The swing bowler may have problems getting a work permit due to not having played for Australia but would likely enjoy English conditions
George Dobell08-Feb-2018Chadd Sayers, the Australian swing bowler, has emerged as a potential signing for Sussex.Sayers revealed on the radio show in Adelaide that he was hoping to sign for the club in the coming days with a view to gaining experience of English conditions ahead of the 2019 Ashes tour.While it is unclear how Sayers would qualify for a work permit – he has not played international cricket, does not receive a central contract from Cricket Australia and is not a regular member of the Australia squad – his interest to Sussex does make sense.Not only would his style of bowling probably prove highly potent on early-season English wickets, but Chris Jordan and Jofra Archer are unavailable due to their IPL commitments and Jason Gillespie, a new addition to the Sussex coaching staff and the Adelaide Strikers coach, has seen a good deal of Sayers in action in Adelaide, where he plays his first-class cricket. A first-class bowling average of 23.56 is testament to Sayers’ control and skill.Sussex would only confirm that they are looking “at a number of options for the early part of the season” and insisted “nothing has been confirmed.”In other county news, Allan Donald has finally been granted the work permit which will allow him to take up the role of assistant coach at Kent. Donald, who has as British wife and has previously coaches with both England and Warwickshire, was due to join the county for the 2017 season but was unable to gain the required permit as his Level 2 coaching qualification was deemed inadequate.He has subsequently gained the required qualifications and been granted the work permit. He is in Antigua with the first team squad involved in the Regional Super 50 competition.Meanwhile, Hampshire are understood to have won the fierce competition to sign Sam Northeast, whose relationship with Kent has deteriorated since he expressed his reluctance to commit his future to the club.
Under new manager Vincent Kompany, Burnley were promoted back to the Premier League last season, after only one year in the Championship.
Despite being in charge for just one year the Belgian has completely revolutionised Burnley’s squad, with only seven players remaining from the side that was relegated.
Who has joined Burnley under Vincent Kompany?
Zeki-Amdouni-Burnley
Since joining Burnley in July 2022, the former centre-back has brought in 26 different players permanently, across three transfer windows and in the most recent window, he brought in 15 players.
Zeki Amdouni
£16m
James Trafford
£15m
Aaron Ramsey
£15m
Jordan Beyer
£13m
Sander Berge
£12m
Wilson Odobert
£11m
Lyle Foster
£11m
Dara O'Shea
£7m
Ameen Al-Dakhil
£5m
Benson Manuel
£4m
Anass Zaroury
£4m
Michael Obafemi
£4m
Darko Churlinov
£3.5m
Josh Cullen
£3m
Arijanet Muric
£3m
Luca Koleosho
£3m
Hannes Delcroix
£3m
Scott twine
£3m
Hjalmar Ekdal
£3m
Luke McNally
£2m
Vitinho
£1m
Samuel Bastien
£700k
Enock Agyei
£300k
CJ Egan-Riley
free
Lawrence Vigouroux
free
Nathan Redmond
free
Han-Noah Massengo
free
Prior to managing Burnley, the Manchester City legend was in charge of Belgian side Anderlecht for two years, this has led to him poaching some of his best players from his former side.
One of these players is 27-year-old midfielder Josh Cullen, and as it stands Kompany’s decision to sign the Irishman looks to be an inspired one.
How much did Burnley pay for Josh Cullen?
Burnley central midfielder Josh Cullen.
Kompany first signed Cullen for Anderlecht back in 2020 from West Ham for £500k, and during his two seasons in Belgium the midfielder would go on to make 80 appearances.
But when the four-time Premier League winner made the switch to Turf Moor, the Hammer's academy graduate was quick to follow.
Cullen became Kompany’s fourth signing and moved back to England just 11 days after his manager made the switch, for a fee of £3m including add-ons.
Since his signing last summer, the Irish international has already signed a new contract three-year contract with the Clarets.
After signing the deal, he announced he couldn't wait to continue playing for Burnley.
Speaking to Burnley he said:
“I’m really happy to extend my time here, especially off the back of last year which was a really successful year for the Club.
I can’t wait to continue my career with Burnley.
“It will be great to get back to Turf Moor this weekend and be in front of the fans again and hopefully get our first three points on the board.”
Why did Kompany sign Josh Cullen twice?
