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United Arab Emirates (UAE) captain Khurram Khan believes the time is right for cricket in the Emirates to make a long-awaited comeback from the heights it attained by reaching the 1996 World Cup in the subcontinent

Cricinfo staff20-Mar-2009United Arab Emirates (UAE) captain Khurram Khan believes the time is right for cricket in the Emirates to make a long-awaited comeback from the heights it attained when they made it to the 1996 World Cup in the subcontinent.Khurram, the 37-year-old allrounder, said preparations were “going well” for the World Cup Qualifier (WCQs) in South Africa from April 1-19. “We started a couple of months ago with our new coach (former Sussex and England batsman) Colin Wells and the guys are shaping up very well. We have some new players, some youngsters in the team so it looks good for the future as well but we are ready now,” he said.Asked about their aspirations going into the big event, considering the relative strength of some of the other competing teams, Khurram said, “Our goal is to qualify for the World Cup. We have played against some of the teams such as Ireland, Scotland, Netherlands and others – they are very good teams but we are going well.”We have played some practice matches and we are also involved in the Emirates Airline Pro Arch Trophy against six English county teams taking place in the UAE. I’m sure the other teams are working hard but our preparations are going well too.”Khurram also said the sport should continue to be promoted in the UAE. “I think cricket will grow in the UAE, especially if we qualify for the World Cup. The ICC moving here is also a boost for cricket in the UAE as is the completion of the cricket stadium in Dubai Sports City and the ICC Global Cricket Academy. So cricket is developing here day by day.”Cricket has a huge following in the UAE especially if you take the big expatriate populations from places like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. For locals it’s not the No. 1 sport but there are many local people who play the game and that number is increasing,” he said.UAE are in Group B which includes Bermuda, Kenya, Netherlands, Afghanistan, and Denmark and they open their campaign against Bermauda in Potchefstroom on April 1.They qualified for the 1996 edition after winning the ICC Trophy (as it was then known) in 1993-94, defeating Kenya in the final. There was plenty of drama in the last qualifiers, when they narrowly missed out on making it to the 2007 tournament in West Indies when the lost to Netherlands in the fifth-sixth playoff match, thereby missing out on the last qualification spot.

Many Liverpool fans have been angered on Twitter, following news that their defender Andrew Robertson started on the right-hand side of defence for Scotland in their World Cup qualifying match against Denmark [BBC].

Walking into the game with no natural right-back figure due to COVID-19 related issues, former Reds assistant manager now Scotland head-coach Steve Clarke made the surprise decision to start Robertson at right wing-back in Copenhagen over Kieran Tierney [BBC].

Not proving to be a success and achieving a match rating of just 5/10 in The Daily Record newspaper, the 27-year-old was restored to his more natural berth at left-wing back for the second half.

Upon seeing this unusual turn of events, no wonder loads of diehard Liverpool fans took to Twitter to vent their frustration at the occurrence.

Liverpool FC fans react:

Replying to popular Liverpool FC fan outlet This is Anfield on Twitter, here is what some fans had to say about Robertson filling in on the right:

“Ye bit weird, taking away a big part of Robertson’s game not being able to bomb down the line and whip it in, think Tierney would be alright at RB and just sit and do a solid job defensively”

Credit: @2110lfc

“So we have got cover for Trent then …”

Credit: @kevhLFC”Stinking the place out unsurprisingly”Credit: @Kieran_Reid99″We’re giving FSG ideas”Credit: @KazzyLFC”Don’t tell Klopp”Credit: @mgksuarez”Klopp seeing this and now thinking that he can be the cover for Trent if needed”Credit: @alibaggedagainIn other news, Liverpool weighed up a move for a Premier League ace in the transfer window. Find out more here.

Southampton will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to six games as they travel away to face Sheffield United in the League Cup.

The Saints will need to defeat the Championship side to progress through to the fourth round, having beaten Newport County 8-0 in the previous stage of the competition.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men come into this match off the back of a 0-0 draw with Manchester City in the Premier League and the Austrian could make a number of changes to freshen his side up.

One player who should be given his chance to shine in the spotlight is summer signing Lyanco. The centre-back is yet to make his debut for the club and this League Cup clash could offer up the perfect opportunity for him to come in and show what he can do.

With Jack Stephens potentially out for a while with a knee injury, there could be a spot in the XI for Lyanco to slot in and start alongside Jan Bednarek. This would also allow Mohammed Salisu to rest ahead of the league meeting with Wolves at the weekend.

Earlier this month, Hasenhuttl admitted that Lyanco, who is a ‘very good character’, is a long-term project at St. Mary’s. He told Southampton’s official website:

“As always, for us, new signings are long-term projects.

“He needs to learn his English, but he’s willing to learn in every area. A very good character and a very settled personality. Very happy to have him here.

