Pardew, pictured with Arsene Wenger, feels he could do a better job than some of his rival managers . Pardew harbours no thoughts of leaving Palace in the near future, but maintains he would acquit himself better than some of the managers currently employed by the Premier League's trophy-chasing sides. 'I look at the top teams and feel I could do that job better than I'm seeing it being done,' Pardew told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme. 'But I'm quite happy where I am and if I work in this part of the league for the rest of my career I will be extremely happy. 'I'm really happy here - I don't really want another job,' he added. 'In a way the (Palace) board have been lucky because even if I have great success here I won't be looking to jump away.' The Crystal Palace manager, pictured with Yannick Bolasie, has said he is not looking to jump ship . Manchester City will provide a stern test of Pardew's managerial ability when they visit Selhurst Park on Monday and Pardew hopes his side's teamwork can overcome the considerable technical ability of Manuel Pellegrini's star-studded line-up. 'Mr Pellegrini's options on the bench will be significantly stronger than my own to try and get a result in the game with 15 minutes to go. 'But it doesn't always work out like that, (as) Burnley proved to Man City it is about sometimes the team being stronger than the individual and on Monday night we hope that's the case for Crystal Palace.'

Alan Pardew claims he has the ability to manage the league's top sides . However Pardew insists he is content with life at Selhurst Park . The Eagles host Premier League holders Manchester City on Monday night .


Billy Joe Saunders and Chris Eubank Jnr could rematch in under six weeks after the pair reignited their war of words at a London press conference on Thursday. The pair clashed in a memorable 12-round grudge match on November 29 with British, Commonwealth and European middleweight champions Saunders handing his rival his first career defeat. Now the duo are both set to fight at Wembley Arena on May 9 but not against each other. As it stands, Eubank will be making the first defence of his WBA interim belt while Saunders will have a warm-up 'international contest' ahead of his challenge for the WBO middleweight title mooted for July. Billy Joe Saunders and Chris Eubank Jnr were involved in a war of words during the press conference . Saunders shows his unbeaten record to Chris Eubank Jnr during a press conference . Eubank challenged Saunders to take a re-match with him on May 9 . Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren initially played down the chances of the pair fighting in May, but later said he would work on trying to get the fight on . But this show has been scheduled in a bid to build up a rematch between them, with promoter Frank Warren suggesting an autumn rematch. However they kicked off their verbal sparring in a fiery press conference and Eubank challenged Saunders to go straight ahead and fight him on May 9. And, despite having a guaranteed world title shot lined up against the winner of next week's New York clash between Andy Lee v Peter Quillin, Saunders took the bait. Saunders said: 'You want to fight on May 9? I'll tell you what we'll do, Frank can double my purse for the world title and I will fight Chris no problem. It will be on my terms because I've got the win. I'm the champion.' Eubank and Saunders have had a long standing rivalry and Saunders won when the pair met in November . Warren, who was sat between them, was startled by the agreement and initially laughed it off. But afterwards the Hall of Fame promoter revealed he will now attempt to drive through a shock deal for an early rematch. However he does have concerns about staging the fight at Wembley Arena and may seek to make the fight at a bigger venue – possibly even a football stadium if they are able to push the date back into the closed season. Warren said: 'Listen, if I could get that on for May 9, that would be on, I can assure you but we are limited by the fact it is Wembley Arena. Saunders is due to fight at Wembley arena on May 9 on the same card as Eubank Jnr . Saunders is keen to get back in the ring with Saunders and get revenge for his professional defeat . 'But when I leave this press conference you know what I will be working on and we will see how we go with it. 'I want to see it again. It was an exciting fight and there is a genuine rivalry with them, it's not done for show. 'I think the next one will be electric.' The current plan for the 25-year-old pair to meet in the autumn is a risky one as six months is a very long time in boxing. Although unlikely, either man could lose on May 9 before Saunders will face undoubtedly the biggest challenge of his career against the winner of Lee-Quillin. Saunders got the better of Eubank over 12 rounds when the pair met back in November . Eubank and Saunders are both keen on a re-match and while May 9 is a possibility an autumn fight is more realistic . Defeat for Saunders or Eubank before the rematch could damage the credibility of the fight and Warren knows it could be in everybody's best interest to get the fight on as quickly as possible. He added: 'It is a long road to the rematch and that is why when I leave here I will be sharpening my pencil and having a look at [doing the deal]. Billy has said what he wants and now we will see where we get to.' Eubank won the WBA interim world title by out-pointing Dmitry Chudinov at the 02 Arena in February and the Brighton man has urged Saunders to forget about his current route to the WBO title and instead concentrate on dethroning him. But Saunders taunted his rival by saying the belt does not mean anything. Saunders said: 'That's not a world title. Do you call that a world title yeah? Well you're mad then. You're deluded man, you must be on drugs. 'Take your little belt home and hold your trousers up with it because that is all it's good for. You haven't got any good belts, I've got the best belts. 'Would you even bother putting that on your mantelpiece? You can show it to your grandkids when you're older and lie to them. Keep it, it's rubbish.'

Billy Joe Saunders and Chris Eubank Jnr are set to fight on the same bill at Wembley Arena on May 9 . Eubank challenged Saunders to a re-match for the May date . Saunders beat Eubank on points when the pair met in November .


Rarely can a headline in a matchday magazine have been so prophetic: on pages 16 and 17 of the United Review, next to a picture of Ander Herrera, screamed the words ‘Right place, right time’. That hasn’t always been the case during the Spaniard’s debut season at Old Trafford. Between October 20 and February 17, Herrera was barely sighted and started just three of the 21 games Manchester United played in that period, prompting much chatter about his place in the squad. It is no secret David Moyes wanted to bring Herrera to Old Trafford on deadline day in August 2013 but red tape scuppered his ambitions; United pressed ahead with transfer after Moyes was jettisoned but his inactivity prompted questions: Did Louis van Gaal want him or rate him? Ander Herrera, pictured with Juan Mata, netted a brace to ensure his side claimed the win against Aston Villa . Herrera has established himself in Louis van Gaal's first team plans after missing out in previous months . Antonio Valencia (right) congratulates two-goal hero Herrera (centre) after the final whistle . The settling in process was not easy but the 25-year-old’s head has never dropped and in the interview with the club publication, Herrera made it clear that a lack of action was never going to leave him at loggerheads with Van Gaal. ‘I am very happy, he said. ‘Even when I wasn’t playing, I was also happy. I am at Manchester United. I feel really lucky to be here. We have to respect his decision. He wants the best for us, the team and we have to follow him always.’ Herrera’s commitment was amply rewarded against Aston Villa. The brightest spark in a Red jersey, he was certainly in the right place at the right time in the 43rd minute, when sweeping a terrific effort past Brad Guzan to set United on their way. His passing was slick, his movement was clever and it was appropriate he bookended this victory with United’s third in injury time; it was fifth shot on target in the Barclays Premier League and, amazingly, his fifth goal. No wonder he left with acclaim from his manager ringing in his ears. ‘I knew Ander has a touch of class,’ said Van Gaal. ‘Sometimes he was not composed at the right moment but now he has composure. Scoring seven goals in a season when he hasn’t played so much? I think that’s fantastic.’

Ander Herrera fired Man United to victory with double against Aston Villa . The Spaniard put in a man-of-the-match display at Old Trafford . Herrera struggled for games between October and February . However he now appears to be an integral member of United's squad .


Manchester United climbed above rivals Manchester City on Saturday night into third place in the Premier League table after a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa. Ander Herrera opened the scoring before half time and Wayne Rooney made it two after the interval with a superb second before Christian Benteke pulled one back for Tim Sherwood's side. But midfielder Herrera added his second and United's third late on to secure the three points for Manchester United. Here, Sportsmail's Dominic King gives his player ratings from Old Trafford. Manchester United (4-3-3) David de Gea – One of the quietest afternoons he has had all season; perhaps that explained his aberration for Aston Villa’s goal – 6 . Antonio Valencia – Industrious down the right flank, almost created a goal for Rooney with one surge; not tested defensively – 7.5 . Manchester United pair Phil Jones (left) and Antonio Valencia (right) battle Christian Benteke for the ball . Phil Jones – With Villa offering no threat, the England international was able to engage cruise control. Had Benteke under-wraps – 7 . Marcus Rojo – Elegant on the ball, passed it well and came close to opening the scoring with a 30-yard drive that fizzed over the bar – 7 . Daley Blind – Always looks comfortable regardless of the position he plays; a professional job in a professional performance – 6.5 . Ander Herrera – To think there was a time when he couldn’t get a game. Passing was excellent and his two goals were thoroughly deserved – 8.5 . Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera celebrates opening the scoring against Aston Villa . Michael Carrick – Having a renaissance this season after disappearing under David Moyes; kept things simple and smooth – 7 . Marouane Fellaini – He bullied Liverpool in his last performance but wasn’t so aggressive here; could have scored with a second half header – 6.5 . Juan Mata – No repeat of his Anfield heroics. Flitted in and out of the game, some nice moments but times when he disappeared – 6.5 . Juan Mata in action for Manchester United against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday . Ashley Young – Had the bit between his teeth against his old club; came close to a goal with a flashing drive in the second half – 7.5 . Wayne Rooney – Captain led by example and scored a quite magnificent half-volley to give United an unassailable lead – 7 . Wayne Rooney (centre) celebrates his goal with team-mates Radamel Falcao (left) and Herrera . SUBS . Di Maria (for Young) 70mins . Falcao (for Fellaini) 77mins . UNUSED . Valdes (GK), Rafael Di Silva, Di Maria, Falcao, Januzaj, McNair, Pereira . Aston Villa (4-4-2) Brad Guzan – Earned his keep with saves from Rojo, Blind, Rooney and Fellaini; couldn’t do anything about Herrera’s goal – 7 . Alan Hutton – Substituted at half-time with an injury. Had previously found it hard work trying to contain Young – 5.5 . Jores Okore – Powerless to stop Rooney scoring a magnificent second; not a great impact on the game – 5.5 . Aston Villa defender Jores Okore (left) vies for the ball with Manchester United captain Rooney . Ciaran Clark – Fortunate to escape in the fourth minute when wrestling Rooney to the floor; could easily have been sent-off – 6 . Matthew Lowton – Playing out of position on the left and it was heavy weather at times when Mata started running at him – 5.5 . Charles N’Zogbia – Seemed his job was more centred on stopping United attacking rather than on going forward himself – 5.5 . Carlos Sanchez – Lots of energy in the middle but offered nothing to get Villa going forward; difficult afternoon – 6 . Fabian Delph – Had his work cut out trying to keep Herrera in check. Never had chance to get Villa moving forward – 6.5 . Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph (left) battles for the ball with Ashley Young of Manchester United . Andreas Weimann – Didn’t make much of a contribution going forward and had little influence on the game; substituted late on – 6 . Christian Benteke – Threw his side a late lifeline when benefitting from a rare De Gea lapse; it was the only chance he got – 6.5 . Aston Villa striker Benteke (left) celebrates scoring against Manchester United . SUBS . Joe Cole (for Weimann 77mins) UNUSED . Given (GK), Baker, Vlaar, Bacuna, Cole, Gil, Grealish .