Kompany snapped up Cullen again after his excellent performances under him during the 2021/22 campaign, which saw Anderlecht finish third in the Belgian Pro League.
Per Sofascore, the English-born midfielder was his side’s third top-performing player, with an outstanding average rating of 7.20.
On top of this, he also ranked second for accurate passes per game (62.2), fourth for key passes per game (1.1), third for accurate long balls per game (4.4) and first for tackles per game (2), per Sofascore.
This shows just how integral he was to Kompany’s all-round play as his quality in many different areas allowed him to control the middle of the pitch.
Furthermore, while Cullen was on loan at Charlton from West Ham, then Irons captain Mark Noble revealed in the Evening Standard what a talented player he was.
Noble said:
“Josh has something you can’t coach,”
“He has that desire every day to improve.
“He’s a talented boy with a big heart and will enjoy a good career in football.
“It just shows you that if you’re prepared to back yourself and go out on loan, rather than staying in the comfort zone, you can do it.”
What has happened to Josh Cullen since moving to Burnley?
Soccer Football – World Cup – UEFA Qualifiers – Group A – Luxembourg v Republic of Ireland – Stade de Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg – November 14, 2021 Republic of Ireland’s Josh Cullen in action with Luxembourg’s Daniel Sinani REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol
Cullen’s top-quality form continued after moving to Turf Moor as the midfielder was able to help guide Burnley to win the Championship last season.
His form was also shown through his stats, per FBref, last season he ranked in the top 4% of all European midfielders for passes completed, per 90 minutes.
Furthermore, he ranked in the top 7% for touches, top 2% for successful take-ons and top 7% for carries, per 90 minutes.
This shows how once again he was the star of Kompany's midfield, as all play was able to go through him, and then he had the ability to move the ball successfully up the pitch into an attacking position.
This was backed up by the Belgian colossus, who last season was full of praise for Cullen.
He said:
"I can't be complimentary enough, but I think everyone can see what he does.
"The team appreciates it; his strength is that he's the ultimate player that puts the team before himself.
“Football naturally always drives you towards being selfish, it just happens that way because you've got to look after yourself, and there are only very few players, despite all of that, who decide to make a conscious choice to put the team above themselves.
"You can't really scout that, you only know it when you work with players.
“The best way to describe Josh [Cullen] is that he came to Anderlecht, from Charlton, as a squad player, and he became the most important player in my squad.
"Then he came to Burnley, back in English football in the Championship, where he was really going to help us out, and he became one of the most important players in the team."
Due to his outstanding performances, the 27-year-old has seen his value rise astronomically, per Transfermarkt he is now rated at £11.1m meaning Burnley have seen a 270% increase in his value from when they signed him only a year ago.
Cullen has backed up his Championship performances by having a strong start to life in the Premier League.
So far this season he ranks as Burnley’s seventh-best-performing player, with an average rating of 6.73, per Sofascore.
On top of this, he has ranked joint first for big chances created per game (1), fourth for accurate passes per game (46.3) and third for tackles per game (1.3).
This shows that despite making a big step up the midfielder is still able have a positive effect on his side
He has also started every game and played every minute so far this season, while also providing an assist, which means he has been involved in 33% of Burnley’s goals.
