In-form Lazio will have an extra spring in their step when they take to the Stadio Olimpico pitch to face Empoli on Sunday. The Roman outfit clinched a spot in the final of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday with 1-0 victory over Napoli, a result which sealed a 2-1 triumph on aggregate. They will now face Juventus in the Coppa final on June 7. And defender Mauricio managed to capture the celebrations of the Lazio supporters using a selfie stick after they secured their progression. Lazio defender Mauricio captures the Lazio fans celebrations via selfie stick . Senad Lulic, the Lazio midfielder who scored the winning goal on Wednesday, said to Gazzetta dello Sport: 'It was important to reach the final. 'Juve are the strongest team in Italy but I think if we continue to play as we are doing we will have a chance in the final.' Lazio will try to win for the eighth consecutive game in Serie A this weekend. They are third in the standings, 15 points behind Juve but just one point adrift of Roma. Senad Lulic (left) celebrates scoring the winner for Lazio against Napoli . Substitute  Lulic timed his run perfectly to tap in a late winner in Lazio's 1-0 defeat of Napoli (2-1 on aggregate) 'We are doing great and we want to finish as high as possible in the Serie A standings,' Lulic continued. Juve go into Saturday's game at bottom-side Parma after one of their most impressive performances of the season. Massimo Allegri's side hit back from a first-leg defeat with a 3-0 triumph at Fiorentina to reach the Coppa final.

Lazio host Empoli at the Stadio Olimpico in Serie A on Sunday . Roman outfit secured spot in Coppa Italia final in midweek . Beat Napoli 2-1 on aggregate and will face Juventus in the final . Defender Mauricio captures fans celebrations with selfie stick .


Hector Bellerin has enjoyed a superb breakthrough year at Arsenal this season, so much so that he is already being tipped for a move back to La Liga leaders Barcelona. The 20-year-old right back left the Catalan giants four years ago as he pursued a faster route to first-team football, eventually opting for Arsenal in the Premier League. But now, it seems Barca fans are keen for the Spaniard to return to the Nou Camp as they voted the youth international as their preferred choice to replace Dani Alves should the Brazilian leave the club. Arsenal right back Hector Bellerin has been linked with a return to former club Barcelona . PSG and Man United target Dani Alves could leave the Catalan giants as his contract expires this summer . In a poll carried out by Spanish publication 'Sport', Bellerin carries 12 per cent of the vote, with Glen Johnson also included with a mere two per cent. A move would see him follow the route of Cesc Fabregas, who also left Barca before ever playing a first-team game. However, it seems supporters would be happier if Alves stayed, with 62 per cent voting in favour of a contract renewal. The 31-year-old's current deal expires at the end of the season, with PSG and Manchester United potential suitors. Bellerin has been on a rapid road to success during the 2014/15 campaign for Arsenal, filling in for Mathieu Debuchy as the Frenchman struggled with injuries. He scored his second goal for the club against Liverpool on Saturday and is also improving defensively, with Arsene Wenger praising his contribution. Bellerin scored the opener for Arsenal in their impressive 4-1 victory against Liverpool on Saturday . The young Spaniard has impressed Arsene Wenger with his rapid rise this season, improving defensively . Speaking to @RoadToEuro2016 about his future, Bellerin was coy. 'I am good at Arsenal, but you do not know what the future may hold,' he said. 'The Arsenal is giving me everything I am with amazing players. I do not think about the future. I just started. 'I thank the people who speak well of me, but I'm only in the beginning. What has to arrive, will arrive.'

Hector Bellerin claims 12 per cent of the vote to replace Dani Alves . Barcelona fans would rather Brazilian right back extended his contract . Bellerin has impressed for Arsenal in his breakthrough season at the club . 20-year-old left Barcelona for north London in 2011 as a teenager . READ: Bellerin and Francis Coquelin are a delight for Arsene Wenger .


Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez is 'worth his weight in gold' after settling in seamlessly at the Bernabeu this season. That's the view of Spanish newspaper Marca, who focus on the impressive form of the Colombian star since his £60million move from Monaco last summer. According to the Madrid-based publication, Los Blancos have won 80 per cent of their games when Rodriguez is in the side compared to just 58 per cent when he's been missing. Marca (left) say that James Rodriguez is 'worth his weight in gold' as AS focus on Cristiano Ronaldo's appeal . The 23-year-old is also described as 'the jewel in Real Madrid's crown' and praised for his influence in the No 10 role after scoring 13 goals and laying on 12 more for his team-mates so far this season. But his biggest triumph - according to Marca - is how he has lived up to his enormous price-tag, becoming a firm fan favourite for Carlo Ancelotti's side. Elsewhere in Spain, AS focus on Real's appeal against Cristiano Ronaldo's yellow card for diving in Wednesday's 2-0 win against Rayo Vallecano. They say that La Liga's competition and appeals committee will meet on Friday to decide whether or not the Portuguese superstar will be allowed to face Eibar this weekend. Over to Italy, where La Gazzetta dello Sport lead on Roberto Mancini's plans for a summer revolution at Inter Milan. La Gazzetta dello Sport reveal Roberto Mancini's targets as Tuttosport have an interview with Alvaro Morata . The paper claim that the former Manchester City boss hopes to sign eight quality players from a list of 21 candidates. Among Mancini's list are Premier League stars Yaya Toure, Filipe Luis and Lucas Leiva, while Barcelona's Pedro and Palermo forward Paulo Dybala are also mentioned. Tuttosport have an exclusive interview with Juventus striker Alvaro Morata, who says he is not interested in a return to former club Real Madrid. The Spanish international also insists that his side must believe in themselves in the Champions League, even comparing Juve to last season's unfancied runners-up Atletico Madrid.

Spanish newspaper Marca have praised Real Madrid's James Rodriguez . The Colombian has impressed since joining from Monaco last summer . Roberto Mancini wants to sign eight 'quality' players for Inter Milan . Yaya Toure, Filipe Luis and Lucas Leiva among Mancini's targets . Juventus striker Alvaro Morata claims he is not interested in joining Real .


Eden Hazard believes Chelsea have the Premier League title in their grasp. Hazard scored a penalty and set up Loic Remy's winner - either side of Charlie Adam's 65-yard strike - in Saturday's 2-1 win over Stoke which saw the Blues take a seven-point lead at the top of the standings. Jose Mourinho has targeted five wins and one draw in the remaining eight games and Hazard is optimistic Chelsea will win a first Premier League title in five years. Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard insists his side are close to getting their hands on the Premier League title . Hazard jumps in the air to celebrate his goal during the hard-fought win over Stoke City in west London . Hazard told Chelsea TV: 'We are confident. We are first in the league and we take game after game. We have the title in our hands. We want to bring the trophy to Stamford Bridge.' Hazard felt Chelsea's win could have been more convincing. 'In the first half we created a lot of chances,' he added. 'We played beautiful football and OK, we scored just one goal, but we deserved to score three or four. The Belgian international gave Chelsea the lead from the spot and made no mistake against Asmir Begovic . 'The most important thing was the victory and we did very well till the end.' Remy's strike came after Diego Costa had come on as a half-time substitute before going off with a recurrence of his hamstring problem 11 minutes later. Hazard has backed Remy, who could be given an extended run in Costa's anticipated absence, to keep on scoring after the France striker's second winner in successive games. 'He can score every time when he's on the pitch. This guy deserves to score a lot of goals,' Hazard said. Loic Remy finishes to put Chelsea back in front after a mistake by Stoke City keeper Begovic . The Belgium playmaker dazzled at times against Stoke, but the game's highlight was Adam's audacious lob of Thibaut Courtois from well inside his own half. Chelsea felt aggrieved Hazard had not been awarded a foul before Adam drilled the ball into the home net. In hindsight, and with victory secured, Hazard joked he was happy referee Jonathan Moss had not blown his whistle as, had a foul been given, Adam's goal would never have happened. 'I was on the floor. I didn't see the goal,' Hazard said. 'I'm happy the referee didn't whistle because the goal was fantastic.'

Eden Hazard scored in Chelsea's 2-1 home win against Stoke City . The Belgium playmaker also claimed an assist by setting up Loic Remy . Hazard wants to bring the Premier League trophy to Stamford Bridge . The Blues are currently seven points ahead of second-placed Arsenal .


Pep Guardiola was in no mood to celebrate as Bayern Munich secured their place in the semi-final of the German Cup with a 5-3 penalty shoot-out victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday. The Munich boss instead admitted his concern at the scoring touch which appears to have deserted his side in recent games, with the German champions only finding the net once in their last three matches. Guardiola believes the team is shackled by the absence of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben. Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola is concerned about his team without Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery . Ribery (left) is absent with an ankle injury while Robben is out until May with a stomach muscle tear . 'Without Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, we are a different team,' Guardiola said after the game. 'Of course we have big problems because we have no players for the one-on-one situations. We have other players and have to adapt the game for them.' Robben was ruled out for around two months with a stomach muscle tear at the end of March. Ribery has an uncertain timescale on his recovery from an ankle injury but is doubtful for the first leg of Munich's Champions League quarter-final tie against Porto. Munich's players celebrate after progressing to the semi-final of the German Cup . Thiago scored the winning penalty for Munich against Bayer Leverkusen as the shoot-out was won 5-3 . Guardiola will hope he can inspire his players to overcome the problem when they host Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday in the Bundesliga, looking to maintain their 10-point advantage over Wolfsburg. The one goal Munich did score over their last three encounters came from Robert Lewandowski in the 1-0 win against his former club Borussia Dortmund and the two sides will meet again in the semi-final.

Bayern Munich have only scored once in their last three games . They needed penalties to beat Bayer Leverkusen in the German Cup . Guardiola feels Munich miss Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery .


It appears that David Luiz has taken the phrase 'twiddling my hair' literally judging by the injured Paris Saint-Germain star's latest Instagram post. The PSG defender is out for at least four weeks after scans revealed that the 27-year-old suffered a torn hamstring in Sunday's 3-2 win at Ligue 1 title rivals Marseille. And it seems that boredom has already kicked into the usually jovial Brazilian as he sported a new hairdo on Wednesday. David Luiz posted an Instagram picture sporting a new hairdo in the style of a man bun on Wednesday . Luiz (centre) has time on his hands at present after tearing a hamstring at Marseille on Sunday night . The Paris Saint-Germain defender immediately signalled to the bench that he would need to be replaced . Accompanied with the caption: 'Parisien!' Luiz has his usually flowing brown locks styled into a man bun. The centre back's new look seems to be a source of amusement for his PSG team-mate Lucas Moura who later shared a picture with Luiz among his Instagram followers. 'I'll let you choose the nickname,' the midfielder wrote as he referred to Luiz's barnet later that afternoon. And while Luiz's hair may be a laughing matter to his team-mates, his injury will not be for manager Laurent Blanc as they seek Ligue 1 and Champions League glory this season. The former Chelsea defender will miss both legs of their quarter-final tie against Barcelona in Europe, while potentially missing eight league matches as they look to defend their crown. The 27-year-old (left) will be out for at least four weeks after scans revealed the severity of the injury .