Ander Herrera impresses with two goals for Manchester United in victory . Wayne Rooney also finds the back of the net against Aston Villa in 3-1 win . Brad Guzan the best performer for Tim Sherwood's side at Old Trafford .


Joey Barton has urged QPR to use their win over West Brom as a springboard for survival. Rangers won 4-1 at the 10-man Baggies on Saturday to end a losing run of five matches and clinch just their second away victory of the season. Chris Ramsey's side are still in the Barclays Premier League drop zone but are just three points behind fellow strugglers Aston Villa, who they travel to on Tuesday, with a better goal difference. Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton believes his side have a 'hell of a chance' of staying up . Barton, who scored at The Hawthorns, captained his side to a 4-1 away win against West Brom . QPR are just a point behind 17th-placed Sunderland . And Barton, who scored Rangers' fourth, is eyeing a late run which can take them to safety. 'We took our chances and hopefully it's a springboard for us to put a run together and make it difficult for the teams in and around the relegation zone,' he told the club's official website. 'There's a great amount of spirit in the group, a lot of people have written us off and we have an awful lot of work to do but performances like that give us a hell of a chance. 'We have been putting great performances in but we haven't got the rub of the green you need.' Bobby Zamora (left) scored QPR's third goal with an astounding lob from a narrow angle against West Brom . Eduardo Vargas (left) wheels away to celebrate firing QPR into the lead against West Brom . Eduardo Vargas, Charlie Austin and Bobby Zamora scored to put Rangers 3-0 up at the break with Zamora netting a fabulous lob just before half time. Zamora told the club's official site: 'I'm delighted to get on the scoresheet but it was a great performance from us. Villa have lost and Leicester have won so it's tight down there and we have to keep doing our job. It's a big game on Tuesday.' Albion are eight points clear of Rangers but suffered their heaviest defeat under Tony Pulis, despite Victor Anichebe's second-half header, and also had Youssouf Mulumbu sent off. Pulis added: 'We should have dealt better with their first goal. The second goal was from a set play. Zamora scored a great third goal and the fourth goal shouldn't have stood because Charlie Austin tripped Gareth McAuley. That was a poor decision by the referee.'

Queens Park Rangers strode to a 4-1 victory against the Baggies . Joey Barton believes his side can take great confidence from away win . Premier League relegation candidates QPR currently occupy 18th spot .


Anthony Joshua stopped experienced American Jason Gavern in the third round on Saturday night, but still wasn't happy with his performance. Gavern, in his 50th fight, was dropped twice in the second round and twice more in the third before the contest was waved off in Newcastle. But Joshua, who was returning from a five-month lay-off after suffering a stress fracture in his back, admitted he was not at his best. Anthony Joshua lands a left hand on Jason Gavern on his way to another convincing victory . Joshua dropped Gavern twice in the second round and twice in the third on his way to victory . 'I had a bit of ring rust so couldn’t display everything I have been doing in the gym,' he said after his 11th professional victory. 'But once the momentum gets going I will be able to display some more shots, some more sharp shooting. 'I have boxed in Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool, London and I have to say Newcastle is right up there with the crowd, so a big thank you to the fans tonight. 'There are a lot of expectations and Jason is a very awkward opponent. He’s a slippery customer and he is there to make me look back and he did a good job of that. 'I have a job to do and that is get a win. If I can start pushing to British titles, European titles step by step these fights won’t really mean anything when I am experienced and a champion.' Joshua jolted his opponent with a left hook in the opening round although Gavern showed all his experience in frustrating his younger foe. Joshua experienced few problems on his way to another routine victory in Newcastle . Joshua stands over the fallen Gavern as he boxed in front of the Newcastle crowd for the first time . Gavern did hit the canvas midway through the second after a short straight left although the 37-year-old complained he had taken a blow to the back of his head. He was on the canvas again after a brutal right hand followed by another left found its mark, but Gavern got up and defiantly raised his right hand. He was merely delaying the inevitable, though, and a flurry early in the third had him down once more before Joshua finished the job with yet another punishing left, as Gavern was this time unable to beat the count. Joshua will now face the toughest test of his career when he takes on Kevin Johnson next month. 'Johnson has same type of style as Jason; he was a defensive puzzle to unfold but I slowly broke him down and same with Kevin Johnson,' he added. 'There are two sides to a fight, the first six and the second six. One way or another they will get broken down whether it is in the first half or second half.' Gavern was fighting for the 50th time as a professional but his experience counted for little .

Anthony Joshua has now won his first 11 professional fights . He needed just three rounds to beat Jason Gavern in Newcastle . Gavern was dropped twice in round two and again in the third . Joshua now takes on Kevin Johnson at the O2 on May 30 .


Rangers boss Stuart McCall has delivered a sharp rebuke to David Templeton after the winger criticised the training-ground methods deployed by the manager's predecessors, Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall. Former Hearts star Templeton claimed last week that McCall had introduced a brand of coaching and tactical preparation which had been lacking under the previous management. But McCall, who is busy transforming the club on the pitch after three successive wins in the Championship, was less than impressed by the player's comments and hinted that they may have been motivated by the player's lack of game time under McCoist and McDowall. Rangers winger David Templeton spoke out about his former managers Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall . 'David made an error,' said the ex-Rangers midfielder. 'He was out of the frame a wee bit under Kenny and Ally. 'But he knows we are not here to criticise what went on before, because the players were part of that. All we are concentrating on is the here and now.' McCall also had words of warning for skipper Lee McCulloch, claiming his red card against Hearts could cost him his place in the Ibrox line-up. The defender has been given a two-match ban - starting with Queen of the South at Palmerston on Thursday - after being sent off on Sunday. The Light Blues captain put his elbow into the face of Jambos striker Osman Sow as the pair jumped for a high ball. McCall, whose team clung on for a vital 2-1 win after playing 50 minutes a man down, had been happy with McCulloch's displays until that point. But the interim Rangers manager has now warned the former Scotland cap he is not 'undroppable'. He said: 'Lee made a poor decision. I understand why he did it but it was a blatant red card. He led with his elbow and it was wrong - but he knows he was wrong. 'He has got to take his punishment and move on now. He has got a two-game ban - whether he gets back in the team thereafter we will see. Lee McCulloch has been warned he could lose his place in the starting XI after being sent off against Hearts . 'Since I've been at the club he has done fine. He's been good in the dressing room and his performances have been good. 'If whoever comes in over the next two games does really well, then he might not get back in. 'He's not undroppable, no, but at this moment in time with the games we have played he has done nothing to merit being dropped.' Off the field, Dave King now hopes to get the SFA's blessing to take over as chairman after judges at the Court of Session approved his boardroom bid. But with 12 first-team players out of contract at the end of this season, McCall has warned his squad they may have to wait for new deals. He said: 'I don't think it will be too long before Dave becomes chairman of the club, so that is another positive move. 'I'm just concentrating on the football. I've spoken to a couple of directors about things but we have five games in 14 days so I'm just focusing on that. 'As for contracts, that can only be sorted when the club knows what league it's going to be playing in next season, so that is the key.' The weekend victory over Hearts moved Rangers back into the box seat for the promotion play-offs. Rangers boss Stuart McCall has led his team to three consecutive victories in the Scottish Championship . But that now leaves ex-Motherwell boss McCall facing the 'nightmare' scenario that he could come up against his former Fir Park troops. Motherwell's 5-0 victory over basement boys St Mirren has all but spared them from the automatic relegation spot but Ian Baraclough's team could yet be made to scrap for their Premiership place against Rangers in the play-off final. 'It's not looking likely at all because Motherwell are not going to finish in the bottom two - I hope,' said McCall. 'First and foremost we have to do our job and get in the play-offs. 'But I said when Motherwell signed Scott McDonald that I believed - and I still do - that they would have enough to get out of trouble.' Before that, though, McCall must continue to rack up the wins, starting with Thursday's trip to Dumfries. Rangers lost 2-0 on their last visit in December - just hours after it was revealed McCoist was stepping down as boss. 'I'm still aghast because I've just watched a video of the second half,' said McCall. 'I haven't showed the players because I think they know they were not in a good place at that time. 'The news about Ally broke on the afternoon of the game and it was just a down day. As much as Rangers underperformed, all credit goes to Queens. They are a good side, especially down there. We know how difficult it will be.'

David Templeton spoke out about his former managers last week . Stuart McCall admits his winger 'made an error' with his comments . Lee McCulloch's red card against Hearts could cost him his starting place .


