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Glasgow Rangers secured a confidence-boosting win in midweek against Sparta Prague in the Europa League, and it sets them up nicely to qualify for the knockout rounds.

Goals from Danilo and Todd Cantwell were enough to see off the Czech side at Ibrox and manager Philippe Clement will be hoping for more of the same against Livingston on Sunday.

The Light Blues find themselves eight points adrift of Celtic, although they have a game in hand and the way they are playing under the Belgian, this gap could be cut before Christmas with some luck.

Against Livingston in the Premiership on Sunday, Clement will be looking to rotate his team who sent Sparta packing from Glasgow.

Four changes from that midweek side could be expected in certain areas. Here’s the manager’s predicted XI…

1 GK – Jack Butland

Jack Butland has been in inspired form this campaign for the Light Blues, proving himself to be one of the few transfers that Michael Beale managed to get right during the summer.

The Gers have conceded just six goals in the Premiership so far this term – the best defensive record in the division – and much of it has to do with how good Butland has been between the posts.

2 RB – James Tavernier

Captain fantastic. James Tavernier will once again lead the Gers out for a match, and he has missed just one match so far this term, against Morton in the League Cup back in August, as he was given a rest.

The right-back has already scored ten goals this season across 21 matches, while grabbing three assists, and he is certainly showing no signs of slowing down.

3 CB – Connor Goldson

Like Tavernier, Connor Goldson has missed just one match all season and that was back in August against Livingston.

He is arguably the finest defender at the club and his experience will be vital under Clement, especially if the Light Blues aim to win a trophy or two during the current campaign.

4 CB – Leon Balogun

Ben Davies will drop to the bench from the tie against Sparta and in his place comes Leon Balogun.

The Nigerian re-signed for the club during the summer on a one-year deal having enjoyed a spell between 2020-2022, and he has made two appearances under Clement so far, with the club conceding just one goal when Balogun was on the pitch.

5 LB – Ridvan Yilmaz

Ridvan Yilmaz was foolishly left out of the Europa League squad by Beale, leaving Clement short on cover in that area should Borna Barisic get injured.

The Croatian has started the previous two matches and this could allow Yilmaz to come in for a rare start as he hopes to take his chance under the Belgian following a topsy-turvy campaign so far.

6 CM – John Lundstram

The midfielder looked back to his best during the victory over Sparta on Thursday evening and if he can replicate his European form from the stunning run to the final of the Europa League in 2022, then Clement will have a player ready to go through brick walls for the club.

Lundstram was dribbled past just once in midweek, and he will be given another start against Livingston.

7 CM – Jose Cifuentes

While Ryan Jack has looked back to his best under the Belgian recently, staying clear of any niggling injuries which have cost him games in the past, he could be given a well-deserved rest against Livingston.

This would open the door for Jose Cifuentes to come in and operate alongside Lundstram in the heart of the midfield.

The Ecuadorian has yet to really get into his groove following his move from Los Angeles FC during the summer transfer window, but he has all the required abilities to be a roaring success at the Gers once he hits the ground running.

8 RW – Ross McCausland

The young winger made his debut for the senior side back in 2022 against Hearts, but it has only been in the last few weeks that he has established himself as part of the first-team squad.

He has yet to start in the league but has emerged off the bench four times and has created one big chance while averaging 1.3 key passes per game, showcasing his excellent talents and a start is more than he deserves.

The youngster was dubbed as a “spark” by journalist Josh Bunting following his impressive cameo against the Czech outfit, and he could cause the Livi defence all sorts of problems should he be unleashed.

9 AM – Todd Cantwell

The former Norwich City man scored his first goal of the season against Sparta, curling a low shot beyond their keeper and this should hopefully be the catalyst which gives him confidence heading into the next few months.

The Englishman was deployed out on the right-hand side of the attacking unit once again in midweek, but due to Sam Lammers failing to impress, he should start in the number ten role, a spot where he can significantly impress.

