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Sri Lanka’s new head coach also wants the batters to have ‘the confidence to go out there and not fear getting out’

Madushka Balasuriya05-May-2022

‘I have encouraged the guys to be very specific when they train, think about who they’re going to come up against, and practise to suit those situations’•SLC

Chris Silverwood is no stranger to Sri Lanka’s foibles. After all, it was only a little over a year ago that he brought his England side to Lankan shores and swept the home team 2-0 in a Test series. But now, some 15 months later, he’s at the other end, charged with patching up the same weaknesses he had so brutally exploited.Sure, in the intervening year, Silverwood’s predecessor Mickey Arthur improved the team’s fitness and fielding standards, while the likes of Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga blossomed into two of the world’s leading bowlers. But the results remain as inconsistent as ever, much of which is down to an enduring inconsistency with the bat.Related

Chris Silverwood named Sri Lanka's new head coach

Five key issues new Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood must address

Naveed Nawaz, Chaminda Vaas join Sri Lanka men's coaching staff

Unsurprisingly this was the first area of concern Silverwood identified while diagnosing Sri Lanka’s problems.”We want more discipline in the batting, more patience in the batting and some intent to score as well,” said Silverwood, addressing the media for the first time since taking up the role of head coach.”It’s all about scoring runs and that’s what we want the batting line-up to do. I’ll try and instill some confidence into the boys so they can go out there and construct their innings and score big runs, certainly in the first innings, and give us something to bowl at. It’s not rocket science.”Not rocket science indeed, but certainly an issue many other coaches over the past decade (11 to be exact) have failed to do. But, as they say, identifying the problem is half the battle, and Silverwood has wasted little time in brainstorming fixes for Sri Lanka’s batting woes.”I have spent the last couple of weeks just digging through stats, looking at how we can improve. One of them is the intent to score, we have to give the batters the confidence to go out there and not fear getting out. That’s not to say we have to be reckless, what I’m saying is we have to bring ‘smarts’ into that as well. But I do want them to be positive, I want them to be brave. If we go with that attitude, the dot-ball rates will come down and the strike-rates will go up, which can only be a good thing.”I have encouraged the guys to be very specific when they train, think about who they’re going to come up against, and practise to suit those situations. Rather than just training on a broad scale, every time you come out of that net, you come out a better player than you went in. To do that, you have to consider what challenges you have in front of you, and then go experiment, find a way, make your strengths stronger, and obviously work on the things you might not be as strong at.”Silverwood’s forte, though, is in his work with fast bowlers, having been one himself during his playing days. And despite having had scarcely two weeks to work with his players since taking up the role, he has already sought to stamp his mark on the team’s pace contingent.”I’ve specifically challenged the Test bowlers to be hot on their first 12 balls, because as we all know the first 12 balls you can make a real impact on your spell as well as put pressure back on the batters.”It’s about instilling the discipline that we can do good things for long periods of time and not getting bored of doing them. Hitting your lines and lengths, finding spots on any given pitch, and being able to live there, and then you bring in the skills like wobble seam, etc., and all our guys swing it too, which is great. So, it’s just about bringing all those skills together and being disciplined enough to live in one area, where you can wear the opposition down if need be.”It’ll be a gradual process, but if you sow the seed and let it grow, over a period of time you will find that people can do it.”Naveed Nawaz will serve as assistant coach to Silverwood•SLC

