Dois amarelos e goleiro na súmula: os 35 dias de Lugano sem jogar

MatériaMais Notícias

Lugano é uma das opções de Dorival Júnior para o lugar de Rodrigo Caio, suspenso, e, se entrar em campo contra o Bahia, neste domingo, encerrará um período de 35 dias sem jogar. Mas, desde sua última atuação, em 2 de julho, o uruguaio acumulou cartões, cumpriu suspensão e até virou goleiro.

O uruguaio jogou pela última vez na derrota por 2 a 0 para o Flamengo, no Rio de Janeiro, em jogo que marcou o fim da passagem de Rogério Ceni como técnico do clube e que colocou o time pela primeira vez na zona de rebaixamento do Campeonato Brasileiro. Desde então, ele chegou a ficar fora até do banco, por conta do limite de estrangeiros permitido pela CBF.

Ainda assim, o zagueiro acumulou histórias curiosos, principalmente diante do Vasco. Na súmula da vitória por 1 a 0, em 19 de julho, no Morumbi, por um equívoco da arbitragem, Lugano aparece marcado como goleiro reserva. Aos 35 minutos do segundo tempo, o camisa 5 ainda levou cartão amarelo por ter reclamado de decisões do juiz enquanto se aquecia atrás de um dos gols.

Naquele momento, o uruguaio tinha dois amarelos e, com a terceira advertência, teve de cumprir suspensão diante do Grêmio, na rodada seguinte. Por decisão de Dorival Júnior, voltou ao banco somente na última quinta-feira, na derrota para o Coritiba, e levou cartão novamente, depois do apito final, por ter ido reclamar com o árbitro no Morumbi.

As advertências mostram que o ídolo segue preocupado com a situação do time, mesmo sem estar nem garantido no banco. No último mês, o elenco passou a contar com seis estrangeiros – além de Lugano, tem o peruano Cueva, o equatoriano Arbioleda e os argentinos Buffarini, Jonatan Gomez e Pratto. Com isso, ao menos um não pode ser relacionados por jogo. Assim, Lugano foi reserva contra Santos, Vasco e Coritiba e ficou fora diante de Atlético-GO, Chapecoense, Grêmio e Botafogo.

A regra específica da CBF para estrangeiros tem sido a única explicação para Dorival Júnior não relacionar Lugano. O camisa 5 é frequentemente elogiado pelos companheiros e tem treinado normalmente, inclusive com apoio do técnico. Por isso, é uma das principais alternativas à suspensão de Rodrigo Caio neste domingo, embora Éder Militão seja o favorito.

Caso enfrente o Bahia, Lugano fará apenas sua segunda partida após acertar a renovação de seu contrato, em 26 de junho, até o fim do ano. Desde então, ele só atuou contra o Flamengo, em 2 de julho, quando Arboleda ainda não estava regularizado. O uruguaio jogou em apenas 11 partidas das 44 do clube no ano e entrar poucas vezes em campo foi um dos argumentos dos aliados do presidente Carlos Augusto de Barros e Silva, o Leco, para que seu vínculo não fosse estendido.

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No referrals for Ashes series

This summer’s Ashes series will be one of the last in which the umpire’s decision is final, after the ICC confirmed that its controversial Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS) is set to be introduced permanently into the game