10 LW – Abdallah Sima

The on-loan Brighton and Hove Albion starlet has been wonderful since joining during the summer, scoring nine goals across 21 matches, and his creativity and pace have given the Gers a solid attacking threat on the left wing.

With Ryan Kent departing in the summer, Beale needed a player who could replace him and Sima has done a stellar job thus far.

Former Leeds United sporting director Victor Orta was relieved of his duties in May of this year after almost six years in charge of the club's footballing business.

The Spanish chief endured the highs and the lows at Elland Road as he helped to win promotion back to the Premier League as well as playing his part in their eventual relegation to the Championship at the end of last season.

Orta had a number of successes and failures in the transfer market throughout his time at Elland Road but there may be some players he looks back on with regret at not signing.

Whilst it is easy to look at an arrival and judge how they have performed for the club, it is also worth looking at who could have been brought in instead to bolster the squad.

With this in mind, Orta missed a trick in his failed swoop to sign Noni Madueke from Dutch side PSV, who could have been a better option than Georginio Rutter.

Were Leeds interested in Noni Madueke?

Football Insider reported in the summer of 2021 that the Whites had made contact over a possible deal for the winger and were given 'encouragement' that a deal could be done for £20m.

This came after they were put off by the side's initial £25m valuation of the former Crystal Palace academy prospect, who had emerged as a first-team star for PSV.

The outlet claimed that the club were keen to sign an attacking midfielder who could also play out wide and the left-footed ace emerged as a prime target for them.

However, they did not get a deal over the line for him and it was then reported that they remained interested in the England U21 international the following summer.

It was Chelsea, in the end, who secured his services for a reported fee of £29m in January of this year, and 90min claimed that Tottenham and Leeds were also keen on him at the time

The Blues won the race for his signature as Orta was seemingly unable to convince Madueke that a move to Elland Road was the best next step for his development, or he was unwilling to spend £29m on the then-20-year-old wizard.

Who did Leeds sign instead of Madueke?

Leeds were, however, willing to splash the cash during that transfer window as they spent a club-record £35.5m to sign French whiz Rutter from Hoffenheim to bolster their survival chances.

The Bundesliga gem, who was also 20 at the time of the move, arrived at Elland Road off the back of a disappointing first half of the campaign in Germany.

He produced two goals and two assists in 15 league appearances for his former club, which included 11 starts. The France U21 international missed five 'big chances' and produced 0.7 key passes per game in that time, as per Sofascore.

That form came after his return of eight goals and two assists in 33 Bundesliga outings throughout the 2021/22 campaign, in which time Rutter provided 0.5 key passes per match and missed five 'big chances'.

His debut season in Germany also resulted in one goal and 0.2 key passes per clash across nine matches during the 2020/21 term as he made his first-team breakthrough for the club.

In total, Rutter arrived at Leeds with 11 goals and eight assists to his name in 64 appearances for Hoffenheim in all competitions, which is an average of one goal contribution every 3.37 matches.

How many goals did Madueke score for PSV?

Madueke, on the other hand, produced 20 goals and 14 assists in 80 outings in all competitions for PSV during his time in the Netherlands.

He caught the eye in limited minutes on the pitch during the first half of last season as the talented Englishman contributed with one goal and 2.6 key passes per match across five Eredivisie games.

The England U21 international averaged a goal or an assist every 2.35 clashes throughout his spell at his former club and that convinced Chelsea to spend £29m on him.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig described the young ace as "crazy good" but his form and glowing recommendations were seemingly not enough for Orta to go all out to secure his signature in 2023, 2022, or 2021.

How many goals has Madueke scored for Chelsea?

Madueke has scored two goals in eight starts across the Premier League and Carabao Cup for the Blues since his move to Stamford Bridge in January.

The left-footed magician has not been able to break into Mauricio Pochettino's side on a regular basis. However, he has caught the eye with his exceptional performances for England at U21 level this season.

In three U21 appearances this term, the former Leeds target has scored three goals and provided one assist in matches against Serbia, Ukraine, and Luxembourg.