Paris Saint-Germain won 3-2 at Ligue 1 title rivals Marseille on Sunday . David Luiz tore his hamstring during the Stade Velodrome encounter . Luiz will be out for at least four weeks after scans revealed the injury .


Tim Sherwood has branded Aston Villa’s stars ‘icing on the cake players’ — urging them to toughen up before they host Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday night. Villa’s mini-revival has been halted by back-to-back defeats and Sherwood believes his star names must dig deep to avert their relegation crisis. He said: ‘You look through QPR’s side and they’ve got a lot of players who are men with a lot of experience. Tim Sherwood has branded Aston Villa’s stars ‘icing on the cake players’ ahead of their match with QPR . Sherwood believes his star names must dig deep to solve their Premier League relegation crisis . ‘We’ve got a few men — but a lot of pretty much icing on the cake players. I’m trying to get that mentality into them to start digging out results. It’s not what we’re cut out to do.’ Sherwood insists Tuesday night's clash is the most important of his managerial career — and that the same goes for most of his squad. ‘For me, this is the biggest,’ he said. ‘This is huge for them and they have to be able to take it. If they can’t handle it, don’t be at this club and don’t be at the bottom of the league.’ QPR will be without striker Eduardo Vargas on Tuesday evening, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee ligament injury. The 25-year-old Chilean international, on loan from Italian club Napoli, was hurt after scoring the opening goal in Saturday’s 4-1 win at West Bromwich Albion. Vargas will be out for 10 to 12 weeks and will miss his side’s seven remaining matches. QPR will be without striker Eduardo Vargas on Tuesday evening after he was injured previously . Vargas has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee ligament injury suffered at West Brom .

Aston Villa face fellow relegation fighters QPR at Villa Park on Tuesday . Villa manager Tim Sherwood says his players must dig deep to win . Sherwood labelled his stars 'icing on the cake players' on Monday .


Christian Benteke's hat-trick secured a vital point for Aston Villa in a thrilling game against relegation rivals QPR. Here, Sportsmail's Laurie Whitwell takes us through the player ratings from Tuesday night's match at Villa Park... Aston Villa 4-4-2 (diamond) Brad Guzan 6 . Could not have done much with any of the goals and caught most that came his way. Leandro Bacuna 5.5 . Offered an outlet down the right flank but allowed Hill a free jump for his header. Aston Villa full-back Leandro Bacuna (left) tussles for the ball with QPR midfielder Sandro (right) at Villa Park . QPR midfielder Matty Phillips (centre) dribbles forward with the ball as Fabien Delph (right) gives chase . Ron Vlaar 5.5 . Gave Austin too much space for his strike and looked a little rusty after his spell out. Kieran Clark 6 . Imposed himself with early headers but misplaced the odd pass. Kieran Richardson 5 . Beaten too easily by Phillips for the visitor's third goal. Tom Cleverley 6.5 . Full of energy and linked play down the right before coming off with boot in hand. Carlos Sanchez 6.5 . Swept up at the base of Villa's diamond midfield. Fabian Delph 7 . His usual vibrant self in midfield, driving Villa on and putting in tackles. Jack Grealish 6.5 (Cole 70) Failed to convert an excellent first-half opportunity but did well overall on his first Premier League start. Gabriel Agbonlahor 7.5 . A performance of speed and power that troubled QPR no end in the first half. QPR defender Clint Hill (left) clears the ball ahead of the oncoming Gabriel Agbonlahor (right) on Tuesday . Christian Benteke seals his hat-trick and a vital point for Aston Villa in their battle against relegation . Benteke's late free-kick brought the striker's tally up to 11 goals for the season . Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood reacts during the Premier League game against QPR on Tuesday night . Christian Benteke 8 . His most menacing display all season, and a superb hat-trick. How much might that late free-kick be worth? Tim Sherwood 6.5 . Inspired attacking bravado from his side but will rue not winning this match with the chances and fixtures to come . QPR 4-4-2 . Rob Green 6.5 . Pulled off a number of saves that ultimately averted defeat, and could yet prove crucial. Phillips breaks free off Aston Villa midfielder Kieran Richardson (right) as he impresses at Villa Park . Phillips totted up his sixth assist of the year against Villa and is proving key to Chris Ramsey's side . Aston Villa winger Joe Cole, on as a sub, knocks the ball ahead of QPR defender Steven Caulker on Tuesday . Mauricio Isla 5 . Benteke's first came down his wing and deflected off his boot and Agbonlahor had joy too . Steven Caulker 5 . Won less than half his 11 duels and looked lost during spells in the first half . Nedum Onuoha 5.5 . Troubled in opening period by pace and movement of Villa's attacking trio . QPR defender Hill scores his side's second goal during the thrilling 3-3 draw against Aston Villa on Tuesday . Charlie Austin scores QPR's third goal against Aston Villa and his 17th of the Premier League campaign . Clint Hill 6.5 . A good header at an important time in the match and relatively solid at left-back. Matt Phillips 7.5 . Is fast becoming indispensible for QPR. A well-taken goal and another assist, his sixth of 2015. Joey Barton 6.5 . A nuisance as usual, winning free-kicks and keeping things ticking over. Sandro 6 . Most memorable act was taking out Agbonlahor in build-up to Benteke's second. Niko Kranjcar 5 . Fairly subdued and offered little protection on the left, hooked after 52 minutes. Austin strikers for goal but sees his effort go just wide of Guzan's goal during the 3-3 draw with Aston Villa . Charlie Austin 6.5 . Anonymous in the first half but produced when it mattered late on to take his Premier League tally to 17. Bobby Zamora 6.5 . Managed to make it through 90 minutes despite his ageing limbs and provided a focal point for attacks. Chris Ramsey 6.5 . Adjusted his team smartly as the match continued, making substitutions that affected the game and coming away with a decent point.

Christian Benteke's superb hat-trick against QPR secured a vital point for Aston Villa in their fight against relegation . Fabian Delph also gave an assured performance for Villa in midfield . Matty Phillips is proving similarly key for the Hoops and notched his sixth assist of 2015 . Charlie Austin scored his 17th Premier League goal of the campaign .


Arsenal's midfield trio Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby have all been handed starts for the club's Under 21s game on Tuesday night as they continue their respective recoveries from injury. Steve Gatting's young Gunners take on Stoke City at the Emirates Stadium in a U21 Premier League clash. Teenage winger Serge Gnabry is also in the starting line-up, alongside a host of promising youngsters including Dan Crowley. Jack Wilshere, pictured in first team training last week, starts for Arsenal Under 21s on Tuesday night . Club captain Mikel Arteta (left) is also in the team to play against Stoke City at the Emirates Stadium . Wilshere watched Arsenal beat Liverpool 4-1 in the Premier League from the stands on Saturday afternoon . Iliev, Maitland-Niles, O’Connor, Bielik, Ormonde-Ottewill, Diaby, Arteta, Gnabry, Wilshere, Crowley, Iwobi . Wilshere has been out of action since November after breaking his foot against Manchester United, as has club captain Arteta who picked up an ankle injury at home to Borussia Dortmund. Diaby's fitness troubles have been well documented, with the French midfielder racking up 227 weeks out during his nine-year career with the club. All three featured in last week's practice match against a Brentford development XI, with England international Wilshere scoring in the 4-0 victory. Mathieu Debuchy and Mathieu Flamini also appeared in that game, though both are now closer to first team action with the latter coming on against Liverpool on Saturday. Arsene Wenger said last Thursday: 'They’ve no problem after that coming out of the game. They are back available in training, a bit short still of top competitive level certainly but that’s normal. 'They’ve been out for a long time but I was quite surprised by how fit they looked and the quality of their performance - it was good.' Gnabry, who played nine times in the Premier League last season, has been blighted by injuries this term, and is yet to play a first team game. Abou Diaby has been blighted by injuries for the best part of a decade but played last week in a friendly . England star Wilshere scored the opening goal and created another against a Brentford development XI .

Arsenal take on Stoke City in Barclays Under 21 Premier League clash . Jack Wilshere and club captain Mikel Arteta have been out since November . Abou Diaby has been ravaged by injuries during nine-year spell at club . Arteta, Wilshere and Diaby are all close to first-team returns . Young winger Serge Gnabry also in the side on return from injury . READ: Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Calum Chambers, Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck keep their agents close . CLICK HERE for all the latest Arsenal news .


Liam Treadwell has been booked for the ride on Michael Scudamore-trained Monbeg Dude in Saturday’s Crabbie’s Grand National. Treadwell won the race on Venetia Williams-trained 100-1 shot Mon Mome in 2009. The ride on former Welsh National winner Monbeg Dude was available because his two regular jockeys, Tom Scudamore and Paul Carberry have already got rides. Liam Treadwell - pictured after winning the Grand National in 2009 - has been booked to ride Monbeg Dude . Treadwell rode Venetia Williams-trained 100-1 shot Mon Mome to victory at Aintree five years ago . Scudamore rides Soll for his boss David Pipe and Carberry, who rode Monbeg Dude to be seventh in last year’s National, is on Gordon Elliott’s Cause of Causes. Monbeg Dude has a high profile because he is owned by a trio of well-known rugby union players headed by former England captain Mike Tindall. His wife, Zara Phillips, the Queen’s granddaughter, has helped with schooling a gelding who once had jumping issues. Rugby Union star Mike Tindall co-owns Monbeg Dude - his wife Zara Phillips has helped with schooling .

Liam Treadwell booked to ride Monbeg Dude in Saturday's Grand National . He won on Venetia Williams-trained 100-1 shot Mon Mome in 2009 . Monbeg Dude is co-owned by rugby union star Mike Tindall .