Dereck Chisora is being lined up for a summer comeback and British heavyweight rival David Price is firmly in his sights. 'Del Boy' has not boxed since he was stopped by switch-hitting Tyson Fury at London's ExCeL Arena in November. The fight was a final eliminator for a shot at Wladimir Klitschko's WBO title and Fury is now the mandatory challenger for that strap. Chisora, meanwhile, has been regrouping and recovering from an eye injury sustained during the 10-round beating. Dereck Chisora is being lined up for a summer comeback against British heavyweight rival David Price . 'Del Boy' has not boxed since he was stopped by switch-hitting Tyson Fury at London's ExCeL Arena . Chisora has been regrouping and recovering from an eye injury sustained during the 10-round beating . But his promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that Chisora has been back in the gym for the past month and is hoping to make his return to the ring during the summer. However he will be without his long-term trainer, friend and mentor Don Charles after the pair parted company. It was Charles who nurtured the young fighter through a short amateur career and all of his 25 pro fights to date. Warren said: 'Dereck's back in the gym and we will be announcing something for him very soon. Hopefully he will make his comeback in the summer. 'In that last fight, Tyson Fury did brilliantly and Dereck had a lot of problems with his eye and he has had to have something done to his eye. His promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that Chisora has been back in the gym for the past month . 'He has had to recuperate, it has had to heal but now that is out of the way. Now we can move on and get himself back in the game. 'He really fancies it, he wants to fight and the one thing about Dereck Chisora is that he is what he is: a fighter. He just loves it.' Warren has arranged a show at Wembley Arena on May 9 which rivals Billy Joe Saunders and Chris Eubank Jnr will both feature on. It had been suggested that Chisora may make a low-key comeback as part of the undercard but Warren dismissed the idea. Instead the promoter is plotting a route towards an all-English showdown with David Price. Like Chisora, the 2008 Olympic bronze medalist is rebuilding following back-to-back knock-out defeats to Tony Thompson in 2013. Price teamed up with Sauerland Promotions and boxed three times last year and once in February, winning all four, and Warren thinks he would be a good match for Chisora. Chisora's promoter Warren is plotting a route towards an all-English showdown with David Price . Price poses with the belts following the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight title fight at Aintree . He added: 'Well we want the David Price fight. That would be a big one, I think it is a great fight and it is one we will explore once we get Dereck firing again. 'Everybody loves a domestic clash and between two big guys it would be something special.' Olympic golden boy Anthony Joshua has also been linked with Chisora, who, like him, came through the Finchley Amateur Boxing Club. After winning his first 10 fights by knock-out, all inside three rounds, Joshua has emerged as one of the biggest prospects in world boxing. Anthony Joshua has also been linked with Chisora who also came through the Finchley Amateur Boxing Club . Joshua in action against Denis Bakhtov during their WBC International Heavyweight Championship match . But Warren insists he would have no problem putting Chisora in with him. 'Joshua is also a target for Dereck, don't worry about that,' he said. 'Joshua is out in Newcastle this weekend and then May 30 so let's see where he goes. 'We also have to see what they're going to do with Anthony Joshua but that's another big domestic fight between two guys from the same area. 'It just shows there are some big fights for Dereck in this division. It's not like he's coming back and scratching around for fights, there are a lot of options.'

Heavyweight boxer Dereck Chisora is planning a summer comeback . Promoter Frank Warren has revealed Chisora is back in training . Chisora has not boxed since defeat to switch-hitting Tyson Fury . Fellow heavyweight David Price is being lined up to fight Chisora .


Dave King has moved closer to becoming Rangers chairman after the Court of Session cleared him to return as a director of the club. And the South African-based businessman hopes yesterday’s decision will now convince the SFA to pass him as ‘fit and proper’ in the final stage of approval. King won around 85-per-cent shareholder backing to return to the Rangers boardroom at the club’s pivotal extraordinary general meeting last month, but has been holding off from taking up a post until he has cleared all regulatory barriers. Dave king is back on the Rangers board after being cleared by the Court of Session . Rangers players applaud as they leave the pitch following their 2-1 defeat of Hearts at the weekend . He required the consent of the court due to previously being a director in the Ibrox oldco which entered liquidation in 2012. ‘I am delighted that at a Court of Session hearing this morning before Lord Woolman my application to become a director of Rangers International Football Club PLC was granted,’ said King in a statement. ‘Today’s decision has removed the final legal hurdle for me to take up my role on the board following the overwhelming mandate at the EGM. ‘The previous board had raised a little known legal provision stating that because I was a director of Rangers oldco within 12 months of its liquidation that I must obtain court sanction before becoming a director of RIFC because the word “Rangers” is in both company names. ‘A court would not grant leave to an applicant unless it is satisfied that the circumstances warrant such approval. King (centre) celebrates success at the club's EGM alongside John Gilligan (left) and Paul Murray (right) ‘Any affected party, eg the liquidator or an aggrieved creditor of the previous company, has the right to be heard at such a hearing. ‘The liquidation of Rangers oldco and the formation of Rangers Newco were not conducted clandestinely but in the full glare of publicity. ‘However, being aware of the provision, I sought leave of the Court to accept my board appointment. ‘Hopefully, this endorsement will also provide the SFA with additional comfort to complete its consideration of my fit and proper status. ‘All Rangers supporters have suffered from the failure of full and proper corporate governance over the last four years. ‘I am anxious to play my part in ensuring that this is comprehensively remedied for present and future generations of Rangers supporters. ‘I have fully cooperated with the SFA over the last few weeks and thank them for the care and attention with which they have undertaken this task. ‘I must be the most scrutinised candidate in Scottish football history but accept this as being preferable to the lack of scrutiny that has been the case in Rangers recent past — and possibly other clubs. ‘I hope matters can be swiftly concluded now that, with the permission of the court, I can take up my role as a director of RIFC.’

Businessman has been cleared by Court of Session to become director . Dave King hopes SFA will pass him to take role as Ibrox chairman . King is the largest shareholder of the  former Scottish champions .


Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has warned his players that Champions League qualification is still not assured despite holding an eight-point gap over Liverpool after Saturday's results. Following a comprehensive 3-1 victory against Aston Villa, Van Gaal sees next Sunday's derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford as important in the battle to finish runners-up. But having been given the task of qualifying for the top-four when he replaced David Moyes last summer, he is not letting complacency risk success, though Liverpool's 4-1 defeat against Arsenal on Satuday lunchtime puts United firmly in pole position. Ander Herrera celebrates with team-mates after scoring his team's third goal at Old Trafford . 'It is not done yet,' he said. 'We still have to play everyone else in the top four and the table shows they are the best teams. 'Of course we have a big gap and can afford to suffer a defeat but everything is possible.' However, van Gaal also sees the derby as an opportunity to push United's claims for a top-two finish. ‘I am looking higher up. The derby is a game for the higher places. Chelsea are likely to be champions but you have to keep on putting pressure. Spanish duo Juan Mata and Herrera celebrate the win against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday . Manchester United's Wayne Rooney celebrates with team-mates after scoring his team's second goal . ‘Manchester City, is a different game to this one against Villa. City shall not come with such a defensive strategy. We have seen the same with Tottenham and Liverpool. These are the matches wehre you can see fantastic matches. There may even be a shock recall for £60million man Di Maria who has been used as a substitute in recent weeks. 'His turn is coming, that I know. But he has to wait for the right moment,' said van Gaal. Angel di Maria has been used as a sub in recent weeks but he is closing in on a return to the starting line-up . Rooney battles with Aston Villa ace Jores Okore during Saturday's victory at Old Trafford .

Manchester United beat Aston Villa to secure an eight-point cushion . Louis van Gaal's side currently sit third a point ahead of Manchester City . Rivals Liverpool find themselves in fifth following their defeat to Arsenal . But Van Gaal has warned his squad it is important to battle till the end .


Barcelona midfielder Xavi will have a significant contribution to make during the final months of the season as the Catalans attempt to repeat 2009's historic treble victory, according to manager Luis Enrique. The 35-year-old Barcelona star recently travelled to Qatar to discuss a possible switch to Al Sadd ahead of next season and has managed just five starts in 21 games during 2015. However, after Xavi assisted Jeremy Mathieu's winning goal against Celta Vigo on Sunday, Enrique believes the midfielder has a vital role to play. Barcelona manager Luis Enrique insists Xavi has a vital role to play in the club's hunt for the treble . Xavi congratulates Jeremy Mathieu after setting up the Frenchman's winner in the 1-0 over Celta Vigo . Midfielder Xavi has managed just five starts for Barcelona in 21 games since the turn of the year . Enrique talks at Tuesday's press conference ahead of Barcelona's La Liga clash with Almeria on Wednesday . 'Xavi is an important player for us in any month of the year,' said Enrique. 'He is the player that has played most games in a Barça shirt and will decide (his future). He knew it would be a special year for him and he has accepted it. He helps us both on and off the field.' With the treble still possible, the La Liga leaders face Alemria on Wednesday, play Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Copa del Rey  and take on Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Barcelona star Xavi has managed just five starts since the turn of the year . The midfielder recently travelled to Qatar to discuss possible switch . Luis Enrique believes Xavi has vital role to play towards end of season .


Celta Vigo forward Fabian Orellana has been handed a one-match ban by the Spanish football federation following his straight-red card for throwing grass at Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets, the club has confirmed on their official website. The bizarre incident which happened during Barca's 1-0 victory over Celta on Sunday saw Orellana grow frustrated with Busquets' time-wasting tactics and hurl a lump of turf at him. Naturally, Busquets made the most of the contact and grabbed his eye, despite the grass clearly striking him on the back of the neck. Fabian Orellana collects a lump of grass from the ground before throwing it towards Sergio Busquets . The Celta Vigo striker aims his throw in Busquets' direction during the closing stages of the match . Orellana was shown a red card for throwing the chunk of grass in the direction of Busquets . The lump of turf strikes Busquets in the neck after tempers reached boiling point in Spain . Referee Inaki Vicandi Garrido (right) brandishes a straight red card following the incident . Orellana (right) leaves the field in anger after being given his marching orders . In any case though it was enough for referee Inaki Vicandi Garrido to decide that Orellana was worthy of receiving his marching orders. The 1-0 defeat by Barcelona leaves Celta 11th in the league table with 35 points, comfortable mid-table and safe from relegation. Orellana will miss his side's next game against Granada on Wednesday night. Barcelona star Dani Alves attempts to talk with Orellana following his red card . Jeremy Mathieu (right) heads home in the 73rd minute to hand Barcelona a 1-0 lead against Celta Vigo . Celta Vigo goalkeeper Alvarez Conde (right) is unable to stop the powerful header from Mathieu .