Silverwood’s first challenge will be Sri Lanka’s tour of Bangladesh later this month, with the team due to fly out on May 8. The touring party, however, will not have the luxury of calling on Chameera, Lahiru Kumara or the recently retired Suranga Lakmal. This means Sri Lanka take with them a fairly inexperienced fast-bowling unit. Silverwood, though, sees the bright side.”From my point of the view, the fact that they’re young means that they will take on information more quickly, and maybe try new things as well. The response has been excellent so far.”Over the course of the briefing Silverwood, flanked by his assistant coach Naveed Nawaz and team manager Mahinda Halangode, also revealed he had spoken to several past national-team coaches prior to accepting the position, and so had a clear idea of what to expect from the job. He also acknowledged that communication would present a challenge, which Nawaz will no doubt play a pivotal role in helping overcome.”Of course, one of the challenges for me will be communication. I have to make sure the plans that I’m trying to put in place I can get across to the boys properly. Obviously, Naveed has helped me with it brilliantly so far. Equally, I’ve got to be aware that the way I see things is not the way someone else sees it, so I have to be aware of how culture works as well, and I have good experience with that when I was working in Zimbabwe. All in all, what we’ve got here is very exciting.”I want the Sri Lankan flair, I want the boys to express themselves; I don’t want them to be anybody else, I want them to be themselves and fly the flag for Sri Lanka.”Nawaz, who had been considered for the role of head coach as well, will also oversee the team’s batting. The former Sri Lanka cricketer also elaborated on his role, speaking of his desire to get to know the players better over the coming weeks and months, so as to be able to help them reach their potential.”Two-way clarity is important to minimise any grievances players might have. Also creating a platform to discuss players’ personal as well as tactical issues,” Nawaz said. “My role will be to act partly as a mentor, as a friend, and also at the same time drilling into them the tactical changes that they need to do to improve their game.”It’s a great opportunity to work with somebody like Chris who has a wealth of experience. Obviously, I applied for the head coach’s role but I still take the assistant coach’s role as an opportunity. As long as both of us are on the same wavelength – to bring back Sri Lanka cricket its lost glory – it’s all that matters.”

Having missed out on signing a new right winger in the summer transfer window, Newcastle United are now reportedly willing to match the valuation of a player who would be an instant upgrade on Miguel Almiron.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies endured a nightmare summer, there's no escaping that, after failing to sign Marc Guehi and any other centre-back alternative aside from a free deal for Lloyd Kelly at the start of the window, who is also likely to be used on the left. What's more, those at St James' Park also failed to sign an upgrade on Miguel Almiron, who was linked with a move away himself, throughout the summer.

Newcastle failed with £21m bid for "great" Guehi alternative from UCL club

The Magpies ended the window without signing a central defender…

ByTom Cunningham Sep 5, 2024

Sporting director Paul Mitchell recently spoke about his first summer in charge, telling The Telegraph's Luke Edwards: "There are things we got wrong in our strategy, for sure. If we could have signed a player that we actively felt could make a really good squad better, would we? Of course we would have done.”

"Eddie was very clear and it’s not up to me after seven weeks to say, ‘We’ll do this and that’, because I’m in a supporting role. Were there options? Of course there were, as that’s the responsibility of the department and Newcastle."

Now tasked with making up for lost time in 2025 – be that in the January window or next summer – the Magpies have reportedly set their sights on an exciting target. According to reports in Spain via Football365, Newcastle are now willing to match Barcelona's €60m (£52m) price tag to sign Raphinha in 2025.

Newcastle were reportedly in advanced talks to sign the Brazilian in the summer window, but ultimately failed to tempt Barcelona into a deal to sell their winger. Now, amid Raphinha's impressive start to the campaign, the Magpies are seemingly prepared to splash out on his signature, making the January window instantly interesting to watch.

"Amazing" Raphinha would end Howe's Almiron problem

Alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, Eddie Howe lacks the same firepower on the right-hand side that Raphinha would instantly provide to replace Almiron. The former Leeds United star has enjoyed an electric start to the campaign in Spain, scoring a hat-trick against Real Valladolid last time out in a stunning 7-0 victory for Barcelona.

His stunning start follows Ben Mattinson's praise for the winger last month, in which the analyst dubbed Raphinha "amazing" at right-wing and "genuinely quality off the left too".

Following Almiron's disappointing season last time out – scoring just five goals and assisting a further three – Newcastle must find an upgrade as soon as possible if they are to compete for a place inside the Premier League's top four once again.

Howe could yet form a deadly front three of Gordon, Isak and Raphinha to fire Newcastle back on track in 2025.

