Sportsday - rolling football news

Some breaking news in the rugby union world...

Following the RFU's investigations into the allegation of homophobic abuse aimed at referee Nigel Owens at the QBE International against New Zealand, two people have received a ban from all matches at Twickenham Stadium for a period of two years.

In addition, they will pay £1,000 each to a charity of Nigel Owens' choice. There is a second investigation still ongoing.

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe admits it feels 'surreal' that he will be taking charge of his 300th game as a manager when they play Millwall on Saturday.

Howe, who will also celebrates his 37th birthday on the same day, first became Cherries boss in January 2009 and saved them from relegation from the Football League.

Since then he has led the club to two promotions in two different spells.

"It seems really surreal," Howe told BBC Radio Solent. "It feels like it was yesterday when I took my first game."

A little more from BBC Sport's new pundit Jermaine Jenas, who pays a lovely tribute to the late, great Sir Bobby Robson with the answer to this question.

Paul Davis: Would it be fair to say given your obvious talent you have under achieved?

JJ: Yes and no. Don't get me wrong, I'm more than happy with what I've achieved as a player, but I understand that at the start of my career it was a bit of a whirlwind and people were asking "what is this kid going to go on and achieve?"

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Losing Bobby Robson, for me, was bigger than people think. He really understood me as a player - when I needed a rest, when I needed to go back home or when to play me, when not to play me and how to play me.

He had the exact formula for what I needed to go on and develop as a player and it was kind of going back to square one in my mind. It shook me a little bit and I took the chance to go to Spurs.

Prompted by the death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, BBC chief sports writer Tom Fordyce has written about why a loss of life in sport hits us so hard.

"Young men of 25 die every day - in crashed cars, on battlefields, in cancer wards," Fordyce writes.

"When it happens in a sporting arena it is no more tragic, but its impact is both more universally felt and somehow far more shocking."

The full article is here. and is well worth a read.

A little stat to strike fear into the hearts of Hull fans ahead of the trip to Manchester United on Saturday.

Wayne Rooney has scored six goals in four Premier League matches against the Tigers. It's clear who Steve Bruce and co need to stop...

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Real Madrid have criticised Uefa president Michel Platini for suggesting their forward Cristiano Ronaldo should not win the Ballon d'Or.

Platini, 59, said the annual prize, which is given to the world's best player, should be awarded to one of Germany's World Cup-winning squad.

The Spanish club have expressed their "surprise" at Platini's comments.

2013 winner Ronaldo, 29, is favourite to retain the honour after helping Madrid to a 10th European title.

Catalans Dragons have decided against offering Brent Calloway a contract.

Calloway, a 22-year-old American, has spent the week training with the Super League side, having come to the sport from American Football.

"Brent showed a great potential during the physical tests, but having no previous experience of rugby league is a huge disadvantage and he has to learn the game," said Catalans Dragons chief executive Christophe Jouffret.

Aguero TwitterCopyright: Aguero Twitter

Sergio Aguero has tweeted this photo. The Manchester City striker was meant to be autographing copies of his new book but this chap obviously wanted something different signing.

Galatasaray have fired former Italy World Cup coach Cesare Prandelli after a string of poor results led to their exit from European competition.

Anderlecht beat Galatasaray 2-0 in their penultimate Champions League Group D game on Wednesday, guaranteeing that the Turkish club would finish fourth and miss out on a place in the Europa League.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Prandelli, 57, resigned as Italy manager after they failed to get past the group stage at this year's World Cup in Brazil.

Lancashire cricket director and head coach Ashley Giles has ordered new helmets for his team after the death of Phillip Hughes.

The Australia Test batsman, 25, suffered a fatal blow to the neck during a domestic match in Sydney.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Giles said he wanted to make sure his squad were best protected.

"They've all got helmets but have they got the up-to-date, the best, which could make the difference? We put in an order," Giles told BBC Radio 5 live.

Mansfield Town chairman John Radford hopes to name a new manager at the League Two club within seven days.

A shortlist of six candidates will be interviewed on Tuesday.

Radford has also confirmed that caretaker boss Adam Murray, who has won both games since being put in charge following Paul Cox's departure, has not "put his hat into in the ring yet".

"We'll possibly be able to announce our new manager either next Wednesday or Thursday," said Radford.

Former Rangers owner Craig Whyte has been released on bail after appearing in court accused of fraud.

The 43-year-old was charged in connection with an investigation into the purchase of Rangers Football Club in 2011.