Cricinfo staff12-May-2009

The Ashes will be a referral-free zone•AFP

This summer’s Ashes series will be one of the last in which the umpire’s decision is final, after the ICC confirmed that its controversial Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS) is set to be introduced permanently into the game on the basis of a “phased roll-out” from October 2009.The ICC chief executive, Haroon Lorgat, confirmed the plans at a press conference at Lord’s, following a two-day meeting in which the results of nine months’ worth of trials were assessed by the ICC’s cricket committee.A final decision on whether the new system will become a permanent feature of Test cricket will be taken by the ICC’s chief executives committee and their main board, whose next meetings are due to take place during their annual conference at Lord’s from June 22-26.”I’m excited that the committee concluded the umpire decision review system had a positive effect on the game,” said Lorgat. “It reduced the number of incorrect decisions and also cut down on instances of player dissent.”We will seek [provided the ICC chief executives and board agree] to roll out the system from October 2009. The time ahead of that date will allow us to firm up the playing conditions, technical specifications and protocols, ensure additional training for match officials and further brief the players so that the process can be successfully implemented.”Though designed to reduce controversy, the new system – which gives players the opportunity to request a review by the third umpire of a decision made by the on-field umpire they believed was wrong – has so far muddied the waters in several instances, not least during the Jamaica Test between England and West Indies in February.”The protocols were clear, maybe the application was not so good,” said Lorgat. “It’s the really bad errors we want to eliminate. We had a fair amount of feedback from players and most of it was positive. They accept the fundamental thing that we want to get decisions right.”The cricket committee, chaired by the former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd, said it believed the new system, for all its faults, would reduce instances of bad decisions.The committee also looked into the possibility of playing day/night Test cricket, and staging a trial five-day game under lights in 2010. But first they said more research was needed on finding a suitable ball, with the standard red one unsuitable for floodlit cricket, while Lloyd pointed out the effect of early evening dew would also have to be considered. Trials with light green and pink balls are currently taking place.The committee also said there was no need to alter the present format of 50-overs international cricket, amid concerns the format was becoming jaded in the Twenty20 era, and that there was not a need to impose weight restrictions on batsIt also said it had no problems with double-sided bats and confirmed that the switch-hit, as pioneered by Kevin Pietersen, should remain legal.The committee also called for stricter enforcement of rules on over-rates, and the doubling of fines for slow play, so as to cut down time-wasting by both batting and bowling sides. Lorgat said it was vital Test match over-rates were maintained or improved so the five-day game could continue to “engage” with spectators.

Por que 'emprestar' dupla promissora ao sub-20 é bom negócio para Timão

MatériaMais Notícias

Apesar do aproveitamento de jovens jogadores ter crescido no Corinthians por conta de um projeto montado pelo técnico Fábio Carille ainda no início da temporada e noticiado pelo LANCE!, não é incomum que alguns jogadores realizem treinamentos com o time profissional e “desçam” para atuar ainda com as categorias de base. Neste sábado, por exemplo, o clássico contra o Palmeiras pelo Campeonato Paulista sub-20 tem participações do zagueiro Léo Santos e do atacante Carlinhos, que já frequentam o CT Joaquim Grava há meses e constantemente ficam no banco das partidas do Brasileirão.

Os dois jovens jogadores são sempre pedidos pela Fiel torcida, que observou os títulos da Copa São Paulo de Juniores e o potencial mostrado na base e agora quer vê-los no profissional. Porém, a comissão técnica segue uma programação em relação à dupla promissora.

Como ainda não houve brecha para que eles tenham chances no Brasileiro ou na Sul-Americana (na zaga, Pedro Henrique, Balbuena e Pablo estão na frente e no ataque as condições de titular e reserva imediato pertencem a Jô e Kazim), a ideia é dar ritmo de jogo a Léo Santos e Carlinhos por meio dos jogos no sub-20. O maior sinal de que o cronograma é um bom negócio para o Corinthians é revelado ao L! pelo preparador físico do time profissional, Walmir Cruz.

-Colocamos lá embaixo para os jovens aproveitarem as oportunidades, ganharem um pouco mais de condição. Eles têm sentido a diferença de que treinar aqui ajuda lá embaixo. O Carlinhos até comenta que se sente mais forte, dribla com mais facilidade. Isso faz parte do aprendizado, eles vão amadurecendo cada vez mais, ganhando experiência até terem uma oportunidade no time de cima e fazerem acontecer.

Léo Santos e Carlinhos se reapresentam ao CT Joaquim Grava na tarde da próxima segunda-feira e serão opções de Carille na retomada do Brasileirão, dia 19, contra o Vitória.

