Skipper John O'Shea has challenged Sunderland to keep their fate in their own hands by securing a fifth successive derby victory over Newcastle. The Wear-Tyne rivals meet at the Stadium of Light on Sunday with Sunderland having won the last four meetings, but in grave need of three points to ease themselves away from the developing battle for Barclays Premier League survival. O'Shea and his team-mates could find themselves inside the relegation zone by the time they run out if Burnley get the better of Tottenham in the day's earlier kick-off, and that would make three points a necessity. John O'Shea, pictured playing for Ireland at the weekend, wants a fifth straight derby win against Newcastle . The Black Cats captain celebrates scoring against Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear derby of 2012 . The Republic of Ireland international told SAFSee: 'That's the big issue: whoever we were facing this weekend, be in Newcastle, be it Crystal Palace, be it Southampton, whoever the case may be, it's a case of getting the three points as soon as we can and getting everyone energised again and looking forward to the remaining games. 'Look, we know we're not in the position that we'd like to be in, but we know we can get out of it. It's in our hands.' After a dreadful run of results against their arch-rivals, the Black Cats have fared rather well in recent times, winning the last three at St James' Park and the most recent game on Wearside. Asked what lay behind that run of results, O'Shea said: 'Staying together as a unit, keeping the team spirit strong, working as a unit all over the pitch and taking chances. 'Making sure we got clean sheets and also whether it was early or late in the game, making sure we took chances - they were the keys, and obviously having a strong squad as well because there were a couple of times where there were changes in the line-up before games. Jermain Defoe rues a missed opportunity during defeat to West Ham in Sunderland's previous game . 'Everyone has got to be mentally prepared to start the game, and obviously anything can happen then in the 90 minutes. 'Look, it's one of those things, we have a chance of creating a fantastic record against a big rival, the main rival for us, so it's a fantastic opportunity. 'But ultimately, it comes down to wanting it more on the day and hopefully, that will be the case.'

Sunderland face Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear deerby on Sunday . Captain John O'Shea has targeted a fifth successive win over rivals . Black Cats are in danger of falling into relegation zone over Easter .


Stoke boss Mark Hughes is in no doubt it is high time the club brought their run of fruitless trips to Stamford Bridge to an end. Since gaining promotion to the Barclays Premier League in 2008, the Potters have played Chelsea away eight times in all competitions and lost on every occasion. They did win their last visit to the Londoners' ground previous to that, a League Cup triumph in 1995, but it is not since a 1-1 draw between the two sides in 1984 that Stoke have claimed a point there. Stoke City manager Mark Hughes says his side must end their barren run at Chelsea . Frank Lampard (right) celebrates  as Chelsea beat Stoke 3-0 on their most recent visit to Stamford Bridge . Adding to that in Saturday's 5.30pm clash at the stadium certainly looks a tall order - leaders Chelsea have won 11 and drawn three of their 14 home league games this season. But Hughes, who has seen his 10th-placed side notch victories at the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham already this term, is adamant Stoke must address their poor Stamford Bridge record. Former Chelsea striker Hughes said: 'It's not easy. Our record there hasn't been great - but that could be said of most clubs in the Premier League recently. 'I'm told that the last time we got a positive result there (in the league) was 1984 and my first-team coach (Eddie Niedzwiecki) was in goal for Chelsea. 'I don't know what that says about the quality of Stoke in those days - or if it questions the ability of my first-team coach! Stoke forward Jonathan Walters is expected to shake off a calf knock in time to be available . Marc Muniesa is set to return to the squad after missing five games because of a hamstring problem . 'But it has been a long time and we need to address that. We have been able to go to the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham this year (and get results) and our away form for the most part has been good. 'We have proved to ourselves that we can go to top clubs and get positive results, and hopefully we will do more of the same at the weekend.' Stoke forward Jonathan Walters is expected to shake off a calf knock in time to be available for Saturday's contest and defender Marc Muniesa is set to return to the matchday squad after missing five games because of a hamstring problem. The Potters also have Victor Moses fit again - but he will not be able to feature this weekend as the opposition is the on-loan winger's parent club.

Stoke City have lost all eight trips to Chelsea since Premier League return . Mark Hughes insists that their fruitless Stamford Bridge visits must end . Chelsea unbeaten in 14 Premier League home games this season (11 wins)


Newcastle will be keen to avoid a third defeat on the spin when they take on rivals Sunderland in Sunday’s crunch derby after floundering in recent weeks without banned striker Papiss Cisse. It is Dick Advocaat’s side who are struggling at the foot of the Barclays Premier League table – sitting perilously one point above the bottom three - but Sportsmail can reveal that John Carver’s team would be two points ADRIFT of their foes in the relegation zone if it weren’t for Cisse’s goals. The Senegal forward is Newcastle’s top scorer this season with 11 goals, with 10 of those decisive in changing games in the Magpies’ favour. Papiss Cisse is Newcastle's top scorer this season with 11 goals - 10 of those were decisive . 20 September Hull (h) 2-2 (2 goals) 4 October Swansea (a) 2-2 (2 goals) 2 December Burnley (a) 1-1 (1 goal) 6 December Chelsea (h) 2-1 (2 goals) 26 December Man Utd (a) 1-3 (1 goal) 28 December Everton (h) 3-2 (1 goal) 11 February Crystal Palace (a) 1-1 (1 goal) 28 February Aston Villa (h) (1 goal) Since his double against Hull rescued a 2-2 draw in September, Cisse has earned Newcastle 11 points with his goalscoring heroics — almost single-handedly lifting them to mid-table. Take those goals away and the Premier League reads somewhat differently. Newcastle languish in 18th place on 24 points in the fantasy table behind Sunderland on 26. They would have scored just 22 times — the second fewest in the division behind Aston Villa — and won only six games. Six of Cisse’s strikes have been against sides in the bottom half and Burnley, Hull, Everton, and Villa would have leapfrogged a Newcastle side shorn of the striker. After his brace against Steve Bruce’s side, Cisse scored another double to clinch a 2-2 draw against Swansea two weeks later. His next goal was a second-half equaliser in a 1-1 with Burnley in December and, four days later, hit another two to seal a 2-1 victory over Chelsea. Later that month he netted in a 3-2 triumph over Everton while in February he scored against his former manager Alan Pardew at Crystal Palace in a 1-1 draw. Cisse also supplied the cutting edge to snatch a 1-0 victory against Villa. The Senegalese striker is currently serving a seven-game ban after clashing with Jonny Evans . 5 April Sunderland (a) 13 April Liverpool (a) 19 April Tottenham (h) 25 April Swansea (h) 2 May Leicester (a) His only goal which hasn’t had affected the outcome of a match was a late consolation penalty in a 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford on Boxing Day. Even when Cisse hasn’t found the net, however, he still has a beneficial impact. Newcastle have a points-to-games ratio of 1.37 when the striker plays but just 0.9 when he doesn’t. In reality, there is little cause for concern as Carver’s side currently sit 10 points clear of the drop zone. But after their trip to the Stadium of Light they will face top-four chasing Liverpool and Tottenham in the coming weeks. Newcastle will be hoping they aren’t looking over their shoulders when Cisse returns for their final three games of the campaign. Cisse nets against Burnley at Turf Moor, a goal that saw Newcastle earn a point in December .

Newcastle hope to avoid third defeat in a row when they face Sunderland . Papiss Cisse has scored 11 Premier League goals this season . 10 of those have been decisive, and the Magpies would be in the relegation zone behind Sunderland without his goals .


Dick Advocaat will welcome 'controller' Lee Cattermole back to the heart of his Sunderland team as he attempts to launch another late survival bid with a record fifth successive derby victory. The 27-year-old enforcer has missed the last two games through suspension after reaching 10 bookings for the season, and that meant he was unavailable for the Dutchman's first game in charge, a 1-0 defeat at West Ham on March 21. However, Cattermole was the only man told he will definitely start against Newcastle on Sunday during Friday's team meeting, and Advocaat is looking for a big response from a player who has once again missed a significant proportion of the campaign to date through injury. Dick Advocaat will welcome back Lee Cattermole after the midfielder missed the defeat to West Ham United . The Sunderland manager has confirmed that Cattermole will definitely start the game against Newcastle . He said: 'He was the only one I told at the team meeting this morning that he will play, so he knows. 'Definitely they missed him because he did not play for 10 or 11 games. He had 10 weeks out - that's quite a long time. 'He is the controller of the team and a player with experience, so for the team it is good, not only as a player, but also as a person, that he's back in the team.' Cattermole's return could hardly be more timely with Sunderland sitting just a point clear of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone with eight games to play and in desperate need of a repeat of their heroics at the end of last season if they are to avoid another desperate scrap for top-flight survival. Advocaat and coach Paul Bracewell discuss tactics during training ahead of the clash with Newcastle . Cattermole and his team-mates share a joke during training as they prepare to face their fiercest rivals . Former Middlesbrough and Wigan man Cattermole played his part in a remarkable escape 12 months ago, and while he insists the picture has not been as black as has been painted at times, he knows the time for action rather than talking has arrived. Cattermole said: 'We haven't played too badly all season, really. There's been the odd bad performance which has killed us, but we just need to start getting over the line and winning some games. There's not really much else to say on the matter. 'We need to get some confidence. We haven't hit a roll all season, we did at the end of last season. It's always been a draw, a draw, then maybe a win, and we have never got anything going. Cattermole played his part in a remarkable escape from relegation for the Black Cats just 12 months ago . Cattermole has yet again missed large portions of Sunderland's season through injury . 'This is a good time to maybe get something going and finish the season with a bit of a bang.' Cattermole has played in two of Sunderland's four consecutive wins over their neighbours, including the 1-0 victory at St James' Park in December, and an extension of that record would send spirits soaring on Wearside. The Black Cats have never before enjoyed five wins on the trot over the Magpies, but while acknowledging the importance of the fixture, Advocaat - a veteran of the Old Firm derby as well as similar rivalries in Holland and Russia - is refusing to be distracted by the opposition this weekend. He said: 'It's nice, but the past doesn't count anymore. We don't get more points because of the last four games. Will Buckley and some of the Sunderland squad share the ball around during a training session . Sunderland players battle for the ball as the Black Cat prepare of their clash against Newcastle United . Jermain Defoe teases the Sunderland players as he dummies a pass in training at the Academy of Light . 'We all know how important this is, it's a special moment for everybody. But we are focused on the game and that we get the result we need. 'Every game for us is a special match. This, of course, because it's Newcastle is special, but we still need points and we still have only eight games left, so in that way, it's very important that we can show our fans that we really want to win. 'If we can get them behind us, it can be a very important weapon.' While Advocaat has been boosted by Cattermole's return, he will be without central defender Wes Brown, who faces up to a month on the sidelines with a knee injury. Cattermole will return, but defender Wes Brown will miss the clash as he recovers from a knee injury .