He made no plea or declaration and was released on bail.

Finally, on the Australia match, Farrell admits it is a "vitally important" game.

"Australia have missed out on a couple of wins in the autumn series by a couple of points, so both teams are in a similar position," the England coach said.

"Australia will want to finish their season off on a high and we want to finish the autumn series on a high."

Kick off at Twickenham tomorrow is 14:30 GMT. Live text commentary on BBC Sport website; full match commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra; highlights on BBC Three at 19:00 GMT

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Andy Farrell also talked about his son Owen, who has been dropped to the bench for the test with Australia.

"When a player gets a little bit demoted you don't expect them to be happy and rightfully so," said Farrell snr.

"But first and foremost you've got to put the team first and he's managed to do that very well this week.

"If he gets a chance from the bench this weekend, he's got to make sure he comes on and puts the team first."

England backs coach Andy Farrell has been talking to the BBC ahead of Saturday's showdown with Australia.

Among the many topics covered was, as you'd expect, Sam Burgess' potential debut for Bath against Harlequin's tonight.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Burgess, a convert from rugby league, is expected to go on to play for England but Farrell has warned that he needs time.

"It's exciting. I'm really looking forward to Sam getting going, but I wouldn't expect to much certainly right at the start.," Farrell said. "We've got to cut him some slack and allow him to make his own mistakes and allow him to fathom out in his own mind how he wants to play.

"If that takes two, three, four months that's what we've got to allow his to do."

"Excitement is building at the Tattersalls bloodstock sales in Newmarket where three foals of the legendary racehorse Frankel will be up for auction later today.

"Two colts and a filly sired by the unbeaten wonder horse are due to sell between about 1800 and 1930 GMT. Another foal, a son of Red Bloom, was a late withdrawal.

"Phillip Mitchell, general manager of Banstead Manor Stud where Frankel performs stallion duties, said: "The expectation and anticipation for a horse like Frankel is huge."

"While it is unclear whether the figures might be quite so high today, a daughter of Frankel sold last week for 1.8m euros (£1.45m) at Goffs in Ireland."

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Wasps chief executive Nick Eastwood says the Ricoh Arena pitch will be ripped up and replaced this summer.

The surface has proved difficult since Coventry City returned to the ground in early September, after almost 18 months without any sporting activity on it.

Wasps make their debut at the Ricoh on 21 December against London Irish in the Premiership.

Steve Bruce has been reflecting on his managerial career ahead of his Hull side's visit to Manchester United this weekend - his 700th game in the dugout.

"It all came about so quickly - at the time I was convinced I wanted to work with a youth team or soccer schools, then I got a phone call saying would I be prepared to be player-manager at Sheffield United and for that phone call I will always be grateful," he said.

"I think 998 games as a player and 700 as a manager is a lot of Saturday afternoons."

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Jack Fairclough: What was the mood like at training following the infamous 'Dyer v Bowyer' Incident?

JJ: That was one of the weirdest incidents I came across at Newcastle because really there was no issue between Kieron and Lee at all. It was just a shock.

A lot of the players were angry because we went down to nine men for a large part of the game and lost the match (to Aston Villa). A lot of the guys were like "if you want to fight, let's have it now, get at it now".

But I think it was just a really crazy moment in their careers and they were both really ashamed of it.

Afterwards they obviously had a bit of a photo op and a smile and put it to bed and that was it. There was no animosity in training. Put to bed. Game over.

@IPTLCopyright: @IPTL

British number one Andy Murray has made a losing start to the International Premier Tennis League. The Scot lost both his mixed double, playing alongside Maria Sharapova, and his singles match against Marin Cilic.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc says he thinks the one-month jail term imposed on Bastia striker Brandao (above) for headbutting PSG midfielder Thiago Motta as "disproportionate".

"I find it excessive. Is he going to do it? I don't know," he said.

"He's not actually going to serve a month in prison but do something for the community," said Blanc at a press conference. before asking journalists to "move on to something else".

Brandao has been jailed for a month and fined £16,000 for headbutting Motta after a league game last August.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Prop Gethin Jenkins will return to the Wales front row on Saturday ready for a typically punishing physical encounter against South Africa.

"The maul is still strong and the scrum is still a focus for them. They are quite direct in their backs," he said.

"The Lions tour in 2009 probably stands out in terms of how physical it was. Their nation was so up for it, and it showed how much they love their rugby."