These statistics suggest that Madueke is far too good to be lingering around the fringes of Chelsea's squad and a move to Leeds could have provided him with the chance to play week-in-week-out and showcase his ability to score and create goals.

The 21-year-old phenomenon has proven his quality to deliver contributions at the top end of the pitch on a regular basis for PSV and England at U21 level.

How many goals has Rutter scored for Leeds?

Rutter, on the other hand, produced one goal and zero assists in ten Premier League matches for the Whites as they were relegated to the Championship last term.

His form has improved since the drop down to the second tier as the French dynamo has chipped in with two goals and three assists in 11 outings this season.

He has had a strong start to the campaign but Madueke has not had a chance to showcase his talent at that level and their respective statistics in top-flight football suggest that the ex-PSV star would have been a better option for Leeds.

Therefore, Orta missed out on the chance to sign a homegrown star who could have provided more goals and assists in comparison to Rutter for a similar price in January.

The South African allrounder will be available for the remaining six Vitality Blast group matches and the knockouts, and four of the remaining six county championship matches

Firdose Moonda30-Jul-2018South Africa allrounder Wayne Parnell will play for Worcestershire until mid-September in both the Vitality Blast and County Championship first division as part of his preparation for the home summer.Parnell recently returned to action from a shoulder injury that had sidelined him since the start of the year. He finished as the top wicket-taker for the Edmonton Royals at the Global T20 in Canada, with six wickets from six matches at 22.50.”It was encouraging to be back again after the long layoff and finishing as the leading wicket-taker was good,” Parnell said. “My goal is to get Worcestershire to the quarter-final of their T20 league and also to keep them in the first division, as they are currently in last place.”Parnell will be available for the remaining six Vitality Blast group matches and the knockouts, and four of the remaining six county championship matches. He will return to South Africa to play for his domestic franchise, Cobras, and has made himself available across all formats. “I fully believe in my unique skill set and I back my ability with bat and ball to contribute to Worcestershire and the Cape Cobras’ cause,” Parnell said.Whether that will be enough to see Parnell back in contention for the South African squad and for the World Cup next year, is a matter of speculation. Parnell lost his national contract ahead of the 2018-19 season and has not played international cricket since a Test against Bangladesh in October, at home, last year.

The midfielder has picked up another potentially long-term problem, and may never hit the heights many felt he would

Pedri couldn't hide the tears. The Barcelona midfielder had slumped onto the San Mames pitch after tweaking his right quad, and though he didn't need help off the field, he cut a distraught figure as he limped to the sideline, the Athletic Club fans applauding him off.

That injury, sustained on Sunday, was the latest in a long line of fitness problems that have stunted what should be a glittering career. Now, less than four years after making his Barca debut, it's easy to wonder if the former Golden Boy winner and 'next Iniesta' will ever be the top-level midfielder that so many expected him to.

GOAL takes a look Pedri's injury history, and if the Barcelona star will ever be able to return on his undoubtedly huge potential…

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  June 2020: Talent acquired

  Pedri is not a La Masia graduate. It is one of the greatest misconceptions in recent football history that the silky midfielder came through the same academy as Gavi, Ansu Fati and co. Instead, the Blaugrana hashed out a deal with then-Segunda Division side Las Palmas in late 2019 to sign Pedri the following summer, agreeing on an initial €5 million (£4.3m/$5.5m) fee – then regarded as a significant sum for a 16-year-old with little first-team experience.

  Still, there was a sense that Barca had a real talent on their hands. In the months between agreeing his transfer and Pedri's arrival, the Spaniard impressed for Las Palmas, becoming the youngest goalscorer in club history and tallying 10 goal involvements in the second tier.

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  October 2020: 'Signing of the decade'

  "Pedri is the signing of the decade" Spanish publication claimed in October 2020. The teenager had just turned in a mesmerising performance against Juventus in the Champions League, his display outshining that of a certain Lionel Messi – despite the Barca legend burying a crucial stoppage-time penalty that sealed a 2-0 win.