MatériaMais Notícias

da bwin： O São Paulo encara o São Bernardo, nesta terça-feira (22), às 20h30, no Morumbi, com objetivo principal de conquistar a vaga para as semifinais do Campeonato Paulista e manter vivo o objetivo do bicampeonato estadual, já que foi campeão em 2021.

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da prosport bet： VEJA A TABELA DO CAMPEONATO PAULISTA 2022!

Para isso, o técnico Rogério Ceni aposta na volta de titulares que foram poupados na vitória diante do Botafogo-SP, como o goleiro Jandrei e o volante Pablo Maia. Jogadores que estavam lesionados, como o volante Gabriel e o goleiro Tiago Volpi, treinaram com o elenco e podem ser relacionados.

Além disso, o São Paulo tem apenas uma derrota no Morumbi nesta temporada, quando perdeu para o Palmeiras, por 1 a 0. Já são sete partidas em casa, com quatro vitórias (Santo André, Corinthians, Manaus e Botafogo-SP) e dois empates (Ituano e Inter de Limeira).

Diante do São Bernardo, o São Paulo perdeu apenas uma vez, em duelo disputado na temporada de 2016, quando foi derrotado por 3 a 1. Foram mais quatro jogos, com três vitórias (3 a 0, 2 a 1 e 1 a 0) e um empate (1 a 1).

-Temos que encarar com toda a seriedade do mundo, mas jogamos em casa. Temos que entrar com tudo. Agora é mata-mata, não tem esse favoritismo. A gente sabe dos times maiores, que jogam há mais tempo. Mas nosso pensamento é o São Bernardo, contra eles temos que impor nosso ritmo. Agente sabe da qualidade do São Bernardo, mas pensamos em nosso trabalho, o que fizemos até agora. Jogamos em casa, temos uma equipe melhor a cada jogo, estamos preparados e tenho certeza de que o Rogério vai nos preparar muito bem para essa classificação – disse Rafinha, em entrevista coletiva.

Desde que as quartas de final começaram a ser disputadas no Paulistão, o São Paulo foi eliminado pelo Mirassol, no Morumbi, por 3 a 2, em 2020e se classificouem 2021, quando o Tricolor não só avançou nas quartas de final da competição, como garantiu o título do estadual, após um jejum que estava sendo mantido desde 2005. Na ocasião, a equipe disputou contra a Ferroviária, e garantiu a vitória com um placar de 4 a 2.

Plays of the day from the first day at Old Trafford

George Dobell and Jarrod Kimber at Old Trafford01-Aug-2013The review I
Graeme Swann did not even appeal when he drew Usman Khawaja into a drive and saw the ball turn past the outside edge. Matt Prior and the rest of the England fielders did though and, after some deliberation, umpire Tony Hill gave Khawaja out. The batsman called for a review and, while replays suggested no contact between bat and ball, there was no sign on Hot Spot and both audio and visual replays suggested the only noise came from the bat brushing the pad, the TV umpire, Kumar Dharmasena, upheld the decision and Khawaja had to go. It was a decision that will renew scrutiny on the value of the DRS and, more pertinently, some of the officials charged with using it. Dharmasena, it should be noted, is currently ICC umpire of the year. Reaction to the decision was swift and damning: Tom Moody described it as “farcical”, Shane Warne as “horrific” and Australia’s prime minister, Kevin Rudd, wrote on Twitter that it was “one of the worst cricket umpiring decisions I have ever seen”.The review II
England were convinced that Steven Smith had been caught behind off James Anderson when he had 18. Umpire Marais Erasmus did not agree and England were quick to utilise the DRS. But while there was evidence of a noise as the ball passed the bat, there was no sign of an edge on Hot Spot and no obvious deviation. Dharmasena therefore upheld the on-field umpire’s decision, Smith survived and England were left with no more reviews. They had also used their other one on Smith before he had scored when he played back to a sharply turning delivery from Swann and, though the ball struck him in line, Hawk-Eye upheld the on-field umpire’s not-out decision by the tiniest of margin by showing that less than half the ball would have clipped the leg stump.The let off
At first glance it appeared it was Michael Clarke who had enjoyed a let off when, on 23, Ian Bell at leg slip juggled with a ball from Swann that had turned past the batsman’s inside edge and the ball ran down to fine leg for a single. On closer inspection, however, it seemed that umpire Hill had enjoyed the let off as replays showed clearly that Clarke had not hit the ball and the only impact came from his thigh pad. Had Bell held on to the ‘catch’, it would have proved another embarrassing moment for the umpires and another test of the DRS. In light of such moments, it is hardly surprising that the ICC are using this match to test new TV umpire protocols. The present system is clearly far from perfect.The distraction
Chris Rogers was distracted by a ghost: the ghost of bad crowd management. So many deliveries were stopped because someone was moving behind the bowler’s arm. During one over from Swann, members on the balcony were upsetting Rogers. Play was stopped more than once, and many arms were waved, including those of two Australian domestic cricketers, Jon Wells and Daniel Salpietro, who were among those on the balcony. But Rogers seemed to handle them. What he couldn’t handle was an elderly man standing behind the glass door in about the most menacing way possible, swaying from side to side from behind the darkened glass, which made him look like an otherworldly figure. Rogers missed his next ball and was given out. The old man was clearly the ghost of wickets future.