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Jermaine Jenas has joined BBC Sport as a pundit and to celebrate, he's been answering your questions on the Match of the Day Facebook page.

Here are some of the best answers…

Barry Shiels: Considering you are only 31. Are you still looking to continue your playing career if the right opportunity presents itself?

JJ: I'm not retiring!

Dwayne Clarke: Would you ever have signed for Arsenal as an ex-Tottenham player?

JJ: After playing for Tottenham? Naaaah. I've got a mother-in-law who's a big Spurs fan and I don't think I'd be allowed back in the house to be honest with you! There'd be no Sunday dinners for a long time, I tell you that!

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

On-loan Read Madrid midfielder Omar Mascarell says Derby County supporters have helped dismiss his preconceptions about English football.

The 21-year-old Spaniard, who made his solitary first-team appearance for Real Madrid as a substitute for Mesut Ozil in 2012-13, has played 12 times since moving to the Championship club from the La Liga giants.

"In my first game here I had doubts about my football and if it would be liked," he told BBC Radio Derby through team-mate and interpreter Ivan Calero.

"Because people like my style and have welcomed it I feel really confident."

Lance Armstrong has suggested that if he had his time again he would still have doped.

The American was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles after admitting that he took performance enhancing drugs.

"Once we realised - this was when we arrived in Europe and got our asses kicked - that we had brought knives to a gun-fight, we all went out and got guns. So virtually everybody in the business made that decision," he told Rouler magazine.

"My set of options was to go back to the US and work in a bike shop. Well, I didn't take that option. This was the times of the sport."

1945: Dwight Davis, the man who founded tennis' Davis Cup competition, died.

2004: Stephen Maguire was crowned UK snooker champion after beating David Gray 10-1 in the York final.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

2008: Newcastle confirmed manager Joe Kinnear would remain at the club until the end of the season. The former Wimbledon boss was later forced to step aside for health reasons, with Alan Shearer taking over as the Magpies were relegated.

2012: Ashley Giles was named as the new England limited-overs head coach.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Darren Bent says he joined Championship side Brighton on loan from Aston Villa "because there are only so many slaps in the face you can take."

The 30-year-old striker joined Villa from Sunderland for an initial £18m four years ago, but since Paul Lambert became manager in 2012 he has made just 13 Premier League appearances for them.

Bent, who has 13 England caps, spent last season on loan at Fulham.

"I just want to play and I'd reached my boiling point," he told BBC Sussex. "It was hard not playing in Paul's first season, but this was worse. The team was struggling, not scoring goals and you still don't get a chance. There are only so many slaps in the face you can take."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says that he believes that his side can emerge stronger for their early-season struggles.

"Everything has been hunky-dory for 18 months, but we've been dealt a different deck of cards this year, a different hand," he said.

"What has happened before has gone but that's been the making of us. In sport, you get the chance to go again.

"We got a result the other night against Ludogorets, it was a good performance, we were competitive and we take this forward

"The bookmakers expect me to lose my job. It's football. A few months ago, I was manager of the year, now I'm favourite to get the sack. It's part of working in football. All you can do is focus on the immediate job and focus on what you can control."

Striker Mario Balotelli has been ruled out of Liverpool's match against Stoke.

The Italy international has missed the Reds' last two games - away to Crystal Palace and Ludogorets - after sustaining a groin on international duty.

After goalkeeper Simon Mignolet's mistake allowed Ludogorets to score the opening goal of their Champions League meeting earlier this week, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists the Belgian deserves to stay in his side:

"He's fine, I had a good chat with him," said Rogers of Mignolet.

"He's saved us in a number of games during my time here. He's coping well."

BBCCopyright: BBC

"Brendan Rodgers: 'Few months ago I was manager of the year, now I'm favourite to get the sack.'"

Some Everton injury news from Roberto Martinez: "There are four players we have to asses for the weekend - Gareth Barry, Leighton Baines, Steven Naismith and Steven Pienaar.

"Darron Gibson and John Stones are progressing well but will need more time.

"Aroune Kona is fit and ready to feature."

Saints manager Ronald Koeman says that his Southampton are yet to play a team better than them in the Premier League this season.

"We try to keep playing game by game and we know our possibility," he said.

"We have played 12 games in the Premier League so far. I have not seen a better team than us in these 12 games and we have played Liverpool and Tottenham. Maybe on Sunday, but we will see."