Lee Cattermole will return from suspension to face rivals Newcastle United . Sunderland midfielder has missed the Black Cats last two matches . But, manager Dick Advocaat insists the midfielder will face Newcastle . However, defender Wes Brown will miss the derby match through injury .


Tottenham defender Ben Davies will allow no room for sentiment up against Wales team-mate Sam Vokes at Burnley on Sunday. Spurs head to Turf Moor looking to sustain a decent run following just one defeat, at Manchester United, from four Barclays Premier League matches before the international break as they look to keep alive hopes of European qualification. Burnley, meanwhile, are scrapping for survival, currently 18th, but just a point from safety. Burnley's Sam Vokes celebrates scoring against Tottenham in the FA Cup earlier this season, with Spurs defender Ben Davies turning away following the Clarets' equaliser in the third round at Turf Moor . Davies chases a loose ball for Tottenham along with Chelsea's Willian earlier this season in a Barclays Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge which the Blues won 3-0 . Clarets forward Vokes and full-back Davies were part of the Wales team which beat Israel 3-0 in their Euro 2016 qualifying tie. However, Davies maintains there can be no quarter given should he get the chance of a first Spurs appearance since the 2-1 win at QPR. 'I have played alongside Sam with Wales for a good couple of years now and it is always strange coming up against somebody who is normally a team-mate, but regardless of that Burnley is a tough place to go,' Davies said on Tottenham's official website. 'Burnley are a well-organised team and they can make it very difficult for their opponents. They have taken points off some big teams this year, so we need to go there and make sure that we are focused and be wary of the threats that they have got.' With points at a premium at both ends of the table, Davies knows what is at stake over the run-in. Sam Vokes attempts to fire a shot in on goal for Wales as Israel's Tal Ben Haim lunges in during Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier in Haifa . Davies was also part of the Wales team which triumphed in Israel (right) as he slides in to block a cross . 'Everybody is fighting for something. Every team needs the points at this stage of the season and they want to win every game they can,' the defender added. 'It is going to be no different on Sunday. We are going there and we have got to be ready to match their challenge.' Dutch goalkeeper Michel Vorm is set to deputise for Hugo Lloris, who has a knee injury. Full-back Danny Rose will be assessed after returning early from an England call-up with hamstring and hip issues. Spurs had some 13 players away on senior international duty, with striker Harry Kane again impressing for the Three Lions, scoring on his debut against Lithuania at Wembley, while Andros Townsend netted an equaliser against Italy in Turn on Tuesday night, when midfielder Ryan Mason made his bow. Manager Mauricio Pochettino believes the squad can take that positive mood back into domestic duty. He said: 'It has been a very good week for Tottenham. The English players and others with their international teams have put in good performances. They are all fit and at a very good level too. 'It is always difficult after the international break, but we need to make it a good performance and win the game.'

Burnley host Tottenham  in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday . Sam Vokes' only goal this season came against Spurs in the FA Cup . Tottenham defender Ben Davies ready for Clarets test at Turf Moor .


Neil Redfearn is considering his position as manager of Leeds United after the club suspended his assistant Steve Thompson on Thursday. Leeds took two months to appoint Thompson but he was told in a letter from director of football Nicola Salerno yesterday morning that he was be suspended until the end of the season effectively ending his time at Elland Road after 105 days. Thompson is understood to have been told that he will be suspended until his contract expires at the end of the season. He has also been informed that an option to renew his deal will not be taken up by the club. Leeds United assistant manager Steve Thompson (left) has been suspended by the club . Thompson's suspension has left manager Neil Redfearn considering his future at Elland Road . A club statement read: 'The director of football Nicola Salerno, has today (April 2) suspended the assistant coach Steve Thompson from his duties at the club. This is an internal matter and the club will make no further comment on this internal issue.' Redfearn, the club's third coach of the season, took training before attending a delayed press conference and said: 'It’s become difficult for me. It’s not ideal timing. It’s not helped. I’ve got to have a good think about my future now. It undermines everything. We have put things together me and Steve. Before it was a no brainer for me to stay on, not so much now. 'I love this club, I was brought up on Leeds United but this situation is a difficult one for me . 'Thommo was informed this morning through a letter. He’s been suspended - for what, I don’t know. You’d have to find that out from the club. I don’t understand why he has been suspended. I’m bitterly disappointed. It’s a difficult one for me to take, I can’t think for one minute why someone who has been part of this success has been sacked. 'Me and Steve were the ideal partnership, he’s been great for me and I’m bitterly disappointed that he’s not here.' Redfearn’s contract is also up at the end of the season and club president Massimo Cellino is suspended until May 3. Sol Bamba heads home in a recent win for the Whites at Fulham's Craven Cottage . Leeds sit 13th in the Championship table but were unbeaten in March and take on Blackburn Rovers on Saturday. It is also understood that Redfearn is under pressure not to select top scorer Mirco Antenucci who will trigger a bonus clause in his contract should he score two more goals. Thompson is taking advice from the LMA while Salerno's own position is thought to be open to review at the end of the season.

Steve Thompson suspended by Leeds just 19 games in to No 2 role . Speculation mounting over future of manager Neil Redfearn . Leeds are 13th in the Championship with 52 points .


John Carver says he will use a whip if he has to in a bid to motivate his Newcastle players ahead of Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby at the Stadium of Light. The Magpies have lost the last four matches against their North-East rivals and head coach Carver – who was assistant to Alan Pardew during that wretched run – admits that Sunderland wanted victory more than United on those occasions. ‘In the last four games Sunderland have out-worked us - and that's not a good stat to have,’ he said. John Carver says he will 'whip' his players to make sure they're motivated to beat Sunderland on Sunday . Dick Advocaat will take charge of his second game as boss and will want to keep Sunderland's record going . ‘I'll be making sure that doesn't happen again and I'll be using a whip to make sure we don't get out-worked.’ There is a suggestion that Newcastle will struggle for motivation given the comfort of their mid-table position compared to the Black Cats, who are fighting for Premier League survival. But Carver said: ‘I disagree, we’ve got everything to play for. That’s not just because of our respective league positions, we've lost the last four derbies and drawn the previous one. Moussa Sissoko (left) will captain Newcastle but he's been poor in his previous appearances in the derby . Newcastle players warm up during a training session at St. James' Park as they prepare for Sunderland . ‘We've got an awful lot to prove. I shouldn't have to motivate players to play in a Premier League match. This is a big occasion.' He added: ‘A lot of people out there say that because we've got a lot of foreign players they don't know what the game means, but that's an easy excuse. ‘With the staff we've got here we drum it into them every single day. You have to cope with the heat of the derby, it can make you or break you.’ Massadio Haidara's knee injury will keep him out of action for the rest of the Premier League campaign . Mehdi Abeid (centre) will be included in the squad and could feature at the Stadium of Light on Sunday . Jack Colback (left) will be in for a hostile reception while Siem de Jong is still unavailable through injury . Tim Krul returned from international duty unscathed and will play in goal for the North-East derby . Suspended captain Fabricio Coloccini (left) leads the team in the warm-up at St.James' Park . The Newcastle players will be looking to end the run of four successive defeats against Sunderland . Emmanuel Riviere (left) and Jonas Gutierrez compete for possession during Friday's training session . Newcastle will be skippered by France midfielder Moussa Sissoko, who has disappointed in the derby fixtures of late. And Carver said: ‘It'll be nice for Moussa to impose his presence. There's one or two lads in that dressing room who need a good game in the derby because they've not done in the past. ‘If we get enough payers imposing themselves on the game then we have a good chance of winning it.’ Meanwhile, Carver confirmed that defender Massadio Haidara will miss the rest of the season following knee surgery but Mehdi Abeid is expected to be in the squad. Advocaat with coach Paul Bracewell  during a Sunderland training session at the Academy of Light . The Dutchman could join Gus Poyet and Paolo di Canio in beating Newcastle in their first attempts in charge . Will Buckley (left) during a pass and move session as Sunderland prepare for Sunday's North-East derby . Lee Cattermole (left) and Jermain Defoe will want to keep their sides record against Newcastle going . Defoe has possession in a game of keep ball at the Academy of Light in preparation for derby day . Jordi Gomez (left) and Jack Rodwell have been ever presents for Sunderland and could start on Sunday .

John Carver revealed he would use a whip to motivate his players . Newcastle have lost their last four matches against rivals Sunderland . Massadio Haidara has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign . Mehdi Abeid is expected to be in the squad after returning to training . CLICK HERE for all the latest Newcastle United news .


David Templeton has delivered a damning critique of the training-ground methods deployed at Rangers by Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall. The Ibrox winger claimed Stuart McCall had brought a brand of coaching and tactical preparation he felt was lacking under the previous management. Templeton praised the impact the former Motherwell boss has made since his arrival on a short-term deal last month, with back-to-back wins having revived confidence ahead of Saturday's home meeting with Championship title-winners Hearts. Rangers winger David Templeton is full of praise for the impact of new boss Stuart McCall . Templeton says that McCall's training ground methods are superior to the previous management's . 'For me, it's a coaching thing,' said Templeton, assessing the changes under the new leadership. 'We're being coached more and, building up to games, we're working on different formations, which players are going to play, movements, all different stuff, like most teams probably do. 'For me, it has been great, every boy going into a game knows what they have to do, basically. 'The tempo of training, the intensity, everything has been right up and it has been really enjoyable actually, but tough. That's what we needed.' Asked if that was not the case beforehand, Templeton simply replied: 'No.' Pressed to expand, he added: 'I don't think we were being coached the right way. We weren't going into games working on the stuff I think we should have been working on, which we are doing now and that is showing with the results. 'We should probably still have won games that we didn't. But going into games knowing what you have to do does definitely help and I think that showed in the Hibs game two weeks ago. 'We changed the formation and shut out their midfield, their most creative part, and that showed with the result. They didn't create any chances - I don't think Cammy (Bell) had a save to make. That was just through working on things during the week.' Former boss McCoist was placed on garden leave last December with assistant McDowall becoming caretaker manager. He then stepped down when McCall and Kenny Black arrived. Despite his unflattering assessment, Templeton insisted he was not attacking the qualities of McCoist or McDowall. 'It's not that I think it's better coaching,' said Templeton. 'Every coach has a different style. 'The way we were going, we needed to work on things to get back to playing well and defending well. 'We were gifting too many goals and I think that was just through not working on the back four or back three, whatever we were playing. I don't think that he' s a bad coach or anything, just that since the manager has come in we've worked on stuff we had to work on.' Templeton has singled out the change in formation and new-found intensity as behind the improvement .