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Tudo sobre

CorinthiansFabio CarilleLéo Santos

Ryder incident reports 'grossly exaggerated' – manager

Jesse Ryder’s manager has termed as “grossly exaggerated and inaccurate” reports of the New Zealand batsman being restrained by security guards in South Africa

Cricinfo staff11-May-2009

Jesse Ryder’s struggles in South Africa continue•AFP

Jesse Ryder’s manager has termed as “grossly exaggerated and inaccurate” reports of the New Zealand batsman being restrained by security guards in South Africa. Aaron Klee admitted that Ryder had broken his vow not to touch alcohol, but said there was no altercation with security guards. and reported earlier today that Ryder, who plays for IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, had to be controlled during an off-field incident. “It’s disappointing that these false and unverified rumours are being reported as fact by the media,” Klee said in a statement. “Let’s be fair to Jesse – this is not a big issue. Jesse rang me and explained what happened several nights ago. He is disappointed that he drank after being off all alcohol for over 100 days.”But there was no security incident. We have already taken steps to make sure he has additional support during his time in the IPL.”Ryder’s Bangalore coach Ray Jennings also concurred. “It is over exaggerated,” Jennings told Cricinfo. “There is no issue.”Ryder had sworn off alcohol after an incident resulted in him missing a match for his country. His mentor Murray Deaker released a statement reinforcing the need for the batsman to stay sober. “Jesse’s had over a hundred days of sobriety and has made enormous progress during that time, on and off the field,” he said. “Now for that to continue he needs support and moves have already been made to assist him to get back on top.”A New Zealand Cricket spokesman said the board would not comment until full details of the supposed incident were available.In February 2008 Ryder had put his hand through a window while trying to gain access to a toilet area that had been accidentally locked. Ryder was then fined for missing a team meeting and a training session after a late night of drinking and was left out of the XI for an ODI against West Indies in early 2009. He was subsequently reported to have given up alcohol.Ryder has been a major disappointment in the IPL. In four games he has scored just 34 runs, including two scores of 0. Ryder was purchased for $160,000 at this year’s IPL auction.

ردود أفعال الجماهير بشأن غياب ميسي عن المرشحين للكرة الذهبية: "جنون" والأرجنتيني أكبر من الجائزة

تفاعلت جماهير كرة القدم عبر موقع “تويتر” مع خبر غياب النجم الأرجنتيني ليونيل ميسي عن قائمة المرشحين لجائزة الكرة الذهبية لعام 2022.

وكانت مجلة “فرانس فوتبول” الشهيرة قد أعلنت اليوم قائمة المرشحين، التي تضم 30 لاعبًا، لنيل جائزة الكرة الذهبية لأفضل لاعب في العالم عن العام الحالي.

ولم يتواجد ليونيل ميسي في تلك القائمة، وذلك للمرة الأولى منذ عام 2005، أي منذ 17 عامًا.

ويُعد ليونيل ميسي هو أكثر اللاعبين تتويجًا بجائزة الكرة الذهبية المرموقة، بواقع 7 مرات، كان آخرها في العام الماضي 2021.

ونال خبر غياب ميسي عن قائمة مرشحي البالون دور تفاعلًا متباينًا من رواد موقع تويتر، حيث كتب أحدهم: “لا ميسي ونيمار في الكرة الذهبية، هل اعتزلا؟”.

واتفق آخر في عدم ترشيح ميسي للكرة الذهبية، حيث كتب: “ميسي ببساطة لم يكن يستحق الترشح لجائزة الكرة الذهبية هذا العام، لا يمكنك أن تجادل أن أدائه يشير إلى خلاف ذلك، لا يمكنك أن يتم ترشيحك على السمعة السابقة وحدها”.

وكتب آخر: “ميسي ينتقل من الفوز بالكرة الذهبية إلى عدم ترشيحه، إنه جنون”.