  That game capped off a rapid rise to prominence for Pedri, one in which the teenager needed less than a month in Catalunya to crack Ronald Koeman's starting XI. He soon became a fixture in a buzzing midfield, and a rare bright spot for a Barcelona team in transition.

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  August 2021: Worked into the ground

  Issues started to arrive for Pedri because, you could argue, he was playing too well. The 2020-21 campaign was a grim one for Barca, Messi's swansong ending in a third-placed La Liga finish. Pedri, the humming midfield presence, offered hope that the post-Messi years could be just as beautiful, though.

  A series of managers bought into that hype. Koeman handed him 53 appearances in his debut campaign, rarely giving him a day off as Barca fought to stay alive in three competitions. Luis Enrique was even more assertive with the youngster, a he called Pedri into his Spain squad in March 2021, and had him start two Euro 2020 qualifiers. By the time the tournament proper came around, Pedri was the focal point of the squad, playing all-but one minute as La Roja made a semi-final run. He covered the most ground in the tournament, was named in the Team of the Tournament, and took home the Young Player of the Tournament award.

  That should have been enough, but Pedri was then inexplicably shipped off to Japan to repreent Spain in the Olympics. Unsurprisingly given the amount of matches he had already played over the previous 12 months, he turned in a series of beleaguered showings for his country. By the end of it all, he had played 73 games – and over 4,000 minutes – in less than a year.

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  September 2021: Injury strikes

  It didn't take a medical expert to figure out what would happen next, and Pedri's hamstring was the first muscle to tell him that it had had enough. He missed three games – and less than two weeks – with a minor strain in September 2021, with it the kind of injury that top-level athletes pick up all the time. Unfortunately, for Pedri, it was a sign of things to come.

Over the course of David Moyes' tenure, West Ham United have become notorious for doing the ugly side of the game well, showcasing their aggression and physicality, defending in a low block and hitting teams on the counter-attack.

While remnants of that game plan still remain, the Hammers are now enjoying more possession of the ball and that is down to the signing of master technician, James Ward-Prowse. Since joining from Southampton, the 28-year-old has scored or assisted in every game he's played, with his technical quality shining through.

Ward-Prowse isn't the only astute signing to have left his mark at the London stadium. Mohammed Kudus, who completed a £38m switch from Ajax this summer, is slowly unleashing his star-like qualities that saw him become one of the hottest commodities in Europe, having scored against Backa Tapola in midweek.

West Ham's astute and accurate transfer dealings have helped stimulate their exceptional start to the season, but it isn't the only time when Moyes has shown ambition in the transfer window.

In January 2022, West Ham launched an ambitious move to prize Raphinha away from Leeds, but their attempts to sign the Brazilian winger – who could have been an upgrade on fellow forward Said Benhrama – were knocked back.

Why didn't West Ham sign Raphinha?

West Ham were determined to strengthen their squad during the 2022 winter window to boost their Champions League qualification hopes. They set their sights on raiding Leeds' two prized possessions, Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, but ultimately failed in their pursuit.

The signing of the latter man, at the time, would have helped provide further support to lone forward Michail Antonio from the right flank while also being able to play in a number of positions.

Although they were prepared to fork out club-record fees upwards of £50m for the pair, as reported by the Guardian, Marcelo Bielsa was adamant that they would be staying put at Elland Road.

During that period, Leeds were fighting for their lives against relegation and selling their best players would have been detrimental to their season, likely resulting in relegation to the Championship.

While the Whites survived by the skin of their teeth on the final day, West Ham dropped out of Champions League contention, finishing in seventh place. The outcome of their season, however, could have been a lot different if they managed to sign Raphinha.

How good is Raphinha?

Praised by former teammate Dan James as a "magician", Raphinha is a fleet-footed winger who catches the eye with his wand of a left foot, using it to devastating effect during his time at Leeds.