Rangers winger David Templeton is full of praise for the impact of new boss Stuart McCall . He feels that the new regime is far better than that under Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall . Templeton has singled out a new-found intensity and more astute tactics as reasons behind the recent upturn in fortunes at Ibrox . Rangers go into Saturday's game with Championship title-winners Hearts off the back of two consecutive wins .


Celta Vigo forward Nolito has declared that Lionel Messi should hit the Spanish coast on Sunday instead of risking his foot injury during their La Liga clash. The Barcelona forward has been training following a minor problem, and is set to recover in time for the trip to Celta, but 28-year-old Nolito has urged the Argentine to stay away. 'I guess he'll come, but he can spend the day at the beach as far as I'm concerned,' Nolito told Marca. 'I'll give his dad a ring in a minute.' Lionel Messi should be fit to face Celta Vigo for Barcelona after recovering from a foot injury . Barcelona forward trains alongside team-mate Javier Mascherano (centre) on Thursday . Nolito played alongside Messi for a period at Barcelona, but struggled to impress at the Catalan club that are four points clear at the top of La Liga this season. Celta currently sit 10th in the table, although Nolito insists that his team-mates do not fear Messi and Co. 'The games have to be played,' Nolito added. 'You never know what's going to happen. 'Celta aren't scared of any opposition, regardless of whether they are the best team in the world. We've got nothing to lose.' Messi was forced to sit out both of Argentina's friendlies during the international break . Celta Vigo forward Nolito has declared that Messi should head to the beach rather than playing his team .

Barcelona set to travel to Celta Vigo for  clash on Sunday . Lionel Messi set to return from foot injury for La Liga match . Celta forward Nolito urges former team-mate Messi not to play .


Sam Allardyce has warned Brendan Rodgers that putting Raheem Sterling on a bumper new contract could cause a ripple effect across the rest of the Liverpool squad. The West Ham manager feels paying Sterling more than the £100,000-per-week deal he was already offered would lead to the 20-year-old's team-mates demanding more. Yet Allardyce does not blame Sterling, currently on £35,000 a week at Liverpool, for trying to get as much as possible. Big Sam feels there are so few talented youngsters emerging that clubs are willing to pay extraordinary wages to sign any available. Liverpool and England star Raheem Sterling has stalled over signing a new contract at the Anfield club . Sam Allardyce believes that giving Sterling a bumper deal could risk unsettling the other Liverpool players . Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers (right) is extremely keen to keep hold of one of the club's best players . 'When the supply is far less than the demand, then you've got very big demands from the youngster, who is a very talented youngster because there are not enough about,' Allardyce said. 'Not just in the country but in Europe in general, if not in the world. 'The demand is out there. The supply is minimal. A lot less than we want it to be. Hence that gives it a value. When that comes around it's very difficult for a football club not to pay that level of finance that they then demand. 'It reflects down the way from there on in, by the fact that the more the money goes up at the top end the more everybody else wants going down below that.' Allardyce feels if a club were to buy the England international, who currently has two years left on his contract at Liverpool, then they would not only be getting a player, but a brand. 'If a player is in his position like Raheem Sterling, then you're going to look at his value,' Allardyce added. 'Not just his value on the pitch but his value in branding. 'You have to remember that we're hitting 950 million viewers every weekend. The agents and his advisers look at the value of that to the football club, and the value of that to him and their brand, and they ask for that sort of money.' Sterling drags the ball back ahead of the oncoming challenge from Lithuania's Georgas Freidgeimas (left) Sterling scored his first goal for England during the 4-0 win in the Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania . Big Sam was speaking ahead of West Ham's match with the Barclays Premier League's bottom-club Leicester City on Saturday. The game will see Allardyce reunited with Leicester manager Nigel Pearson after they worked together at Newcastle United in 2007. Pearson has been involved in several controversial incidents this season, including grabbing Crystal Palace's James McArthur by the throat and losing his cool with a reporter during a press conference. It added to speculation Pearson will be sacked but Allardyce defended the man that was once a coach under him at St James' Park. 'Nigel was there (at Newcastle) when I arrived and we worked very well together in that short period of time,' Allardyce said. 'I always thought he was management material and I think he left just after I left, then moved into management and has been very successful. 'I suppose in the end Nigel is a very, very, very, very honest man. He says it how it is. Perhaps that's sometimes the wrong thing to do publicly, but he knows who he is. He knows what he wants. He knows how to try to achieve it.' Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson (left) has been involved in a number of controversial incidents this season .

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has warned Brendan Rodgers that any bumper deal offered to Raheem Sterling could upset other Liverpool players . Sterling has recently rejected terms of £100,000 per week at the Anfield club . The England international is widely regarded as one of the best young talents this country has to offer . Speaking ahead of West Ham's game with Leicester, Allardyce also took time to defend under-fire Foxes boss Nigel Pearson . Pearson was part of Allardyce's coaching staff when he managed Newcastle .


Blackpool are in talks to sign Austria defender Thomas Piermayr. The 25-year-old has been training with the Championship club this week and they are keen to get him on board for what is expected to be confirmed as a campaign in League One next season. Piermayr is a free agent and had been playing for Colorado Rapids. The former Austria Under-21 international had a spell with Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2011. Blackpool are in talks to sign Austria defender Thomas Piermayr (left), pictured playing for Colorado Rapids . He has never played in England but Blackpool could give the defender his first chance. The Tangerines are preparing for life in League One next year as they sit bottom of the Championship on 23 points ahead of their trip to Bolton on Saturday. The club had won just four matches all season - none away from home - before they made the journey to the Macron Stadium. Obafemi Martins of the Seattle Sounders dribbles against  Piermayr in April 2014 before he left .

Thomas Piermayr has been training with the Championship club this week . Blackpool sit bottom of the table and are set to be in League One next year . Piermayr is a free agent and had been playing for Colorado Rapids .


Tony Pulis is plotting talks with West Bromwich Albion chairman Jeremy Peace once Premier League safety is secured to ensure the club can become a top-ten team again. Pulis said West Brom has 'gone off the rails' in recent seasons and needs fundamental improvements to get back on track. West Brom finished 10th and 8th under Roy Hodgson and Steve Clarke before struggling for survival in a chaotic campaign last season before finishing 17th. West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis (left) shouts instructions from the sideline against Man City . They were in danger of the drop again this year with Alan Irvine in charge, one point and one place above the relegation zone, before Pulis arrived and sparked an upturn in form. Pulis wants to do extensive business in the summer market, with Neil Taylor and Bakary Sako two players on Pulis' shopping list, and discussions with Peace will follow confirmed survival. The Baggies almost got relegated under Alan Irvine (above) last season before Pulis arrived to save the day . 'We will talk about it (summer transfer market) once we have achieved our goals - which is to stay up. We are still points away from that,' said Pulis. 'Once that is achieved we will sit down and talk to the chairman. It is a good football club, everything is in place. 'It has gone a little bit off the rails in the last two or three years. I don't think anyone can argue about that, it is now just about trying to get it back on track.' Wolves winger Bakary Sako (right) is a player that Pulis wants to bring on board during the summer . Pulis, who welcomes Queens Park Rangers to the Hawthorns on Saturday, added: 'We will never look any further than beyond what is directly in front of us and the QPR game is massive; that's what we're focused on. 'But it's a good club and it's a club which I think can be a top 10 club in the Premier League. 'That is the ambition I have and I know the chairman has too. He accepts that it has drifted a bit in the past couple of seasons and we all want to get it going forward again.'

West Brom finished 10th and 8th under Roy Hodgson and Steve Clarke . The Baggies finished 17th in last season's Premier League . Tony Pulis wants to do extensive business in the summer market .


Arsenal legend Ian Wright would be disappointed to see Theo Walcott leave north London, and believes his troubled times at the club are down to Arsene Wenger's refusal to play him as a striker. Walcott has made just five starts for Arsenal this season since returning from a serious knee injury after seven months on the sidelines. And with Arsenal pursuing Raheem Sterling and Walcott's contract set to run out next summer, Wright is worried that the Gunners could stand to lose a valuable player. Theo Walcott could be on the way out of Arsenal, and Gunners legend Ian Wright says that would be 'a shame' Wright enjoys Walcott as a player and hinted that he would like to see the winger stay at the club . Walcott started up front for England against Italy on Tuesday but his appearances have been limited this year . 'It's a shame for him, and the fact that people are talking about him maybe moving on if someone else comes in makes me quite sad,' he said. 'I really like him at Arsenal but he's got massive decisions to make in the next few months.' Wright also believes the England wideman, who was played in a central role for his country in Italy on Tuesday night, should have been moved into a similar position for his Arsenal. Walcott's pace had seen him likened to the Gunners' record goalscorer Thierry Henry, who made a similar positional switch during his time in north London, but manager Wenger has only briefly experimented with Walcott as a striker. Thierry Henry was prolific as a striker for Arsenal after being moved inside from his familiar wide role . Arsene Wenger has only briefly used Walcott up front, and Wright says it should have been persisted with . Liverpool's Raheem Sterling is an Arsenal target who also has his contract expiring in the near future . 'I always believed Theo should have been a striker at Arsenal with his pace. I thought playing him on the right would last so long and then he would get moved inside,' Wright told Goal. I'm not saying he's the same kind of player as Thierry Henry by any stretch, but I thought Arsene would move him inside. 'I think that's been to his detriment, because he would have learned a lot more about the game and runs he'd have to make. I've seen him finish very well when he gets into one-on-one situations.'