The fast bowler counted South Africa’s first Test series wins in England and Australia since readmission as the highlights of his international career, and the 2015 World Cup semi-final defeat as a significant low point
Firdose Moonda in Johannesburg03-Apr-2018Morne Morkel will not miss strapping his ankles every time he prepares for an international game. He will not miss having wickets chalked off for overstepping, and he will not miss reading the papers and his critics, but he will miss every other thing about playing for South Africa. He will miss warm-ups and long training sessions, he will miss singing the national anthem and leading the team song, and he will miss the camaraderie of a team culture that appears healthier than ever.”A lot of guys say they don’t miss the game, but I’m definitely going to miss it,” a teary-eyed Morkel said in his final press conference. “There was not one day did I not enjoy coming to nets. I enjoyed everything.”Though Morkel’s days as an international cricketer ended on Tuesday, his time as a cricketer has not. He confirmed he still has “a few years” of cricket left in him but despite links to Surrey being reported earlier in the week was not at liberty to say where he will spend them. He insisted he has not signed a deal yet, but said his future will be clearer in the next couple of days. Today, though, he just wanted to enjoy the last few hours of being among the team he helped build and reflect on a career that is only being truly appreciated at its end.After debuting in 2006, Morkel was a key part of Graeme Smith’s plan to build a team around a strong pace battery. He was part of teams that beat England in England and Australia in Australia for the first times since readmission, and after a spending a childhood watching South Africa “have a tough time overseas”, those series wins remain his highlights.”You have all heard the stories of [Jacques] Kallis and those guys crying in the bus when that happened,” he said. “To create a team culture and identity with Biff (Graeme Smith) and Gary [Kirsten] was special. Since then, walking on the field for South Africa every time was unbelievable.”Despite the good times, Morkel conceded there were “many lowlights”, including the 2015 World Cup semi-final. “I remember it like yesterday. I had that ease in my heart that [Dale] Steyn would do it and then the way Grant [Elliott] took the game away … The body is still good for one more World Cup but unfortunately I won’t be on that bus.”That Morkel is as fit as ever has become evident since his career-threatening back injury in 2016. He returned from that stronger and more determined, and with a new approach, given to him by the former South Africa batting coach Neil McKenzie. “In the last 12 months, Neil said I want you to hit that fuller length. I know it’s floaty but if you get for four, it’s okay,” Morkel said. “I started getting wickets that way and things went according to plan.”His crowning moment came when he took a career-best 9 for 110 at Newlands, in a match that was more fitting as a goodbye, but he wanted to be part of the series finale and tried to involve himself in all the big moments. Morkel was the batsman who came in at No. 11 in the first innings when Temba Bavuma was on 95 and hoped he would be able to get him over the line.”In Port Elizabeth I sat with Temba in the dugout and we had a nice chat about cricket and his cricket and him wanting to come back from the hand injury,” Morkel said. “In the back of my head, I was hoping Keshav [Maharaj, the No. 10] would form a partnership because I have been with so many batsmen in their fifties and nineties but then I had confidence I would be able to hang around. But then I was facing Pat Cummins and it was a beauty of a ball. I was just upset I didn’t give the crowd the opportunity to cheer for one more Haydos boundary.”Morkel was dismissed for a first-ball duck and needed more consoling than Bavuma, but not nearly as much as when he entered his final innings and reached a point where he though he would not be able to bowl. Before lunch on the third day, Morkel left the field with a side strain, which an ultrasound confirmed is a grade 1 injury, but returned to take his place with the team on the fourth afternoon and fifth morning.”It was very important to be on the field; I wanted to be on the field,” he said. “I asked the doc what is the worst that can happen and I was happy to do it.”And in that he delivered a spell late on the fourth afternoon that showed no sign of injury. He dismissed the Australian openers and wanted to just keep bowling. “I knew once I started bowling if I let the oblique muscle cool down I would be in trouble. Funny enough, I was landing the ball better than normal,” he joked.In a way, that sums up Morkel’s career. Imperfectly impressive.He did not get a grand goodbye after Vernon Philander took six wickets in eight overs to leave Australia in tatters but Morkel was the one who left with a full heart. “I’m very happy. Vernon has put in a lot of hard work. That was his moment to get out and shine.”
An unbeaten century from Hilton Cartwright has helped Western Australia set a near impossible fourth-innings chase for South Australia
Alex Malcolm16-Mar-2018 Associated PressAn unbeaten century from Hilton Cartwright has helped Western Australia set a near impossible fourth-innings chase for South Australia at Glenelg Oval.The Warriors began the day 269 runs in front and showed no mercy despite losing D’Arcy Short and Ashton Turner early on. Both men were caught behind off the bowling of Nick Winter.But Cartwright and Ashton Agar added 136 for the sixth wicket. Agar made 86, his first half-century of the season, before becoming Winter’s fourth scalp.Cartwright got to a patient century, his first of the season after he was moved down the order from No. 3 to No. 6 following a lean period.The Warriors showed no urgency in declaring, piling up a lead of 524 before sending the Redbacks in to face five overs late on day three.Joel Paris had Conor McInerney caught at second slip off the second ball of the innings before Jake Weatherald and Callum Ferguson saw the home side through to stumps.
Leeds United are no different to any other English club, in that their fans absolutely love to see an academy graduate thrive in the first team.
So, for Daniel Farke, he must surely stick by the notion that 'you do not fix what isn't broken' with regard to one of his current starters.
Deadline Day marked a busy one for the Whites, who scrambled to add some much-needed depth to their squad before the window slammed shut.