He made the £17m move to West Yorkshire on deadline day in 2020 and quickly became a fan favourite at Elland Road, displaying his ability to not only create opportunities for his teammates but also weigh in with several important goals.

The 18-cap Brazil international showcased his vision, skill and mouth-watering technique to drag Leeds through matches on numerous occasions, becoming their match-winner and the one player they could rely on for a piece of individual brilliance, often providing that in abundance.

Raphinha made a sharp rise to stardom following his world-class performances, chalking up 29 goal contributions in 67 appearances, alerting several of Europe's big hitters.

Although many were interested in luring him away, Barcelona would win the race to land the 26-year-old for £55m last year, and he has since become one of the best wingers on the planet.

The £210k per-week wizard, who was described by pundit Graeme Souness as "extremely talented", has demonstrated that talent on the domestic and European stage for Barca.

Last season, Raphinha plundered 10 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, only behind Robert Lewandowski in that regard, which is a testament to how he's seamlessly stepped up to the plate and delivered a glowing indication of his talents.

That is in stark contrast to what Benrahma achieved last term, with the former Brentford man scoring 12 times, yet providing just five assists in all competitions, having been branded something of an "enigma" by journalist Paul Brown.

The Algerian playmaker has also flattered to deceive so far this season with just one assist from his six appearances thus far, while Raphinha, meanwhile, has recorded three goal contributions in just four games for the La Liga giants.

As per FBref, the ex-Leeds ace ranks among the top 10% of wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes, non-penalty xG, passes into the penalty area, crosses and shots on target per 90, further illustrating the full array of his devastating brilliance.

Throughout the past few years, the £32m (€37m) valued Raphinha, as per Football Transfers, has taken the responsibility of being a star man – like at Leeds – in his stride, but since moving to Catalonia, has shown he can shine among several world-class stars, emphasizing why Moyes was so desperate to bring him to West Ham previously.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp knew the importance of a fruitful summer after falling by the wayside last season, with a fifth-placed Premier League finish the product of ineptitude on the transfer front and a startling loss of form and confidence.

Freshening the ranks was always going to be expected, especially considering that James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all departed in June upon the expiry of their contracts.

Such was to be expected, and indeed needed, but the Saudi Arabian raid on Fabinho and captain Jordan Henderson created a brewing sense of panic; apt replacements were paramount.

Well, the early-season narrative suggests that the Reds are on the rise once more, with the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch all additions to reshape and remould a once thriving midfield that had been sapped of vitality.

Indeed, the Anfield side have impressed thus far, winning three matches in succession after drawing to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to kick their campaign off, and while he has not enjoyed his crowning moment on Merseyside yet, Mac Allister is looking to be a remarkable piece of business already.

How much did Liverpool sign Alexis Mac Allister for?

Liverpool were like a caged animal for the majority of last term, ravenous and desperate for respite, but haplessly incapable of finding a way out.

This was largely down to the midfield's failure to competently protect the defence, inviting waves of pressure and looking as discordant and disjointed as the club has looked under Klopp's illustrious stewardship.

A big summer rebuild was touted, and to kick off the incomings, sporting director Jorg Schmadtke completed a remarkable transfer for Brighton & Hove Albion's Mac Allister, who joined in a bargain £35m deal to get the red half of Merseyside rocking.

The dynamic midfielder had made 112 appearances for the Seagulls – scoring 20 goals and providing nine assists – after signing from Argentinos Juniors for £7m in January 2019, remaining at the Argentinian outfit until the end of the season.

Described as "magic" by pundit Jack Collins, the 24-year-old has been integral in Albion's ascent over the past several years, a centrepiece to their 2022/23 season in qualifying for the Europa League and instrumental in Argentina's triumph at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

How much is Alexis Mac Allister worth now?

Mac Allister's £35m acquisition by Liverpool was met with universal respect; the Reds had signed a rising star with the world at his feet for a relatively small fee.