Theo Walcott's contract with Arsenal expires at the end of next season . England winger has made just five starts for his club this campaign . Ian Wright says it would be 'a shame' to see Walcott leave Arsenal . The Gunners have been linked to signing Liverpool's Raheem Sterling .


Roberto  Martinez is backing Ross Barkley to become an even more influential player for Everton and England after negotiating second-season syndrome at Goodison Park. Barkley has had an indifferent campaign for the Toffees on the back of his inclusion in last summer’s England World Cup party and a knee operation which disrupted his return to domestic duty. But England coach Roy Hodgson has kept faith with the 21-year-old and Martinez believes his two substitute appearances for England against Lithuania and Italy over the past week have shown that the midfielder is ready to kick on again. Roberto Martinez is backing Ross Barkley to become an even more influential player for Everton and England . Barkley impressed after coming off the substitutes bench during England's 1-1 draw in Turin . Martinez said: 'Ross is a young man but he is used to having to deal with extremes. When he plays well he is probably the best footballer England has. When he has a bad game it’s the end of the world. 'He has achieved an incredible level of maturity this season. 'He had to go through a period of difficulty the same way we have as a team and I think he has learned a lot. 'It doesn’t surprise me, he has had a big impact when he came on in both games with England. He was ready to do that. Barkley replaced Theo Walcott in the second half and looked bright as the Three Lions earned a draw . The 21-year-old celebrates after scoring for Everton during their 3-0 victory against Newcastle . 'He will benefit from the experiences of this difficult season. This is his second full season in an important role in the squad. He enjoys that responsibility and taking responsibility in big games. 'He has an incredible technical ability and, with the physicality he has, you don’t see many players in world football with those capabilities. 'We know who Ross is and how important he is for the future of Everton.” Everton’s struggles this season have seen them flirt with relegation and although wins over Newcastle and QPR have eased their plight, Martinez insists guaranteeing safety is still their only immediate target going into Saturday’s visit of sixth-placed Southampton. Martinez insists guaranteeing safety is still Everton's only immediate target ahead of Saturday's match . The Everton boss added: 'There’s no distraction from our league position. That’s everything that matters. 'Those two wins have given us a real sense of confidence and belief for what’s in front of us. 'Forty points is still the target. Nothing has changed until we achieve that and then we will try and get as high up the table as we can.' Top scorer Romelu Lukaku will face a fitness test on the hamstring injury that kept him out of Belgium’s internationals but midfielder Darron Gibson is expected to be fit to face the Saints. Wingers Kevin Mirallas and Steven Pienaar have also recovered from injury and could be included. Top scorer Romelu Lukaku (centre) will face a fitness test on his hamstring injury .

Ross Barkley impressed during England's 1-1 draw against Italy . Roberto Martinez hopes Barkley can kick on for Everton . Everton face Premier League clash against Southampton on Saturday .


England will not be playing in the Under 19 European Championships this summer after losing 2-1 to France in their decisive final qualifier. Having beaten Denmark and Azerbaijan in their opening Elite Round qualifiers, the Young Lions had to beat France in Saint-Lo to advance to July's finals in Greece . But goals from Sehrou Guirassy and Gnaly Cornet put the hosts in command and a late response from Fulham's Patrick Roberts wasn't enough to rescue Sean O'Driscoll's team. Patrick Roberts was on target for England's Young Lions against France but it wasn't enough to qualify . Boosted by the return of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks from suspension, O'Driscoll reverted to the line-up that had beaten Denmark 3-2 late last week. A swirling wind in Normandy made playing conditions difficult, with any long balls ineffective, and consequently the first period saw very few chances. France managed to take one of theirs, however, just after the half-hour mark. Neal Maupay fired the ball into a crowded penalty area and Guirassy had the presence of mind to divert it past England goalkeeper Angus Gunn. Chelsea' Izzy Brown came close to equalising shortly before half-time but sent Demarai Gray's cross over the bar inside the six-yard box. Sean O'Driscoll's team have missed out on this summer's European Championship finals in Greece . France's second goal, five minutes into the second half, left England with a mountain to climb. Maupay again provided the assist, passing to Cornet to drill the ball in off the near post. The home side were almost over the finish line but there was a flicker of hope for England when Roberts halved the deficit from a Ruben Loftus-Cheek cross 11 minutes from time. But England required a further two goals because of their inferior goal difference in the group and there was to be no late drama as their Euro ambitions faded. England (4-1-4-1): Angus Gunn (Manchester City); Ashley Smith-Brown (Manchester City), Joe Gomez (Charlton Athletic), Brendan Galloway (Everton), Ben Chilwell (Leicester City); Harry Winks (Tottenham Hotspur); Patrick Roberts (Fulham), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea), Charlie Colkett (Chelsea), Demarai Gray (Birmingham City); Izzy Brown (C; Chelsea). Substitutions: Ola Aina (Chelsea) for Smith-Brown 76; Bradley Fewster (Middlesbrough) for Colkett 82 . Substitutes not used: Freddie Woodman (Newcastle United), Alex Kiwomya (Chelsea), Aaron Kuhl (Reading), Robert Dickie (Reading). Scorer: Roberts 79 . Booked: Colkett 58, Aina 83 . Head coach: Sean O’Driscoll . France: Florian Escales, Angelo Fulgini, Mouctar Diakhaby, Abdou Diallo, Olivier Kemen (C), Gnaly Cornet, Samed Kilic, Neal Maupay, Sehrou Guirassy, Alex Blin, Lucas . Substitutions: Lucas Tousart for Kilic 46; Benjamin Pavard for Kemin 67; Ulrich Nnomo for Guirassy 84 . Substitutes not used: Bingourou Kamara, Nicolas Senzemba, Kingsley Coman, Lyes Houri . Scorers: Guirassy 31; Cornet 50 . Booked: Maupay 25, Kemen 45 . Head coach: Patrick Gonfalone . Referee: Marco Guida (ITA) Attendance: 3,372 .

England needed to beat France in their final Euro 2015 qualifier . But goals from Sehrou Guirassy and Gnaly Cornet won it for the hosts . Late response from Fulham's Patrick Roberts wasn't enough .


Newcastle midfielder Jonas Gutierrez is hoping to celebrate his return to first-team action with a much-needed derby victory over struggling Sunderland. The 31-year-old Argentinian has appeared as a substitute in each of the Magpies' last three games following his return from testicular cancer, and has been welcomed warmly back into the fold on and off the pitch. However, he has finished on the losing side on each occasion and is desperate to end that run as Newcastle attempt to bounce back from an unprecedented four successive defeats by their arch-rivals at the Stadium of Light on Sunday. Jonas Gutierrez is preparing to face Sunderland in the fourth game since his return from testicular cancer . Gutierrez, seen here with manager John Carver, has been a substitute in Newcastle's last three matches . The Black Cats are currently fighting for their Barclays Premier League lives once again, but Gutierrez knows that will count for little this weekend. He told the Chronicle: 'In the last few years, they have been in a bad place and they beat us. Listen, it doesn't matter what position you are in for a derby. It's a derby, it's different. 'We know what the fans think of this type of game. We know now it's a few games where we have not beaten them. Gutierrez has received a hero's reception from Newcastle fans since his return to the team . Gutierrez is determined to make amends for recent derby disappointments against rivals Sunderland . 'It's away, so we have to be ready and focused. We want to get a win for the fans. They deserve it, so we are going to work hard and start from the beginning. 'We can't start late in the derby because we want three points.' Gutierrez last played in the derby in April 2013 on a bad day for Tyneside as Sunderland ran out 3-0 winners at St James' Park.

Newcastle United travel to Sunderland on Sunday in Tyne-Wear derby . Gutierrez has appeared as substitute in three games since return from testicular cancer, but hasn't yet been on winning side . Argentine wants to make amends after four straight losses to rivals .


NRL referees and officials have been struck with projectiles by angry supporters after a tight contest between South Sydney and Canterbury ended in controversy. Rabbitohs sealed a final minute 18-17 victory over the Bulldogs in an absorbing encounter at ANZ Stadium in Sydney during the Good Friday showdown. But fans turned on referee Gerard Sutton and his colleagues after they penalised Bulldogs captain James Graham in the final minute, effectively handing the Rabbitohs the win. As referees, officials and players made their way off the field and towards the tunnel after full time, a section of the crowd started hurling  plastic water bottles and abuse at them. Sideline interchange official Darren Alchin has been taken to hospital with a suspected broken shoulder after he slipped to avoid being hit with bottles as he fell to the ground. Scroll down for video . A touch judge is hit by a bottle at the end of the Round 5 NRL match between the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Friday . David Klemmer and James Graham confront referee Gerard Sutton after awarding Rabbitohs a late penalty . It's understood Sutton slipped over as he attempted to dodge the missiles for cover. He was assisted to his feet and moved to the officials room after he managed to escape with no injuries. A NSW police spokeswoman has confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that two people have been formally identified for allegedly throwing bottles as they continue to investigate the incident. 'Police will be taking legal action against them while inquiries to identify others involved are continuing,' a police statement said. Canterbury coach Des Hasler has apologised on behalf of his club over the actions of some fans after objects were thrown. 'I just want to offer an apology on behalf of the club,' Hasler said. 'I've been to see the refereeing official who was I think struck by a projectile he's ok but that is not us, that is not what this club is about and it's not what sport in this country is about. 'Unfortunately the behaviour of a few can kind of ruin it and spoil it for everybody. 'On behalf of all the officials and the players and everybody involved with the club, our sincerest apologies for what appeared and it won't happen again.' A Bulldogs supporter gestures at the end of the match after a controversial penalty was awarded to Souths . Canterbury chief executive Raelene Castle said the incident will be investigated and the club has called for a life ban on fans who were involved in the attack . Canterbury chief executive Raelene Castle said the club has called for a life ban from all NRL fixtures on fans who were responsible in the attack as they investigate the incident. 'It's not what this club is about and it's not acceptable behaviour,' Castle said. 'We will look at the vision and take action. 'Even thought we lost it is unacceptable for fans to throw bottles!! We will work to find the culprits!' 9 News  reported that there was a coward punch attack outside the stadium following the incident. Bulldogs fans react towards the match officials at full time  at ANZ Stadium on Friday night in Sydney . As referees, officials and players made their way off the field and towards the tunnel, a section of the crowd started hurling plastic water bottles and abuse at them . A Bulldogs supporter was not impressed after Rabbitohs were awarded a late penalty . The incident comes after Sutton awarded the Rabbitohs a late penalty after Graham was placed on report for the incident that saw Reynolds struggle off the ground on crutches and a knee brace. Bulldogs fans were incensed when the Rabbitohs were awarded a kick right in front of the posts, after a late tackle on Reynolds as he attempted a field goal. Sutton then invoked the NRL rulebook which states that if a player impedes an opponent when attempting a field goal the penalty will be taken from 10 metres out. Graham was furious at the decision and he and fellow prop David Klemmer surrounded Sutton with Klemmer sin-binned for yelling: 'You're off your f******g face,' in the face of the lead official. Bulldogs supporters gesture to George Burgess at the end of their Round 5 NRL match  on Friday night . Police speak to Bulldogs supporters after officials and referees were showered with plastic water bottles . Rabbitohs players gestures towards their fans after victory over the Bulldogs  at ANZ Stadium .