ورأى أحد المشجعين أن ميسي لا يستحق بالفعل التواجد في قائمة المرشحين، حيث كتب: “لماذا يتفاجأ الناس بغياب ميسي في قائمة الكرة الذهبية؟ لقد سجل 6 أهداف فقط في الدوري، ولم يساهم كثيرًا، وخرج من دوري أبطال أوروبا من دور الـ16 وأهدر ركلة جزاء، وتفوق عليه كيليان مبابي بقوة”.

وأضاف: “إنه ليس أفضل من مارتن تيريه، بن يدر، باييت أو باكيتا في الدوري الفرنسي الموسم الماضي”.

وكتب أحد مستخدمي تويتر: “لا ميسي ونيمار في قائمة مرشحي الكرة الذهبية، كرة القدم تفوز!”.

بينما كتب آخر: “ميسي لم يتواجد في قائمة الكرة الذهبية؟ لا مفاجآت أيها اللاعب المُنتهي”.

وسخر آخر قائلًا: “إنه لأمر مخز أن قائمة الكرة الذهبية لا يوجد بها ميسي ونيمار لكن هناك لاعبون كبار مثل كاسيميرو وفلاهوفيتش ونونيز”.

وأكد آخر: “ميسي لا يهتم بألا يتم ترشيحه بالتحديد، بفضل هذا سوف يفعل كل شيء العام المقبل للفوز بكأس العالم والفوز بالكرة الذهبية الثامنة”.

وأبدى أحدهم غضبه الشديد حيث كتب: “ميسي ليس في قائمة الكرة الذهبية لكن هناك شبح رونالدو، إنها فضيحة حقيقية، نتمنى الإفلاس والإغلاق الإداري لفرانس فوتبول”.

بينما كتب أحد مشجعي كرة القدم عبر تويتر: “ميسي أكبر من جائزة الكرة الذهبية”.

ووصف أحد مستخدمي تويتر غياب ميسي عن قائمة المرشحين لجائزة الكرة الذهبية لهذا العام بالأمر الغريب.

في حين كتب آخر: “لا تسمح بترشيحات الكرة الذهبية تشتت انتباهك عن حقيقة أن ميسي هو أعظم لاعب على الإطلاق”.

ودافع آخر عن النجم الأرجنتيني قائلًا: “عدم ترشيح ميسي لجائزة الكرة الذهبية أمر غريب ولكنه ليس بالأمر المهم، لم يكن ليفوز بها هذه المرة ولديه سبعة منهم بالفعل، سيعود العام المقبل، هل رأيتم كيف بدأ هذا الموسم بالفعل، سيعود بقوة”.

من جهة أخرى، كتب أحد مستخدمي تويتر رأيه قائلًا: “ما هي المشكلة؟ فاز ليونيل ميسي بالكرة الذهبية 7 مرات! امنح لاعبي كرة القدم الآخرين فرصة”.

وقال آخر هازئًا: “داروين نونيز ولويس دياز يتواجدان في قائمة المرشحين للكرة الذهبية، بينما يغيب نيمار وميسي!”.

Firpo could return for Leeds’ clash for Norwich

Leeds United left-back Junior Firpo will not be available vs Wolves but could return from injury in time for the Premier League clash with Norwich City, according to journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Injuries mount up

The Whites entertain Wolves on Saturday afternoon, looking for a crucial win that would steer them away from the relegation zone.

Marcelo Bielsa’s team currently sit 17th in the table, with their form a far cry from last season’s, when they ended up finishing in 11th place.

There are numerous injury problems for Leeds going into Saturday’s game, with key players Luke Ayling, Kalvin Phillips, Robin Koch and Patrick Bamford on a list of four players out (Premier Injuries), with Hay now providing news on a fifth.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375277″]

The Latest: Key Firpo update

Another individual who will play no part this weekend is Firpo, but Hay took to Twitter to deliver a five-word verdict claiming he could return for the trip to Norwich on October 31st:

“Could be back for Norwich.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-21/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Huge few weeks

Leeds have three more league matches before the final international break of the year next month, with Wolves, Norwich and Leicester awaiting.