Aiden Blizzard can claim the title of monster six-hitter and has Youtube to back him up

Interview by Jack Wilson07-Aug-2013You’re credited with hitting the biggest six ever, which ended up flying out of the WACA. Reckon there’s been a bigger one?
Apparently not! Everyone tells me it’s the biggest six ever – that’s what it says on Youtube. It was pretty huge but I reckon some of Chris Gayle’s ones may have gone further.Did you know it was a biggie as soon as it left the bat?
It was one of those ones that if you do it in the nets, no one knows how far the ball would have gone. I was lucky enough to hit it well in a big final. It was one of those things that just happened.It’s got a fair few views on Youtube. Do you go on there and watch it?
A few years ago, yes. The phone tended to get passed around between guys in the dressing room, but not now. I’m still living off it a bit.Wikipedia reckons there was a 150-metre one you hit off Nathan Bracken too.
That’s 150% a myth. Maybe in ten years time the ball will be going that far, but I haven’t done that.You’ve shared a dressing room with Kieron Pollard. Ever had a hit-off to see who can hit it further?
Plenty of times. We played together for the Adelaide Strikers and at Mumbai Indians. We’ve always had a bit of a joke about it and he’s taken my left-arm orthodox apart in the nets a few times – but I’ve got him out!That’s a big beast of a bat he’s got, isn’t it?
It isn’t too heavy, but he has, like, five or six grips on it. Maybe that’s the secret, because they definitely stay hit.What do you look for in a good bat?
It has to have a good balance with the middle being a lot lower. Gray-Nicolls have started doing ones with big, thick edges, which I like.What’s it like to walk out and open the batting with Sachin Tendulkar?
It’s something you can’t describe – it’s a phenomenal experience. The crowd are roaring and it goes right through your body. It’s a surreal thing when the guy walking down at the other end and tapping the pitch is Sachin.Is he a big talker between overs?
I get nervous if the other batsman talks a lot, but the crowd blocks it out. He’s an absolute student of the game. He remembers every ball he faces and he dissects everything that goes on out in the middle.Do you suffer nerves?
A bit. I get a little anxious to get out there and get going, and the blood starts flowing pretty quickly. Once I hit a few boundaries, I settle down.How good does it feel to play in front of those Indian crowds?
You get big crowds at home in Australia but it’s a bit different there. The grounds are open and quite large, but in India the stands are almost vertical and it’s like the crowd are on top of you. It’s quite phenomenal. It can be hard to hear and hard to concentrate when it’s 38 degrees and there’s a bowler of Dale Steyn’s calibre running in at you.Who’s the biggest joker in the Mumbai Indians dressing room?
Harbhajan Singh – he’s always one step ahead of you.Anyone else?
Rohit Sharma is a bit of a silent assassin. He’s the kind of guy who will tap someone on a shoulder, tell them to do something, then sit in the background laughing when they do. But Bhajji’s the main one.You’ve played in Australia, India, Bangladesh, England. Where’s the best?
I love playing at home and being closer to my family but India has to be one of my favourite places. The passion the locals have for their cricket is amazing.How do you wind down away from cricket?
I’m studying to be a life coach. It’s a bit left-field but something I enjoy. I also have two dogs, and my fiancée and I spend time walking them down the beach.What’s the worst chirp someone has given to you?
Paul Collingwood said something about it being cold and that a blizzard had come, because of my surname. I had a bit of a chuckle at him. It was in a warm-up game for the 2010-11 Ashes at the Adelaide Oval for South Australia.