Nabil Fekir's father insists Arsenal would be the ideal destination for his son, rather than a move to Manchester City. The young Lyon star has been attracting interest from Premier League clubs but the frontman's father Mohamed does not want him to sit on the bench at Man City and claims he would progress with Arsenal under Arsene Wenger. Fekir recently split with his agents after his family were reportedly disappointed with their insistence on pursuing a deal with City. Nabil Fekir's father believes a move to Arsenal would benefit the Lyon star, rather than a switch to Man City . Fekir (centre) is congratulated by his team-mates after scoring the opener in Lyon's 3-1 win over Guingamp . According to Foot Mercato, Fekir's father said: 'They pushed for him to sign for City. But I told them if he goes to City and finds himself on the bench, it doesn't interest me, and the kid is not interested either. 'He loves to play, he does not like to be replaced. And they pushed to sign him for City, that's why he preferred to stop with them.' Speaking to La Perisien, the 21-year-old's father also said: 'Nabil would like to finish 1st or 2nd and play Champions League football with Lyon. If he leaves, it'll be for Arsenal. It's the only club that can enable him to progress, with Arsene Wenger. He will not go to Manchester City to sit on the bench.' Fekir, who made a substitute appearance for France against Brazil last month, scored Lyon's opener in the 3-1 win over Guingamp on Saturday. Fekir weaves his way between Guingamp duo Younousse Sankhare and Lionel Mathis during Saturday's win .

Lyon star Nabil Fekir has attracted interest from Premier League clubs . Frontman's father believes Fekir would progress and develop at Arsenal . However, Fekir Snr thinks his son would be stuck on bench at Man City .


Kevin Pietersen has lashed out at Graham Gooch for commenting on his attempted England comeback. Gooch appeared on BBC Radio Five Live on Sunday morning and took a broadly supportive stance of Pietersen, who has re-signed for Surrey in an attempt to stage an unlikely Test return. Gooch, the former England captain who also worked as the national side's batting coach until last year, went as far as saying Pietersen had 'wiped the floor with the ECB' in the lengthy PR battle since his sacking in 2014. Kevin Pietersen has lashed out at Graham Gooch for commenting on his attempted England comeback . Gooch (above) went as far as saying Pietersen had 'wiped the floor with the ECB' in the lengthy PR battle since his sacking in 2014. The 34-year-old Pietersen wants to end his England absence that started after the 2013-14 Ashes whitewash . But Pietersen appeared to take exception to Gooch's suggestion that a Test series victory in the West Indies this month would take the 34-year-old's name off the agenda. He retweeted a BBC Online article and then posted a brief but pointed attack on Gooch, relating to his captaincy on the 1982 rebel tour of Apartheid-era South Africa. It read: 'Graham Gooch - you captained a rebel tour of SA, got banned & then returned to the England team. I don't think I've done anything as bad!' Earlier, Pietersen had suggested his first practice session of the season could be streamed live to fans. Kevin Pietersen will step up his attempts to earn an England recall when he starts batting on Monday . Pietersen (right) rejoined Surrey  after incoming ECB chairman Colin Graves said domestic form would help . Pietersen has indicated that his campaign will start with a three-day warm-up against Oxford MCCU on April 12 and he is due to return to the nets on Monday. He announced that to his 2.3 million Twitter followers and raised the prospect of using the social network's new broadcast app, Periscope, to showcase his session in real time. He wrote: 'Starting to bat tomorrow...might @periscopeco it, so all of you can watch it Live & see how I get on. Should I? £comeback'. Quite how Pietersen's '£comeback' will pan out in the long term is unclear. Incoming ECB chairman Colin Graves advised that signing for a domestic side would help Pietersen's cause . Incoming ECB chairman Colin Graves has offered just enough encouragement for him to believe he could once again wear the Three Lions - despite a year of bitter recriminations and one dazzlingly indiscreet autobiography. His decision to hit the county trail, so long a bete noire in his career, at least offers the platform for him to nudge public opinion and the selectors from close quarters. But when England flew to the West Indies on Thursday ahead of the forthcoming Test series, the messages were thoroughly mixed. Controversial batsman Pietersen and current England coach Peter Moores have a fractious relationship . Captain Alastair Cook, who was not given a glittering write-up in Pietersen's book, largely absolved himself from the decision-making process, insisting it would be taken by Graves, managing director of England cricket Paul Downton and chief executive Tom Harrison. Coach Peter Moores was less ambiguous. Moores was sacked from his first stint in charge in 2008, partially at the behest of Pietersen, whose intervention also cost him the captaincy. He was then belittled as a nagging 'woodpecker' in the batsman's memoir and reconciliation between the two men would appear a stretch. Asked at Gatwick about the situation, Moores said: 'From my point of view, Kevin isn't on the radar.' He would, therefore, seem an unlikely viewer of Pietersen's Periscope net session.

Kevin Pietersen has re-signed for Surrey in attempt to earn England recall . Graham Gooch claimed Pietersen had 'wiped the floor with the ECB' Pietersen takes to Twitter to aim swipe at Gooch .


Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby are set to feature for Arsenal Under 21s on Tuesday night as they continue their respective recoveries from injury. Steve Gatting's young Gunners take on Stoke City at the Emirates Stadium in a U21 Premier League clash. Teenage winger Serge Gnabry is also set to take part alongside a talented crop of youngsters, including Dan Crowley. Jack Wilshere, pictured in first team training last week, is set to play for Arsenal Under 21s on Tuesday night . Club captain Mikel Arteta (left) should also feature against Stoke City at the Emirates Stadium . Wilshere watched Arsenal beat Liverpool 4-1 in the Premier League from the stands on Saturday afternoon . Wilshere has been out of action since November after breaking his foot against Manchester United, as has club captain Arteta who picked up an ankle injury at home to Borussia Dortmund. Diaby's fitness troubles have been well documented, with the French midfielder racking up 227 weeks out during his nine-year career with the club. All three featured in last week's practice match against a Brentford development XI, with England international Wilshere scoring in the 4-0 victory. Mathieu Debuchy and Mathieu Flamini also appeared in that game, though both are now closer to first team action with the latter coming on against Liverpool on Saturday. Arsene Wenger said last Thursday: 'They’ve no problem after that coming out of the game. They are back available in training, a bit short still of top competitive level certainly but that’s normal. 'They’ve been out for a long time but I was quite surprised by how fit they looked and the quality of their performance - it was good.' Abou Diaby has been blighted by injuries for the best part of a decade but played last week in a friendly . England star Wilshere scored the opening goal and created another against a Brentford development XI .

Arsenal take on Stoke City in Barclays Under 21 Premier League clash . Jack Wilshere and club captain Mikel Arteta have been out since November . Abou Diaby has been ravaged by injuries during nine-year spell at club . READ: Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Calum Chambers, Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck keep their agents close . CLICK HERE for all the latest Arsenal news .


Barcelona's 1-0 La Liga victory against Celta Vigo on Sunday evening featured one of the most bizarre incidents of the season so far. With the score at 1-0 following Jeremy Mathieu's 73rd minute header, tempers flared between Celta striker Fabian Orellana and Sergio Busquets as the Barcelona midfielder attempted to waste time during the closing stages. Orellana remonstrated angrily with the match officials before grabbing a lump of grass from the floor and throwing it in the direction of Busquets. Fabian Orellana collects a lump of grass from the ground before throwing it towards Sergio Busquets . The Celta Vigo striker aims his throw in Busquets' direction during the closing stages of the match . Orellana was shown a red card for throwing the chunk of grass in the direction of Busquets . The lump of turf strikes Busquets in the neck after tempers reached boiling point in Spain . Referee Inaki Vicandi Garrido (right) brandishes a straight red card following the incident . Orellana (right) leaves the field in anger after being given his marching orders . As seems to be the midfielder's nature, Busquets made the most of the incident, grabbing his eye despite the clutch of turf clearly striking him on the neck. Referee Inaki Vicandi Garrido decided the incident was enough to warrant and straight red card and promptly gave Orellana his marching orders. Luis Enrique's side huffed and puffed towards the final whistle, but earned a crucial three points following Real Madrid's impressive 9-1 victory against Granada earlier on Sunday. Barcelona star Dani Alves attempts to talk with Orellana following his red card . Jeremy Mathieu (right) heads home in the 73rd minute to hand Barcelona a 1-0 lead against Celta Vigo . Celta Vigo goalkeeper Alvarez Conde (right) is unable to stop the powerful header from Mathieu .

Fabian Orellana was angered by Sergio Busquets' time-wasting tactics . Celta Vigo striker threw lump of turf towards the Barcelona star . Barcelona needed a Jeremy Mathieu header to earn 1-0 win .


Kevin Pietersen has hinted the first chapter of his county comeback could be streamed live to fans. The divisive batsman has re-signed for Surrey this summer in an attempt to win an unlikely England recall, having been thrown an apparent lifeline by incoming ECB chairman Colin Graves. He has not played in the LV= County Championship since 2013 but is set to start the season with the Brown Caps in the hope of turning the selectors' heads and reversing last year's controversial sacking. Kevin Pietersen will step up his attempts to earn an England recall when he starts batting on Monday . The 34-year-old Pietersen wants to end his England absence that started after the 2013-14 Ashes whitewash . Pietersen (right) rejoined Surrey  after incoming ECB chairman Colin Graves said domestic form would help . The 34-year-old has indicated that his campaign will start with a three-day warm-up against Oxford MCCU on April 12 and he is due to return to the nets on Monday. Pietersen announced that to his 2.3 million Twitter followers on Easter Sunday, raising the prospect of using the social network's new broadcast app, Periscope, to showcase his session in real time. He wrote: 'Starting to bat tomorrow...might @periscopeco it, so all of you can watch it Live & see how I get on. Should I? #comeback'. Quite how Pietersen's '#comeback' will pan out in the long term is unclear. He clearly feels Graves' words are encouragement enough of a Test recall but after so many bitter recriminations - and one dazzlingly indiscreet autobiography - there are still many bridges to build. His decision to hit the county trail, so long a bete noire in his career, at least offers the platform for him to nudge both selectorial and public opinion from close quarters. But when England flew to the West Indies on Thursday ahead of the forthcoming Test series, the messages were thoroughly mixed. Captain Alastair Cook, who was not given a glittering write-up in the Pietersen's book, largely absolved himself from the decision-making process, insisting it would be taken by Graves, managing director of England cricket Paul Downton and chief executive Tom Harrison. Coach Peter Moores was less ambiguous. Moores was sacked from his first stint in charge in 2008, partially at the behest of Pietersen, whose intervention also cost him the captaincy. Incoming ECB chairman Graves advised that signing for a domestic side would help Pietersen's cause . Alastair Cook (left) was coy on Pietersen's chances of a recall but Peter Moores said he 'isn't on the radar' Moores was previously dismissed as England coach at the behest of Pietersen when he was captain . He was then belittled as a nagging 'woodpecker' in the the batsman's memoir and reconciliation between the two men would appear a stretch. Asked at Gatwick about the situation, Moores said: 'From my point of view, Kevin isn't on the radar.' He would, therefore, seem an unlikely viewer of Pietersen's Periscope net session.