Succeeding in doing so, they welcomed three new faces to bring their summer acquisitions up to nine, as a fine number to offset the 15 departures they had overseen.
One of their starring acquisitions at the eleventh hour came for just £5.5m, as they tempted Glen Kamara to trade Ibrox for Elland Road in order to aid their promotion charge.
How good is Glen Kamara?
The Finland international had starred for Rangers ever since moving in 2019 but admitted that "I feel I just needed a change in my career and Leeds is the perfect place to kick-start my career again" in his first interview with his new club.
After all, he had accomplished most of what was possible in Scotland, having won the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup, as well as featuring in the Champions League. The 27-year-old is now set to bring a wealth of experience to Yorkshire, with the hope that he can recapture the form that saw him lauded during the 2021/22 campaign.
Maintaining a 7.01 average rating in the league, his six goal contributions and 1.3 key passes per game outlined his creative credentials, but paired it with a 91% pass accuracy and one tackle per game too, adding some solidity as well, via Sofascore.
All signs point towards Kamara being instantly thrown into the starting lineup given what he has achieved in the Scottish top flight, but it should not be that easy for him to usurp the exceptional Archie Gray after his start to the season.
How is Archie Gray playing?
Having only made his competitive debut in Leeds' Championship curtain-raiser with Cardiff City, the 17-year-old impressed many with his mature and combative midfield display in a 2-2 draw.
He has since featured in every single game across all competitions thus far, and earned special praise from club legend Jermaine Beckford on Sky Sports (via Leeds Live): "He played with such maturity, he was so confident on the ball. He didn't rush, he didn't panic at all. Everything about his game today was absolutely spot on, and if today is anything to go by, this kid has such a bright future ahead of him.
"He's in the right place to learn, he's got a little bit of everything in him. Phenomenal player, he did really well today."
Tom Elliott
16 years 02 months 25 days
Simon Walton
16 years 10 months 25 days
Ryan Edmondson
16 years 11 months 16 days
Aaron Lennon
17 years, 4 months, 13 days
Archie Gray
17 years, 4 months, 25 days
Although his 6.6 average rating perhaps does not emphasise the scale of Gray's influence, who is the son, great nephew and grandson of three former Whites stars, his 84% pass accuracy and 1.4 tackles does showcase that quality in possession and toughness in the tackle that has earned praise, via Sofascore.
The partnership he has struck up with Ethan Ampadu marks one of the few shining lights to emerge from a term where they have just one league win thus far, as the Wales international acts as more of a dictator to allow his teenage teammate to spread the play.
As such, the 22-year-old maintains an 86% pass accuracy alongside 1.2 key passes, 2.4 tackles and 2.2 clearances per game in the league, via Sofascore.
Another pundit, Michael Dawson, outlined the kind of creativity that this foundation allows Gray to showcase: "The ball from Archie Gray is absolutely sensational. He picks the ball up just on the right-hand side in his own half and hits a long diagonal pass to Sinisterra, who runs at Harry Clarke and he lets him get in the box, chop inside and whip the ball into the far post."
Although Kamara may be the outstanding option on paper, Gray has certainly merited a sustained period of first-team football to continue solidifying a fine partnership with the former Chelsea general.