South Sydney secured a bitter 18-17 victory after a last-gasp penalty . Bulldogs were leading until the referee awarded Rabbitohs a late penalty . Rabbitohs converted the penalty and went on to win the game . As officials made their way off the field, they were pelted with missiles . One of the officials was taken to hospital with suspected broken shoulder . Canterbury coach has apologised for the actions of his club's supporters . Bulldogs CEO said the club has called for a life ban on fans involved . Police have identified two people for allegedly throwing bottles . Inquiries to identify others involved in the attack are continuing .


Former England captain Kevin Sinfield has been warned he will be a 'target' when he makes the switch to rugby union at the end of the season. Sinfield, 34, the greatest captain in Leeds' history, stunned the world of rugby league on Tuesday with his sudden announcement that he will quit the sport at the end of the season and join the Rhinos' sister club Yorkshire Carnegie on an 18-month contract. Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield is to switch codes and join Yorkshire Carnegie at the end of the season . Castleford head coach Daryl Powell, the man who made Sinfield captain at the age of 22, trod the same path, although in a coaching capacity after losing the Rhinos top job in 2003, and has a word of warning for his former team-mate. 'It surprised me a little bit,' Powell said. 'It will be interesting to see if he can make a success of it but he's been an outstanding player and captain within the sport and you wouldn't back against him. I think he's been unbelievable in his career. 'He won't need my advice. He knows what he's doing. I'm sure he will have done all his homework. Sinfield (centre) lifts the Super League trophy after Leeds beat Warrington in the grand final in October 2012 . 'It's certainly a challenge. You look at Sam Burgess and what he's going through, and Iestyn Harris - it's tough. It's not an easy thing to do. 'The one thing you do have is a bit of a sign on you, on your head. You're a bit of a target. 'It's a completely different sport. It will be interesting to see what position he's going to play, but I wish him all the best.' Sinfield is tackled during a match between Leeds Rhinos and Leigh Centurions last year . Sinfield, who has guided the Rhinos to six Super League titles, three World Club Challenges and the Challenge Cup in 2014 at the expense of Powell's Castleford, will be the second high-profile departure from Headingley at the end of the year following Jamie Peacock's appointment as Hull KR's new football manager. The former Golden Boot winner is closing in on third place in rugby league's all-time scoring list with 3,997 points, but Powell believes his old club have a ready-made replacement in 20-year-old Liam Sutcliffe, who has deputised for an injured Sinfield in the last two matches. 'They've got some really good young players,' Powell said. 'Liam Sutcllife has slotted in there and seems to be doing a good job. He looks like a mature young player who can handle things pretty much the way Kevin did when he was a young fella. Sinfield (left) in action for England against France during the 2013 Rugby League World Cup quarter-final . 'I was obviously at the back end of my career when Kevin started and it looked like he was going to be an outstanding player. But I don't think anyone could have foreseen how good he was going to be and how many things he would win and how much he would grow as a leader in the game. He's been awesome.' Sinfield has been named in Leeds' 19-man squad for Friday's derby at Castleford, but coach Brian McDermott will not rush his skipper back. 'I'm not sure if he's going to be fit for Friday,' McDermott said. 'What we have got to make sure when Kev does come back into the team is that he's 100 per cent fit. 'Sutcliffe's played really well in these last couple of games. He's held his own and in some parts of the games has played really well. 'It's good to know that while Kevin's in recovery, Sutty is doing a good job and getting more experience.'

Kevin Sinfield has announced he is leaving Leeds at the end of the season . The 34-year-old will cross codes to join sister club Yorkshire Carnegie . Former England captain has won six Super League titles with the Rhinos .


Raheem Sterling has admitted he is not ready to sign a new contract at Liverpool deal despite being offered a £100,000-a-week deal to stay with the Merseyside club. The 20-year-old wideman edged closer towards an Anfield exit after revealing in an interview with the BBC on Wednesday that he would have signed for a lot less a year ago. However, despite being one of Liverpool's star men, Sterling has struggled to repeat the impressive form he showed for the Reds last season. The England international has managed just six goals this season - one less than Stoke frontman Jon Walters - while his conversion rate and minutes per goal ratio have worsened as the graphic below shows. Raheem Sterling has managed just six goals this season - one less than Stoke forward Jon Walters (left)

Raheem Sterling has revealed he is not ready to sign a new Liverpool deal . The Reds wideman has struggled to repeat last season's impressive form . The 20-year-old Liverpool star has managed just six goals this  season . READ: Sterling insists he is not a 'money-grabbing 20-year-old' Sterling: What he said about contract talks... and what he meant . CLICK HERE for the latest Liverpool news .


Brighton and Hove Albion are giving the club's young players training in the law and ethics surrounding sexual consent. The Championship side are the first club to provide training and counselling to its youth players, reports the BBC. The Protect, Inform and Prevent (PIP) programme aims to explain when consent can be said to have been given, in law. Brighton and Hove Albion are giving young players training in the law and ethics surrounding sexual consent . Part of the training is said to involve players taking part in confidential question and answer sessions about previous encounters and is led by a former police detective and a psychotherapist. Four current and former Brighton players were cleared of sexual assault charges in 2013. The four players were found not guilty of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old women at a Brighton hotel in 2013. The Championship club, who play at the Amex Stadium (pictured), are the first to provide such training .

Brighton giving young players training in law surrounding sexual consent . The Seagulls are the first to provide counselling to youth players . Part of training involves taking part in question and answer sessions .


George Boyd is the Barclays Premier League's hardest working player, clocking up 210.5 miles on the pitch this season - the equivalent of running from Burnley's Turf Moor ground to Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park in south London. The Burnley winger has run slightly further than Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Christian Eriksen. Walking the journey from Turf Moor to Selhurst would usually take 69 hours, according to Google Maps' estimations, but Boyd has managed it in less than 40 hours of playing time. George Boyd is the Barclays Premier League's hardest working player, clocking up 210.5 miles on the pitch . Boyd has run the distance between Burnley's Turf Moor ground and Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park . Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Christian Eriksen (right) is second in the list - 0.4 miles behind Boyd . Liverpool stand-in captain Jordan Henderson is also included in the Premier League's top 10 runners . Sean Dyche's side, sitting a point off safety, 18th in the Premier League, have three players in the top 10. Between them, the Burnley squad have run an incredible 2,172.3 miles this campaign. Boyd is joined by his team-mates Scott Arfield and David Jones in a list dominated by players from the bottom half of the table. Only Eriksen, Stoke City's Steven NZonzi, Liverpool's Jordan Henderson and Aaron Cresswell of West Ham feature from clubs  in the top half of the Premier League. Jake Livermore of Hull City, Sebastian Larsson from Sunderland and Newcastle United summer signing Daryl Janmaat make up the rest of the selection. The data was record by EA Sports PPI, which is used as the official player rating index of the Premier League. Scott Arfield, seen here getting away from Sergio Aguero, is another Burnley player to feature in the top 10 . David Jones is another prolific Burnley runner as part of a team who have clocked up 2,172.3 miles . Steven NZonzi (left) is high up in the list as a key part of Stoke City's impressive season under Mark Hughes . And the league's two top runners come head-to-head on Saturday when Spurs and Eriksen travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley and Boyd. With the chance of at least temporarily escaping the relegation zone before Sunderland play Newcastle on Sunday, Boyd will be desperate to make sure that all that running does not count for nothing come the end of the season.

Burnley winger George Boyd has run the furthest in the Premier League . His 210.5 miles this season beats Christian Eriksen from Tottenham . Burnley have run an incredible 2,172.3 miles between them this season . Players from Stoke, Hull, Liverpool and West Ham feature in the top 10 .


Police investigating the murder of a five-month-old baby have today arrested her parents. The child's father, 25, and mother, 25, from Perry Barr, Birmingham, were held  after their daughter died yesterday afternoon. Police were called to their home at just before 1am yesterday morning because the baby was said to be suffering breathing difficulties. House: A baby was found dead at this home in Perry Barr, Birmingham yesterday this afternoon . The child was taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital but died hours later. A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: 'The death is being treated as suspicious; a post mortem will take place today to establish the exact cause of death. 'A 25-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are currently helping police with their inquiries'. An ambulance crew was the first to arrive at the home on Tuesday evening, at around 11.45pm. Investigations: A 25-year-old man and 22-year-old woman, who may be the child's parents, were arrested by West Midlands Police . A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman added: 'We sent a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance crew was also in attendance. 'The youngster was taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital but due to the police investigation we cannot reveal any further details.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Police say baby had breathing problems and died yesterday afternoon . Her father, 25, and her mother, 22, arrested in Perry Barr, Birmingham .