Kevin Pietersen has re-signed for Surrey in attempt to earn England recall . He revealed on Twitter he will return to batting for Surrey on Monday . England coach Peter Moores said Pietersen 'isn't on the radar' to play .


Jose Mourinho had placed the Barclays Premier League’s joint-top goalscorer on standby for this match, insisting he would only turn to Diego Costa if absolutely necessary. As it turned out, the emergency glass needed to be broken. The £32million striker was required to stop Chelsea squandering the opportunity to open a seven-point advantage over their title rivals. Yet all they got was 11 minutes before Costa was forced off with a recurrence of the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the international break with Spain. Chelsea striker Diego Costa limped off with a hamstring injury shortly after coming on at the interval . Will he be out for a week, a month, two months, maybe more? ‘It’s too early,’ said Mourinho, who went on to defend throwing Costa on. ‘I don’t say “gamble” because we did every test, every scan, the player trained for two days, he was 100 per cent with the team. ‘The medical department were convinced he was ready. The player was convinced he was ready. Not for 90 minutes but he was ready to play and to help the team.’ In the meantime a chunk of the Chelsea contingent will be wondering how they fill the void left by Costa. They need look no further than this win against Stoke as the answer presents itself in the form of Loic Remy and, of course, Eden Hazard. Blues striker Costa looks despondent as he sits on the turf following another injury to his hamstring . Hazard scored and assisted in the same Premier League match for the seventh time, and looked like a man ready to rubbish the idea he was too tired to play a full 90 minutes for Belgium in midweek. He tormented the Stoke defence here at Stamford Bridge, and has scored more Premier League goals for Chelsea over the past three seasons than any other player. That’s 35, by the way. So, too, was Remy equally as clinical against Stoke. Acting as Costa’s replacement for the starting XI, he proved more than a handful for the visitors on his fourth start for Chelsea in the Premier League. It took an outstanding one-handed save from Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic at full stretch to deny Remy’s deflected shot from giving Chelsea the lead after just three minutes. Then, four minutes later, it was him again, going close as his curled shot skipped agonisingly wide of the far post. The man turned down by Liverpool was given the unfortunate task of trying to fill the boots of Costa, but rarely looked shy in doing so. Yet it remained 0-0 as half time approached. Was it time for Mourinho to roll the dice? It was in the 32nd minute his patience wore thin. Costa looks in pain after pulling up at Stamford Bridge during Chelsea's 2-1 win over Stoke City . Chelsea gave away possession in the final third – not for the first time – and a frowning Mourinho turned to his substitutes’ bench, gestured at Costa with a nod, and the striker began warming up down the touchline. A sign he was to be introduced soon enough. It took a smidgen of luck for the deadlock to be broken thanks to the quick feet of Cesc Fabregas earning a penalty, and Hazard was cool as ever in putting Chelsea ahead. Never in doubt, as no player in Premier League history has taken more and never missed than Hazard. Yet Stamford Bridge’s celebrations were short-lived. Mourinho’s frustration grew when Charlie Adam channelled his inner David Beckham and scored from more than 60 yards out. With Thibaut Courtois left embarrassed, Mourinho knew it was time to ‘gamble’. Jose Mourinho was happy to have gambled with Costa's fitness despite losing the striker after 10 minutes . Off went Oscar, on came Costa for the second half. No sooner had he been on the pitch than he had to come off. He signalled to the bench after just 10 minutes and was replaced by veteran Didier Drogba. Yet this was all about Chelsea's go-to guy, Hazard, and Costa’s worthy replacement, Remy. ‘We have three strikers,’ Mourinho declared afterwards. ‘We decided at the beginning of the season to go more with Diego. He won the right of being first choice.’ But by this evidence, Chelsea supporters need not lose sleep over their first-choice striker's injury. As Stoke found out, Remy can fill the gap left by Costa, and Hazard is simply every bit a Premier League title winner in the making. Eden Hazard steps up to stroke home the opener for Chelsea from the penalty spot in the first half . Remy finishes to put Chelsea back in front after a mistake from Stoke City keeper Begovic .

Chelsea will be without top scorer Diego Costa for at least two games . The £32m striker suffered recurrence of hamstring injury against Stoke . Loic Remy and Eden Hazard scored in 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge .


Brittany Lincicome beat Stacy Lewis in a play-off to claim her second ANA Inspiration crown after a dramatic end to the LPGA's opening major of the year in California. Lincicome looked set to finish in the chasing pack until she carded a brilliant eagle on the par-five 18th to record a closing 69 and move level with fellow American Lewis on nine under par. Former champion Lewis (70) could still have claimed the win herself when, playing in the final group, she had a chance to birdie the last but her effort from 10 feet sneaked past on the low side, sending the two friends into a play-off at Mission Hills Country Club. Brittany Lincicome shows off the ANA Inspiration trophy after beating Stacy Lewis in a play-off round . Brittany Lincicome (second right), leaps into Poppy's Pond with her father, Tom Lincicome (right), her fiance, Dewald Gouws and her caddie, Missy Pederson (left) after winning the California tournament . Lincicombe hugs her caddie Missy Pederson after plunging into the water . Lincicombe is congratulated by her father, Tom (right), after jumping into the water hazard . And a soaking wet Lincicombe had to wear a dressing down as she posed for the trophy . It took the pair three extra goes at the 18th before they were finally separated, with three successive pars ultimately earning Lincicome a sixth LPGA Tour triumph. It also saw the 29-year-old take a jump into Poppie's Pond for the second time having also won this tournament in 2009. On that occasion Lincicome also eagled the final hole, and she admits it was 'surreal' to repeat the feat this time. 'I mean, to make eagle on any hole is pretty incredible, and then to do it on Sunday at a major, at this major where I did it in 2009,' Lincicome, whose last tournament victory came in 2011, said on www.lpga.com. Stacy Long drops her putter after missing a winning putt on the second play-off hole in California . Lincicombe and Long embrace after the former secures victory on the third play-off hole . The victorious Lincicombe acknowledges the gallery after securing her victory . 'It's really surreal. I feel like if you would have bet me all the money in the world to see how many times you could do it, if I went back to the fairway now I probably couldn't hit that shot again. So like I said earlier, today was my day. Somebody was looking out for me today.' Lewis, whose bogey on the third sudden-death play-off hole allowed Lincicome to clinch the title, has now finished runner-up on five occasions since winning the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship last June. She has also had five more top-10 finishes in that time and the 30-year-old - who won the ANA Inspiration in 2011 - admits the only thing she can do is to try to look forward. 'I guess the more times you do it, the easier it gets,' said Lewis. 'I don't know. That's all you can do. You can't sit and dwell on it. You just have to go out the next week and try to win. I'm doing a lot of really good things, so I just have to keep going forward.' This was Lincicombe's first LPGA tour victory since 2011 . Stacy Lewis loses her club after teeing off on the par four, 16th hole at Mission Hills Country Club . Lewis plays a shot on the palm tree-lined 15th hole at Mission Hills in California . Morgan Pressel made it an all-American top three after finishing off with a two-under-par 70, leaving her a shot behind the leaders. South Korean Kim Sei-young, who took a three-shot lead into the final round, had to settle for a share of fourth spot with Spaniard Carlota Ciganda (68) and Sweden's Anna Nordqvist (69) on seven under after finishing with a 75. Scotland's Catriona Matthew was the leading British player, finishing in a nine-way tie for 11th after carding a final-round 70.

Lincicombe beat Lewis on third play-off hole to claim first win since 2011 . She jumped into water hazard at Mission Hills to celebrate victory . Lincicombe carded an eagle on the par-five 18th to draw level with Lewis . She then prevailed in the play-off to claim a sixth LPGA Tour title .


Derby County want Burnley manager Sean Dyche to replace Steve McClaren this summer, regardless of which division they are in. Play-off chasing Derby are planning for life without former England boss McClaren, who has been linked to jobs with Newcastle and Sunderland, and will make a concerted effort to get Dyche, who has impressed in the Premier League this season. Burnley host Tottenham on Sunday still fighting for top-flight survival, despite being written off as relegation certainties before the season began. Derby want Sean Dyche to replace Steve McClaren should the former England boss leave this summer . Dyche, 43, has won admirers for his plain speaking and organising a competitive team on a restricted budget. Derby, however, believe he will be tempted by a move to a bigger club — their average home gate of 29,000 is 10,000 more than Burnley get at Turf Moor. Derby occupy the final play-off place in the Championship, although Friday’s 2-2 draw against Watford was their seventh game in a row without a win. Derby boss McClaren has been linked with a move to Newcastle at the end of the season . It is almost certain, however, that McClaren and the club will part ways at the end of the season, whether they win promotion or not. McClaren was heavily backed to replace Alan Pardew at Newcastle earlier this season and insiders at Derby were unhappy at the way the story was highlighted in the public domain. Derby have been impressed with Dyche's work in the Premier League with Burnley this season . Since then, Derby’s form has gone off the boil and McClaren admitted after their last game that they could no longer go up automatically. The club were beaten 1-0 by QPR in last season’s Championship play-off final at Wembley.

Steve McClaren has been linked with a number of jobs including Newcastle . Derby are chasing a play-off place and are sixth in the Championship . The rams have been impressed with Sean Dyche in the Premier League . Derby want the Burnley boss to replace McClaren if he leaves this summer .


Darren Bent could still return to Aston Villa in the summer even after his contract is allowed to run down at the club which cast him aside, but his focus for now is helping Derby get promoted. Bent was out of favour with sacked manager Paul Lambert and Rams boss Steve McClaren took the chance to add the experienced striker to his line-up on loan until the end of the campaign. But with Tim Sherwood now in charge at Villa Park the 31-year-old is keeping his options open. Darren Bent has scored nine goals in 13 games for Derby since going on loan from Aston Villa in January . Bent scores Derby 's form has been impressive for Derby since joining the Championship promotion hopefuls . 'I wouldn't rule anything out,' he told TalkSport. 'I will have to wait until the end of the season to make that decision. 'It will be nice to have the option. But I don't want to look too far ahead because I'm enjoying playing for Derby County and I don't want to take my eye off the ball.' Sherwood's side take on QPR on Tuesday night in a crucial relegation clash - a loss could see Villa fall below the line and Chris Ramsey's men enjoy a sniff of safety. Bent has nine goals in 13 appearances for the Rams and is focussed on their push for the Premier League . Bent's form has no doubt caught the attention with new Villa boss Tim Sherwood while at the Rams . While on the books at Villa, the end of the campaign for Bent - whether it be at the regular season's end or with a playoff triumph with the Rams - will also see him become a free agent. And with nine goals in 13 games since arriving at Derby in January, after stays at Fulham and Brighton, he may have some bargaining power. Bent has previously praised Sherwood, who he knows from his time at Tottenham, as an 'unbelievable motivator', saying Villa is 'the perfect job for him.’ He previously told the Telegraph that ‘There have been conversations' with his parent club. Sherwood has also bemoaned the absence of Bent as his side struggles for goals. 'I’d like to have him here now. You can’t have enough goalscorers in your building,’ he said.