It is vital that the Whites pick up a healthy chunk of points in that trio of outings, showing that their blip is only a short-term one, climbing towards the mid-table mark once more.

While Bielsa and co will not want to see themselves as in a relegation battle yet, the match against the Canaries seems particularly crucial, so having Firpo back would be a big boost.

In other news, one Leeds United player has been slammed. Find out who it is here.

توتي يفاضل بين ميسي ورونالدو ويعترف: كنت أتمنى اللعب مع الظاهرة ومبابي

تطرق النجم الإيطالي فرانشيسكو توتي للحديث عن وفائه لناديه روما ورفض عروض رائعة من كبار أندية أوروبا وعلى رأسها ريال مدريد، كما تحدث عن المفاضلة بين ليونيل ميسي وكريستيانو رونالدو.

وحل توتي ضيفًا في برنامج “صاحبة السعادة” عبر قناة “دي إم سي”، وقال: “كل نجاح لنادي روما هو نجاح لكل مشجع لروما، أعيش إحساس حب خاص بالنسبة لي، روما أهم شيء في حياتي”.

وعن سبب تفضيله اللعب لروما طوال مسيرته رغم العروض الخرافية من ريال مدريد والأندية الأخرى، أوضح: “بالنسبة لي قمة الاحترام هي أهم شيء في حياتي”.

وأكمل: “الالتزام مع جماهير روما، جعلوني ارتدي قيمص روما لمدة 25 سنة كنت أريد أن أبدأ وأختم حياتي في فريق روما، لو كنت انضممت لفريق آخر سأكون دمرت علاقة أنشأتها من بداية حياتي”.

اقرأ أيضًا | توتي عن مركز محمد صلاح في الكرة الذهبية: لم أفهم المعايير على مدار 30 عامًا

وسُئل توتي عن اللاعبين الأفضل في العالم حاليًا، وأجاب: “أفضل لاعب في العالم حاليًا ميسي ورنالدو”.

وعمن يفضل منهما ميسي أم رنالدو، رفض الإيطالي تقديم إجابة صريحة في البداية وقال ضاحكًا: “أحب كلاهما”.

وحين سُئل مجددًا، علّق: “أحب ميسي أكثر، هم لاعبين مختلفين عن بعض، ميسي لديه مهارة أكثر، ورنالدو لعبه جماعي يخدم الفريق أكثر”. 

وعمن يختار من بين اللاعبين لمرافقته في مسيرته السابقة في الملاعب، أفاد توتي: “رونالدو الظاهرة وكيليان مبابي”. 

Outra virada na conta do Profeta! São Paulo vence Cruzeiro e respira

MatériaMais Notícias

Neste domingo, o São Paulo ganhou mais um capítulo para acreditar que sairá da zona de rebaixamento do Brasileiro. Diante de 56.502 pagantes, novo recorde de público do torneio (o terceiro seguido que a torcida estabelece no Morumbi), o time viu Hernanes fazer dois gols e selar uma virada por 3 a 2 sobre o Cruzeiro.

Se o 4 a 3 sobre o Botafogo de três semanas atrás era improvável porque o time perdia de 3 a 1 até os minutos finais, no Rio de Janeiro, neste domingo a improbabilidade se devia à má atuação do time. Mas Hernanes abriu e fechou o placar, batendo falta e cobrando pênalti duvidoso, para fazer a festa tricolor. Entre os gols do Profeta, aos 46 do primeiro tempo e aos 34 do segundo, Sassá fez dois, aos 5 e aos 12 da etapa final. Arboleda empatou, aos 25.

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Com os três pontos que somou, o time de Dorival Júnior chega a 22 e respira na briga contra o descenso – é o primeiro fora da zona (a Chapecoense tem um jogo a menos). Já o Cruzeiro, que jogou cheio de reservas, pensando na semifinal da Copa do Brasil, contra o Grêmio, na quarta-feira, estaciona nos 27 pontos, ainda fora do G6.