The ECB’s new city-based T20 competition could be set to be a 100-balls-a-side affair, according to a radical proposal released today
ESPNcricinfo staff19-Apr-20182:58
Faulkner: There’s a danger in getting too funky
The ECB’s new city-based competition is set to be a 100-balls-a-side affair, according to a radical proposal released today.The concept proposes two eight-team competitions – for men’s and women’s teams – consisting of 15 traditional six-ball overs, and a final 10-ball over, a 20-delivery shortfall on traditional T20 matches.The proposed approach was presented by the ECB to the chairmen and chief executives of the first-class counties and MCC on Thursday, and has been unanimously supported by the board of the new competition.The ECB have also confirmed that Southampton, Birmingham, Leeds, London, Manchester, Cardiff and Nottingham will be the host cities for the five-week competition, with Lord’s and The Oval each playing host to a London-based team.ESPNcricinfo Ltd”This is a fresh and exciting idea which will appeal to a younger audience and attract new fans to the game,” said Tom Harrison, the ECB’s chief executive. “Throughout its development, we have shown leadership, provided challenge and followed a process. We will continue to do that as the concept evolves.”Our game has a history of innovation and we have a duty to look for future growth for the health and sustainability of the whole game.”There are 18 first-class counties, playing red and white ball cricket, at our core and these counties and competitions will be supported, promoted and benefit from the game’s growth.”The radical proposals are an attempt to differentiate the ECB’s tournament from the T20 franchise competitions that have already taken root globally – including the IPL in India, Australia’s Big Bash, and the Caribbean Premier League – as well as the existing Vitality Blast competition, featuring all 18 counties, which will continue concurrently.The loss of 20 balls per innings will help to ensure that the competition fits comfortably into a three-hour window, with all matches expected to finish by 9pm.However, the proposed 10-ball final over may require buy-in from MCC’s law-makers, seeing as Law 17.1 currently states: “The ball shall be bowled from each end alternately in overs of 6 balls.”Sanjay Patel, the ECB’s chief commercial officer, and MD for the new competition, said: “The development team has had strong support and encouragement in its conversations to date and it’s time to take the concept wider as we build the detail.”This is 100-ball cricket, a simple approach to reach a new generation. Based on 15 traditional six-ball overs, the other ten balls will add a fresh tactical dimension.”Crucially, this will also help differentiate this competition from Vitality Blast and other T20 competitions worldwide, maintaining our game’s history of successful innovation.”The players and our valuable broadcast partners under the new TV partnerships from 2020-24 are vital to the success of this competition and they will see the energy, excitement and simplicity of this approach.”The five-week competition will feature both men’s and women’s team in concurrent competitions, as the ECB seek to build on the explosion of interest in women’s cricket since the World Cup win in 2017.”Our World Cup win at Lord’s last July showed what’s possible in terms of our sport reaching a new, younger and more diverse audience,” said Clare Connor, the ECB’s Director of Women’s Cricket.”Kia Super League has had a huge impact on participation, player development and the profile of our game. It was a big investment and a bold decision by the Board and paved the way for this next stage of growth.”To build the women’s and men’s competitions and identities together, side by side, is a prospect that few sports ever have and will give us greater reach, scale and prominence.”It will attract more women and girls to the game, ensure that cricket reaches and entertains more families and give our players an exciting stage upon which to display their talent.”The proposals represent the biggest shake-up to English cricket since the launch of the original Twenty20 Cup in 2003.
Glasgow Rangers may have won three games in a row for the first time this season, but the performances on the park haven’t been pretty to say the least.
A turgid 1-0 win against Motherwell in the Premiership more than likely buys Michael Beale more time at the helm, but having had to endure a chorus of boos ringing out at Ibrox when the final whistle went on Sunday, he may not have much of it left.
This summer saw the Gers embark on a much-needed overhaul of the playing squad, but it has yet to reap the rewards, with the vast majority of the new arrivals struggling to really hit the ground running.
With Danilo arriving for £6m and Sam Lammers joining the club for a fee of £3m, Beale will need to be careful that these players are managed well and don’t end up turning into another couple of expensive flops.
The Light Blues have endured their fair share of big-money duds since returning to the Premiership in 2016, with former manager Pedro Caixinha being responsible for a couple.
Pedro Caixinha
Carlos Pena was arguably the biggest mistake, having cost the Ibrox side £2.2m during the summer of 2017 as Caixinha sought to bolster his side as he looked to end Celtic’s dominance of Scottish football.
Another signing from that same year that turned out to be an expensive flop was that of striker Eduardo Herrera.
How much did Rangers sign Eduardo Herrera for?
Pena arrived in Glasgow the very same day as his compatriot as the Gers announced a double signing and Herrera ended up signing for a fee in the region of £1.5m from Mexican side Pumas, and it was clear that the Portuguese manager wasn’t standing still in the transfer market.
He was clearly happy at joining the club, saying: "I am very happy to become part of this great club that has such great supporters.
"I have been waiting for this move for many years now. I wanted to become part of European football and I hope I will be able to make my own contribution to the team."
He also added: “I am a centre-forward and I like to be in the opposition box looking for a chance to score.
"I am used to playing as a target man, to have the ball and support my team and other players in those types of situations.
“I like to compare myself with other players, I have my own style. I like to watch a lot of European football and I try to learn from other players."
Overall, Caixinha signed 11 players that summer in order to build a side which could compete on all fronts, but having suffered an embarrassing aggregate loss to Progres Niederkorn in Europa League qualifying, there was no way back from that as he was eventually sacked in October 2017.