For reference, another Klopp target this summer, Mason Mount, moved to Manchester United in an initial £55m transfer despite flattering to deceive over the past 12 months.

To illustrate just how shrewd a piece of business it was, CIES Football Observatory already value the £150k-per-week Mac Allister at €80m (£68m), which is a 94% increase from the fee parted with to secure his services.

To corroborate this valuation, there were scores of rumoured fees flying around the transfer market to highlight the high regard in which Mac Allister is held, with the Mirror revealing that the Anfield side were ready to pay £70m to sign the ace.

The fact that Klopp and co succeeded in meeting the contractual clause to permit such an economical move permitted lucrative funds to be spent on the rest of the midfield rebuild.

Should the Reds decide to sell Mac Allister – not that they would – they would undoubtedly cash in lucratively, eclipsing the fee paid for the burgeoning midfielder.

Why is Alexis Mac Allister worth that much?

The 17-cap international truly rose to prominence in Qatar last year, but his displays with Brighton were the foundation of Liverpool's vested interest, having complemented his ten goals and two assists in the Premier League with an 87% pass success rate, averaging 1.3 tackles and two tackles per game and winning 58% of his duels.

Comparing this with Jordan Henderson, for example, who completed 85% of his passes, averaging 0.9 key passes and tackles per match and winning just 50% of his duels, emphasises the increase in robustness that has already been felt this term.

While Liverpool did not swoop for the Argentine solely because of his international exploits, it did not exactly work against Mac Allister that he produced a scintillating series of showings as his nation secured the gilt-encased trophy.

As per Sofascore, he recorded an average rating of 7.05 at the World Cup, posting one goal and assist, completing 89% of his passes, making 1.5 tackles per game and winning 67% of his ground duels, hailed by Gary Lineker for his “sumptuous” defence-splitting assist to Angel Di Maria in the final against France.

Where Liverpool flopped and foundered last year, now the engine looks oiled and in gear once again, with Mac Allister praised for his "impressive" start to life on Merseyside by Neil Docking.

Once described as "intelligent" by compatriot and legendary Premier League striker Sergio Aguero, Mac Allister boasts the qualities to orchestrate many a memorable match for Liverpool, pulling the strings and driving the play forward, very much the energetic presence that was absent at Anfield last term.

He currently ranks among the top 15% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 16% for progressive carries and the top 14% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, underscoring a driving presence from the middle, weaving into dangerous positions to effectively supplement the attack.

While in the early phase of his Liverpool career, Mac Allister looks very much the assured presence needed, having completed 87% of his passes for the Anfield team, making 2.5 tackles and 6.5 ball recoveries per match and winning 59% of his duels.

Once dubbed Brighton's "golden boy" by content creator Ryan Adsett, the 5 foot 9 midfielder can now develop as Liverpool's glittering beacon of hope after a miserable campaign.

Resplendent in red, Liverpool have secured a gem and one who will ply his trade diligently under Klopp's stewardship, and the Kop will sing his name in a din of adulation for years to come.

In less than three days, the physios were called upon seven times to treat batsmen hurt by deliveries that misbehaved on the Wanderers pitch