Liverpool are yet to conclude any business since Arne Slot took over as manager but fear not, we are still a while yet from the Premier League recommending in August.

Tears were shed when Jurgen Klopp departed Anfield in May, but this is a great chance for a reset in Merseyside.

Manchester City and Arsenal have been the dominant sides in the top-flight over the last two years but it's time that Slot put the Reds back in the conversation.

They fell away towards the end of last term but with some more firepower and more defensive solidity, they should be right back up there.

So, who could they sign? Well, they've already turned down Newcastle star Anthony Gordon, although there is a belief according to reports that they could go back in for him.

Another player happens to be his England colleague Marc Guehi.

The latest on Marc Guehi's future

Next summer could see three vital players leave Anfield behind. All of Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are out of contract. Of the three, you sense that Salah could be the first to jump ship.

However, if the latter takes his leave, they will need reinforcements. They may even need them before he departs.

One option could be Crystal Palace's Guehi. Slapped with an asking price of £65m, he has been the subject of interest from Liverpool in recent weeks, although considering his performances at Euro 2024, his signature could now be harder to obtain.

There also appears to be interest from Tottenham so if Richard Hughes and Co do make a move, it won't be straightforward to get over the line.

What Heskey has said about Marc Guehi

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast on behalf of 888sport, Emile Heskey chatted to us about Liverpool's recruitment for this summer.

Asked about Guehi's displays, he was left incredibly impressed with the centre-back's level of performance in Germany this summer.

Although suspended for the quarter-final clash with Switzerland, he has been a rock at the heart of England's backline, taking Harry Maguire's left-centre back role and making it his own.

"He has looked so composed and assured," Heskey began. "I’ve been very impressed with him and he’s been one of England’s best players of the tournament so far. He has been solid in every game and formed an excellent partnership with John Stones at centre-back."

Marc Guehi at Euro 2024
Games played	4
Clean sheets	2
Touches *	91.8
Pass accuracy	93%
Interceptions *	0.5
Tackles *	0.5
Ball recoveries *	5
Duels won *	4
Yellow cards	2
Stats via Sofascore (* = per game)

The defender has only been a bit part of England squads in recent international breaks but he has now become a mainstay, something that has left the former Liverpool striker gushing.

Heskey continued: "Not playing a competitive game for England before at a major tournament, you have to say Guehi has been mightily impressive with the calmness he has shown throughout each game so far in the competition."

So, would he be a good signing for Slot? Heskey – who played for the Three Lions on 62 occasions – concluded: "He would be superb alongside Van Dijk. There is no better centre-back to learn from than him and it would take his game to the next level.

"Guehi has been so comfortable bringing the ball out from defence, he has good pace as well, so this would work well at Liverpool should it happen."

The Palace star did struggle with injury last term but featured on 25 occasions in the league, also captaining the club at times.

Emile Heskey backs Liverpool to sign "exciting" £70m PL star

Emile Heskey was speaking to Football FanCast this week.