Darren Bent said he'll wait until the season's end to decide on his future . Villa striker becomes a free agent at the end of this campaign with Derby . Bent's been on loan with Brighton, Fulham and Derby most recently . He was out of favour with Paul Lambert but could return for Tim Sherwood . CLICK HERE for all the latest Aston Villa news .


Jordan Henderson is not ready to give up on Liverpool's Champions League hopes despite an eight-point gap to Manchester United in fourth place. The 24-year-old scored a penalty at the Emirates on Saturday, but it was not enough as Liverpool fell to a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal to leave their top-four hopes in tatters. That result followed a devastating 2-1 home defeat by Manchester United last time out and Brendan Rodgers' side have fallen from two points off Champions League qualification to eight behind. Jordan Henderson urged Liverpool not to give up on their hopes of finishing in the top four . Henderson is targeting seven wins out of seven in the league and an immediate response at Blackburn . But Henderson urged his team not to give up on the top-four race with seven games to play, and to bounce back immediately on Wednesday night when they take on Blackburn in an FA Cup quarter-final replay. He told Liverpool's official website: 'We knew it was going to be difficult [to finish in the top four], even before Saturday, but it makes it even more difficult. 'That doesn't mean we'll just give up. We've got seven games left now and we need to try to win every one. If we do that, then you never know. 'Blackburn is another big game for us straight away. We've got to recover well, learn from this one and move on and try to get a big win on Wednesday.'

Jordan Henderson says his team will not give up hope of top-four finish . Liverpool were beaten 4-1 at Arsenal in a massive blow to their hopes . Defeat left Liverpool eight points off fourth place with seven to play . Liverpool face Blackburn in FA Cup quarter-final replay on Wednesday .


Tim Sherwood has urged Aston Villa to man up as he labelled their clash with relegation rivals QPR the club's 'biggest game' for years. They host Rangers on Tuesday with Sherwood admitting he does not have the players to grind out results. Victory would move Villa five points clear of the Barclays Premier League drop zone but they will return to the bottom three if QPR, three points behind with a better goal difference, win. And Sherwood underlined the magnitude of the game ahead of the showdown. Tim Sherwood (from left to right), Les Ferdinand and Chris Ramsey during their time at White Hart Lane . Sherwood (right) sits on the bench with Tottenham Hotspur staff Ferdinand (centre) and Ramsey (left) Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor celebrates his goal by saluting Sherwood (right) and Ramsey (centre) 'I think this is the biggest game that a lot of these players have ever played for this football club,' he said, with Villa in 17th. 'This is without doubt the biggest game of the season for Villa and possibly one of the biggest in a number of years. 'This is the biggest (of my managerial career).' But the boss believes he must instil a different mentality into his players as he tries to keep them in the top flight. 'We've got different types of players, you look through QPR's side and they've got a lot of players who are men - with a lot of experience in there,' he said. 'We've got a few men in there - but we've got a lot of pretty much icing-on-the-cake players and I'm trying to get that mentality into them to forget about digging out results. It's not what we're cut out to do. 'I haven't identified many players who can't cope with the pressure, but you don't know until they get out there.' Sherwood is without Alan Hutton, Ashley Westwood and Scott Sinclair while Tom Cleverley, Kieran Richardson and Aly Cissokho are doubts. Sherwood faces his friend and former Tottenham assistant, QPR boss Chris Ramsey, for the first time since they both left Spurs last summer. Sherwood and Ramsey forged their friendship at Tottenham and remain close ahead of their showdown . The bond between the two remains strong even if Sherwood is blocking Ramsey's mobile phone calls for now . Sherwood hinted that if Ramsey's tenure at Loftus Road ends, then he would ask to bring him to Villa Park . Ramsey has admitted his job at Rangers could be under threat if they get relegated and, while he admitted Ramsey may prefer to be a manager, Sherwood left the door open for a reunion at Villa. He added: 'If there was ever an opportunity for me to work with him again I would do that. 'I would have to speak to the club about whether we could find a role for him here. 'Listen, I know I am biased - he has been good for me and I have been good for him. But he is up there with the very best coaches I have ever seen.' Ramsey pictured on the touchline during a QPR match as he tries to save the club from relegation . Ramsey must put his friendship with Sherwood on ice for the time being as he tries to see off his pal's team . Ramsey still lives in Bedfordshire - a short drive from Sherwood's imposing house in Buckinghamshire .

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood faces Chris Ramsey's QPR on Tuesday . Both clubs are fighting relegation from the Premier League this season . Sherwood and Ramsey will put their friendship aside when they meet . Villa boss says this is the biggest game of his managerial career . CLICK HERE for all the latest Aston Villa news .


Clint Hill reckons the pressure is on QPR's relegation rivals and insists Rangers can survive if they keep their cool. Chris Ramsey's side are still in the relegation zone but the defender believes other teams will be worried about them. Hill scored his first Barclays Premier League goal in Tuesday's 3-3 draw at Aston Villa, a result which denied QPR the chance to climb out of the bottom three. Clint Hill celebrates after scoring QPR's second goal in Tuesday night's thrilling 3-3 draw at Aston Villa . Hill's header levelled the scores at 2-2 on Tuesday. QPR would lead again before being pegged back . Rangers remain two points adrift of safety in the Premier League table . They are third bottom, two points from safety, after Christian Benteke's hat-trick rescued Villa but, following Saturday's 4-1 win at West Brom and a point on Tuesday, Hill is confident about their survival chances. 'We have dragged teams in to it now, Villa probably thought they could win the game and pretty much put themselves safe,' he said, ahead of Sunday's visit of Chelsea. 'But we've brought another team into it and the pressure goes onto the next game. It's about the team and players who hold their head and keep calm who will prevail and stay in this league. 'The positive is we have four points from difficult travels and we're right in the battle now so we're looking forward to the next game.' Matt Phillips opened the scoring, although Benteke struck twice in the first half to give Villa the lead. Hill challenges for the ball with Villa's Leandro Bacuna during the topsy-turvy match at Villa Park . Christian Benteke scored a hat-trick to keep Villa above water in the relegation struggle . The remaining fixtures of the bottom six teams in the Premier League . Hill made it 2-2 before Charlie Austin put Rangers 3-2 up with 12 minutes left but Benteke completed his treble with a 25-yard free kick five minutes later. 'I'm glad I've got the goal because it's been bugging me for a number of years, I'm 37-years-old and you don't think you'll get to play another Premier League game,' Hill told the club's official site. 'I'm glad that's off my back and I'm glad I played my part. 'It was a hell of a game to watch I suppose but we were disappointed in the first half, I don't think we really imposed ourselves. 'To go in 2-1 behind we could have kept our heads down and sunk, but we showed a lot of character and going 3-2 up you think you've got the precious three points in the bag but they scored a fantastic free kick in the end.' Charlie Austin struck to put Queens Park Rangers 3-2 ahead but they were unable to hang on . Matt Phillips celebrates with Joey Barton after scoring QPR's first goal on seven minutes . QPR manager Chris Ramsey congratulates his players on the pitch after the final whistle . Like Ramsey, Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood ran the full gamut of emotions during the match . Villa are 16th, three points above the relegation zone after missing the chance to put themselves further clear. They go to Tottenham on Saturday - boss Tim Sherwood's first return to White Hart Lane since he left as head coach last summer. But Sherwood dismissed any added pressure after failing to beat Rangers and insisted he is not giving much thought to his Spurs comeback. He said: 'There's always pressure on all the games you're going to play and who's to say we can't go to into those games and win? 'I don't think we're cut out to dig out results, we can't do what QPR did. We're going to play on the front foot. 'Tottenham is the next game, it's a great stadium, they have been very good to me but my focus is on Aston Villa now. I'll only enjoy it if we come away with three points.'

Hill says the other teams in the relegation struggle will be worried . QPR drew 3-3 with Aston Villa in six-pointer on Tuesday night . Rangers remain two points shy of safety in the Premier League table . Defender Hill is encouraged by four points taken from last two matches .


Burnley manager Sean Dyche has dismissed speculation linking him with Derby. Recent reports claimed Dyche has been lined up as a possible successor to Steve McClaren, who is the bookmakers' favourite to take over at Newcastle. Dyche says he remains committed to the task in hand at Turf Moor, though. Burnley manager Sean Dyche, aka The Ginger Mourinho, insists he is enjoying life at Turf Moor . The Clarets earned a point in a goalless draw with Tottenham but remain fixed in the relegation zone . 'I think it's quite obvious, I am enjoying the challenge here. I am not looking further afield,' the Burnley boss said. 'I am enjoying the challenge here.' Dyche has retained the support of the Burnley fans throughout the season even though the club are now second from bottom with just seven matches to go. Dyche has been tipped to replace former England manager Steve McClaren (right) at Derby . The same cannot be said for the man who will be in the away dugout at Turf Moor this weekend, though. Some Arsenal fans called for Arsene Wenger's head following a difficult start to the season. Dyche remains a big fan of the Gunners boss and cannot comprehend why there were calls for the three-time Premier League winner to be sacked. 'They're a fine side, who keep progressing despite what people say,' said Dyche, who took Burnley up last year after finishing second in the Sky Bet Championship. The Burnley boss cannot believe that some Gunners fans were calling for Arsene Wenger to be sacked . 'Arsene seems to get questioned, I don't know why, I think the job he's done is terrific. 'Of course, I'm aware fans would like to have won more trophies in recent years but, as a young manager aspiring to progress in the game, I look at people like him thinking 'you haven't done badly if you have a career like his'.' Dyche hopes Matt Taylor (Achilles), Ross Wallace (knee) and Steven Reid (calf) will be fit for the visit of the Gunners, who have won their last seven games in all competitions.

Sean Dyche has been tipped to replace Steve McClaren at Derby . Burnley boss insists he is enjoying the 'challenge' at Turf Moor . Dyche can't understand why Arsene Wenger gets stick from Arsenal fans .