Fabian Orellana was angered by Sergio Busquets' time-wasting tactics . The Celta Vigo striker threw lump of turf towards the Barca midfielder . Orellana will now serve a one-match ban for his antics and will miss Celta's next game against Grenada on Wednesday .


Sven Bender has issued a rallying call to his Borussia Dortmund team-mates, telling them that they need to improve in front of goal for their disappointing season to be forgotten. Jurgen Klopp's men have failed to score in four of their last five league games and will now find it difficult to earn a spot in the Champions League places. Dortmund face Hoffenheim in the DFB Pokal on Tuesday and Bender admits his side need to start finding the net as soon as possible. Sven Bender (right) says Borussia Dortmund need to start scoring more goals if they want to win games . Jurgen Klopp's men find themselves in a disappointing tenth and looking unlikely to qualify for Europe . He told Reviersport: 'You can only progress to the next round if you score goals. 'It's not prohibited for any of us to score a goal. A defender could also find the net after a set piece. 'Everything is allowed and we should all do something extra to try and score.' Dortmund have scored a disappointing 34 goals in 27 games in the Bundesliga and Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leads the goal scoring charts with 18 in all competitions. Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (left) is the clubs top scorer with 18 goals in all competitions .

Sven Bender says Borussia Dortmund need to start scoring more goals . Dortmund have been disappointing this season and are currently tenth . Jurgen Klopp's men have scored 34 goals in 27 games in the Bundesliga .


Franck Ribery claims he turned down Real Madrid five years ago because he was told he was as important to Bayern Munich as Lionel Messi was to Barcelona. The French winger, 32, has won four Bundesliga titles as well as a Champions League during his time with the German giants, but it could have all been different had a proposed move to the Bernabeu in 2009 gone through. Real wanted Ribery after he fell out with then-Bayern head coach Louis van Gaal, though he says he was convinced to stay after being sold on his importance by the club's elite. Franck Ribery was convinced to reject Real Madrid after being sold on his importance to Bayern Munich . He was told that he could be as vital to Bayern as Lionel Messi is to Barcelona . Ribery fell out with then-head coach Louis van Gaal and says Real were willing to pay for him . 'I had intensive talks with Uli Hoeness, who was still president back then, and chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge,' Ribery told Goal. 'They told me I should not go, how the club needed me, how I was as important for Bayern as Lionel Messi was for Barcelona. 'Real tried, they wanted me. I don't know what price Bayern wanted them to pay. In the end I am happy how it ended.' As well as enjoying the collective success with Bayern, Ribery also picked up UEFA awards after his performances during the Champions League-winning campaign in 2012/13. The Frenchman, who has retired from international football, was third behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi in the 2013 Ballon d'Or awards. Ribery celeberates with the Champions League (left) and the Bundesliga trophy (right) in the 2012/13 season . The Frenchman came third behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi in the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or awards .

Real Madrid wanted to sign French winger Franck Ribery in 2009 . Ribery had fallen out with then-Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal . He was convinced to stay as club told him he could be as important to them as Lionel Messi was to Barcelona .


Former Italy forward Antonio Di Natale has described Alexis Sanchez as the best strike partner he's ever had and insisted the Arsenal forward is better than Neymar. Di Natale, who won 42 caps for Italy between 2002 and 2012, spent five years playing alongside Sanchez at Udinese, who he still captains at the age of 37. Azzurri legends Francesco Totti and Alessandro Del Piero are just two of the names Di Natale has played alongside but he told Arsenal's official website that Sanchez tops the lot. Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez has been hailed as the best strike partner Antonio Di Natale ever had . Sanchez has been in storming form with 20 goals in all competitions during his debut season with the Gunners . The Chilean played alongside Di Natale (left) for five years at Serie A side Udinese . He said: 'I know what you are going to ask. And the answer is: Yes he's the best partner I had in my life. 'Like you say, I've played with a lot of champions, but he is the best; and he' s proven it by performing for enormous clubs such as Barcelona and Arsenal. 'It' s quite easy to be a star in a little or medium team, where there is no pressure and where competition is far to be ferocious. 'But to confirm your individual qualities within the biggest teams is something only few can achieve.' Asked to compare Sanchez and Neymar, Di Natale added: 'If I had to choose one, I'd choose Alexis: because he's a little more concrete.' Di Natale claims his former team-mate is better than Neymar, who effectively replaced him at Barcelona . Former World Cup winners Francesco Totti (left) and Alessandro del Piero are among Di Natale's former strike partners with Italy . Di Natale has put his former team-mate's unbelievable work ethic as the secret behind his success. 'I was amazed by his technical skills: he did things with the ball that were more typical of a juggler than a footballer. But what really impressed me was the approach he had to the everyday work. 'In my career, I've seen a lot of talented players squandering their abilities with the wrong attitude, with a sort of indolence. Alexis was the contrary. 'I've never seen him distracted, he was always attentive and focused, he was always ready to work harder in order to improve, to add some new trick to his natural talent. 'This is probably his secret, and the thing that has allowed him to become one of the greatest players around today: he combines individual quality with a willingness for collective sacrifice.'

Antonio Di Natale played alongside Alexis Sanchez at Serie A side Udinese . Former Italy forward claims Chile star was his best ever strike partner, which have included Francesco Totti and Alessandro Del Piero . Di Natale claims Arsenal forward is better than Barcelona star Neymar .


Roma have been ordered to close part of their stadium for their next home game after supporters were sanctioned for showing an offensive banner over the weekend. The banner, displayed during Roma's 1-0 defeat of Napoli on Saturday, caused outcry for insulting the mother of a Napoli fan who was killed in violent clashes between supporters last year. A Serie A disciplinary tribunal stated the banners were 'by their content provocatively insulting to the mother of a supporter of the opposing team, who died in dramatic circumstances'. Roma players celebrate their 1-0 victory over Napoli, but the club have been punished for an offensive banner . Roma fans display banners during the game, although a banner (not shown) taunting the mother of a Napoli fan who died after violent clashes last year caused outcry . Roma will have part of their stadium closed for the league match with Atalanta on April 19 . The taunts were aimed at Antonella Leardi whose son Ciro Esposito died after being shot during violent clashes that followed last year's Coppa Italia final in Rome. Although Napoli defeated Fiorentina 3-1 in the final, but the incident involved clashes with Roma supporters - encouraging Leardi to start a campaign against football violence. Roma's Stadio Olimpico Stadium will be part closed for  game against Atalanta on April 19. A young Napoli fan died after clashes between supporters following last year's Coppa Italia final . Napoli defeated Fiorentina in the 2014 Coppa final, but Roma fans were involved in clashes after the game . Club president James Pallotta has condemned the club's fans in a statement on their official website: 'As has been expressed repeatedly, AS Roma considers any events that lead to the loss of life at a football match to be a defeat for civil society as a whole, regardless of affiliations to clubs or fan groups. 'The enormous pain that follows such events deserves maximum, unconditional respect from all and necessitates that all parties -- fans, clubs and law enforcement agencies -- strive to ensure that such pain is not renewed, not even verbally, in the stands of a stadium.' The mother, Leardi, told the ANSA news agency: 'May God change the hearts of those people who wrote those banners. 'I watched the game on TV and I was hurt by those words. It pains to hear such horrible things said about a son who has been lost.'

Roma stadium will be part closed for game against Atalanta April 19 . Supporters displayed banner taunting mother whose son died in clashes between Napoli and Roma fans after Coppa Italia final last year . Antonella Leardi started a campaign against football violence after the death of her son Ciro Esposito .


Hibs boss Alan Stubbs is among the front-runners for the manager's job at Wigan Athletic after Malky Mackay was sensationally sacked on Monday. Stubbs is currently embroiled in a tough promotion battle with the Easter Road side, but is believed to be among Wigan's top targets as they battle to avoid relegation from the Championship — they are currently second bottom. Stubbs' No2, John Doolan, formed part of Uwe Rosler's backroom staff at the DW Stadium before the German was sacked in November. Hibs boss Alan Stubbs has emerged as a candidate to succeed Malky Mackay after he was sacked by Wigan . Malky Mackay was sensationally sacked by Wigan Athletic following a dismal run of results since November . Doolan joined Stubbs in Edinburgh in July last year and both men — who also worked together at Everton's youth academy — are highly regarded by new Wigan chairman David Sharpe. Former Celtic defender Stubbs who is on a two-year contract in Leith, has steered Hibs into the play-off positions in Scotland's second tier, albeit they have stumbled of late after three successive defeats. However, he would face an altogether different challenge with Wigan. They are eight points from safety after the 2-0 home defeat by Derby spelled the end for Mackay, and must win their next two games against Fulham and Millwall to stand any chance of survival. Former Scotland defender Gary Caldwell is expected to be handed the job on a temporary basis, while ex-Wigan player Danny Wilson is also under consideration. Former Wigan defender Gary Caldwell looks set to be handed the manager's role on a temporary basis . Meanwhile, Mackay's bid to rescue his managerial career was left in tatters after his dismissal. The 43-year-old was told of the decision during a brief meeting with Sharpe after losing to Derby. Mackay was handed the job by former owner Dave Whelan back in November against a backdrop of an FA investigation into a shocking series of text messages, exposed by Sportsmail. Cardiff City manager at the time, Mackay is accused of sending racist, sexist and homophobic messages in an exchange with former head of recruitment Iain Moody. The Scot remains under investigation by the FA and Monday's developments will not alter the speed with which his case is dealt. Sharpe, just a month into his new role as chairman, looked forlorn after Monday's game and made a snap decision to axe the Scot. Mackay won only five of his 25 fixtures in charge and picked up just three home points — damning statistics referenced in the club's official statement. Sharpe said: 'This is a very difficult decision to make but I feel that, for the long-term future of the club, there must be a change now.' Sportsmail understands Mackay was close to suffering the sack in February but victory at Reading granted him a stay of execution. Wigan were content with keeping him until at least the end of the season and kept faith with the divisive figure. Sources at the DW Stadium also indicated that Mackay was ready to build a similar recruitment structure to that at Cardiff and had been sanctioned to do so. He remained defiant they could stay in the division immediately after losing against Derby. 'It's still mathematically possible,' he said. 'It's fine lines between winning and losing in this league.' Wigan chairman David Sharpe has said that it was a 'very difficult' decision to sack Mackay on Monday .