Koeman, was played alongside the likes of Diego Maradona and Hristo Stoichkov in his playing career, was asked which of his former team-mates he would compare Manchester City's Sergio Aguero to ahead of the teams' meeting on Sunday.

"The player I would compare Sergio Aguero to is Romario, I'm not sure if you know him?! Sometime you think he is sleeping and then in the next moment he is scoring - that is a big quality to have," he added.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Everton travel to Tottenham on Sunday in a battle of two teams who both delivered the goods in the Europa League in midweek.

Toffees boss Roberto Martinez said: "I'm extremely proud of the win in Wolfsburg. It was a good game and against a very good side. It was a performance that filled us with satisfaction because we had to be mentally strong.

"The Europa League schedule is tough, but it's something that we wanted. If you find success, you get more games. I wouldn't use that as an excuse.

"It helps that Spurs played on Thursday night too. In a way, we're quite similar. They are fighting to get into the Champions League and will be a really dangerous side."

Tottenham Hotspur have been charged by UEFA after their Europa League game against Partizan Belgrade was suspended for several minutes following three separate pitch invasions.

European soccer's governing body said in a statement that disciplinary proceedings had been opened and the case would be dealt with on 11 Dec.

Jose Mourinho gives a little glimpse into why Chelsea are flying at the moment: "We've improved where we can without worrying about other factors and other teams.'

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has called for the St Mary's crowd to help his side to victory over Manchester City on Sunday.

"The challenge for us is to beat a big team in the Premier league. We will have a good support at our back and that is important," he added.

"Steven Davis is the only doubt. He will train tomorrow with the group and then we will take a decision."

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman believes that Sunday's meeting with Manchester City will test if his side are in the title race for the long haul.

"On Sunday we are playing against one of the team that can win the title and we know that we have to play better than we did last Monday against Aston Villa, but Southampton is not an easy team to play against and we will show that again," he said.

"If we want to do something special this season we need to win these kind of games."

It is fair to say Jose Mourinho is feeling fairly happy with his squad at the moment and is handing out plenty of compliments to his players during today's conference.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

"We were winning 5-0 against Schalke and in the 88th minute Eden Hazard made a big sprint to defend," the boss said.

However, he adds: "I have enough experience not to be over the moon when we win or in hell when we lose.'

Jose Mourinho on midfielder Cesc Fabregas' claim that he is playing the best football of his career.

"If he says he is playing the best football of his career that means something. You can see it in his body language," said the boss.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Jose Mourinho: "For us every competition is important, so we don't rest players and we try to play with our best team.

"Every player in my squad is fantastic and I'm so happy with all of them. The only risk we don't have is complacency.

"'My untouchables are the ones who aren't playing, they are responsible for what we are doing. They are all ready to help."

The one and only Jose Mourinho is off and running.

Chelsea take their unbeaten record to Sunderland tomorrow and the manager reports everyone bar Nathan Ake is fit for the game.

Tyson Fury claims he "couldn't give a hoot" what people think of him as a boxer but has vowed to prove his worth in the ring against Dereck Chisora on Saturday night.

The duo go head to head at London's ExCel Arena in a WBO world title final eliminator to earn the right to fight IBF, WBA and WBO champion Wladimir Klitschko.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

The build-up has been marred by ugly confrontations but Fury said: "It doesn't matter to me what people think of me as long as I get paid - and as long I win good fights, I'm happy.

"People can say and do what they like. I'll prove to everyone what I can do inside the ring, not out of it, on Saturday - and I'm looking forward to that."

New Zealand are 249-1 at the close of play on the second day of the third and final Test against Pakistan in Sharjah.

Brendon McCullum finished on an unbeaten 153 and Kane Williamson 76, the Black Caps trailing Pakistan's first innings total of 351 by 102 runs.

Earlier in the day, off-spinner Mark Craig took a career-best 7-94 - his first five-wicket haul - to wrap up Pakistan's last seven wickets for 70 runs, while opener Mohammad Hafeez made his highest Test score of 197.

Scorecard here.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

BBC Sport's football writer Simon Stone at Manchester United's press conference: "Classic answer to my question on Luke Shaw from Louis van Gaal.

Recalling the confusion created by Man Utd themselves in their reporting of Daley Blind's absence, today he was taking no chances.

First he took out a piece of paper, then put on his glasses before saying "last week I said something that was not interpreted so good. Now I will read what my medical adviser has written.

"Maybe Man Utd Twitter can pay attention!"