Friends and neighbours. For the next 48 hours, however, the pint will have to stay behind the bar as Chris Ramsey and Tim Sherwood go toe to toe in the scrap for survival. As far as QPR manager Ramsey is concerned, Sherwood’s Aston Villa are in no danger of tumbling out of the Barclays Premier League, despite their lowly position. The verdict is delivered on the evidence that Ramsey has gathered in four years of working alongside Sherwood at Tottenham. Chris Ramsey believes his friend and neighbour Tim Sherwood will keep Aston Villa in the Premier League . But the QPR boss will be pulling no punches when he clashes with his former Tottenham colleague on Tuesday . QPR scored four goals in a Premier League away game for the first time since March 1994 v Norwich (4-3). ‘Without a shadow of a doubt I think he will keep them up,’ said Ramsey. ‘He has a good squad, players who have the wow factor and he knows how to manipulate those particular players. 'If I was a betting man, which we’re not allowed to do, I would be putting a bet on him keeping them up.’ Ramsey will be doing his utmost to extend Villa’s top-flight uncertainty on Tuesday night and has reason for optimism given Rangers’ stunning victory at West Bromwich Albion. Ramsey says if he 'was a betting man, which we’re not allowed to do,' he would bet on Villa staying up . QPR celebrate the second of their four goals against West Brom from Charle Austin (right) A second win in the Birmingham area in four days would send QPR above Villa on goal difference. Sherwood and Ramsey, a duo operating as boss and assistant last season at Spurs, will share words in advance. ‘Me, him and Les (Ferdinand) live probably 10 minutes from each other so sometimes there is a pint to be had. I’m sure we’ll speak before the game,’ added Ramsey. ‘We worked together at Tottenham for four years in various jobs,’ said Ramsey. ‘It’s great you can have two coaches who’ve gone through the system and are coaching in the Premier League. The game has to look at it from an English point of view. ‘If things hadn’t gone our way against West Brom then the mountain looks a little bit bigger. The game will be very important for both teams.’ Ramsey and Sherwood were in the trenches together at Spurs and live within 10 minutes of each other . The perspective for Ramsey’s team is more positive after putting four past a West Brom side who for the first half looked to have beach on the brain already. Joey Barton scored in added time at the Hawthorns to underline the emphatic victory, having six minutes earlier received a forearm in the face from Youssouf Mulumbu that saw the Albion midfielder sent off. That ended any chance of a comeback for the hosts, who trailed 3-0 at the break but pulled one back through Victor Anichebe. First half goals from Eduardo Vargas, Charlie Austin and Bobby Zamora, who scored a wonderful lob with the outside of his left boot, did the damage. Eduardo Vargas celebrates the opener for QPR in the remarkable 4-1 win over West Brom on Saturday . Bobby Zamora (left) scored QPR's third goal with an astounding lob to give his side a 3-0 half-time lead . Austin’s strike was his 16th in the Premier League this season and Barton suggested he would have an England cap by now were he in a more fashionable side. ‘It helps if you play for certain clubs to play for England,’ said the QPR midfielder. ‘Certain people who haven’t done as well as Charlie, who has scored so many goals in a struggling side, seem to be shoo-ins in the England side.’ QPR captain Joey Barton celebrates his goal, his team's fourth, late in the game at The Hawthorns .

Chris Ramsey believes Tim Sherwood will keep Aston Villa from relegation . Friendships will be cast aside when Ramsey's QPR face Sherwood's Villa . QPR are optimistic about survival after beating West Brom 4-1 on Saturday . A win over Villa would put Ramsey's Rs ahead of Villa on goal difference .


Tony Fernandes spoke of his despair after his Queens Park Rangers team twice threw away a lead against Aston Villa, with the Rangers chairman watching the scenes at Villa Park from afar on his iPhone. Christian Benteke's hat-trick earned a draw for Villa, with his last goal coming just seven minutes before full-time, and within five minutes of what had looked like a winner from Charlie Austin. Matt Phillips had earlier given QPR the lead in the first half but taking all three points wasn't to be for the relegation-threatened visitors and they had to settle for a point at Villa Park. Tony Fernandes spoke of his despair after his Queens Park Rangers team twice threw away a lead . Fernandes, Rangers chairman, was watching the 3-3 draw at Villa Park from his iPhone away from the game . Taking all three points wasn't to be for the relegation-threatened visitors and they had to settle for a point . And Fernandes, currently in Malaysia, spoke of his experience of a variety of emotions while watching the game from the other side of the world. 'It's a strange thing thus QPR love,' he tweeted. 'I went to bed at 1 in the morning. I got up exactly at 2.45 am. No alarm. My heart knew it's QPR time. 'I watched the game on my iPhone all kinds of emotions. Despair, disappointment, joy, but most important pride. 4 points from two away games.' Fernandes revealed that Richard Dunne and Leroy Fer could return for Sunday's visit of Chelsea and that Yun Suk-young would also return after that game. The character of QPR's Clint Hill and Chris Ramsey were praised by their club's chairman on Twitter . Charlie Austin looked like he might have scored a late winner for QPR but Christian Benteke equalised . Clint Hill scored his first Barclays Premier League goal for Rangers' second, and Fernandes was delighted with the display of the veteran centre back, even if he did fail to get to grips with the prolific Benteke. He also reserved praise for manager Chris Ramsey . 'Clint hill typified our fighting spirit,' he posted. 'As I've always said players playing for the badge and Chris Ramsey what a pro.' Finally, Fernandes posted some cryptic tweets as to his own future at the club, perhaps hinting that he would be leaving. Hill had equalised in the second half after hosts Villa led 2-1 at the break courtesy of Benteke's two goals . Matt Phillips opened the scoring for Rangers but they found themselves pegged back by brilliant Benteke . Fernandes is also Global CEO of AirAsia, the airline that saw flight QZ8501 go missing late last year. 'It's been a tough three months since December 28th. Abuse, tragedy, close friends gone but I never stopped believing in all that we do,' Fernandes said. 'The decision on my future has been made. 6 games 18 points. Never stop believing rangers fans. Les also a hero. Never stop believing.' QPR stay inside the relegation zone but moved up to 18th place with the draw. They face Chelsea at Loftus Road on Sunday in what is sure to be another occasion to play on supporters', and the owners', emotions.

Queens Park Rangers twice threw away a lead in clash with Aston Villa . Tony Fernandes experienced a range of emotions during 3-3 draw . Rangers chairman watched the game from afar on his iPhone . Richard Dunne and Leroy Fer could return for Sunday's visit of Chelsea . CLICK HERE for all the latest QPR news .


Wallace, the Chelsea defender on-loan at Vitesse Arnhem, has been released without charge after being questioned by police on ‘suspicion of a sexual offence’. The 20-year-old, who has been loaned out to Fluminense and Inter Milan since he signed for Chelsea in January 2013, was with Vitesse’s squad for their trip to Excelsior and fined by the Dutch club. ‘Wallace won't be in the selection for the match against Excelsior,’ a statement from Vitesse read. Wallace is pictured in action for Chelsea during their pre-season tour of Indonesia back in July 2013 . ‘The Brazilian defender was arrested last night in the centre of Arnhem on suspicion of an offence. ‘Based on the fact that he is to refrain from going out in the 48 hours before a match, Vitesse immediately decided Wallace will be out of the team and will receive a maximum fine. ‘Vitesse has no further announcements.’ While the Dutch club refused to comment on the nature of the offence which led to the arrest, a police spokesman is quoted by local media as saying it was 'sexual’. The 20-year-old right back is pictured playing for Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem in February of this year . ‘We still don't know what exactly happened,’ police spokesman Paul Koetsier told RTL. ‘That must be found out during the investigation. ‘We can't make it more concrete than a suspicion of a sexual offence. Maybe there will me more information later today.’ Wallace is on a season-long loan at Vitesse. The Dutch outfit enjoy a close relationship with the Blues and the club’s owner Alexander Chigrinsky is an associate of Roman Abramovich. Wallace, a Brazilian Under-20 international, made his debut for Jose Mourinho’s side during their summer tour of Asia in 2013 before his season on loan at Inter. He made only three appearances for the Serie A club before being sent to Vitesse. Wallace, who signed for Chelsea in January 2013, is on a season-long loan at Vitesse (right) Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Wallace, who signed for Chelsea in 2013, is on loan at Vitesse Arnhem . He has been pulled out of their squad for the trip to Excelsior on Saturday . The 20-year-old has also been handed the maximum fine by the Dutch side . Wallace, a Brazilian Under-20 international, made his debut for Jose Mourinho’s side during their summer tour of Asia in 2013 . CLICK HERE for all the latest Chelsea news .


Melissa Wilson and her team-mates are on the brink of making history. On Saturday, at the 161st Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, the women’s crews will battle the same Thames course as the men, who will follow an hour later. After decades of campaigning and 88 years since the first women to race were jeered by male spectators, they get equal billing. And for Wilson’s grandfather, 85-year-old Richard Cowell, from East Kilbride, it will be a momentous day. He is not up to the journey to watch his granddaughter compete for Cambridge but will still see the race, which will be televised for the first time. Wilson, 21, said: ‘I remember when I was 14 watching with my dad and my brother and saying “Are there going to be women on?” They laughed — not in a malicious way — and said: “There aren’t any women, you could cox I guess”. So the fact that 10 years on there is a women’s race on the Tideway and I’m in it is pretty remarkable. It’s so wonderful that my grandfather will be able to watch it, too.’ Melissa Wilson (left) and Caroline Reid of Cambridge Women's boat crew at Thames Rowing Club in London . Clare Balding gave up her regular stint on Channel 4’s Grand National coverage to present the event because she wants to send a message about the importance of women’s sport. ‘It was a big decision to make,’ said Balding. ‘But there will never be another first women’s Boat Race on the Tideway.’ Her statement was welcomed by Caroline Reid, the Cambridge president. ‘It brings the attention of another audience, people who follow Clare,’ said Reid, 24. ‘Maybe people who support the Grand National disagree but they will at least be aware it’s happening and that is a good thing.’ Wilson, a third year English literature student and Reid, in her fifth year of veterinary medicine, rise at 5.30am each day for training, gym work and lectures, then it’s back out on the river in the afternoon. Cambridge Women's Boat Crew including Wilson (front) rowing the Thames . Reid, Claire Watkins and Wilson prepare ahead of the Boat Race next Saturday . Until this year, the women’s race was held a week before the men’s at Henley. The course was 1.2 miles compared with this year’s 4.22 mile battle from Putney to Mortlake. ‘At Henley it’s straight, so conditions are largely the same the whole way down,’ said Reid. ‘Tideway conditions change because the river bends. There’s a different mental and tactical side, which is exciting.’ But Reid refuses to be seen as a pioneer. ‘The first women’s race was in 1927 and there were a lot of people against it, talking about whether women should be rowing at all and what they should be wearing, so they were the pioneers. We’re just carrying on in their footsteps,’ she said.