It was hardly surprising news, especially considering the vast majority of his summer arrivals had underperformed massively as they lost in the League Cup semi-finals while slipping behind Celtic in the race for the Premiership title.
Having scored 57 goals in Mexico before joining the Light Blues, Herrera was looked upon as a main source of goals during the 2017/18 season, yet he became a giant drain on precious funds at Ibrox.
How much did Eduardo Herrera earn at Rangers?
The Mexican striker was reported to be earning a staggering wage of £20k-per-week when he signed six years ago.
This is a decent amount now, never mind when the Gers were still struggling financially following a stint in the lower divisions, and they couldn’t even count on European money either due to their woeful defeat before the league season had even got underway.
It was a ridiculous amount to pay the player, despite his goalscoring record and the fact he had won nine caps for Mexico, and he went on to perform poorly for the club.
How many goals did Eduardo Herrera score for Rangers?
For a transfer fee of £1.5m, Caixinha was expecting goals from his centre-forward, yet he failed to deliver. Across just 24 matches for the Ibrox side, he netted only twice and once new manager Steven Gerrard arrived to rejuvenate the club in the summer of 2018, it was clear he didn’t have a future in Glasgow.
Firstly, he was shifted out on loan to Santos Laguna before joining Club Necaxa in January 2019 for yet another temporary spell away from Rangers, and this lasted for a full year before Gerrard had enough and sought to remove the striker from his squad.
Eduardo Herrera
Herrera had clearly been frozen out by the former Liverpool captain and eventually left the club in January 2020, joining Puebla in his homeland and ending a two-and-a-half-year spell of utter misery in Scotland.
Indeed, while pulling on a Rangers jersey between 2017 and 2018, Herrera not only cost the club a staggering £750k per goal, but he rinsed the club of £2.6m over 55 weeks.
This was his transfer fee combined with the £1.1m in wages he earned whilst playing for the club, and it was evidently money the club couldn’t throw down the drain due to their financial situation.
No manager is immune from making the odd mistake. Even the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson has had a transfer howler or two during his successful career, yet Rangers have seen their fair share of expensive flops over the previous seven years.
Herrera certainly falls into that category and that time period wasn’t the best time to be a supporter, with defeats to Celtic commonplace and a number of uninspiring signings joining the club.
Beale has spent a vast amount of money this summer, and he will be hoping that this investment will ensure he has a productive stint in charge of the Gers.
Early signs aren’t promising, and he may not have enough time to see just how the team could perform with every new signing fit and firing.
Champions League group-stage football is due to return to Parkhead under the lights this evening as Celtic host Serie A side Lazio in Glasgow.
The Hoops come into the match on zero points in their group after they lost 2-0 to Feyenoord in their first match in the competition this season and are up against a struggling side.
Lazio are currently 16th in the Serie A and have only won two of their seven league games this term, whilst they also recorded a draw against Atletico Madrid in their first group stage outing.
Brendan Rodgers' side will be hoping to build on the positive momentum that was started with a dramatic win over Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership last Saturday.
The Bhoys won 2-1 away from Paradise as Matt O'Riley scored a 97th-minute winner for the Scottish giants, after the home side had equalised and looked set for a point in the 95th minute.
What's the latest Celtic team news?
Rodgers has confirmed that central defender Cameron Carter-Vickers will not be available for selection against Lazio as he continues to recover from his hamstring injury.
The Hoops will also be without two players who were sent off against Feyenoord in the Netherlands, as they are now suspended for tonight's clash.
Odin Thiago Holm was shown a straight red card and will not be in the mix to start in central midfield, whilst centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke is also out after being sent off for two bookable offences.
This means that there is an opening for a player to come in at the heart of Celtic's defence after the Sweden international started the win over Motherwell.
Will Nat Phillips start against Lazio?
Rodgers must now unleash Liverpool loanee Nat Phillips from the start as Lagerbielke, Carter-Vickers and Maik Nawrocki, who did not make the Champions League squad list, are all unavailable.
The Swedish summer signing started alongside Liam Scales on the right side of the defence at the weekend and this is the perfect position for the English titan, who is right-footed, to come in and take.
Therefore, the Northern Irishman should start the 6 foot 3 stopper for the first time in Europe this season since his temporary move to Parkhead from the Premier League side.