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Jan-2018South Africa, 1st innings
3.3
Bumrah to Elgar, no run, wow, hit on the hand. Like Pujara, even Elgar is wearing a few. This one jags back in from outside off, beats Elgar on the inside edge and whacks him on the elbow. That’s a very painful blow. He needs some treatment, and more importantly, time.29.2
Sharma to Amla, no run, strikes him under the ribs and he needs medical attention. Vicious delivery, which probably moves off a crack in the good length area of the pitch. Ishant nails it, with a wobbly seam, and it snarls in at Amla, who is worse off because of that exaggerated shuffle across off stump. His bat has no chance of getting across in time and he takes a pretty painful blow where there is no protection51.5
Sharma to Amla, 1 run, walks right across and is surprised by the bounce – where he expects it to hit the middle at knee-height and find runs through midwicket, it rears up, taking the glove and going to the left of the wicketkeeper. Parthiv does his utmost but even after a dive he is nowhere near close to the ball. Amla needs a little treatment for a painful blow on the fingers.56.6
Kumar to Philander, no run, Philander cops a blow on the glove! A good length ball on off stump explodes off the pitch and hurts Philander. It was more or less similar to the ball that he punched to the cover boundary earlier this over. But this one kicks up and surprises him63.5
Bumrah to Morkel, no run, bouncer on leg stump, Morkel tries to hook it away, past leg gully, but there is just too much bounce to middle these shots. Morkel gets hit on the left index finger and needs treatment.India 2nd innings
30.2
Rabada to Kohli, no run, back of a length and lifting up outside. Looks to defend on the front foot and takes this on the thumb. Calls for the physio straight away.34.1
Rabada to Vijay, no run, rapped on the left glove. Signals for the physio again. Lifts from a length and raps him as he looks to avoid it.

A shy-looking Pope could hardly put words to his thoughts and said he was not used to being surrounded by cameras, after his “surreal” spell

Shashank Kishore in Queenstown23-Jan-20181:02

‘It’s an unreal experience’ – Pope

Lloyd Pope would vouch for how cricket is a great leveller. Just 10 days ago against India, he dropped two sitters and bowled all of three overs for 22 in a game Australia were overwhelmed. Soon after the game, Pope’s parents walked towards the dressing room to comfort their disconsolate son, who was in tears. Pope admitted to being disappointed then.Two matches later, he couldn’t quite register that he was perhaps going to be the most googled cricketer in Australia. “I’m still shaking. Quite unbelievable, isn’t it? It’s awesome to be going to the semi-final,” he said after the match.Pope could hardly put words to his thoughts as he spoke to the media shortly after breaking his team-mate Jason Ralston’s record for the best figures at an Under-19 World Cup. Ralston’s record of 7 for 15, achieved against Papua New Guinea, didn’t even last a week. Pope went one better, taking 8 for 35 in a spell of legbreaks for the ages.Pope is a man of few words, but if you can turn in spells like that, one that England are unlikely to forget anytime soon, he wouldn’t need to talk much. No sooner had the last wicket been picked, Pope roared in exult even as his mates ruffled his hair. As he led the team off the field, there was a hint of tear in his eyes. After he recovered from the happy tears, he was taken aback.Pope has seldom had so many cameras panned on him. Talking on television after the match was a first. “It’s quite different. It’s weird to have cameras shoved into your face straight after it,” he said with a shy smile. “It’s different. Like when I play club cricket, your team-mates congratulate you, maybe when I’m home the parents say ‘well done’. So yeah, this feels weird.”Pope was so overwhelmed that he wasn’t even going to take credit for his wickets. “It was weird that so many wickets were taken for barely any runs,” he said. “Pretty good pitch to bowl spin on, but you could score runs too.”There was one point in England’s chase when Jason Sangha contemplated taking Pope out of the attack and bring in an offspinner against two left-handers Jack Davies and Euan Woods. England were still in it, being five down. Australia didn’t scent the possibility of an upset then. Pope said he quietly put a word in Sangha’s ear about wanting to continue. “He wanted to bring in an offie to the left-handers, I talked a little,” Pope started, and then had a shy smile, looking away towards his captain who was standing by the side.It was even put to him if he demanded to continue bowling. “Demand is a strong word,” he laughed. “I just love bowling. It’s an unreal experience. I always love playing for my country whether I’m taking wickets or not, so going out there and doing it with some really good mates was an awesome experience.”Pope stands at over six feet tall. He started wanting to be a fast bowler, until his father suggested he turn to spin, a decision that has worked wonders as he has proven at times that he can be unplayable at this level. Across his three age-group tournaments over the last two summers – one at the Under-17 level and two at Under-19 – Pope claimed 54 wickets at an average of 16.10 in 23 matches. Last year, he picked 15 wickets in five games against the visiting Sri Lankan side in April.”John Davidson, who works with Cricket Australia, has had a big influence in my game. Dan Cullen’s been around to help me as well. I love talking tactics with people who have had that experience. It’s still surreal now. I still can’t believe it.”