Players' chief Gordon Taylor insists Raheem Sterling is not being disloyal to Liverpool by putting any further talks about a new contract on hold until the summer. The 20-year-old England player has been made what manager Brendan Rodgers described as 'an incredible offer', believed to be £100,000-a-week, but negotiations have ended in stalemate. Sterling has insisted he is not a 'money grabber' and Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, believes waiting until the season is over before resuming talks could be a wise move. Raheem Sterling admitted in a TV interview that he is not ready to sign a new contract at Liverpool . Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers described the £100,000-a-week contract offer as an 'incredible offer' PFA Chief executive Gordon Taylor has defended Sterling for postponing contract negotiations . Taylor said: 'I don't think it's meant to be a sign of disloyalty to Liverpool. 'Even Steven Gerrard, a Liverpool man all his career, had to think about his situation from time to time when there was a great deal of interest in him from other clubs. 'As a player with two years left on his contract he's obviously entitled to consider his options. 'It is a little bit untidy however when the negotiating is taking place in the full glare of the media. 'It's the nature of the game now and it is not necessarily a bad thing for both the club and the player to concentrate on football and leave things on the contract until the end of the season. Sterling has been linked with a move to Arsenal and leading clubs in Spain . Sterling scored for England in their Euro 2016 qualifier with Lithuania on Friday evening . 'They will want to focus on the run-in, the race for the top four and the Champions League places, and the FA Cup as well, and sometimes contract negotiations are the last thing you want to be worrying about.' Taylor added that he was confident Sterling was aware of what he owed to Liverpool and Rodgers. He said: 'Raheem has got to feel very close to Liverpool and he will be aware that they have looked after him, that the manager Brendan Rodgers has put his faith in him and given him his opportunity.'

Sterling's talks with Liverpool over new deal have ended in stalemate . England star, 20, insists he is not a 'money grabber' after turning down £100,000-a-week contract offer tabled by Liverpool . PFA boss Taylor says resuming talks in the summer is a wise move . The rise of Raheem Sterling: From £60 a day at QPR to knocking back £100,000-per-week contracts at Liverpool . Liverpool FC press conference: As Raheem Sterling hints at possible exit, find out what Brendan Rodgers has to say . CLICK HERE for all the latest Liverpool news .


Things haven't been going well for Manchester United flop Anderson since he left Old Trafford to return to Brazil, but at least on Wednesday his own errors were outshone by the stupidity of a team-mate. The Brazilian midfielder was sent off for Internacional after a first-half off-the-ball shove on Ypiranga Erechim striker Otacilio Neto that also saw his opponent sent off for retaliating with an elbow. But fortunately for Anderson, his colleague Fabricio stole the limelight by swearing at his own fans and becoming the third player to be shown the red card, reducing Internacional to nine men in the 1-1 draw in Porto Alegre. Former Manchester United midfielder Anderson shoved Otacilio Neto off the ball to earn a red card . Neto also saw red after he retaliated by by appearing to aim an elbow at Anderson in Porto Alegre . The two players listen to the referee as he reaches for his card from his back pocket on Wednesday night . Anderson shows his shock to be shown the red card for what he believed to be an innocent challenge . While some players offered their hands in apology to the fans after being repeatedly booed, Fabricio took a different route and showed two middle fingers to the crowd leaving referee Luis Teixeira Rocha with no choice but to give him his marching orders. The 28-year-old left back reacted by tearing off his shirt, throwing it to the floor and shouting 'I'm leaving, I'm leaving,' as he walked down the tunnel. He has already been suspended until the end of the week by his club. Anderson ended his seven-and-a-half year association with United in February by signing a four-year deal with Internacional, but his return to Brazil has not gone as planned. Internacional's Fabricio was also sent off later in the game for aiming his middle fingers at booing fans . Fabricio threw his shirt to the ground after being shown the red card and shouted 'I'm leaving, I'm leaving' Having missed a penalty on his debut, he was substituted later in February after just 36 minutes needing oxygen while playing in the high-altitude Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz. While Internacional sit top of the table in the Campeonato Gaucho, Anderson has faced a familiar struggle for fitness despite making eight appearances since his move. Anderson ended a miserable seven-and-a-half year spell with Manchester United by leaving this season .

Manchester United flop Anderson was sent off for Internacional this week . Anderson saw red for an off-the-ball shove during the first half of 1-1 draw . Team-mate Fabricio stole the limelight by swearing at his own fans .


A seven-year-old boy was raped and set on fire by two youths when he went to buy some food. The youths took the boy to an isolated place and raped him. When he resisted, they set him on fire, Inspector Sasthe told PTI. The boy, who suffered 30 per cent burns to his body, somehow managed to escape, Sasthe added. The shocking incident occurred in Pagma Nagar (located on this map), in Bhiwandi City, a suburb of Mumbai . The incident, which happened in Bhiwandi, in Mumbai (stock image) is being investigated by police . The incident took place in Padma Nagar in the city of Bhiwandi, a suburb of Mumbai, police said today. A case has been registered under Sections 307 (attempt to murder), 377 (sodomy) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012. The seven-year-old boy is being treated at the Thane Civil hospital, about 30 minutes away. Police have said they are working to identify and catch the accused.

Youths took boy to an isolated place in Padma Nagar, India, and raped him . When he resisted, they set him on fire, leaving him with 30 per cent burns . He is now being treated at the Thane Civil hospital, about 30 minutes away .


A pug has made a miraculous recovery after he was bitten in the face by a rattlesnake. Dug and his owner, Lindsay Castro, were hiking on the Jurupa Hills trail in Fontana, Canada, on Thursday when they heard a rattling sound. Lindsay backed away, but Dug ran up to the reptile - and suffered the consequences. The snake bit Dug in the face, and his face instantly ballooned to twice its size. Scroll down for video . Horrific: Dug the pug's face swelled to twice its size after he was bitten in the face by a rattlesnake . Curious pup: He had been hiking with his owner when he ran toward a rattle sound - and suffered for it . With limited time, the pair rushed to California Veterinary Specialist Hospital in Ontario, where he was given an entire vile of venom antidote. Finally, after two days of round-the-clock IV fluid and treatment, he is ready to go home. 'I thought I'd lost my dog,' Lindsay told KTLA. 'I was so scared.' Relieved: Owner Lindsay Castro thought she had lost her pet as they rushed to the hospital for treatment . Painful: This is Dug's neck after two days of intensive antidote treatment which massively reduced swelling . Forlorn: It has been a heavy few days for Dug, who was struck on one of the first days of rattlesnake season . 'It was huge': Lindsay described her shock at seeing the 'huge' reptile leap out of the bushes in Fontana . Canada's rattlesnake reason runs from April to September. Speaking to KTLA, Dug's vets issued a warning to other pet owners that animals do not have the same instincts as humans when they see a snake. Fontana Police have also released guidance for dog walkers, ordering people to keep animals on a six-foot leash and seek immediate treatment in the case of a snakebite.

Dug and owner Lindsay Castro were hiking in Fontana, Canada . Lindsay heard a rattle sound and backed away but Dug ran toward it . Snake jumped out, bit him, his face swelled to twice its size . After two days of intensive antidote treatment, he is going home .


Jose Mourinho could one day make a shock return to manage Real Madrid even after his high-profile and acrimonious exit, according to Real defender Alvaro Arbeloa. The Chelsea manager ended his three-year spell in Madrid to rejoin his current club in 2013, leaving the Spanish capital amid rumours of bust-ups with senior players, including club captain Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos and Pepe. But right back Arbeloa, who has made 25 first-team appearances this season, says Real's door will never be closed to bringing the combustible Portuguese coach back as boss. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho could return to take charge of Real Madrid one day, says Alvaro Arbeloa . Arbeloa handed a portion of the credit for Real's Champions League win to Mourinho's groundwork . Under Carlo Ancelotti's stewardship, Real lifted the 10th European Cup that they had craved for so long . The former Liverpool defender also handed a portion of credit for last season's La Decima Champions League win to Mourinho, saying his work was the foundation of their success under Carlo Ancelotti. 'Yes there is a possibility of Jose returning to Madrid,' Arbeloa said. 'Why not? Madrid's door is not closed for a great coach. 'Mourinho has many fond memories of Real Madrid. For La Decima, we have to credit Ancelotti but Jose planted the foundations.' Mourinho left Madrid and rejoined Chelsea in 2013 and has since led his team to the brink of another title . The Special One endured a trophyless campaign in his last year with Real which he said was his worst season . Arbeloa was said to be one of Mourinho's main 'disciples' in the dressing room, and he admits he has spoken with the Chelsea manager as recently as last week. He also said that despite the talk of unrest in the camp at Real, the Special One left on good terms before joining Chelsea, particularly with expected summer transfer target Raphael Varane. Mourinho is said to be considering a £40million move for the French centre back when the transfer window opens in July. Arbeloa (left) was said to be one of Mourinho's main 'disciples' in the dressing room and the pair still talk . Mourinho's arguments with senior players including Iker Casillas, the club captain, were well documented . 'I spoke to him (Mourinho) last Friday,' Arbeloa told El Chiringuito. 'He’s happy and content in London because his family are happy and there isn’t the daily persecution he and his kids got here. 'The press emphasised (how) it ended badly but Jose ended well with most - (Luka) Modric,  Varane, Diego (Lopez), Xabi (Alonso). 'Professionally he has a great team and is doing well.' Arbeloa says Mourinho is happy in London, having won the Capital One Cup with Chelsea last month . Raphael Varane, said to be a summer target for Mourinho, ended on good terms with his former manager .

Jose Mourinho left Real Madrid in 2013 after a series of public fall-outs . But Alvaro Arbeloa says he could see The Special One returning to Real . He credits Mourinho as the 'foundation' of Champions League success . Arbeloa says his spell ended well but Chelsea boss is happy in London . Mourinho is said to be on good terms with £40m target Raphael Varane .