Alan Stubbs is among the front-runners to succeed Malky Mackay after he was sacked by Wigan Athletic on Monday . Hibs are currently battling for promotion from the Scottish championship . Stubbs' assistant John Doolan was part of Uwe Rosler's backroom staff at Wigan before he was sacked by the club .


Juventus ensured their treble dreams remained alive as they overcame a first-leg defeat thanks to goals by Alessandro Matri, Roberto Pereyra and Leonardo Bonucci. The feat was made even more impressive as the Old Lady were without key trio Carlos Tevez, Paul Pogba and Andrea Pirlo. Juventus were hit with the news that former Premier League striker Tevez was to miss the match due to a thigh injury just hours before kick-off, however his absence did not prove to be costly. Leonardo Bonucci celebrates after scoring his side's third goal of the night against Fiorentina . Juventus defender Bonucci is mobbed by his team-mates after ensuring his side progressed to the final . Roberto Pereyra receives a celebratory hug by Alvaro Morata and Arturo Vidal after doubling the scoreline . FIORENTINA (4-4-1-1): Neto; Savic, Rodriguez (Tomovic 82), Basanta, Alonso; Joaquin (Diamanti 66), Aquilani, Fernandez, Valero; Salah; Gomez (Babacar 73) Subs not used: Richards, Vargas, Gilardino, Kurtic, Pasqual, Rosati, Lazzari, Rossi, Illcic . Booked: Rodriguez, Fernandez . JUVENTUS (4-3-1-2): Storari; Padoin, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pereyra (Ogbonna 82); Morata, Matri (Coman 74, Llorente 89) Subs not used: Buffon, Pepe, Barzagli, De Ceglie, Rubinho, Marrone, Lichtsteiner . Goal: Matri 21, Pereyra 44, Bonucci 59 . Booked: Chiellini, Marchisio, Sturaro, Vidal . Sent off: Morata . Massimiliano Allegri's side came into the game knowing they had to go on the attack if they were to progress to the Coppa Italia final  after falling to a shock 2-1 defeat at the Juventus Stadium. And the visitors did just that as Matri opened the scoring in the 21st minute by poking home from close range after he benefitted from a ricochet. Juventus doubled the scoring shortly before the interval when Pereyra placed the ball into an empty net after Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto parried into his path following a thunderous shot by Alvaro Morata. The Italian league leaders did not hold back during the second half and managed to kill the encounter shortly before the hour mark when unlikely goalscorer Bonucci latched onto a Claudio Marchisio corner before striking a beautifully-timed volley into the net. Marchisio's booking and Morata's bizarre red card were the only negatives of the night. Inexperienced referee Davide Massa brandished a red card in the direction of Morata after a clumsy challenge, which warranted nothing more than a yellow, on Alessandro Diamanti with just two minutes left to play. Marchisio will definitely miss the final against either Napoli and Lazio due to an accumulation of bookings, while Morata should be confident of winning an appeal. Juventus, who currently lie 14 points clear at the top of the Serie A table,  can now focus on their upcoming Champions League quarter-final clash against Monaco. Fiorentina winger Mohamed Salah is surrounded by four Juventus as he makes his way towards goal . Juventus celebrate after keeping their treble dreams alive by progressing to the Coppa Italia final . Vidal looks delighted as Juventus set up a Coppa Italia final against either Napoli or Lazio . Fiorentina's supporters turned up in high numbers to see their side crash out of the Coppa Italia .

Juventus reach final without Carlos Tevez, Paul Pogba and Andrea Pirlo . The Old Lady raced into 3-0 lead thanks to goals by Alessandro Matri, Roberto Pereyra and Leonardo Bonucci . Alvaro Morata was sent off for innocuous tackle on Alessandro Diamanti . Juventus will face either Napoli or Lazio in Coppa Italia final .


A host of clubs are tracking Aston Villa’s young central defender Kevin Toner as his contract nears its end. Norwich, Leicester, Newcastle and Stoke have watched Toner, one of Villa’s most promising young players who captains their Under-21 team aged just 18. His current deal runs out this summer and Villa, keen to keep their best academy graduates, have made an offer of fresh terms. But it is understood other clubs are ready to declare their hands and Villa risk losing him. Kevin Toner, seen here in action against Liverpool in an FA Youth Cup tie, is being tracked by several clubs . Toner (left), Aston Villa's U21 captain at the age of just 18, is out of contract at the end of the summer . Toner has been capped by Republic of Ireland’s Under-19s and Roy Keane is believed to have told Under-21 boss Noel King of his potential. Tim Sherwood is keen to develop Villa’s young talent and Toner has been among a select few to train with the first team, alongside the likes of Lewis Kinsella and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy. Toner is known for his leadership abilities and wears the Under-21 armband even when seasoned pros drop down to development matches. Tim Sherwood is keen to develop Aston Villa's young talent, with Toner training with the first-team .

Aston Villa defender Kevin Toner captains the club Under-21 team . The 18-year-old is being tracked by number of rival Premier League clubs . Newcastle and Stoke have been watching the young central defender .


Ronny Deila lauded his players for stretching their lead at the top of the Premiership with victory at St Mirren – then hit out at the state of pitches in Scotland. A James Forrest strike and Stefan Johansen’s penalty were enough to see off a spirited challenge by the bottom side as Celtic moved eight points clear of Aberdeen. But although pleased with the way his side stayed patient to win, Deila felt their cause wasn’t helped by the state of the Paisley surface. And he believes Scottish football will struggle to develop top players if there isn’t a drastic improvement in our pitches. Celtic manager Ronny Deila was impressed with his side's performance against St Mirren on Friday night . ‘It was a tough game, St Mirren were well organised and played very deep,’ he said. ‘They fought really hard and it was difficult to break them down. We had to be patient. The pitch was better than some others we’ve played on. But the pitches in Scotland are terrible. ‘If you want to develop players and get passing football, it’s difficult when the ball is bouncing all the time. It’s much easier for the other teams to just sit behind the ball and try to break down our play. ‘It’s better to play on an artificial surface than this. If they are watering artificial pitches and they are of the best quality, it’s totally different and much closer to European standards. James Forrest slides on his knees to celebrate scoring Celtic's opening goal against St Mirren . ‘If we are going to develop good young players, you need a good surface to play and train on. If not, you get fighters. If you want skills and technique, play on better surfaces. ‘They are much better in Norway. Sixty per cent are artificial and the grass pitches are better as well because they don’t train there and there aren’t other teams playing on them. And we play in the summer. That’s the biggest thing. The pitch here might not look so bad but try to play on it.’ TV pictures showed Leigh Griffiths eating a chocolate biscuit while sitting on the bench. But Deila, a strong advocate of fitness and conditioning, laughed it off. ‘I think it was a carbo biscuit which is totally different! I’ll have to check his weight tomorrow.’ Celtic midfielder Stefan Johansen slots home from the penalty spot to secure his side's 2-0 victory . Goalscorer Johansen believes there’s no stopping Celtic as they close in on a treble. ‘It looks great for us now,’ he said. ‘I don’t think we’re unbeatable but there is a huge confidence in the team. ‘We are starting to look fitter and have much more of the ball because we’re playing with a higher tempo. That’s the way the manager wants us to play. I said in the beginning when people were asking questions I was confident he would be a great and it’s starting to look that way.’ Saints boss Gary Teale felt there were positives in defeat but wasn’t happy about the handball awarded against Viktor Genev for Celtic’s penalty. ‘Was it ball to hand or hand to ball? If they’re going to give penalties for things like that they need to give all of them in every single game.’ Deila berated the state of pitches in Scotland and claimed it would be better to play on artificial surfaces .

Celtic beat St Mirren 2-0 to move eight points clear at the top of the league . Ronny Deila praised his players for their patience in waiting for the win . Although pleased, he said the pitches in Scotland are 'terrible' Deila believes it would be better to play on artificial pitches .


Celtic's title prospects 'look great' following their 2-0 win over bottom side St Mirren in Paisley on Friday night, according to Stefan Johansen. The Norway midfielder clinched the points with a 79th minute penalty after wide-man James Forrest had finished off a well-worked Hoops move from close range to open the scoring. It took the Parkhead men eight points clear of Aberdeen at the top of the Scottish Premiership with both clubs having played 29 games albeit the Dons can reduce the deficit against Partick Thistle on Saturday. Celtic midfielder Stefan Johansen believes his side's title aspirations 'look great' after their 2-0 win at St Mirren . Ronny Deila's side have only lost one league game this year and take four successive victories into the home match against Partick Thistle on Wednesday night which encouraged Johansen, 24, to say: 'It looks great for us now. It's nine games left in the league and it's going to be difficult to take us now. 'This was another important win and we just need to keep focusing now on every game over the next couple of weeks. 'I don't think we're unbeatable but you can say there is a huge confidence in the team now. 'I think we are starting to look fitter and we have much more of the ball because we are playing with a higher tempo and that's the way the manager wants us to play.' Johansen scored Celtic's second goal at St Mirren from the penalty spot on 79 minutes . Deila criticised the 'terrible' pitches in Scottish football after the game, claiming the surface at St Mirren was another that was difficult to master. The visitors were certainly not at their best but Johansen was glad the international break had not upset the Hoops' rhythm too much. The former Stromsgodset player said: 'Some of the guys have had a few days off and some of the guys were away with the international teams so it was good to be back together and be prepared for the rest of the season. 'St Mirren frustrated us for a while. They played well, especially in the first half and credit to them for that. The victory for Celtic manager Ronny Deila's side now means they have won four successive league matches . 'But we know that we had the ball so much that they would need to run. It was going to be difficult for them over 90 minutes so we knew it would open up.' Gary Teale is hoping his St Mirren side, who ended the game still four points behind Motherwell, are not cut adrift before the split, which comes after they play the Steelmen on Tuesday night and third-bottom Ross County the following Monday. He said: 'We need to make sure we're within three points of Ross County or Motherwell after the next two games. 'If we can do that then that will give us a fighting chance.'