“Ori, in the moment, is a little bit my translator. My Italian is not that good when I try to speak with him, especially in the football business there are some words I don’t know.”

This suggests that he should not be rushed into starting in the Premier League straight away, with the likes of Stephens, Salisu and Bednarek ahead of him. Therefore, playing him in the cup, instead of the pressured league matches, could be perfect for the defender to help him ease into English football.

Lyanco averaged a solid SofaSore rating of 6.90 in 23 Serie A appearances for Torino last season, with the warrior averaging 2.0 interceptions and 3.1 clearances per game. This suggests that he does have the potential to put in quality performances at the top level, but it is now down to whether or not he can adapt to the English game and a test against Sheffield United could provide Hasenhuttl with some valuable information.

Therefore, the Austrian head coach must give Lyanco his 90 minutes in the spotlight as it is his time to shine in a Southampton shirt. Allow the defender to showcase what he is capable of doing on the pitch to see if he can challenge the other centre-backs in the squad for their places.

AND in other news, Semmens disasterclass: Ex-Saints beast has seen value soar 317% since St. Mary’s exit…

The review system has elicited concerns from both New Zealand and West Indies, particularly with regards to the limited availability of television technology to the third umpire

Cricinfo staff23-Dec-2008
Daniel Vettori feels umpires must have access to more technology to make accurate decisions © Getty Images
The review system trialled in the recently concluded Test series between New Zealand and West Indies has drawn concern from both teams, particularly with regard to the limited availability of television technology to the third umpire.Brendon McCullum’s controversial dismissal on the final day of the second Test in Napier raised doubts over the system’s ability to produce accurate decisions. McCullum was adjudged caught behind by umpire Rudi Koertzen and the decision, when referred, was upheld by third umpire Mark Benson. However, Benson’s review of the decision was, under the rule, limited to normal television coverage and not the advanced “hot spot” technology, which indicated no contact between bat and ball. The decision was crucial as New Zealand, batting aggressively in pursuit of 312, called off their chase with 92 required off nine overs.Daniel Vettori said all available technology should be used in the referral process, without which it would not meet its intended purpose. “It was clear he didn’t hit it,” he said of McCullum’s dismissal. “If you’re going upstairs you should give umpires as much technology as they can have.”Hot Spot seems to be the best one I’ve seen in my time. You couple that with the snicko and the naked eye and you’d think you’d get the decisions right 100% of the time.”John Dyson, the West Indies coach, agreed. “I think if the feeling about technology like snicko is very good, that should be another tool given to the umpires to make decisions. Sometimes the eyes and the cameras don’t pick up everything.” There were a total of 19 reviews in the Test series, with seven used on the final day in Napier.Vettori, who had earlier called for referrals to be used only for ‘obvious calls’, also felt the three unsuccessful challenges allowed for each team gave captains an opportunity to use the system quite liberally for marginal decisions, as he did when he appealed for a leg-before decision against Chris Gayle early in his innings of 197.”We took a chance with Chris because it was such an important wicket. I don’t think that’s why the referral system was brought in. If we’re looking to rid the game of the obvious wrong decisions then it has to be brought back to one (challenge) in my opinion. If we get caught up in the 50-50s (decisions), that takes the power out of the umpires’ hands. Everyone involved in the game still wants that human element.”Dyson preferred two challenges. “With three there’s a bit of a feeling there; ‘Oh well, we’ll give it a go because we’ve got three’.”

A number of Liverpool fans are devastated after it was claimed that Michael Edwards will leave his role as the club’s sporting director at the end of the season.

The Reds have enjoyed a glorious period under Jurgen Klopp, winning both the Premier League and Champions League in the last two-and-a-bit years.

While Klopp has undoubtedly been the main reason for Liverpool’s great success, Edwards has also played a major role in his own right.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

The Reds’ transfer guru has been integral to the club making some magnificent signings, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk all coming in under his watch. He has also recouped substantial fees for bit-part players such as Jordon Ibe, Danny Ward and Dominic Solanke.

Unfortunately, it looks as though Edwards’ time at Anfield is nearing its conclusion, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein claiming on Twitter that he will depart next summer.

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Liverpool fans left gutted by Edwards’ mooted departure

It is a potentially “huge loss” for Liverpool if Edwards does indeed leave next summer, in the words of one Kopite, and these Reds fans have been reacting to the news via Twitter.

“He must’ve got tired working under huge restrictions, any top sporting director wouldn’t stay when you have to work with owners who just always do the bare minimum”

Credit: @_lfcjosh

“The worst thing that can happen now is that FSG appoint their puppet who’ll always agree to them”

Credit: @CallMeRyuk

“They can’t sign players and now letting Edwards go. Deadline day gift from FSG!! Enjoy Reds”

Credit: @stilunbearable

“NOT a good start to the Morning”

Credit: @charlielfc

“This is a huge loss for us regardless how people feel about him past two seasons.”