Liverpool defender Nat Phillips.
Celtic are facing a minor crisis at centre-back with so many options out of action, including Stephen Welsh, who is set to be out for three to four months, but Phillips has the quality to put in an excellent performance tonight to ease any fears from supporters.
He is set to be up against legendary Lazio forward Ciro Immobile, who has scored 198 goals in 305 matches for the club, and will be in for a tough evening. However, the 26-year-old defender has experience at this level and has shown that he has the ability to excel against the best of the best.
How many Champions League appearances has Phillips made?
The central defender played five Champions League matches during his time at Liverpool with those games coming against AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, and RB Leipzig. Tough opposition indeed.
His side won three of those clashes and only conceded four goals, three of which came in a 3-1 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium against Real.
Liverpool defender Nat Phillips.
Phillips averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.10 across three games against Real and Leipzig combined during the 2020/21 campaign and caught the eye with a dominant 71% aerial duel success rate.
The English centre-back, who made 3.7 tackles and interceptions combined per match, has the potential to dominate Lazio and Immobile, who happens to have lost 75% of his Serie A aerial battles this season.
Celtic's central defender has consistently showcased an ability to win the physical battle with the opposition and the Italy international has struggled with that side of the game this season.
How many goals has Immobile scored this season?
Immobile has registered two goals in eight games for the Italian side throughout the 2023/24 campaign to date and is coming off the back of 14 goals and seven assists in 38 matches last term.
The 33-year-old, who has scored nine goals in 16 Champions League career matches, had also netted a a whopping 32 goals in 40 matches in all competitions during the 2021/22 campaign.
Lazio captain Ciro Immobile.
He has proven himself to be an exceptional goalscorer for Lazio over the course of a number of years, with only two goals needed to reach a double century of strikes for the club, but his physical play has been less-than-impressive this term.
Immobile has lost 66% of his ground duels and 75% of his aerial battles across seven Serie A outings this season which suggests that Phillips could be able to dominate him.
How good is Phillips in the air?
The English brute was once described as a "monster" in the air by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and this is backed up by his statistics over the years.
Phillips won 66% of his aerial contests across 17 Premier League appearances during the 2020/21 campaign and then caught the eye on loan with Bournemouth the following term, coming out on top in 69% of those duels in 17 Championship games for the Cherries.
Therefore, the Reds loanee has the potential to dominate Immobile, who has started seven of Lazio's eight games in the Serie A and Champions League, with his outstanding ability when the ball is off the ground.
The Hoops enforcer has consistently proven himself to be a dominant force and by contrast, the Italy international has struggled to deal with those situations, which could allow Phillips to impose himself on the veteran finisher this evening.
That's not to suggest his impact is limited to those situations, however. Indeed, the £65k-per-week gem, who was once dubbed "immense" by Klopp, could also make an impact in possession as he ranked among the top 7% of centre-backs for progressive passes per 90 (seven) during the 2020/21 Champions League campaign.
This essentially means that he was one of the best players in his position at progressing the ball through the thirds to start attacks for his side from centre-back on a regular basis.
Phillips could help Celtic to build play out from the back to create chances which paired with his aerial prowess, could well set Rodgers' men on the way to an unlikely result.