Celtic won 2-0 away  St Mirren on Good Friday in the Scottish Premiership . Win moved Celtic eight points above Aberdeen having played a game more . Stefan Johansen scored Celtic's second goal from the penalty spot .


They will come up against each other in the year's first major on Thursday, but it wasn't that long ago that Rory McIlroy was looking up to Tiger Woods. The world No 1 - now 103 places above Woods in the world rankings - is the favourite to win the Masters next week and claim his first green jacket, thus completing a career Grand Slam. Woods, who has confirmed he is ready to play at Augusta after spell working on his game, is one of only five players to win the Masters, The Open, the US PGA Championship and the US Open - and it's that success which led to a young McIlroy aiming to emulate him. Scroll down for video . A young Rory McIlroy is portrayed by an actor in the film as it charts his progress in the sport . McIlroy played golf from a young age and always admired Woods as he grew up in Northern Ireland . McIlroy grew up watching Woods and is now on his way to emulating his hero . McIlroy revealed recently that he sent Tiger a letter saying he was 'coming to get' him . Rory's rise from child prodigy to the world's best - along with his fascination with Woods' stellar career - has now been beautifully told in a new two-minute video created by their sponsors Nike. Entitled 'Ripple', the clip features a number of young actors portraying McIlroy as a kid and into his teenage years - from hitting plastic balls around his parents' living room, to practising relentlessly in his hometown of Holywood, Northern Ireland. A common theme runs through the video as McIlroy and his father keep a close eye on Tiger's progress on both the PGA Tour and at the major championships. Speaking about 'Ripple', McIlroy said: 'As a kid, I looked up to Tiger. When I first saw him on TV, I remember being completely enamored by the energy he brought to the sport. His will to win. His determination. His fight.' McIlroy and Woods will line up at Augusta for the Masters this week but in contrasting form . Woods with McIlroy at the tee of the 12th hole final round of the Memorial Tournament in 2013 . 'I've been in that same situation,' said Woods. 'Growing up, Jack (Nicklaus) was my idol. My first recollection of the Masters was 1986, when Jack won. 'I remember him making a putt at 17 and lifting that putter up. Fourteen years later at the 2000 PGA Championship, I got to play with and against him – someone I looked up to.' It remains to be seen whether Woods will be at the business end of the Masters come Sunday but McIlroy relishes playing with his idol. 'It's been an incredible journey for me, going from massive fan to competitor,' he added. 'To think that not too long ago I was that little boy watching him on TV to where I am now. 'It's been a cool journey and I'm very lucky I get to compete with and against him, because he inspired me as a kid and he inspires me now. He's the best player I've ever seen.'

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy will both play at next week's Masters . Augusta favourite McIlroy looked up to Woods when he was a child . New Nike advert shows portrays a young McIlroy's rise to the top . Woods has won four green jackets, the last of which came in 2005 . McIlroy is looking for his fifth major win to complete a career Grand Slam .


Barcelona coach Luis Enrique is not concerned by Neymar's recent goal drought and is confident the Brazil forward will soon return to top form as the Catalans continue their bid to repeat 2009's historic treble. After an impressive first half of the season, Neymar has gone off the boil since the turn of the year and has not scored for the leaders in La Liga since hitting the opener in a 5-0 win at home to Levante on February 15. The 23-year-old looked particularly out of sorts in Sunday's 1-0 win at Celta Vigo and spent much of the game locked in an unseemly battle with Celta fullback Hugo Mallo. Neymar (left) and Dani Alves (centre) share a joke with Adriano during Barcelona training on Tuesday . Luis Suarez (centre) and Neymar keep their eye on the ball during the session at Joan Camper sport city . Barcelona defender Gerard Pique and frontman Lionel Messi share a joke during Barcelona's training session . Messi appears focused as Barcelona look to repeat the historic treble of 2009 this season under Enrique . Messi smiles alongisde Barcelona and Argentina team-mate Javier Mascherano during the training session . 'I am not worried at all,' Luis Enrique told a news conference previewing Wednesday's La Liga match at home to Almeria. 'We are talking about an outstanding player, a top player,' added the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder, who is enjoying a successful first term in charge at the Nou Camp. 'And from what I see in training I am sure his scoring streak will soon return and he will be back on top form. 'Now he is helping us in a less spectacular way, less visible for you, but he gives the team a lot of things that I consider important.' Barcelona manager Enrique insists he is not concerned by Neymar's recent drought in front of goal . Neymar looked out of sorts in the 1-0 win over Celta Vigo and has not scored for Barcelona since February 15 . Barca can stretch their lead over second-placed Real Madrid to seven points with a win against Almeria, applying more pressure on Real whose game at Madrid neighbours Rayo Vallecano kicks off two hours later. Luis Enrique's side are through to the last eight of the Champions League to face Paris St Germain and will seek a record-extending 27th King's Cup triumph when they play Athletic Bilbao in the final on May 30. Barca became the only Spanish side to win the treble of domestic league and Cup and Champions League in Pep Guardiola's first season at the helm in 2008-09. Barcelona boss Luis Enrique talks with veteran midfielder Xavi ahead of the clash with Almeria on Wednesday . Guardiola was a former team mate of Luis Enrique, as was Almeria's new coach Sergi Barjuan, who agreed to take over at the struggling Andalucian side on Monday following Sunday's sacking of Juan Ignacio Martinez. 'He is a friend and I am in touch with him from time to time,' Luis Enrique said. 'I am pleased he has this opportunity and I hope he makes the most of it starting on Thursday. Enrique's former team-mate Sergi Barjuan agreed to take over struggling La Liga side Almeria on Monday .

Barcelona's Brazilian forward Neymar has not scored since February 15 . However,  Luis Enrique is not concerned by the frontman's drought . Barcelona players trained on Tuesday and remain on course for the treble . READ: Xavi still has vital role to play for Barcelona, insists Luis Enrique . CLICK HERE for all the latest Barcelona news .


Manuel Pellegrini claimed he does not fear the sack after Manchester City’s title hopes suffered a big blow at Crystal Palace. Palace piled the pressure on the Chilean with an outstanding win that was secured by goals from Glenn Murray and Jason Puncheon. It leaves City in fourth place, nine points behind Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea, and sweating on qualification for next season’s Champions League. City, who hit back with a late Sergio Aguero goal, were furious that Murray’s opener was allowed to stand, feeling it should have been disallowed for offside, and they surrounded referee Michael Oliver to protest. Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini witnessed his side limp to a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace . Pellegrini believes that Palace's first goal, scored by stirker Glenn Murray, was clearly offside . Murray celebrates giving Palace the lead in the first half with a close range finish . The result places further uncertainty on Pellegrini’s future but he insisted he does not fear the axe. ‘Am I concerned for my job? No. I’m never concerned about my job,’ said Pellegrini, who next up face rivals United at Old Trafford on Sunday. ‘I do my work and am very happy. You maybe have a difficult season, but you never worry about things like this.’ When asked about his players crowding referee Oliver after the first goal from Murray, Pellegrini, who felt his side should have been awarded a second-half penalty when Palace striker Murray handled in the box, replied: ‘Because it was a clear offside. In the first minute, there was another clear offside. Jason Puncheon gave Palace a 2-0 lead against City when the midfielder scored with a superb free-kick . Puncheon's goal proved decisive for Palace, who are now up to 11th in the Premier League table . Yaya Toure scored a consolation goal for City as they lost more ground on league leaders Chelsea . ‘The mistake the referee can do, but there was also after that a clear penalty, and a lot of things happened in the game.’ Pellegrini added: ‘You ask me the same question every time (about the title race) and I give the same answer: we are not thinking about Chelsea and titles. We go each game and try to win. At the end of the season, we will see.’ Palace manager Alan Pardew heaped praise on his side, who virtually guaranteed their top-flight status with victory. ‘It’s a great night for us, fabulous for the club. We have 39 points on the board, so we’d like to think we’ll be back here next year. Crystal Palace has worked wonders since joining the club from Newcastle United back in January this year . ‘My job gets more difficult now after beating the champions here. Expectations will be higher. We have to keep on improving on it. ‘There wasn’t too much of a secret tonight. It was about resilience and good organisation. Great character in the team. ‘It was an important first goal tonight to set the mood for the game. We managed to get it. ‘We got a bit of luck, there were some scary moments — about 23 of them, I counted. ‘But we managed to see it through. You have to pay credit to these players. There were some real sustained attacks from City, showing tremendous character to keep their heads up at 2-0 down, got a great goal and I feared it was going to be a draw, but it was our night tonight. ‘Sometimes it is. We had a break with the first goal, which looks offside. But sometimes you deserve them. FA disciplinary chiefs are likely to examine footage of Palace goalscorer Puncheon appearing to be hit by a missile while trying to take a corner in the second half.

Manchester City's chances of retaining the Premier League title were dealt a hammer blow by a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace . Glenn Murray and Jason Puncheon scored for the Eagles before Yaya Toure grabbed a consolation for City . Manuel Pellegrini believes that Murray's goal was a 'clear offside' City are now fourth in the league table, nine points adrift of leaders Chelsea with just seven matches remaining . CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester City news .