For the record, Shaw is out for 'the next few weeks'."

BBC Radio Manchester: Lancashire Cricket Club all-rounder Wayne White has left the club to join Derbyshire for 2015. White played 10 first-class matches taking 16 wickets.

Half an hour to go till some of the Premier League's biggest managers face the media to give their news conferences ahead of the weekend Premier League action.

Liverpool's Brendan Rodgers, Everton's Roberto Martinez and Chelsea's Jose Mourinho are among those answering questions. Don't go anywhere - we'll bring you everything that happens right here.

BBC Sport's Frank Keogh: While shoppers tussle for discount deals in the Black Friday sales, wealthy buyers will seek equine bargains at the Tattersalls bloodstock auction in Newmarket.

Four foals of the legendary racehorse Frankel - three colts and a filly - are on offer later today, and are expected to come with hefty price tags.

"The interest has been huge, there's a real buzz around the town," said Tattersalls marketing director Jimmy George.

Frankel, an unbeaten 14-time winner on the track, commands a stud fee of £125,000 a time. Two of the foals from his first crop have already each fetched more than £1m at sales elsewhere.

Ready to have your brain challenged? Good. Here's today's teaser from our Question of Sport team.

Wales last beat South Africa in 1999. Which three Welsh players, whose surname began with H, played in the game?

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti insists his players are focused on beating Malaga on Saturday - not setting a club record for consecutive victories.

Real have won their last 15 matches in all competitions, matching the club's record winning streak set in the 1960-61 and 2011-12 campaigns.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

"We are getting ready for this match in exactly the same way as always because we know it's going to be a tough one and we will have to play well," said Ancelotti.

After 12 matches of the La Liga campaign, Real top the table, two points clear of Barcelona.

The Rugby Football Union has confirmed there will be a minute's applause before England's Test with Australia at Twickenham on Saturday in honour of cricketer Phillip Hughes.

The Australian team will wear black arm bands during the game.

BBC Radio Kent: Charlton Athletic have extended the loan deal of Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin until the end of December.

The 23-year-old joined on an initial month-long deal in November and started his first game for the club in last week's goalless draw with Millwall.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

No doubt who the man of the moment is at City at the moment.

Sergio Aguero is flying, his Champions League treble against Bayern the latest instalment of a thrilling season for the Argentina striker.

Asked for his thoughts on the 26-year-old, Manuel Pellegrini said: "Sergio is a top player. He's a very important striker in the Premier League and we're very glad to have him."

Man City boss Manuel Pellegrini: "We can't complain about our spirit. We were losing against Swansea and we scored twice - the same against Bayern."

And a little more on the injury front: "I suppose Edin Dzeko will be fit next week. There are no complications with David Silva, it was a ligament injury and he is recovering."

Manuel Pellegrini on Sunday's opponents Southampton: "They are a good team with very good players and they're playing very well. It's no surprise they are where they are.

"Ronald Koeman has lost four or five players but they are still a good team and that's a merit to him. It will be a tough game."

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is facing the press, presumably with a spring in his step after the midweek Champions League win over Bayern Munich.

Ahead of Sunday's visit to in-form Southampton - two points ahead of the Blues in the table - the City boss confirmed David Silva, Aleksandar Kolarov Kolarov and Edin Dzeko will miss the game with injuries.

"Everybody else is fit and available," said Pellegrini.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

British number one Andy Murray, playing for the Manila Mavericks, is making his International Premier Tennis League bow.

Playing alongside Maria Sharapova, the Scot is up against France's Kristina Mladenovic and Serbian Nenad Zimonjic representing the UAE Royals.

Murray and Sharapova trail 4-1.

Micah Richards reckons we over-hype up our talented youngsters and expect too much, which can harm a player's career. Agree or not? Here are a few of your early responses...

A H Damani: Hype only problem? Man City expected Sinclair, Richards, Rodwell, etc, to make impact right away! #Benchwarmers #WastedTalent

Geoff Naylor: Considering Micah Richards comments, what about Jetro Willems of Holland who hadn't played 12 senior games before his 1st cap?

Get involved on Twitter using the hashtag #bbcsportsday or leave a message at the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Commonwealth gold-medal winning judoka Euan Burton, European 10,000m champion Jo Pavey and former England spinner and eternal 'King of Spain'Ashley Giles will be on the BBC Radio 5 live sports panel this afternoon.

Their chins start wagging on all the latest sports news from 13:00 GMT.