By
Matt Dawson

Jul 7, 2024

Singh said he had to listen to his body after a bout of Covid-19 left him feeling weak

Shashank Kishore10-Jul-2021Former India fast bowler Pankaj Singh, 36, has retired from all forms of cricket, thereby ending his professional career that spanned nearly 17 years. Singh said he had to listen to his body after a bout of Covid-19 left him feeling weak.”I was down with Covid, and once I recovered, the post-Covid symptoms left me drained,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “Also, when I looked at where I stand, I felt I wouldn’t have added anything by pushing on for one more year. During the previous domestic season itself I realised it’s hard to come out after months of not playing. Training and conditioning to play a full season seemed tough, so I thought I should listen to my body and retire.”First called in to the Indian Test squad on their tour of Australia in 2007-08, Singh had to wait for over six years to eventually earn his Test cap. In all, he featured in two Tests, both on the England tour of 2014, and a solitary ODI in Zimbabwe in 2010. But it is Singh’s domestic numbers that define him.Related

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Interview: 'Abhi nahin toh kabhi nahin'

Had given my 100% on Test debut – Pankaj

Kimber: Pankaj Singh, Test wicket-taker

'Yuvraj rated me the best bowler in domestic cricket'

In 2019, Singh became the first seamer to take 400 Ranji Trophy wickets. Overall, he finishes with 472 first-class wickets in 117 matches, apart from picking 118 List A wickets and 43 T20 wickets.The domestic stalwart ends his career with new entrants Puducherry, but it’s his body of work with Rajasthan that stands out. Having been a senior fast bowler and captain during a turbulent time, with the association being managed by an ad-hoc body for much of the last decade due to administrative upheavals, Singh was part of two back-to-back Ranji Trophy winning squads in 2010-11 and 2011-12.”Getting my Test cap from Sourav Ganguly in England was special,” Singh said. “I am fortunate to have played under a legend like MS Dhoni. Playing Test cricket is my most cherished memory as a professional cricketer. It came after a lot of struggles, so that has to be the most special memory.”Singh picks out his spell against Mumbai during the 2010-11 Ranji Trophy quarterfinal as one of his most memorable ones. “The Rajasthan teams of old would lose against Mumbai even before taking the field, but in that game, we proved to everyone we were no less,” he said. “They elected to bat in a pressure game, and I removed three top order batters: Sahil Kukreja, Omkar Gurav and Rohit Sharma.””I still remember, everyone was talking of Mumbai as the favourites. They had a strong XI: Ajit Agarkar, Wasim Jaffer, Ajinkya Rahane and Ramesh Powar. So, I took the challenge upon me that we had to win somehow. That game gave us the belief to go on to win our maiden season.”Singh is a Level-2 certified BCCI coach, having recently taken part in a course conducted by the NCA. With a full-fledged domestic calendar announced, Singh hopes to transition into guiding youngsters, both in Rajasthan and elsewhere.”I’m looking at getting into coaching now that I have retired,” he said. “Until I did the NCA course, the thought was ‘I’ve played a lot of cricket; the experience will help me transition into a coach.’ But after attending the course, I gained a deeper insight into managing a team, understanding players, man-management skills and how there is so much more to coaching than just teaching them how to bowl or bat. It interested me a great deal. Having now qualified, I’m looking forward to being in touch with the game as a coach.”

As Aston Villa look to get their summer business underway, the Villans have reportedly made enquiries over welcoming a fresh face to Unai Emery's backline ahead of next season.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans' transfer window has been dominated by outgoings thus far, with Douglas Luiz's reportedly pending departure to Juventus the most frustrating exit for Emery and his squad. As the Brazilian midfielder departs, however, the Midlands club will at least get Juventus youngsters Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea in return in quite the swap deal, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Serie A seems to be where Aston Villa have set their sights when it comes to further incomings too, with links to the likes of Michael Kayode emerging in recent days alongside Juventus left-back Luca Pellegrini.

According to La Repubblica via La Lazio Siamono, Aston Villa have submitted enquiries over a potential deal to sign Pellegrini this summer alongside West Ham, AC Milan and Real Betis. As things stand, however, the full-back is reportedly destined to stay at last season's loan club Lazio, as Juventus potentially bid farewell to the Italian on a permanent basis.