Credit: @Homes19LFC

“Hard to take Liverpool any further, especially when working under the current constraints. Definitely something worrying going on behind the scenes”

Credit: @RoryGreenfield

In other news, Liverpool could reportedly sign one player before the transfer window closes. Read more here.

Manchester City fans are unhappy with the news that Harry Kane has confirmed he will be staying at Tottenham Hotspur.

Earlier this summer, Kane dropped a bombshell on Spurs by telling the north-London outfit he wanted to leave the club before the end of the transfer window (Sky Sports).

The Citizens have always been the main team in pursuit of the 28-year-old England captain, and it looked at one point like a deal was possible (The Guardian).

However, Tottenham refused to let their star leave without a fight and, as we approach the final week of the window, Kane has made a decision of his future. On Twitter, he has revealed that he will be staying with the Lilywhites and is 100% committed to helping the north London outfit succeed.

The news was relayed on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Kane news below

“This is an outrage”

Credit: @Eddy56230239

“Shambles.”

Credit: @King_Kevin100

“Shock. What a waste of time and resource trying to buy a player that was overvalued with the owner (quite rightly so) no accepting anything less than 150 upfront. Poor business from City.”

Credit: @commando42

“We’ve wasted so much of our time chasing a striker who wasn’t serious about joining our club , if he wanted to he would have forced that move. We cannot afford to go into this season without a striker , not to retain Premier League or even stake a claim on Champions League.”

Credit: @dean41786543

“We’ve been trying to get him since march btw lol. What a waste of time”

Credit: @SilkyCyrus_74

“It’s time for Ronaldo, don’t bottle it”

Credit: @SxrgioSZN

In other news, Manchester City fans were livid at these Pep Guardiola comments.

Speaking on live TV (via Football Daily), Sky Sports have now dropped a Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma.

The Lowdown: Spurs in centre-back chase…

It has been reported that Spurs are looking into signing another defender this summer even after completing a deal for 2020/2021 Serie A MVP award-winning defender Cristian Romero.

Claims emerged earlier this week of their renewed interest and contacts for Takehiro Tomiyasu, with managing director Fabio Paratici eager to land another defensive option for Nuno Espirito Santo.

They have also been in talks to sign Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic (Sky Sports), with Sky now bringing news as Spurs eye another West Ham United target.

The Latest: Sky drop live TV claim involving Zouma and Spurs…

As per the broadcast giant, via Football Daily’s post, Tottenham are now interested in signing Zouma this summer as they bring a transfer update out of N17.

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“Tottenham are interested in signing Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma,” Sky explained.

“He’s one of a number of defenders the club are looking at.”

The Frenchman now joins a growing list of Spurs transfer targets for the central defensive area as Paratici eyes yet more reinforcements to protect goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

The Verdict: Great option, but unlikely…

Lauded as a ‘beast of a player’ by Premier League legend John Terry (Instagram Live via Tribuna), Zouma arguably has the ability to succeed at Tottenham.

Standing at a lofty 6 foot 3, the 26-year-old averaged a higher pass accuracy (90.9%) than any Spurs player in the English top flight last year – highlighting his real composure passing out from the back (WhoScored).

However, Chelsea and Tottenham’s unwillingness to do business is well documented so it is difficult to see this transfer coming off as a result.

In other news: 66-cap ace pushed closer to leaving Tottenham, Nuno leaves him out of ECL squad…find out more here.

Nikita Miller, the Jamaica left-arm spinner, had written off his chances of an international call-up for the series against Australia after he was not required for the Tests or the first three ODIs. Miller was one of three new players called into the squad for the final two games in St Kitts and is likely to make his international debut either on Friday or on Sunday.The leading wicket-taker in West Indies’ domestic first-class competition this season, Miller was discussed as a possible Test spinner during the three-match series. However, Amit Jaggernauth was preferred in the opening encounter and Sulieman Benn took the role for the third Test and the first three ODIs, before he was axed for the final matches.”I wasn’t really expecting it for the rest of the series, it came as a surprise but all in all I’m happy,” Miller said of his call-up. “I was looking out for it [earlier] because I had a good season so I always kept my mind in tune for that call so that I won’t be surprised. I was disappointed [not to be called up sooner] but now that I got the chance I have to take it with both hands.”Miller, 26, starred in the Carib Beer Challenge final when he picked up five wickets in each innings to help Jamaica to a nine-wicket win over Trinidad and Tobago. He has played little cricket since early May, when he faced Australia in a tour match, but he remains confident he can quickly find his line and length.”I was preparing for the local one day series [in Jamaica], I’ve been doing a bit of practice at the club I play for, Melbourne,” Miller said. “I have to believe in my skills, I’ve been able to do well at the regional level and all I have to do is believe in myself, I know I can do a good job. I’m pretty happy. I don’t think my bowling can fall off in a month or so.”West Indies have already lost the five-match series but they will be aiming to avoid a whitewash in the remaining two matches. Along with Miller, the uncapped Shawn Findlay and Kemar Roach will be hoping to make their first one-day international appearances.