E o time mineiro teve chances de ser mais um carrasco do São Paulo no Morumbi. Aproveitou-se do nervosismo dos anfitriões e, aos 11 minutos, Sassá sofreu pênalti de Renan Ribeiro. O próprio atacante errou.

O lance deu o ânimo que o Tricolor e sua torcida precisavam, mas a equipe não se aproveitou. Os laterais centralizavam, mas só embolavam um meio-campo que tinha Hernanes bem marcado. Não adiantava o esforço de Petros nem Militão e Rodrigo Caio trocarem de posição. A chave era o ineficiente Marcinho, que só acertou um cruzamento, que Pratto desperdiçou. Muito pouco.

Em meio ao nervosismo, o Cruzeiro parecia ter o jogo nas mãos. Até que, aos 46 minutos, Hernanes cobrou falta com perfeição. Deu ao time a chance de ter um intervalo inteiro à frente do placar. Dorival atendeu à torcida, colocou Jucilei no lugar de Militão e parecia que tudo daria certo quando Petros iniciou o segundo tempo dando um gol a Marcinho, que perdeu bisonhamente.

Era só impressão. Arboleda e Rodrigo Caio deram dois gols a Sassá, que sentenciou a virada. Na marra, nos gritos da torcida, o São Paulo cresceu. Dorival lançou o time à frente e contou com gol de Arboleda e o pênalti marcado em Gilberto para ficar à frente.

Como nem tudo foi perfeito, o time perde Pratto, expulso no fim ao receber o segundo amarelo – o Cruzeiro também teve o zagueiro Digão recebendo o vermelho. Mas o argentino saiu aplaudido pela torcida. Nada melhor do que três pontos para o pai são-paulino comemorar seu dia.

FICHA TÉCNICA
SÃO PAULO 3 X 2 CRUZEIRO
Local: Morumbi, São Paulo (SP)
Data-Hora: 13/8/2017 – 11h
Árbitro: Rafael Traci (PR)
Auxiliares: Ivan Carlos Bohn (PR) e Pedro Martinelli Christino (PR)
Público/renda: 56.052 pagantes/R$ 1.623.971,00
Cartões amarelos:Hernanes,Renan Ribeiro, Marcinho e Lugano (SAO), Bryan, Ezequiel e Léo (CRU)
Cartões vermelhos: Pratto, aos 47’/2ºT (SAO), Digão, aos 52’/2ºT e Rafael Sóbis (após a partida) (CRU)
Gols: Hernanes (46’/1ºT) (1-0), Sassá (5’/2ºT) (1-1), Sassá (11’/2ºT) (1-2), Arboleda (25’/2ºT) (2-2), Hernanes (36’/2ºT) (3-2)

SÃO PAULO: Renan Ribeiro; Buffarini (Denílson, aos 20’/2ºT), Arboleda, Rodrigo Caio e Edimar; Militão (Jucilei, no intervalo); Marcinho, Petro (Gilberto, aos 20’/2ºT), Hernanes e Marcos Guilherme; Pratto. Técnico: Dorival Júnior.

CRUZEIRO: Rafael; Ezequiel (Rafinha, aos 41’/2ºT), Léo, Digão e Bryan; Nonoca (Thiago Neves, aos 39’/2ºT) e Hudson (Henrique, 28’/2ºT); Rafael Sóbis, Robinho e Alisson; Sassá. Técnico: Mano Menezes.