After decades of campaign the women's crews are to make history . Boat Race set to take place on the River Thames next Saturday .


Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has backed captain John Terry to shrug off a hostile reception when they head to Loftus Road to face QPR on Sunday. It was on the same ground in 2011 that Terry was caught up in a race controversy with ex-QPR defender Anton Ferdinand, later cleared in court of racially abusing the player but banned for four matches and fined £220,000 by the Football Association for 'using abusive language related to colour'. Anton may no longer be at Loftus Road, but brother Rio could feature under Chris Ramsey. Terry's former central defensive partner with England has called him the 'biggest idiot' in the past for the way he handled the racism row. John Terry was caught up in a race controversy with then-QPR defender Anton Ferdinand in 2011 . Terry was cleared in court of racially abusing Ferdinand but was banned and fined by the FA . The Football Association fined Terry, pictured at Westminster Magistrates Court in 2012, £220,000 for 'using abusive language related to colour' 'He has been through a lot football-wise in his career,' Cahill said. 'He has been through so many good times, winning trophies and whatnot, and bad times. So in terms of personality he is obviously thick-skinned and that's why I say it won't affect him, and it won't affect us.' Terry was stripped of the England captaincy amid the fall-out, and subsequently announced his retirement from international football. On Sunday, he may come up against Anton Ferdinand's brother Rio, who branded him an 'idiot' over the affair, and the QPR fans can be expected to remind him of what happened. Anton Ferdinand avoids shaking hands with Terry during the Premier League game at Loftus Road in 2012 . But Cahill added: 'It's a local derby so the atmosphere will be intense and it will be another huge game to try to win. 'I think he has been there already. It's not as if it's the first time he has been back, he has played there.' Chelsea go into the weekend seven points clear of Arsenal having played a game less, but Cahill said there was no sense of easing up, with the Gunners still to come on the fixture list. 'There is still that element of pressure to finish the job,' he said. 'We've worked so hard this season to be where we are and to put ourselves in the position we are in, so we want to go all the way and finish it.' Chelsea team-mate Gary Cahill says his skipper will handle the hostile reception this weekend .

John Terry was involved in race controversy with Anton Ferdinand in 2011 . Chelsea defender was banned for four matches and fined by FA . Terry was cleared in court of racially abusing then-QPR defender . Blues captain will face Rio Ferdinand's QPR side at Loftus Road on Sunday . Team-mate Gary Cahill says he will be able to deal with hostile atmosphere .


The Oxford University Women's Boat Race team were rescued from the Thames by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) on Wednesday after being overcome by choppy waters. Crew members from the Chiswick RNLI station came to the assistance of the Oxford crew and their cox, who were training for the Boat Race which - along with the men's race - takes place on Saturday, April 11. After the rowers were returned safely to Putney, the sunken eight was recovered and returned to Oxford's base. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution come to the assistance of the Oxford University Women's team . The Oxford crew were training on the Thames for the Boat Race which  takes place on Saturday, April 11 . The RNLI revealed the conditions were caused by strong wind against the tide creating three successive waves that poured over the boat's riggers, 'creating an influx of water that could not be managed by the craft's bilge pump'. In a statement RNLI helmsman Ian Owen said: 'While we have rescued quite a number of rowers over the years, this is the first time I've been involved in helping such a prestigious team. 'The weather can be unpredictable on the Thames, and the Oxford University team dealt with the situation as safely and calmly as possible. We wish them all the best for their upcoming race.' Chiswick and Tower stations are the busiest in the country, and the RNLI has saved over 3,600 people since the service began in 2002. The RNLI Alternative Boat Race fundraising event on April 10 takes place the day before the BNY Mellon Boat Race on the same famous stretch of river. For more information, please visit: RNLI.org/BoatRace .

The crew were training for the Boat Race which takes place on April 11 . The sunken eight was recovered and returned to Oxford's base . The choppy conditions were caused by strong wind against the tide creating three successive waves that poured over the boat's riggers .


Wasps will appeal against the three-week ban issued to Nathan Hughes, but their protest will not enable the back row to play in Sunday's Champions Cup quarter-final against Toulon. The club have said in a statement they will appeal on the grounds the incident that left Northampton wing George North unconscious and resulted in a red card for Hughes was an accident and no foul play had occurred. With the hearing scheduled to be held next Friday, it means Hughes can not be reprieved in time to face the reigning European champions in Toulon this weekend. Wasps are set to appeal the three-match ban handed to No 8 Nathan Hughes for knocking out George North . North was out cold on the pitch at Franklin's Gardens and had to be taken off on a stretcher . Hughes' knee collided with North's head as he crossed the line to score a try for Northampton . Hughes was given the suspension - to include three meaningful fixtures - after being found guilty of striking North in the 52-30 Aviva Premiership defeat at Franklin's Gardens on March 27. Commenting on the judgement made on Tuesday night, disciplinary officer Sir James Dingemans said: 'This was a three week ban on the basis that no intention was found. 'However, there was recklessness meaning that, notwithstanding the harm, it was a low entry point of four weeks with mitigation of one week to reflect his previous clean playing record.' Wales winger North suffered a third confirmed concussion in just four months against Wasps last Friday .

Wasps No 8 Nathan Hughes was given a three-match ban for a late challenge on George North which left the Northampton winger concussed . The club will appeal the decision on the grounds that it was an accident . As the hearing is scheduled to be held next Friday, it means Hughes will not be available for Wasps to face Toulon in the European Champions Cup .


Jose Mourinho will play Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas against Queens Park Rangers, despite the threat of the duo missing the crunch clashes against Arsenal and Manchester United. The pair are both just one booking away from suspension, a dangerous situation given the top of the table clash against the Gunners next weekend and trip to Old Trafford on April 17. But Mourinho insists his midfield twosome will play at Loftus Road on Sunday. Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas will start against QPR despite being one booking away from a two-game ban . Nemanja Matic would miss games against Arsenal and Manchester United if he is shown a yellow card . Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is unwilling to look beyond Sunday's London derby at Loftus Road . Asked if the pair would start  in his pre-match press conference, Mourinho said: 'Yeah. Always the same. We don't want bookings. We try not to get yellow cards. 'In the last match our opponent had 22 fouls and we had five. The way we play it's not easy for our players to be booked. 'The game is a three points game. We need points, we need victories. It doesn't make sense to think about some games (Arsenal and Manchester United) and not about others. 'We have to win every game. We have to win the next game. We don't think about the points we have or the match we have in hand. 'They (QPR) need points in these remaining six games. It's a difficult game.' Mourinho has never taken a team to Loftus Road before but he expects the home fans to create a tough atmosphere for his players. Loic Remy is mobbed by his team-mates after scoring a vital goal against Stoke last weekend . Striker Diego Costa is the only player on Mourinho's injury list after coming off against Stoke last weekend . Asked whether he thought Sunday's game would be hostile, Mourinho said: 'That's what people tell me. We go to play, we go to win. People in the stands can play a role but they cannot score goals. 'I'm not worried. I'm focused on playing our game.' Mourinho would not be drawn on John Terry's return to Loftus Road after the former England captain was given a four-match ban and fined £220,000 for allegedly racially abusing Hoops defender Anton Ferdinand in 2011. Ferdinand's brother, Rio, is now part of Chris Ramsey's squad  but Mourinho does not believe the incident will affect his skipper. He said: 'I think it's just a football match. A very important game for both teams. We know they want to win and they know we want to win. It's not an easy match.'

Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic will miss games against Arsenal and Manchester United if they are booked against QPR . Jose Mourinho will start the midfield duo despite the risks involved . Chelsea boss expects a hostile atmosphere at Loftus Road on Sunday .


Leeds showed they are in good shape to cope with Kevin Sinfield's retirement as they claimed a 26-12 derby victory over Castleford in front of a sell-out crowd at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle. The First Utility Super League leaders were without their inspirational captain, who this week announced he is to switch codes at the end of 2015, for the third successive game on Good Friday, but they continue to thrive without him. The Rhinos had beaten Wigan and Catalans Dragons in Sinfield's absence and added Castleford to that list thanks to an excellent team performance, with young winger Ash Handley particularly impressive up against the formidable Justin Carney. Leeds Rhino's Adam Cuthbertson celebrates a try with Jamie Peacock (left) Ryan Hall was sent to the sin-bin for the first time in his career in a frenetic opening but Castleford failed to take advantage and it was the Rhinos who struck first as Joel Moon scored his first try of the season. Hall made amends by extending Leeds' lead and Stevie Ward's converted try cancelled out Michael Shenton's effort to give the Rhinos a 16-6 half-time lead. There were chances aplenty at the start of the second period but brilliant defence by both sides meant there was no further addition to the score until the 63rd minute, when Hall completed his double. Adam Cuthbertson then crossed for a try his performance deserved and despite Shenton's late second, Leeds extended their unbeaten run against the Tigers to six matches. Leeds Rhino's Joel Moon scores the first try for his side during their victory . Brian McDermott warned the Rhinos to be wary of a fast start by Castleford and although it was Leeds who came out of the blocks quickest, the Tigers were handed an early advantage when Hall was sent to the sin-bin for a professional foul. Leeds youth product Luke Gale failed to exploit the gap in the Rhinos' left side when his pass to James Clare from the resultant penalty floated forwards. Liam Sutcliffe was next to fluff his lines as he spilled the ball reaching for the tryline, but Leeds did not have to wait much longer for their first try of the afternoon. The Rhinos rolled downfield after a knock-on by Scott Moore, and Danny McGuire exchanged passes with Brad Singleton before putting Moon through a hole to score. Hall had returned to the field just in time to congratulate his team-mate and he was celebrating a try of his own soon after. Leeds Rhino's Ryan Hall goes over the line for their third try of the clash . McGuire was hauled down just short of the line after Moon's break but Cuthbertson kept his cool on the next play to give Hall an easy finish in the corner. Sutcliffe landed the touchline conversion to give Leeds a 10-0 lead. The Rhinos went in search of a crucial third try - with Brett Delaney just held up over the line - but their lead was cut to four points when Shenton reacted quickest to Liam Finn's dab through and Gale kicked a goal from out wide. The momentum was suddenly with Castleford as they probed for another try to level up the contest, but such was its nature that Leeds re-established their 10-point lead. Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield sat out during the week he announced he was switching codes . Kallum Watkins played a big part in taking the Rhinos close to the Tigers' line and Sutcliffe's neat reverse kick sat up nicely for Ward to get downward pressure on the ball. Good defence by Sutcliffe denied Shenton his second try at the start of the second half before Cuthbertson was held up over the line at the other end. The excitement continued as Carney picked up a loose Leeds pass well inside his own half and raced clear seemingly destined to score, only for McGuire to slow him down with an ankle tap before Handley hauled him down. Leeds Rhino's Zak Hardaker makes a run during the Super League match at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle . Carney then turned try-saver when he stopped Zak Hardaker finishing off a Rhinos break and Leeds were denied by more impressive Castleford defence as Singleton was held up. The visitors finally broke through for a fourth time when McGuire spotted his side had numbers on the left and found Moon, who gave Hall another simple task in the corner. Australian forward Cuthbertson continued his fine first season in England with a powerful finish, but the Tigers had the last word as Shenton exchanged passes with Carney to score.