Angry Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini cancelled his players' day off and ordered them in for an early morning training session on Sunday after they were held to a 1-1 home draw by bottom-of-the-table Parma. Inter confirmed on their website (www.inter.it) that the first team had trained at 8:30 a.m. local time, watched by club vice-president Javier Zanetti and sporting director Piero Ausilio. Mancini was furious at his players' attitude after the Saturday's draw left them joint ninth alongside Genoa and 10 points adrift of the European places. Roberto Mancini has cancelled his Inter Milan players' day off on Easter and ordered them into training . Mancini was furious with his side's attitude during the disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Parma on Saturday . 'I'm sorry that the situation, instead of improving, has worsened,' Mancini told reporters after the game. 'You always hope that things will change,' he added. 'The last four weeks have been very bad, especially in terms of the results and also because of the second half performance (against Parma). 'These are things that I can not explain well... We played without bite, without malice and that's something I do not like.' Ausilio said Inter's remaining games would help make important decisions for next season. Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia looks dejected at the final whistle at the San Siro . Juan Jesus holds his head in his hands after bottom-of-the-table Parma shocked the hosts . 'No rest at Easter? The players have rested the day before the match, so it is right that they train (on Sunday),' he said. 'We are working towards the future and these last nine games will help of all us judge and understand who is an Inter player and who isn't. He refused to accept that an impatient San Siro crowd had affected his players. 'If they want to wear this shirt, then they can't fail at San Siro,' he said. 'It's our home, with our public and we shouldn't be afraid of anyone. (San Siro) should be something that is in our favour, we are not going to duck our responsibilities.' Andi Lila (centre) celebrates with his Parma team-mates after scoring against Inter Milan on Saturday .

Inter Milan held 1-1 by bottom-of-the-table Parma in Serie A on Saturday . Roberto Mancini cancels players' day off after criticising attitude . Inter Milan players will now report for training early on Easter Sunday .


Most fans wants to get their hands on a rare piece of memorabilia once belonging to their favourite player or team and little bits of history can fetch thousands of pounds on the open market. But you may be surprised to know that an expired passport of Paul Parker - most famous for playing right back for Manchester United and England during the nineties - was listed on eBay for an eye-watering £5,000. The item was listed earlier in March and bidding ended on Tuesday but it is unclear whether anyone actually stumped up the sizeable sum being quoted. Ex-Manchester United and England defender Paul Parker's old passport was listed on eBay . The former defender's expired passport was listed for £5,000 but the seller was open to offers . 'This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available,' read the message on eBay. Although the old passport was listed for £5,000, the seller made it clear he was open to negotiation, asking potential buyers to 'make me an offer and see if I accept'. Parker (right) played for Manchester United between 1991 and 1996 and won two league titles at Old Trafford . Parker closes down Holland forward Marco van Basten during one of his 19 caps for England . The eBay seller described Parker, 50, as an 'ex-Manchester United and Chelsea legend' but, while he made more than 100 appearances for United and won two league titles, his grand total of four outings for the Blues doesn't quite merit legendary status. Parker made 19 international appearances but his United and England career ended largely because of the emergence of Gary Neville.

Paul Parker played for Manchester United, QPR and Fulham among others . The right back also made 19 international appearances for England . Parker's expired passport was listed for sale on eBay for £5,000 .


He has been seen in toast, pancakes, crisps and even ice cream. But a builder was stunned when he spotted Jesus Christ on a plank of wood just a few days before Easter. Paddy Morrall noticed the full-length Christ on a snapped scaffolding board  in Inverness, Scotland, on Wednesday. Scroll down for video . Paddy Morrall noticed the full-length Christ on a snapped scaffolding board in Inverness, Scotland, on Wednesday . The son of God appeared wearing a robe after the joiner and colleagues left the piece of wood out in the rain for several hours. The 31-year-old builder, from Keighley, near Bradford, has kept the board. He said: 'We didn't take it too seriously but it really did look like him. We thought it was a bit crazy. 'It's the first time I've seen anything like this. I'm not a normally a religious guy but it is Easter. 'We all thought it was pretty mad.' It comes two days after a shop assistant spotted the image of Christ on a hot cross bun. It comes two days after a shop assistant from Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, spotted the image of Jesus Christ on a hot cross bun . An Arizona woman similarly got an early Easter surprise when she saw the image of Jesus Christ in her dental x-rays during a check-up last month . Lindsey Norman noticed the uncanny resemblance in a six pack of £1 buns she had purchased from her local Sainsbury's in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. An Arizona woman similarly got an early Easter surprise when she saw the image of Christ in her dental x-rays during a check-up  last month. He appeared in one of Kym Ackerman's left-side molars on March 25.

Paddy Morrall noticed image after wood was left in rain for several hours . 31-year-old said he was not normally a religious guy but it was Easter .


Ondrej Duda scored after the interval to lead Slovakia to a 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic on Tuesday in a friendly between the two teams that once represented Czechoslovakia. The 20-year-old midfielder struck with a low shot from outside the penalty area in the 49th minute for his second international goal. It was the third victory for Slovakia in the 10th match against the Czechs since Czechoslovakia's split in 1993. The Czechs have won five games. Martin Skrtel catches Daniel Kolar in the face with a high boot during Slovakia's 1-0 win over Czech Republic . Slovakia celebrate their 1-0 win over the Czechs which continues their excellent recent form . Ondrej Duda (right) celebrates with team-mate Robert Mak after scoring the winning goal in Zilina . 'We had more chances in the first half, we scored in the second and didn't allow the opponent anything, so I think we deserved to win,' Slovakia coach Jan Kozak said. Slovakia was more dangerous on a rain-soaked pitch. They've made a perfect start to 2016 European Championship qualifying, winning their first five matches to sit top of their group and on course for a first Euro finals. The hosts allowed the Czechs to enjoy more possession in the early stages but they were harmless in attack. Michal Duris (right) of Slovakia and Marek Suchy of the Czech Republic contest a header . Jan Durica (left) shakes hands with Tomas Necid at the end of the friendly match . A header by Slovakia's Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, who also caught Daniel Kolar with a boot, flew just wide of Tomas Vaclik's goal in the 33rd minute while another defender, Peter Pekarik, beat the Czech goalkeeper a minute later but Theodor Gebre Selassie managed to block his deflected shot on the line. Slovak goalkeeper Jan Mucha saved the only Czech scoring opportunity, a header from substitute Ladislav Krejci from close range in the 65th minute.

Martin Skrtel caught Daniel Kolar in the face with a raised boot . Slovakia continued their good recent form thanks to Ondrej Duda's goal . It was third win over Czech Republic since break-up of Czechoslovakia .


Karim Benzema showed his talents aren't just limited to the football pitch as the Real Madrid star posted a video showcasing his rapping skills while cruising along in his Bugatti Veyron. As Real Madrid prepare for their La Liga clash against Granada at the Bernabeu on Sunday, Benzema shared a video of him singing along to Tupac's classic track 'Check Out Time'. Tupac's track 'All Eyez on me' might have been a more suitable choice for the Los Blancos star, however, as Benzema looks to add to his goal tally of 20 goals in all competitions so far this season. Real Madrid and France forward Karim Benzema sings along to Tupac in his Bugatti Veyron . Benzema boldly stated earlier this week that he can win the Ballon d'Or award during his career. The France international is confident his club success at the Bernabeu can force his way into contention for the prestigious award. However, Benzema's Real team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo has picked up the last two accolades for the world's best footballer whereas Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi prevailed between 2009-12. Benzema vents his frustration during France's recent 3-1 loss to Brazil at the Stade de France in Paris . Despite the duo's dominance, Benzema is adamant he can compete for the title if he continues to perform for Real Madrid and at international level. 'If I keep winning titles then I can win this award in future,' he told Le Parisien. 'We have Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, the two best players. We know I won't reach 80 or 100 goals in a season. They can do that.' Benzema (right) has scored 20 goals, in all competitions, for Real Madrid this season .

Karim Benzema has scored 20 goals in all competitions this season . Real Madrid face Granada in a crucial La Liga clash on Sunday . Benzema is targeting a Ballon d'Or award in the near future .


A pro-Ukip businessman who forced Liam Fox to resign as Defence Secretary is behind an extraordinary bid to defeat a ‘golden boy’ Tory candidate. Tycoon Harvey Boulter has already given £30,000 to the Ukip candidate fighting Fox in his Somerset seat in a continued vendetta against him. Boulter is also spending another £30,000 to try to defeat Tom Tugendhat, who is standing for the Tories in Tonbridge and West Malling, Kent. Scroll down for video . Pro-Ukip businessman Harvey Boulter (above), who forced Liam Fox to resign as Defence Secretary, is behind an extraordinary bid to defeat a ‘golden boy’ Tory candidate . Tugendhat’s father, Sir Michael Tugendhat, is the High Court judge who awarded Fox a six-figure sum in damages after he sued Boulter for libellous remarks made on Sky TV. Fox resigned from the Cabinet in 2011 after Boulter revealed details of how Fox’s close friend, businessman Adam Werritty, accompanied him on overseas trips as Defence Secretary. Mr Boulter said: ‘This may look like naked revenge and in a sense it is. I was outraged with what happened in the court case.’ A Tory Party spokesman last night declined to comment. Fox (above) resigned from the Cabinet in 2011 after Boulter revealed details of how Fox’s close friend, businessman Adam Werritty, accompanied him on overseas trips as Defence Secretary .

Harvey Boulter revealed former defence secretary took a friend abroad . He is now giving money to the opposition of Tom Tugendhat .


Two goals inside the last four minutes saw the Yorkshire derby clash between Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield end in a 1-1 draw. Wednesday substitute Sergiu Bus opened the scoring in the 86th minute and Ishmael Miller, also on as a substitute, secured a point for his side with an equaliser just a minute from time. The result leaves Huddersfield without a win in their last seven games and 18th in the table, six places and nine points behind Wednesday. Sergiu Bus celebrates putting Sheffield Wednesday ahead against Huddersfield . Sheff Wed: Westwood, Vermijl, Lees, Zayatte, Mattock, Isgrove, McGugan, Lee (May 63'), Hutchinson, Lavery (Maguire 74'), Nuhiu (Bus 63') Subs not used: Buxton, Maghoma, Dielna, Kirkland . Goals: Bus 86' Huddersfield: Smithies, Smith, Hudson, Lynch, Scannell, Coady, Edgar, Butterfield, James, Vaughan, Wells (Miller 63') Subs not used:  Wallace, Lolley, Carroll, Gobern, Allinson, Majewski . Booked: Coady, Lynch, Hudson . Goals: Miller 89' Referee: Mark Haywood . Attendance: 20,851 . Huddersfield's Marnick Vermijl sent in an early low cross which evaded everyone, and Wednesday striker Caolan Lavery fired in a fierce angled shot which went over. The hosts had another chance when Lewis McGugan tried a shot from the edge of the area that went wide. Huddersfield responded with Joel Lynch firing in a shot on the turn which forced a near-post save from Keiren Westwood. Just a few minutes before the break, the visitors carved out another good opening when, following a scramble, David Edgar got in a shot which was cleared off the line by Vermijl. Six minutes after the restart, Wednesday's Atdhe Nuhiu looked certain to score. He received the ball from Kieran Lee, rounded keeper Alex Smithies and rolled the ball towards the unguarded net, only to see Lynch race back to clear off the line. Wednesday were down to 10 men for a spell when Joe Mattock went off injured. After receiving some lengthy treatment, the defender returned to the field with his head bandaged. Lavery put a shot off-target after losing his balance and then went down inside the area with Reece James in close attention, but referee Mark Haywood was unimpressed. Wednesday head coach Stuart Gray made a double substitution just after the hour mark with strike duo Stevie May and Bus replacing Lee and Nuhiu. Huddersfield manager Chris Powell also made an attacking change shortly after, sending on Ishmael Miller in place of Nahki Wells. Sheffield Wednesday's Kieran Lee (right) slips a tackle by Huddesfield Town's David Edgar . Miller was soon involved, making a promising run into the area before having a shot, which was blocked, when he could have passed to a team-mate. Wednesday substitute Bus also had a chance to make a quick impact when he had time inside the area, but his low shot lacked the necessary power to test Smithies who gathered easily. Miller made another good run into the area and made an unsuccessful appeal for a penalty when he went down under a challenge. Wednesday substitute Chris Maguire's free-kick was on target but failed to cause a problem for Smithies. Bus scored to put the hosts in front, following up to turn the ball home from close range after his initial effort was kept out. But with just a minute to go in normal time, Miller scored the equaliser after finding himself in space inside the area.