Simmons wants Super Eights berth

Ireland coach Phil Simmons has big ambitions for his team at the ICC World Twenty20 and will be disappointed if the side don’t make it through to the Super Eight stage of the tournament

Cricinfo staff25-May-2009

Kyle McCallan: “The conditions in England will be more familiar to our players than our opposition, so that’s obviously a big advantage to us.”•Getty Images

Ireland coach Phil Simmons has big ambitions for his team at the ICC World Twenty20 and will be disappointed if his side doesn’t make it through to the Super Eight stage of the tournament.Simmons wants the squad to repeat their success from the 2007 World Cup in West Indies when they reached the last eight after beating Pakistan in the qualifying section. Ireland also beat Bangladesh later in the tournament.The Ireland squad are preparing to leave for a training camp and their warm-up games ahead of their first match at the ICC World Twenty20 against Bangladesh, at Trent Bridge, on June 8. The players will travel in good spirits after demolishing Worcestershire for 58 in the Friends Provident Trophy last week.”The win against Worcestershire was exactly what we needed in our last competitive game before the Twenty20,” Simmons said. “It was also achieved without our top county players which says a lot for the depth of the squad. We will, of course, have everyone available and I’ll be very disappointed if we don’t make our mark.”Obviously our best chance lies in the game against Bangladesh but the beauty of Twenty20 cricket is its unpredictability. We will be going into the warm up games and the tournament in a confident mood.”Kyle McCallan, the vice-captain and one of the most experienced players, was also confident that Ireland will be there to more than just make up the numbers. “We’re relishing the opportunity to showcase Irish cricket on the world stage again,” he said. “The 2007 World Cup in the West Indies was a fabulous experience for all concerned, and I’m sure it’ll be the same again in England.”It’ll be a wonderful experience playing in front of sell out crowds, and I’m sure there will be plenty of Irish supporters adding to what I’m sure will be an incredible atmosphere.”I know just how much all the guys are looking forward to it, and if we play to our capabilities, we have a genuine chance of progression. We’re well prepared and have already played a lot of cricket this year. The conditions in England will be more familiar to our players than our opposition, so that’s obviously a big advantage to us.”Ireland will take on New Zealand in a Twenty20 game at Derby on May 27 before moving on to a training camp at Wormsley , where they will face a PCA Masters XI and West Indies in practice games. They will then face Netherlands and West Indies again in warm-up games at Lord’s and The Oval.Ireland will be at full strength apart from the loss of Eoin Morgan who has been selected in England’s World Twenty20 squad.

Rangers: Gerrard must axe Borna Barisic

Rangers are set to host Aberdeen at Ibrox tonight as they look to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

The Gers are three points clear as it stands after beating St Mirren 2-1 on Sunday to overtake Hearts. Steven Gerrard’s side went 1-0 down early on, but goals from Kemar Roofe and Alfredo Morelos secured the win for the away side.

Whilst Gerrard will be delighted with his team’s ability to come back from behind, it was far from a perfect performance and he could be tempted to make some changes to his XI for this clash with Aberdeen.

One player the head coach must ruthlessly axe from the team is left-back Borna Barisic.

The Croatian international should be dropped to give Calvin Bassey the opportunity to show that he can produce a better display than the one Barisic managed against St Mirren on Sunday.

As per SofaScore, the full-back recorded a rating of 6.5 in the match as he put in a shocking showing for the Gers at left-back.

He lost 66.6% of his nine individual duels on the pitch and was dribbled past as many times as he completed tackles (two), as he struggled badly defensively. The lightweight also lost possession of the ball 18 times as he failed with seven of his nine attempted crosses.

This is why the £18k-per-week dud does not deserve to keep his place in the side against Aberdeen. Gerrard knows that Bassey has the quality to come in and produce a top-class display, which is another reason why he could be tempted to axe the 28-year-old.

The Nigerian international has averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.10 in four Premiership appearances this season.

He has won 63% of his duels and only been dribbled past 0.3 times per match, to go along with his 2.5 tackles and interceptions combined. The ex-Leicester man has shown that he is a reliable, viable, option for the manager to call upon at left-back or centre-back.

This suggests that he has the potential to come in and perform to a higher standard than the level shown by Barisic against St. Mirren.

Resting the Croatian for this match could also allow him to get himself fully prepared for the match against Motherwell on Sunday, with rotation – along with form – an important part of Gerrard’s team selection decisions.

AND in other news, Rangers fumbled the ball with decision on “irreplaceable” £25k-p/w “all-round player”…

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