Everton boss Sean Dyche will 'listen to offers' for two of his fringe players at Goodison Park as squad trimming becomes a priority for the Toffees between now and the end of the window, according to journalist Paul Brown.

What's the latest Everton transfer news involving Tom Cannon and Andre Gomes?

According to journalist Alan Nixon on Patreon, Republic of Ireland youth international Cannon could rejoin Preston North End on loan this campaign to bolster offensive options at Deepdale.

Nevertheless, Leeds United, Stoke City, Sunderland and Italian side Sampdoria are keeping an eye on the £8 million-rated 20-year-old as Everton look to trim their squad.

Last term, Cannon enjoyed a productive time of things on loan at Preston North End, registering eight goals and one assist from 21 appearances in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

The Daily Mail report that Portuguese midfielder Andre Gomes may also be set to move on from Everton this summer amid 'tentative' interest from Saudi Arabia in his services.

Everton are desperately looking for a new striker and Gomes could be sold to finance a swoop for a new frontman, four years after the 30-year-old arrived at the Toffees from Barcelona in a £22 million deal, as per Sky Sports.

Gomes was out on loan at Ligue 1 outfit Lille last season and featured 27 times in all competitions, notching three goals and two assists in the process.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Brown has indicated that Everton will look to move the fringe duo elsewhere before the transfer window slams shut.

Brown stated: "Everton fans might not like to hear it but I do think that Everton are looking for a loan move for Cannon just to get him a quality year's worth of experience, probably in the Championship.

"I suspect that if they can't get him out permanently, he will also go on loan."

Who could Everton look to bring in this window?

Everton have already made four signings this window in the form of Ashley Young, Youssef Chermiti, Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison, with more set to come before the close of play at Goodison Park, as per Transfermarkt.

According to FootballTransfers, Leeds United attacker Wilfried Gnonto is still pushing for a move to Goodison Park amid an expectation that the Whites will lower their asking price for the Italy international.

Southampton forward Che Adams and Leicester City striker Patson Daka have also been identified as two figures who could offer Everton some flexibility with regard to options in the final third, as per BBC Sport.

The Liverpool Echo claim that despite reports that Manchester United have submitted an enquiry concerning Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, there has been no such contact between either party over the Belgium international.

On the same token, the outlet have revealed that Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is not an Everton target, contrary to earlier information surrounding the 33-year-old's future.

Mumbai allrounder Abhishek Nayar has been left out of the 14-member Ranji Trophy squad announced to play against Tripura at Wankhede Stadium starting November 25. ESPNcricinfo understands that Nayar has been dropped considering he has scored only 130 runs and taken eight wickets from five games this season.”Due to lack of form, unfortunately we have had to take the call,” chief selector Ajit Agarkar told . “It’s tough, we understand that he is a senior player. But everyone understands that the teams comes first.”Mumbai, currently third in Group C, must beat Tripura in their final group-stage match to be assured of qualification into the knockout rounds.Nayar will have to wait for his 100th first-class cap, spending time on the bench alongside reserve spinner Aditya Dhumal. Vijay Gohil, the left-arm spinner, was added to the squad.In Mumbai’s last match against Andhra, Nayar scored 73 runs across both innings and took one wicket. However, in the match against Baroda – which was also Mumbai’s 500th first-class game – Nayar blocked his way to 8 off 108 balls in the second innings to help his team escape what seemed like certain defeat.Mumbai Squad: Aditya Tare (captain), Suryakumar Yadav, Jay Bista, Prithvi Shaw, Siddhesh Lad, Shreyas Iyer, Akash Parkar, Karsh Kothari, Dhawal Kulkarni, Shardul Thakur, Minad Manjrekar, Vijay Gohil, Akhil Herwadkar, Sufiyan Shaikh.