Former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune claims Neymar looked a shadow of his former self during Barcelona's slender 1-0 La Liga win over Celta Vigo. Barcelona ensured they remained four points clear of title rivals Real Madrid by scrapping to a hard-fought victory over mid-table outfit Celta Vigo. However despite the win, Fortune insists Barcelona boss Luis Enrique should be concerned by Neymar's body language during the La Liga encounter. Quinton Fortune claims Neymar looked uncomfortable during Barcelona's 1-0 win over Celta Vigo . Neymar, pictured with fellow Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, struggled to impress against Celta Vigo . The Brazilian forward has failed to hit the back of the net in his last four games for Barcelona . Fortune, speaking on Sky Sports, said during the interval of Barcelona's match at Balaidos: 'Neymar has not been himself for the last couple of weeks. 'You expect Neymar to at least hit the target [when he shoots at goal]. His body language does not look right.' Neymar's last league goal came against Levante on February 15 and he has failed to hit the back of the net in his last four games in a Barcelona shirt. Fortune, who himself played in Spain during his time at Mallorca and Atletico Madrid in the 1990s, went on to praise Barcelona for having a plan B when it came to breaking down Celta Vigo's resilient defence. Jeremy Mathieu (right) heads home in the 73rd minute to hand Barcelona a 1-0 lead against Celta Vigo . Celta Vigo goalkeeper Alvarez Conde (right) is unable to stop the powerful header from Mathieu . He added: ‘The win is very important for the whole team. It was a bit of quality. That is what happens when you do not score against Barcelona when you are on top. 'Barcelona have been playing nice football for years but it seems like they are now capable of scoring from set pieces. ‘Barcelona are not playing well and still getting results. They did the same thing against Real Madrid because I thought Madrid were the better side but they have the know-how.’ Enrique's side claimed all three points thanks to a close-range bullet header by Jeremy Mathieu in the 73rd minute. Gerard Pique (right) and Sergio Busquets join the French defender in celebrating Mathieu's second-half goal .

Neymar struggled to impress in Barcelona's slender win over Celta Vigo . Quinton Fortune has questioned why Neymar's form has dipped . Neymar has failed to score in his last four games for Barcelona . Fortune heaped praise on Barca for being able to scrape vital win .


Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam left Stamford Bridge with mixed feelings after scoring one of the best goals of the Premier League era in the defeat to Chelsea. The Scotland international picked the ball up inside his own half and stunned Blues goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a sensational 66-yard effort. Courtois scrambled back towards goal but was unable to deny the 29-year-old former Liverpool man the goal of his career. Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam scored the goal of his career during Stoke City's defeat to Chelsea . Scottish international Adam shot from inside his own half after seeing keeper Thibaut Courtois off his line . Courtois scrambled back as quickly as he could but there was just no stopping Adam's audacious effort . Courtois attempts to reach for the ball but he fails as the ball sails into the Stamford Bridge net . Courtois is left on the floor after being caught out by Adam's audacious first-half effort in west London . Adam's audacious effort was clocked at more than 45 miles per hour and came from inside his own half . Adam admitted: 'The disappointing thing is we lost the game. On a personal note it is a great goal to score. I saw the keeper off his line, had an effort and it has gone in. 'I always have a look at the goalkeeper because these balls move so much. When you have got that much space and time it is good to do something like that.' Adam later told the BBC: 'I never knew I had that much power, to beat a quality goalkeeper like that is something special. Once in a lifetime this can happen to you.' Adam is mobbed by his Stoke City team-mates following his sensational goal at Stamford Bridge . Courtois can only look on as the ball sails over his head and into the net at Stamford Bridge . Courtois scrambled and was left on his back after  Adam's spectacular strike sailed into the back of the net . The ball flew beyond Courtois and into the back of the net to level the score just before the break . Courtois falls into his own goal after chasing back but failing to keep out a long range shot from Adam .

Charlie Adam scored goal of his career in Stoke City's defeat to Chelsea . Adam beat Thibaut Courtois from all of 65-yards at Stamford Bridge . Courtois scrambled back but was unable to deny the Scottish international . Adam though was left with mixed feelings as Chelsea earned three points .


Chelsea captain John Terry hailed Eden Hazard as one of the world's best players after the Belgian inspired the Blues to a 2-1 win over Stoke. Hazard tucked home a penalty to put Chelsea in front before Charlie Adam scored a memorable 66-yard equaliser for the visitors. But Loic Remy was on hand to turn home Hazard's square pass to wrap up the three points and take Chelsea seven points clear at the top of the Premier League. Chelsea captain John Terry hailed Eden Hazard as one of the world's best players following the Stoke win . The Belgian international gave Chelsea the lead from the spot and made no mistake against Asmir Begovic . Hazard jumps in the air to celebrate his goal during the hard-fought win over Stoke City in west London . And, in a game where Diego Costa lasted just 10 minutes having been introduced from the bench before being forced off with a hamstring injury, Hazard was the man to make the difference with Terry quick to praise him. 'He was excellent,' Terry told Sky Sports 1. 'He has been our best player by a long way this year and in those games when you are looking for a bit of extra, a bit of magic from someone he is the one who steps up and managed to create something. He is up there with the (Lionel) Messi's and (Cristiano) Ronaldo's and can still get better and better.' With just eight games remaining Chelsea are hot favourites to take the title but Terry is urging caution to those who believe their name is already on the trophy. Diego Costa looks set to miss at least two weeks after suffering a hamstring injury during the match . Costa had only been on the field just over ten minutes before he pulled up with the muscle injury . Jose Mourinho expects the striker to be out for at least two Premier League games following the injury . 'It was a tough game, we knew it was going to be difficult,' he added. 'They made it difficult last year. First half they were very tight and they are a very well organised team, it was tough but we ground it out. 'It is the old cliche but it is ticking a box then moving on. 'We have a massive game away at QPR, a big London derby for us. We just need to keep putting three points on the board. Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is left on his back after Charlie Adam's spectacular wonder goal . 'The goal from Charlie Adam was a great goal and it stunned us just before half-time. 'But we came out in the second half knowing what we had to do, and I think before the international break it was important to get the win and the same again today just to get the momentum. 'We have got the three points and if we keep doing that it will be very difficult for other teams.' Adam is mobbed by his Stoke City teammates following his sensational goal at Stamford Bridge .

Eden Hazard starred as Chelsea earned a hard-fought victory over Stoke . Captain John Terry described the winger as one of the world's best players . Hazard sent Blues on their way to victory when he slotted home a penalty . Belgian international also grabbed an assist for Loic Remy to bag a winner .


Tottenham have registered their interest in Marseille star Andre Ayew. The forward is out of contract this summer and will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season. And the player's representatives have now been made aware of Tottenham's interest. Andre Ayew (right) is believed to be a target for Tottenham in the summer but they face stiff competition . However, Spurs are facing stiff competition in the race to land Ayew, with a host of Europe's leading clubs also on his case. Inter Milan are understood to be leading the race to land the Ayew. The 25-year-old fits into Mauricio Pochettino's plans to sign young and hungry players who can fit into his high-tempo style of play this summer. Spurs are primarily targeting players who are 26 and under this summer, and Ayew falls into that category. Mauricio Pochettino is known to be a fan and the Ghana international fits into Tottenham's transfer blueprint . Inter Milan are thought be leading the chase for Ayew, who is out of contract at Marseille in the summer .

Tottenham have shown an interest in Marseille forward Andre Ayew . The Ghana international is being chased by host of European clubs . Ayew fits into Tottenham's blueprint and can move for free in the summer . CLICK HERE for all the latest Tottenham news .


Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani has rejected rumours that he does not get on with team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic insisting the only issue he has is being played out of position. Reports had suggested a breakdown in the pair's relationship and earlier in the season coach Laurent Blanc even said they must improve their partnership on the pitch. Former Napoli forward Cavani admits that he and Ibrahimovic are not necessarily friends but dismissed speculation of a rift with the Sweden international. Edinson Cavani argues with the referee during PSG's 3-2 win against Marseilles at New Stade Velodrome . PSG forward Cavani challenges with Marseilles midfielder Mario Lemina during Sunday's clash . Cavani insists he has a respectful relationship with Zlatan Ibrahimovic amid reports the pair do not get on . 'I do not know where this rumour of a bad relationship with Ibrahimovic comes from,' Cavani told Canal Plus. 'We are footballers who play for the same club and we respect one another. One cannot be friends with everyone.' But Cavani has reiterated his frustration at being shoehorned into a front three and not playing in his favoured position alongside Ibrahimovic. 'The only concern that I have ever spoken about is that I was recruited to play as a striker with Ibrahimovic and it has not always been the case. Ibrahimovic celebrates PSG's third goal against Marseille in the 3-2 victory on Sunday . Cavani (left), picture talking to Laurent Blanc and Marco Verratti, takes issue with being played out of position . 'There is a long series of games where I have not scored in Ligue 1 but that can happen. In France, people judge me as a lone striker, but I do not play in that position. 'But aside from that, everything else is perfect here.' Cavani has been linked with a summer exit and, despite revealing his intentions to honour his contract that runs for another three seasons, he refused to rule out a possible move. 'Currently, I am just thinking about finishing the season in Paris and also respecting my contract,' he added. 'My attention is only focused on training with the club that pays me. But anything can happen in football.'

Reports claim that Edinson Cavani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic do not get on . Uruguay striker says he and Ibrahimovic have a respectful relationship . But former Napoli striker Cavani admits the pair are not close friends . Cavani does, however, take issue with being played out of position .