Aston Villa hit the jackpot on young star whose value has soared 3,000%

Unai Emery looks set to sell a teenager for a staggering profit…

By
Ross Kilvington

Jun 25, 2024

That loan spell was not enough to win over Italy manager Luciano Spalletti, however, who snubbed Pellegrini for a place in his Euro 2024 squad. A move to the Premier League may well change that, but only time will tell whether Villa push on with a move to beat the likes of Milan and Lazio to the 25-year-old's signature in the coming months.

Pellegrini can succeed Digne

Now 30 years old, it won't be long before Aston Villa may need to start thinking about replacing Lucas Digne in Emery's side, which is where Pellegrini could come in. The Italian has plenty of experience to his name, including importantly in the Champions League, in which Villa will be looking to cause plenty of shocks in the coming campaign.

League stats 23/24 (via FBref)	Luca Pellegrini	Luca Digne
Minutes	786	2,410
Progressive Carries per 90	2.07	1.57
Progressive Passes per 90	5.29	2.87
Tackles Won per 90	1.49	0.71

Whilst Pellegrini saw his minutes limited last season, he thrived and outperformed Digne when handed an opportunity to do so at Lazio. A summer switch could crucially increase that game time too and, in turn, finally test the left-back's ability to perform consistently across a season.

Another season on the bench at Lazio or elsewhere would certainly do Pellegrini no good, as a player once compared to Real Madrid legend Marcelo by Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig.

Earning a reported £19k-a-week, the arrival of Pellegrini wouldn't disrupt Villa's wage bill either, with all signs pointing towards a player who could still reach his potential.

The 2024/25 Scottish Premiership season kicks off in less than a month and Celtic are still yet to make their first signing of the summer transfer window.

Brendan Rodgers' side have already played two pre-season friendlies, drawing 1-1 with Ayr and beating Queen's Park 6-4, but are yet to dip into the market to bolster the squad.

The Hoops are in need of a new number one and have been linked with moves for both Newcastle United's Martin Dubravka and Croatia star Dominik Livakovic.

Joe Hart retired at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, after three years at Parkhead, and Rodgers must now find his first-choice goalkeeper for next season.

The Scottish Premiership champions are also reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Paulo Bernardo on a permanent deal, whilst they are plotting a second bid to sign Adam Idah from Norwich City.

Celtic could also make additions to their midfield ranks as they have been linked with an interest in a central midfielder from the English Championship this week…

Celtic's interest in Championship maestro

According to HITC, Rodgers is keen on a swoop to sign Australia international Riley McGree from Middlesbrough ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

The report claims that the Hoops failed to sign the £9.4k-per-week midfield maestro during Ange Postecoglou's time in Glasgow but the Championship star has remained on their radar.

They are now looking at the 25-year-old whiz as a possible target to join the club this time around, as they look to bolster their midfield options before the end of the window.

It states that his current contract has one year left to run and this means that it could be the last chance for Boro to cash in on him before a free transfer exit next year.

They would either need to pin him down to a contract extension or sell him before the end of the window to ensure that they do not lose him for nothing.

This suggests that the door could be open for Celtic to make a move for the left-footed gem in the coming weeks. However, the report does not reveal how much Middlesbrough would demand for McGree or how much the Hoops would be prepared to pay for him.

If the Scottish giants could secure a deal to sign the midfield wizard, though, then Rodgers could find his next version of Tom Rogic in the middle of the park in Glasgow.

Tom Rogic's midfield spark for Celtic

McGree would not be the first left-footed midfielder from Australia to turn up at Parkhead in an attempt to make his mark on the pitch in the Premiership.

Rogic enjoyed a fantastic spell with the Hoops during his time in Scotland a midfield maestro who had the quality to chip in as a scorer and a creator of goals.

The talented ace joined the club from Central Coast at the start of 2013 and eventually moved on in the summer of 2022, 18 months short of a decade in Glasgow.

In that time, the Australia international racked up 46 goals and 49 assists in 272 appearances in all competitions for the Bhoys, including 31 goals and 35 assists in 165 outings in the Premiership.

These statistics show that the central midfielder had the quality to move forward into attacking positions to contribute as both a scorer and a creator for the Hoops.