Substitute Ishmael Miller scores 89th-minute equaliser for Huddersfield . Sergiu Bus had put Sheffield Wednesday ahead three minutes earlier .


Stuart Dallas has come a long way since Mark Warburton plucked him from a glorified park and £70-a-week. The 23-year-old, who impressed for Northern Ireland in the week, scored two quite stunning goals as Brentford demolished Fulham 4-1 on Good Friday. They go into Monday's game against Nottingham Forest eyeing more than just a play-off spot. It was three years ago when Dallas was spotted by Warburton playing part-time on a mud bath for Crusaders back home. Stuart Dallas celebrates the second of his two excellent goals against Fulham on good Friday . Dallas has been a revelation this season as he helps Brentford push towards the Premier League . There were those who felt he wasn’t cut out for League One last season, but a three-month loan at Northampton has turned the winger into an integral figure as Brentford hunt Premier League promotion. ‘When I signed Stuart he was training once a week. He’s getting better and better - there’s more to come,’ Warburton said, before vouching for the maligned loan system. ‘Look at Alex Pritchard, on loan from Tottenham. Get the loan right, where all three parties benefit. The 23-year-old starred for Northern Ireland last week, and his manager says it is down to his loan spell . Dallas spent three months at Northampton and has returned to prove himself back at Brentford . ‘Toumani Diagouraga went to Portsmouth [this season], played seven games and was made captain, came back and hasn’t looked back. Likewise with Stuart. They have to go out and get the right loan - it’s a big part of their development.’ Warburton has been doing the sums as Brentford face six games which could end-up being historic. ‘If a team puts a run together they’ll go clear with 90-odd points,’ he added. ‘If they do that, with the nature of the fixtures, teams will drop points. The average for the play-offs has been 72 for the last five years - I think you’ll need 75 minimum. If that’s the case we need two more wins.’

Stuart Dallas, 23, was playing for Crusaders just three years ago . After a tough start to life at Brentford, he was loaned out to Northampton . Since returning to Brentford, he has become a star in promotion push .


Baseball has long been considered America's favorite pastime, so it should come as no surprise that most people feel very strongly when it comes to their favorite professional team. And there are no two baseball teams that are greater, or more storied, than eternal rivals the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, who come in first and second respectively in terms of the number of people who claim them as their favorite. Also making a very impressive showing are the Texas Rangers and Atlanta Braves, who have fans across a wide area in the South. Then there are a few teams who don't get as much love - like the New York Mets. Scroll down for video . A new Facebook graph reveals the favorite baseball teams in the country by sorting through people's likes and breaking down winners by county . The New York Yankees (left) and Boston Red Sox (right) come in first and second respectively in terms of the number of people who claim them as their favorite . The Mets are not the favorite team in one county in the country, with fans in their area seeming to all go for the Yankees. Same goes for the Oakland Athletics. The Toronto Blue Jays can also claim almost all of Canada, though the Yankees and Red Sox are also favorites in some areas. The graph, created by Facebook, uses profile likes and then breaks the individuals down by country to determine a winner. And with the exception of those aforementioned Yankees, Red Sox and recent World Series champs San Francisco Giants, who get some love in Hawaii, most teams only really get support near their home field.

A new Facebook graph reveals the favorite baseball teams in the country by sorting through people's likes and breaking down winners by county . The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, who come in first and second respectively in terms of the number of fans . The New York Mets and Oakland Athletics did not win one single county .


A basketball star has warmed hearts across his high school with his thoughtful 'prom-posal' to a girl with Down syndrome. On Thursday, Trey Moses, a senior at Eastern High School in Louisville, Kentucky who will play for Ball State next year, asked Ellie Meredith to be his date to the upcoming prom. Moses, who volunteers with teenagers with learning disabilities, surprised her during her P.E. class with a bunch of flowers and a sign reading: 'Let's Party Like it's 1989' - a reference to an album by Taylor Swift, Ellie's favorite singer. Ellie accepted the promposal and said she can't wait to go dress shopping 'because I've only told about a million people!' she told CNN. Heading to prom: Trey Moses, a senior at Eastern High School in Louisville, Kentucky who will play for Ball State next year, asked Ellie Meredith to be his date to the upcoming prom - and she accepted . The night before the promposal, Moses texted Ellie's parents to get their permission - and they were thrilled, they told CNN. 'You just feel numb to those moments raising a special needs child,' Darla Meredith, Ellie's mother, said. 'You first feel the need to protect and then to overprotect.' She said that her daughter met Moses through a program called 'Best Buddies', which encourages friendships between teenagers with developmental disabilities with other students. After his successful promposal, Moses, who has a girlfriend, posted photos of the event to his Twitter page, saying: 'Decided to ask my best friend to prom.' The tweet has been shared nearly 2,000 times. The 6ft9 basketball star committed to Ball State in September after receiving 12 scholarship offers. Joy: Moses, who volunteers with teenagers with learning disabilities, surprised Ellie during class with a sign reading: 'Let's Party Like it's 1989' - a reference to an album by Taylor Swift, Ellie's favorite singer . Firm friends: He met Ellie through his work with a program called 'Best Buddies', which encourages friendships between teenagers with developmental disabilities with other students . 'I felt like they're are on the rise and going to be good in a couple years, and I want to be a part of it,' Moses told The Courier Journal at the time. 'I feel like I'll be able to come in and fight for a spot my freshman year.' And as well as playing basketball, Trey intends on keeping up the good work with his community and plans on majoring in special education. In light of his promposal, his future coach at Ball State, James Whitford, said the staff had long-admired the student's kindess towards others. 'We originally watched him play and evaluated him on his talent, not who he is as a person,' Whitford told the Ball State Daily. 'As we started to research him as a person, we found that he has the character to bring out the best in those around him. 'The best thing about Trey, is that this is not a one-time thing.'

Trey Moses, a Kentucky high school student who has committed to Ball State next year, surprised Ellie Meredith during her P.E. class on Thursday . He asked her to prom with flowers and a sign reading: 'Let's Party Like it's 1989' - a reference to an album by Taylor Swift, Ellie's favorite singer . She accepted and is now looking forward to going dress shopping . Moses works with teenagers with developmental disabilities through a volunteer program in Louisville .


President Barack Obama took a break from being the real president on April Fools' Day to impersonate a fictional one, House of Cards' conniving Frank Underwood. 'Hello everybody. This is not Frank Underwood,' the president said after turning his head Underwood, who is played by Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey and frequently speaks Shakespearean-style monologues to the audience. 'This is Barack Obama. Happy April Fools' Day. Frank learned it from me,' he said. Scroll down for video . President Barack Obama impersonated House of Cards's fictional president Frank Underwood by dipping into a southern drawl . Obama attempted to copy the deep voice and South Carolina accent of the fictional Commander-in-Chief, who is known for scheming his way into the nation's highest office through deceit and violence. The real president slipped into his normal voice by the end of 12-second impersonation. He has previously admitted to watching the Netflix show, though he says that life in Washington is not as dramatic as portrayed by Kevin Spacey and others. 'I wish things were that ruthlessly efficient,' he said in 2013. The short clip in front of a portrait of Abraham Lincoln begins with a statement of the time and date, a commonly used scene entry device in House of Cards. Underwood, portrayed in the Netflix series by Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey, frequently speaks in asides to the camera as he crafts his political machinations . Obama was also asked to cameo on the show by Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, according to Deadline. His April Fools' joke was filmed as part of the West Wing Week YouTube series, which chronicled the presidents' week. The clip for this week also included outtakes from the five previous years of Obama's presidency, which featured the president making funny faces and practicing speeches. On Thursday House of Cards was renewed for a fourth season.

President spoke to the camera for 12 seconds, beginning in southern drawl . Obama has previously said he is a fan of the show and its ruthless efficiency .


Caykur Rizespor midfielder Ludovic Obraniak was taken to hospital with a suspected heart problem after being substituted during his side's match against Fenerbahce on Saturday. The Poland international had to be replaced after just 30 minutes before being taken for tests. Caykur Rizespor revealed on social media that Obraniak was not in any immediate danger following preliminary tests. Ludovic Obraniak (left) is currently on loan at Caykur Rizespor from German side Werder Bremen . Moussa Sow celebrates after scoring for Fenerbahce during their 5-1 win on Saturday . There were fears that the 30-year-old, who is on loan from Bundesliga club Werder Bremen had suffered a heart attack but he appears to have given the all-clear. Fenerbahce went on to win the game 5-1 tomove to the top of the Turkish Super Lig.

Caykur Rizespor lost to Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig on Saturday . Rizespor midfielder Ludovic Obraniak was substituted after just 30 minutes . Obraniak was taken to hospital for tests on suspected heart problem . Former Lille player was reported to be in a stable condition .