Leeds Rhinos claim victory in front of sell-out crowd at Castleford . The Super League leaders were without captain Kevin Sinfield .


Northampton ruled George North out of their game against Clermont Auvergne on Saturday and sent him to see a neurosurgeon. The Wales and Lions wing has been removed from the firing line by his club ahead of the biggest game of their season to date following his third alarming head injury in the space of two months. The 22-year-old was knocked unconscious when struck by Wasps No 8 Nathan Hughes's knee as he was scoring a try at Franklin's Gardens last Friday night. Northampton have ruled out winger George North for the game against Clermont Auvergne on Saturday . North lies motionless on the Franklin's Gardens turf after being knocked out against Wasps . Having opted to act in the best interests of their marquee player — despite the importance of a Champions Cup quarter-final in France — the Saints have taken an encouraging step in response to fears about North's long-term health. Instead of merely abiding by the minimum, six-day return-to-play protocols, the Aviva Premiership champions have erred on the side of caution. 'In theory we could consider him,' said Jim Mallinder, Northampton's director of rugby. 'If it was his first one (head knock), then we would be considering him if he passed all the protocols and was available. Seeing as it's not his first, then it's the sensible thing to take specialist opinion. 'We won't play him at the weekend. Clearly he had a nasty knock. It was unfortunate. He did get knocked unconscious for a very short period of time. We'll listen to what the neurologist says. He's the expert. As always we'll listen to his advice.' In Tuesday's Sportsmail, former Scotland full back Rory Lamont — who has suffered the after-effects of concussion injuries — called for the Welsh icon (left) to be rested for six months, saying: 'It's a complete disgrace that it has got to this stage. George has been let down.' He was not the only voice raising the alarm, but the Saints are aggrieved that distant observers are weighing in with comments without being completely aware of the specifics. Mallinder called for a calm, measured assessment of the situation. 'There's been lots of opinion over the last few days in particular,' he said. 'We've got to be careful that we don't blow anything out of proportion. 'It's a tough game. George has said that himself. We're always going to have incidents, but player welfare will always come first.There's a balance to it. We've got to make sure we don't get hysterical about it, but we are sensible. Clearly there are players who, if they've had a knock, need time off to make sure that their bodies recover. A head injury is no different to any other type of injury. 'You can't just stop people playing rugby. People who play the game understand that there are inherent dangers. 'Players are now very well looked after and I think it's probably not at the senior level where you need to worry. It's probably a little bit lower down, maybe schoolboys and junior rugby, where players don't get as well looked after as ours.' Nathan Hughes arrives late as North touches down - moments later his leg connected with the wing's head . The Welshman receives medical treatment on the pitch before being taken off on a stretcher . In reference to last Friday night's incident, Mallinder stressed that North had considerable medical support, in contrast to how it used to be in rugby — when attitudes were very different. 'It's something now in the game which has improved,' he added. 'It's brilliant. Straight after the incident the players recognised it (the severity of the injury). 'We've got two doctors available, physios available — and they know exactly what to do. 'It's not right, but I remember playing 30 years ago and your touch judge was the man who looked after you and basically you got a sponge on your head and you were back out if you could walk. 'Clearly the game is much improved for what we've got now. I'm not concerned for him (North). We've got to look after him.' On Tuesday night, Hughes was banned until April 28 for his 'reckless' actions — colliding with North when the try scorer was on the ground, unable to protect his head. The sanction has divided opinion, with Wasps players incensed by what they regard as an unduly heavy-handed punishment for an offence which the disciplinary panel accepted was not malicious. Asked if he had any sympathy with Hughes, Mallinder initially refused to comment, but added: 'I said at the time I think it was a red-card offence. I still do. 'Therefore the disciplinary process has taken place and that's what he's got. Meanwhile, Wasps will make a statement over whether they will appeal Hughes' ban. After receiving the full written judgement explaining the decision, the club stated: 'We'll consider our options and make a decision.' North is congratulated by team-mates after scoring the first of his two tries against Wasps last Friday night .

Northampton have ruled out winger George North for the game against Clermont Auvergne on Saturday . He will see a neurosurgeon following a third serious head injury in two months . The 22-year-old was recently knocked unconscious when struck by the knee of Wasps No 8 Nathan Hughes . Jim Malinder, Nothampton's director of rugby, wants the club to act in the best interests of North's long-term health .


Tom Lineham scored two interception tries in an eye-catching hat-trick as Hull FC beat Widnes 22-8 to make it back-to-back wins for the first time since last June. Lineham scored a treble in a losing cause at Castleford last month but his efforts on Friday night settled a drab contest at the KC Stadium. The 22-year-old winger showed good opportunism and no little speed on two occasions to pluck passes out of the air and race over 90 metres to add to his early opener. The hat-trick puts him out in front as Super League's most prolific finisher in 2015. Tom Lineham scored two interception tries in an eye-catching hat-trick as Hull FC beat Widnes 22-8 . Jamie Shaul went over late on to make sure of the two competition points for Hull, with tries from Kevin Brown and Patrick Ah Van unable to prevent Widnes from falling to a fifth away defeat out of five. It was a third match in nine days for both sides, although Widnes had reason to feel more hard done by after their Easter Monday trip to Catalans. Ah Van had an early opportunity to give the Vikings an extra spring in their step but a foot in touch saw his effort ruled out, although Rhys Hanbury's pass was forward in any case. There was no doubt when Lineham slid over in the corner at the other end after Shaul had spun out of a tackle and found his winger with a nice cut-out pass. The Vikings were defending doggedly near their own line to prevent a second Hull try when Stefan Marsh and Chris Dean were both forced off following a sickening clash of heads. Lineham had a good chance to lay the platform for another Hull raid following a break down the right but his pass was intercepted by former Black and Whites hooker Aaron Heremaia. Widnes worked their way downfield and were back level when Brown, whose high kick in the build-up appeared to have gone forward off Ah Van, forced the ball down from dummy half. The Vikings lost a third player as Lloyd White hobbled off, but they thought they had edged in front when Joe Mellor touched down his own dab through, only for the video referee to correctly rule a knock-on. What might have been a half-time lead turned into a six-point deficit as Lineham intercepted Brown's pass and raced 95 metres for a try which took him level with Castleford's Justin Carney on nine for the season. And he was out on his own as leading try scorer when he repeated the trick just after the break, Hanbury the victim on this occasion as he tried to find Ah Van 10 metres from the Hull line. Lineham almost turned provider on the hour mark but his wild pass could not be taken in by Shaul. Jordan Rankin was then wide with a 40-metre penalty attempt after play had been brought back for a shoulder charge by Eamon O'Carroll. But Hull did not have to wait too much longer for their next points as Rankin's grubber kick hit a post and sat up perfectly for Shaul to slide over. Widnes, who saw Gil Dudson held up over the line earlier in the half, gave themselves some hope when Ah Van finished spectacularly in the corner, but it proved no more than a consolation.

Tom Lineham scored two interception tries in an eye-catching display . Jamie Shaul also crossed late on for the home side . Kevin Brown and Patrick Ah Van replied for Widnes .


George North has been ordered by a neurologist to take at least one month off after suffering his third concussion in four months playing for Northampton last week. The Wales and Lions wing will be reassessed at the end of April and could face an even longer spell on the sidelines if specialist consultants are not convinced that he is ready to return to action. Saints medics will monitor his progress throughout the stand-down period and - with the weight of impact required to induce concussion reducing the more times a player suffers head injuries – there have been growing concerns about the 22-year-old's welfare. George North suffered a third confirmed concussion in just four months against Wasps last Friday . Nathan Hughes' knee collided with North's head as he crossed the line to score for Northampton . North was out cold on the pitch at Franklin's Gardens and had to be taken off on a stretcher . 'We have listened to the advice we sought and George will be taking some time away from the field,' said Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder. 'Throughout this process it is important that George's welfare comes first and that he is treated patiently and calmly, only returning to action when all of the medical team are happy for him to do so.' North was knocked out following a collision with the knee of Wasps back-row Nathan Hughes. The No 8 was been subsequently suspended for three weeks, however his club yesterday launched an appeal against ban on the grounds that it was an accident. North receives treatment for his head injury on the pitch and has now been ruled out for at least a month . Hughes was sent off and then banned for three weeks after knocking out North with his right leg . During Wales' RBS 6 Nations opener against England, North was accidentally allowed to stay on the pitch with concussion, prompting one of the most high-profile debates about the risk of head injuries. In Tuesday's Sportsmail, former Scotland full back Rory Lamont — who has suffered the after-effects of brain injuries — called for the Welshman to be rested until the World Cup, saying: 'It's a complete disgrace that it has got to this stage. George has been let down.'

George North was knocked out by Wasps' Nathan Hughes last Friday . He will be given at least a month to recover before returning to action . North has suffered three concussions in the last four months . The Welshman will be reassessed by a neurologist at the end of April .


Huddersfield forward Jacob Fairbank is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after fracturing his ankle and suffering ligament damage while on loan at Halifax. The 25-year-old was injured in Halifax's victory over Hunslet on Easter Monday and subsequent scans have left him facing an extensive rehabilitation period. Giants managing director Richard Thewlis told giantsrl.com: 'It's another bad blow for Bobby who remains one of our most popular squad members. Huddersfield's Jacob Fairbank, pictured during a spell at London Broncos, faces a spell on the sidelines . 'He was only saying the other day how much he was enjoying regular week in, week out rugby after his first uninterrupted off-season for a long time and was keen to push his way into Paul Anderson's thinking. 'It's too early to put a time frame on his return with swelling making a precise diagnosis tricky, but it goes without saying that he knows he will get every possible help here medically to get him back out onto the paddock as soon as possible.'

Jacob Fairbank injured his ankle while on loan at Halifax . Huddersfield forward faces lengthy spell on the sidelines following scans . Giants managing director Richard Thewlis said 'It's another bad blow'