This was Taunton at its finest – an engrossing finale watched with time-honoured angst by spectators emotionally wedded to the culture and history of the county game
David Hopps at Taunton12-Jun-20181:55
Somerset chase down Notts to top Division One
ScorecardSomerset moved to the top of the County Championship on a thoroughly absorbing day at Taunton as they dislodged the previous leaders, Nottinghamshire, by six wickets with just over an hour to spare. For much of the day, it felt a lot closer. This was Taunton at its finest – an engrossing finale watched with time-honoured angst by spectators emotionally wedded to the culture and history of the county game.Ageism is never more rife than when people discuss the relevance of the Championship, the facile not to say disparaging assertion that many of its spectators are dying out rather overlooking the fact that they are being reliably replaced by those of us growing older by the day. It is a curious analysis that derides a game because of the age of those who watch it rather than the talent of those who play it. Such nonsense is rarely addressed because those who have had actual experience of old age are likely to be too dead, or too weary, or too wise to state the obvious.The man on the mobility scooter seemed to have got it about right as Somerset’s batsmen went about their business. “Their spinners look more dangerous than ours,” he observed before careering off under the stand at a speed that might have been pushing it in M5 roadworks.Hampshire’s James Vince had thwarted Somerset at Taunton a month ago by batting throughout the final day for an unbeaten double century, an innings of great responsibility which nevertheless was followed by the loss of his England place.But this surface had a better balance, showing some signs of wear late in the game, and by enforcing the follow-on, with a first-innings lead of 258, Somerset’s young skipper Tom Abell had risked a fourth innings chase against the turning ball, with both Matt Carter and Samit Patel carrying a growing threat.Suitably, it was Abell, though, who saw Somerset home in a spritely post-tea stand of 87 in only 17 overs with Steven Davies for the fifth wicket. Marcus Trescothick, the Grand Old Man, recovering from injury, had been following the final throes on the Somerset chat forum, and announced to all and sundry with nine still needed that he was going for a cider: nothing like beating the rush. As for Abell, he has matured impressively into a captaincy that last season asked so much of him that it might have broken lesser individuals.Matt Renshaw also bade farewell to Taunton with another accomplished innings, following up his first-innings century with an accomplished 61 before Carter had him caught at slip, pushing forward. Nobody has made more first-class runs than Renshaw in 2018 and Somerset have benefited hugely from the ball-tampering tomfoolery which saw him step in as an emergency replacement for his fellow Australian, Cameron Bancroft: sandpaper boy replaced by the polished kid, a player who might soon replace him in Australia’s Test side.Renshaw does have three away Championship matches left before the departs for an Australia A tour of India and it is here, beginning with matches against fellow title contenders Surrey and Essex, that the season will reach a critical point. Whether Somerset are capable of finally winning that first title will be a lot clearer then.It took an hour for Somerset to dislodge Nottinghamshire’s last two wickets, suggesting the target of 248 was eminently achievable. Matthew Milnes was refused a good lbw shout against Renshaw, and Ed Byrom fell to Steven Mullaney, but it all felt like a precursor to the intervention of spin.Renshaw was fortunate, on 42, to clear deep mid-on as Patel bowled with no luck – he also turned past the outside edge on several occasions – but generally he possessed a certainty that insisted while he remained a Somerset victory was inevitable.He certainly goes about matters in a more relaxed fashion than another Australian much treasured in these parts, Justin Langer, whose four seasons at Somerset terrified them into high standards of organisation and discipline; a man with horror movie eyes. Now Australian coach, he would do well to look at Renshaw, although Renshaw would be well advised not to look straight back.George Bartlett batted with some panache in a second-wicket stand of 96 in 28 overs, but Carter bowled him off his bat and boot as he attempted a forcing shot to leg and then added a third wicket on the stroke of tea when he had James Hildreth caught at short leg – a wicket that Patel might have felt he deserved as he beat the outside edge more than once and would have had him lbw were it not for a faint edge. At 163 for 4, with 85 still needed, the game was far from settled.The manner in which Abell and Davies came out after tea suggests a county high on confidence, planning and spirit, rattling on at a run a ball. Three consummate boundaries in an over from Abell broke the game. The man on the mobility scooter was nowhere to be seen, but it is a fair assumption that he careered home happy.
Jude Bellingham screamed obscenities at referee Gil Manzano after the final whistle was blown seconds before he scored for Real Madrid at Valencia.
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Bellingham netted a headerFinal whistle had already blownEngland midfielder sent off for reactionWHAT HAPPENED?
Bellingham netted a header with the score at 2-2 but the final whistle had already been blown by Manzano, seemingly before the cross was played in. Bellingham, though, confronted the official after the game in chaotic scenes, and was subsequently shown a red card.
AdvertisementWHAT BELLINGHAM SAID
Per Fabrizio Romano, Bellingham said: "It's a f*cking goal, the ball is in the air, what the f*ck is that?!"
Bellingham also retweeted a fan's tweet, claiming that it was a "scandal" that the goal was chalked off.
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Real had come from 2-0 down to level proceedings, thanks to a brace from Vinicius Junior. They remain top of La Liga after the draw and are now seven points clear of second-placed Girona and nine clear of Barcelona in third. Both chasing sides have a game in hand, however, so the lead may well shrink on Sunday.
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
Real will reportedly appeal Bellingham's red card and it remains to be seen whether he will be available for next weekend's clash with Celta Vigo. First, they play RB Leipzig in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie on Wednesday; they hold a 1-0 lead.