Nick Abendanon was perhaps the only happy Englishman at Stade Marcel Michelin on Saturday night and, after leading Northampton a merry dance, he revealed faint but lingering World Cup hopes. Clermont Auvergne’s former Bath full back ran amok as the Premiership champions were thrashed 37-5 — scoring one try from long range and having a crucial hand in two others, to claim the man-of-the-match award. Abendanon won the last of his two caps for England back in 2007, but he was still on the coaches’ radar until his move across the Channel last summer and, after a supreme display of elusive running, he admitted he has not given up on the slim possibility of a Test recall. Nick Abendanon breaks clear to score for Clermont in their thrashing of Northampton on Saturday . The English full back was man of the match for the third time against Premiership opposition this year . The 28-year-old is theoretically out of contention as an exile abroad, but he invoked the ‘exceptional circumstances’ clause in the RFU selection policy as he said: ‘I’d love to get a call from Stuart (Lancaster) over the summer, but I’m not counting on it because they’ve got that rule in place. ‘I understood the reasons for the rule, and in my heart I knew that when I came to France my England career was probably over. But the World Cup . . . special dispensation . . . if Clermont continue the way they are, I stay injury-free and I keep playing some good rugby, then maybe it’s a possibility in the same way that people have been talking about Steffon (Armitage).’ Abendanon crosses in his starring performance for the French side in the European Champions Cup . A World Cup dispensation has been discussed for Toulon's English flanker Steffon Armitage . They have the squad to do anything, based on their efforts on Saturday night, when the Saints were brutally swept aside. Visiting captain Dylan Hartley said: ‘They steamrollered us and just kept going.’ His fellow England forward, Tom Wood, vented his frustration on Twitter, saying: ‘Thanks to Clermont for inviting us to their open training-session today. We’ve left our non-contact bibs in the changing-rooms. Humbled.’ Northampton captain Dylan Hartley (second right) leads the Saints off the field after their convincing defeat . Meanwhile Anthony Watson believes it is only a matter of time before Bath’s attacking intent delivers silverware after their 18-15 European Champions Cup quarter-final loss to Leinster in Dublin. Mike Ford’s men produced an impressive second-half comeback to leave the three-time champions hanging on by a thread at the end with full back Watson and fly-half George Ford especially impressive. ‘If anything, the way we played against Leinster adds more confidence because I thought there were times when we showed all we can do,’ Watson said. ‘I think the way we have been playing this year has been a revelation to be a part of and I have really enjoyed playing for this club.’

Nick Abendanon was man of the match in Clermont win over Northampton . Clermont thrashed Premiership's Saints 37-5 at Stade Marcel-Michelin . Former Bath full back conceded England career over after France move . But Abendanon's not yet given up hope of a call-up to the national team . He hopes to be spoken of in the same way as Toulon's Steffon Armitage .


Paul Casey insists he is desperate to play in the Ryder Cup again, even though he looks unlikely to rejoin the European Tour in time to earn qualifying points this season. Only Tour members can play on the team and Phoenix-based Casey gave up his membership after deciding in January to concentrate on the PGA Tour in order to get back into the world's top 50. The move has paid off with the former world No 3 losing a play-off in the Northern Trust Open and finishing joint third in the Honda Classic to climb to 44th at the start of this week. Paul Casey, practicing ahead of the Masters in Augusta, 'desperately' wants to return to the Ryder Cup . The Englishman has returned to the world's top 50 after leaving the European Tour to concentrate on his game . However, even if he rejoins the European Tour before the May 1 deadline to be eligible to accrue Ryder Cup points when the race starts in August, he will struggle to play the 13 events required for membership. 'It was very straightforward when I was top 10 in the world playing both tours,' Casey told Sportsmail ahead of his first Masters appearance since 2012. 'I know I am back in the top 50 but I have only just got back into the top 50. It was a very difficult decision but it was also the correct decision. 'I still have to play 13 events and right now I am not in the US Open or Open or HBSC Champions at the end of the year. Playing 13 becomes difficult when you haven't played at the start of the year in Middle East.' Casey celebrates while watching a replay of his hole-in-one, which helped Europe to victory in 2006 . Casey last played in the Ryder Cup competition in the 2008 defeat by USA at Valhalla . Casey played in the record Ryder Cup wins in 2004 and 2006 and the 2008 defeat at Valhalla, but was in tears after being overlooked for a wild card by captain Colin Montgomerie in 2010, when he was ranked seventh in the world. 'I desperately want to be part of a Ryder Cup again. There is definitely passion and a fire there burning,' he added. 'Certainly one of them I felt like I was maybe denied, the others I haven't been in a position to make the team and watching Medinah and Gleneagles has been brilliant. 'What they have done has been absolutely phenomenal and I want to be part of that again and not just part of it, but a real solid team player and leader in the team room, which I know I can be. When I play my best golf I think I can certainly play that kind of role.' European captain Darren Clarke said earlier this week he wanted Casey on his team for Hazeltine next year, and the 37-year-old added: 'Paul (McGinley) said the same thing (even though I was a member of the Tour at the time). 'He was desperate for me to be part of that because I had won twice around Gleneagles and unfortunately wasn't playing the golf I needed to.' Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke (right), speaking with Tiger Woods in Augusta, wants Casey on his team . Casey finished sixth on his Masters debut in 2004 and is relishing being back at Augusta National after failing to qualify in 2013 and 2014. 'When you have been here and gone away for a year or two you certainly appreciate it when you come back,' he added. 'I'm very focused this week but I am enjoying being here and lapping up everything about it. 'I was on the same flight as Padraig Harrington (who was also ineligible last year) on Sunday and when we landed the girls who run the courtesy car service here had all made little signs saying 'Welcome back Padraig'. We touched on that subject and said that we were both going to give it a good go, but enjoy it.'

Paul Casey left the European Tour to get back into world's top 50 . Former world No 3 is 'desperate' to return to the 2016 Ryder Cup team . Captain Darren Clarke has said he wants Casey at Hazeltine next year .


Raheem Sterling may hold all the cards in his contract dispute with Liverpool, but he needs to focus on his football rather than his pay-packet, according to former QPR boss Harry Redknapp. Redknapp insisted that Sterling is not ready to move to the likes of Real Madrid at this stage of his career, so should stay at the club who have helped him develop so far. However, the 68-year-old also conceded that, if he wants to force a move, there is very little Liverpool can do to stop him. Raheem Sterling should focus on his football rather than his contract according to Harry Redknapp . Sterling has turned down a new deal with Liverpool and put off contract talks until the summer . 'Sterling is not going to go to Real Madrid at the moment I wouldn't think, so where could he go better in England?'  said Redknapp while working as a pundit for BT Sport. 'I think he's at a great club, he's working under a manger who obviously works hard with him on the training ground, eh's improved him. I think he needs to sign his contract and get on with his football. 'It's very hard to keep players who really make up their mind they want to leave.' 'When they want to go, they've got all the power. If he decides to down tools, they've got a problem.' The 20-year-old gave an interview to the BBC on Wednesday giving his reasons for his decision . Brendan Rodgers insists that his relationship with Sterling is as strong as ever despite the disputes . Harry Redknapp made the comments while working as a pundit for BT Sport on Saturday . The last Liverpool player to run down his contract and leave for Real Madrid, Steve McManaman, branded Sterling's behaviour 'ridiculous' and 'baffling' and suggested the player has been poorly advised. 'I think it's ridiculous and you have to remember he's only a 20-year-old boy, starting off his career,' said McManaman. The people who are trying to guide him through his life have been ill-informed really. He's now put himself under a huge amount of pressure, and he shouldn't have. Sterling (right) has confirmed that he rejected an offer of £100,000-a-week to stay at Liverpool . 'You don't want to discuss your contract and leave it to the end of the season. Don't go and do an interview talking about your contract. It's baffling, absolutely baffling.' 'I think he wants to stay at Liverpool it's just about getting the best deal off the club. You can't just play great football for one year and suddenly think you're the best player in the world.'

Former QPR manager says Raheem Sterling should stay at Liverpool . Sterling has turned down a new £100,000-a-week contract at the club . Steve McManaman brands Sterling interview 'ridiculous' and 'baffling'


Mauricio Pochettino might have given up hope of qualifying for the Champions League, but Harry Kane won’t hear any of it. The 21-year-old, who became the youngest Premier League captain this season during the drab goalless draw against Burnley on Easter Sunday, still retains belief they can gatecrash the top-four party. Spurs are now seven points behind Manchester City, who play Crystal Palace on Monday night, with just seven games remaining. Harry Kane believes Tottenham still have a chance of qualifying for the Champions League this season . It looks a tall order, but Kane - who hailed his last few days as the ‘best week of my life’ - thinks they can make it. 'It's going to be tricky, we're quite a few points behind now,’ Kane said. 'But in this league you never know. We've got winnable games coming up and we focus on them. ‘We take each game as it comes and see where that takes us. We start on Saturday [at home against Aston Villa].’ Kane has 29 club goals under Pochettino this season and is the main reason Tottenham have lasted the pace until now. Kane could not find a way to break the deadlock for Tottenham in their 0-0 draw at Turf Moor on Sunday . Throwing him the armband was a move bourne out of necessity by the manager, and it was something he relished. 'It's a real honour, a very proud moment for myself to lead the side out,’ Kane added. ‘It's very special for me. Hopefully there is more to come in the years to come. 'We've got a lot of leaders in the team. It's a very young team and everyone has their say. To be given the armband by the gaffer is a proud moment. But there are a lot of captains out there and we all try and work to the same aim.’ At just 21 years and 251 days, the Tottenham striker led out his side for the first time in draw with Burnley . He and Burnley’s Danny Ings are also working to the same aim - bidding to work their way into the thoughts of England manager Roy Hodgson ahead of next summer’s European Championships in France. Both will be handed spots in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Under 21 Euros at the end of this season. Kane hopes their partnership can be one replicated for the seniors in years to come. Kane and Burnley striker Danny Ings will both be handed spots in Gareth Southgate's Under 21 Euros squad . ‘Turin was a great experience,’ he said. ‘To get my first start for England is another proud moment for me. It was tough and I can only learn from those sort of games. ‘Danny’s a great player. I know him well from the Under 21s. He scores goals and his movement's great. He's a prospect for English football. There are a lot of great English strikers here at the moment, which is good for the country. 'There's competition. We've all got to work hard to retain our place. ‘We've both got to keep working hard, as do the other strikers who are trying to get a place. We'll see what happens.’

Harry Kane became the youngest Premier League captain this season . The Tottenham striker skippered his side during 0-0 draw with Burnley . Kane still believes Tottenham can qualify for the Champions League .