Arsene Wenger has suggested that Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is a ‘bit affected’ mentally following his recent injury troubles. Fabregas has been hampered by a hamstring problem this season and missed last week’s UEFA Champions League defeat away to Shakhtar Donetsk with the injury. He returned for Sunday’s Premier League […]

Australia coach Robbie Deans has made a host of changes for the clash with Aviva Premiership champions Leicester at Welford Road on Tuesday night. The Wallabies are captained by fly-half Berrick Barnes, who came off the bench during Saturday’s 25-16 victory over Wales in Cardiff. All seven replacements from that […]

Dutch hot-shot Michael van Gerwen will play Arron Monk in the PDC Unicorn Under-21 World Championship final in the New Year after they came thorough qualifying in Barnsley – also earning both men a place in this month’s Grand Slam of Darts. Van Gerwen has been on the scene for […]

Harry Redknapp has admitted he is desperate to welcome Jermain Defoe back from injury. The Tottenham striker has been sidelined since undergoing an ankle operation in September that was initially expected to keep him out for three months. He is making good progress in his recovery and has set his […]

West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo is refusing to take Manchester City for granted ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash. Big-spending City go into the game at The Hawthorns under pressure following three defeats in all competitions. While some believe it could be a good time to face the Light Blues, […]

Workforce won’t run in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Churchill Downs this evening. Sir Michael Stoute has been concerned about the ground for his Investec Derby and Arc hero all week and the racing office at the track confirmed at 1335 GMT that he had been scratched from the field. […]

Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley has agreed a new deal at the Stadium of Light. Bardsley’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of the season and it was feared he could leave on a free transfer next summer. A number of clubs, including Newcastle, Stoke, Blackburn and West […]

Ricky Ponting insists there is still a “good feeling” in the Australia dressing room despite his side’s losing run extending to a seventh game on Friday. Sri Lanka heaped yet further misery on Ponting and his troops in the second one-day international at Sydney, the 29-run win sealing a historic […]

Victor Matfield insists South Africa have drawn inspiration from being written off ahead of Saturday’s showdown with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium. The Springboks head into the showdown in Dublin without the services of no fewer than 13 players sidelined either by injury or suspension. A disappointing Tri-Nations campaign saw […]

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp insists he will not let his team get carried away ahead of their trip to Bolton on Saturday. Spurs produced an outstanding display in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night as they beat holders Inter Milan 3-1 at White Hart Lane. But it is back […]

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway remains unsure whether he can persuade goalkeeper Matthew Gilks to sign a new contract. Gilks has seen his career revitalised during Holloway’s time at Bloomfield Road and he played a key role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League. He has caught the eye of […]

Theo Walcott believes he will play in a more central attacking position over the next couple of years after making a fine start to the season in front of goal. The Arsenal player scored in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk to take his tally for the campaign […]