ينطلق نهائي مباراة فيناليسيما بين بطل أوروبا إيطاليا أمام بطل أمريكا الجنوبية منتخب الأرجنتين، في تمام التاسعة إلا ربع بتوقيت القاهرة.

المباراة التي تنطلق بعد أقل من ساعة، ستجمع بين بطلي أمريكا الجنوبية وأوروبا، على ملعب ويمبلي، والفائز سيتوج بالسوبر الأوروبي الأمريكي، بعد الاتفاق بين الاتحادين اليويفا والكومينبول، تحت رعاية الاتحاد الدولي “فيفا”.

طالع أيضًا.. بونوتشي: علينا احترام ميسي.. كان ولا يزال الأفضل هو ورونالدو

روبرتو مانشيني المدير الفني لمنتخب إيطاليا يدفع بـ جورجيو كيليني أساسيًا في تشكيل الأزوري، بمباراته الأخيرة بقميص بطل أوروبا.

ويشارك بيلوتي في هجوم الفريق بجانب راسبادوري وبيرنارديسكي.

بينما ليونيل سكالوني، يدفع بـ نجم باريس سان جيرمان ليونيل ميسي أساسيًا، بجانب باولو ديبالا ولاوتارو مارتينيز.

كلا الفريقين يلعبان بطريقة 4/3/3، مما يجعلنا ننتظر مباراة هجومية بين بطل كوبا أمريكا وبطل يورو الصيف الماضي. تشكيل إيطاليا أمام الأرجنتين

حراسة المرمى: دوناروما.

الدفاع: دي لورينزو، كيليني، بونوتشي، إيمرسون.

وسط الملعب: ، باريلا، بيتسينا.، جورجينيو

الهجوم: راسبادوري، بيلوتي، بيرنارديسكي تشكيل الأرجنتين أمام إيطاليا

حراسة المرمى: إيمليانو مارتينيز.

الدفاع: تاليافيكيو، مولينا، روميرو، اوتاميندي.

وسط الملعب: دي باول، رودريجيز، لوسيلسو.

الهجوم: ميسي، دي ماريا، لاوتارو مارتينيز.

An update has emerged on reported Newcastle transfer target Adam Armstrong, with the forward being tipped for a Championship move.

What’s the talk?

An EFL insider has hinted that the much-coveted Blackburn striker could end up at Championship outfit Fulham before the end of the window.

They told Football Transfer Tavern: “Adam Armstrong from Blackburn could be one, similar to Dwight Gayle, but has more goals in his game in my opinion.

“He’s proven now and a good bid might get him to move to a big club like Fulham, with its wealth.”Newcastle have been touted in recent months with an interest in a deal to bring the £25m-valued forward back to St James’ Park this summer, with West Ham and Southampton also reportedly keen. Upgrade on Gayle

Newcastle must act swiftly to secure a deal for Armstrong before any other suitor is able to swoop in for him in the final weeks of the transfer window. The Magpies cannot afford to allow a Championship club to beat them to what could be a fantastic signing.

He could be a significant upgrade on Dwight Gayle and bolster Bruce’s options in the final third considerably. The 31-year-old scored once in 18 Premier League appearances for the Toon last term, averaging a lowly WhoScored rating of 6.21.

This suggests that it could be time for the Magpies to part ways with the former Crystal Palace man as he has not been able to produce consistent performances in the top flight. Selling him could then open the door for Armstrong to come in and replace him, and he could prove to be a more valuable asset than the experienced Gayle.

Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray lavished praise on the “explosive” Newcastle target last season and admitted that he has matured as a player. He told FourFourTwo: “Adam does (make a difference) as he has done all season. I think Adam has matured and he’s only 23.

“He’s a boy really, but his explosive pace at the top end of the pitch allows you to play both ways, to not be overly concerned if you’re pinned back around the edge of your box because one pass releases pressure to someone like (Harvey) Elliott to play the pass that he can hit just leaving it in the space for the speed and dynamic movement of Armstrong – it’s a devastating effect for the team.”

Armstrong scored an impressive 28 goals in the Championship for Blackburn last season, averaging a WhoScored rating of 7.15 for the club. He is bang in form and seven years younger than Gayle, which means that the 24-year-old has the potential for further development whilst also showing that he could shine for Newcastle straight away. Therefore, Bruce should be pushing for this deal to be completed in August.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Howey drops Freddie Woodman verdict amid surprise Bruce admission at Newcastle…