Appearances

32

Starts

20

Goals

6

Assists

6

Big chances created

10

Key passes per game

1.5

As you can see in the table above, Rogic enjoyed a strong final season at Paradise before his exit in the summer of 2022, with 12 direct goal contributions in just 20 league starts.

The Celtic whiz also provided a threat in transition with his ability on the ball as he completed 1.6 dribbles per game with a success rate of 57%, which shows that the experienced ace could glide past opposition players to make things happen in the final third.

Rodgers, who worked with Rogic throughout his first spell at Parkhead between 2016 and 2019, could now find his new version of left-footed ace by securing a deal to sign McGree before the end of the summer transfer window.

Why Celtic should sign Riley McGree

The Premiership champions should press ahead with a swoop to land the Australia international because he could add another attacking threat to the side.

McGree, who was hailed as "terrific" by manager Michael Carrick, was restricted to just 14 starts and 22 appearances in the Championship through injury last term, which limited his impact on the pitch.

The 25-year-old star only produced four goals and one assist from midfield in that time but did rank within the top 9% of midfielders in the division for progressive passes per 90 (5.72) and the top 35% for progressive carries per 90 (3.22).

This shows that McGree can provide quality in possession without being the player to carry out the final action, as a scorer or a creator, by being the one to progress the play through a pass or carry to get his teammates into dangerous positions at the top end of the pitch.

When he was able to get on the pitch on a regular basis in the 2022/23 campaign, though, the Rogic-esque ace showcased his ability in the final third.

Appearances

43

Goals

6

Assists

3

Big chances created

8

Key passes per game

1.1

Pass accuracy

83%

As you can see in the table above, McGree played in 43 of Middlesbrough's 46 Championship games and caught the eye with 14 goals and 'big chances' created combined.

He created more than one chance per game on average and proved himself to be a midfielder who can push forward to be a difference-maker in matches.

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This is why the Boro star could come in as Rogic 2.0 – alongside their shared nationality and favoured foot – for Celtic as a midfield maestro who can link up play between the midfield and the attack, with his progressive passing and carrying, whilst also being a threat as a scorer and a creator.

Mikel Arteta admitted he will be "really proud" to manage England in the future following Thomas Tuchel's controversial appointment.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Arteta open to becoming Three Lions boss
• Insisted that he feels "inspired" by the country
• Will take a "lot of pride" if he manages England

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Football Association’s (FA) decision to hire the German coach as England's next manager has prompted mixed reactions. While many fans and pundits are excited about Tuchel's tactical expertise, others believe the position should have been offered to an English coach with former internationals Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher being particularly vocal with their criticism.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite the controversy surrounding Tuchel’s appointment, Arteta has taken a different stance. The Arsenal boss has welcomed the decision, arguing that the FA should focus on selecting the best candidate for the job, regardless of nationality and also emphasised that Tuchel’s appointment should not be seen as a reflection of poor coaching standards in England.

• WHAT ARTETA SAID

  Speaking to reporters, Arteta explained: "I understand the opinions and the feelings. That’s the responsibility for the FA to say the first filter is only English managers or the filters are any manager from any country and we select the best for the moment that we’re in right now. I understand that it can feel sad for some people not to have an English manager. History tells you how important this could be as well."

• ARTETA TO BECOME FUTURE ENGLAND MANAGER?

  Arteta’s connection to English football runs deep. As a player, he once considered switching allegiances from Spain to England during Fabio Capello’s tenure as England coach but the move was ultimately blocked by FIFA regulations. However, he remains open to taking a place in the English dugout in the future.

  He told reporters: "I think I would take a lot of pride as well at how many people would do anything to be the England manager. That’s related to how we’re treated in this country as foreigners, the passion, the respect, the history and the way that things are done in this country. I can say personally that when you are not from here. I think there are very few countries that could say that."

  When asked whether he would only stick to managing Spain, he dismissed the notion and further clarified: "No – I’ll tell you right now, the feeling I have being here for 22 years. I have that feeling towards it because I always feel respected, welcomed and inspired by this country and the history of football and how you get treated daily. I think that’s something you should be really proud of."