Louis van Gaal wants his Manchester United side to start beating teams more comprehensively and entertain their fans.

"We have to improve our playing style and beat opponents more easily," he said.

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Louis van Gaal also reveals that he sent injured midfielder Daley Blind on holiday after the Netherlands international suffered a knee injury in his country's 6-0 win over Latvia earlier this month.

"I gave him a holiday. In the first week of recovery he needs more rest than exercise and he didn't have much holiday in the summer because at the World Cup," Van Gaal said.

Defender Luke Shaw is set to miss "the next few weeks" after sustaining ankle ligament damage in the win over Arsenal, according to Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

Van Gaal added that striker Radamel Falcao could return from injury to take a place in his squad for Saturday's game against Hull. The Colombian has not played since 20 October.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Reigning Tour de France champion Vincenzo Nibali insists he will not quit the embattled cycling team Astana following the doping positives of two teammates and three from the team's Continential outfit.

"I'm not leaving, even though I would have every right to," Nibali told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Astana's future in the professional cycling ranks is hanging in the balance after the International Cycling Union (UCI) asked its Licence Commission last month to "undertake a full review of the management and anti-doping policies of the Astana Pro Team".

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Swansea City striker Michu has undergone ankle surgery according to Italian club Napoli, where he is on a season-long loan.

A statement on the Serie A club's website revealed Michu, 28, has had surgery to trim his right ankle.

"Michu is struggling a bit with his injury, he's been a bit in and out for Napoli," said Swansea boss Garry Monk.

But Monk added that the Spaniard will not return to Wales this season.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Captain Brendon McCullum has smashed New Zealand's fastest ever Test century, reaching three figures off 78 balls.

McCullum is on a belligerent 100 not out after thumping 13 fours and five sixes, while Kane Williamson is 44 not out as New Zealand raced to tea at 164-1 in just 25 overs on the second day.

Pakistan had earlier been bowled out for 351 in the third Test.

Play was abandoned on Thursday after the death of Australia batsman Phillip Hughes, and the match extended by a day. McCullum, along with the rest of the New Zealand team, played in shirts bearing Hughes' initials.

Live scorecard here.

Cardiff City manager Russell Slade says "it will be best for both parties" if defender Juan Cala leaves in the January transfer window.

The Spanish defender took to social media on Tuesday to express his discontent at having to train with the club's academy players.

So, Micah Richards has had his say, now we want to hear from you.

Do we have a problem in this country? Do we hype players up too soon and then crucify them if they don't turn out to be as good as thought?

Seven of England's ten youngest Post-War debutants have played their first international since 2000.

Manchester United's Luke Shaw is the most recent entry in that top ten, making his England bow at the age of 18 years and 236 days old against Denmark in March.

Let us know your thoughts on Twitter using the hashtag #bbcsportsday or leave a message at the BBC Sport Facebook page.

@juliette_graceCopyright: @juliette_grace

"Now at #MUFC for some Louis van Gaal chat."

@MUFCCopyright: @MUFC

BBC football writer Simon Stone: "Back at Carrington today as Louis van Gaal, fresh from turning on Manchester United's Christmas lights, looks ahead to tomorrow's game against Hull.

"Last week's win at Arsenal sent United into the top four, which surely must be the minimum requirement for the season.

"Injuries may dominate again though, especially how long Luke Shaw is going to be out for and if Jonny Evans is available."

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Micah Richards, now 26, added: "I believe I was brought through too young. I was brought through at 18. Just 18. I had a couple of good seasons with City but positionally I wasn't good enough.

"These are things you don't say at the time because you are getting your chance.

"Sometimes, when English players do well at a young age, they get thrown in straight away and get spat back out three of four years later.

"That is the problem that we have. If you put me in an England shirt now, I would be 10 times better than I was when I was 19."

APCopyright: AP

Manchester City defender Micah Richards, on loan at Fiorentina, has given a fascinating interview to Football Focus, which you can watch on BBC One on Saturday at 12:10 GMT.

He believes the English have a habit of hyping up young players and expecting too much, too soon.

Richards was 18 and had played only 28 professional matches when he became the youngest defender ever to be called up to the England squad in November 2006.

"Sometimes England think 'let's bring in the young new player' and hype them up," he said.

@swannyg66Copyright: @swannyg66

Former England bowler Graeme Swann on Twitter: "I used this bat at Lords in 2010 against the West Indies and scored 63*"

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Legendary Ireland fly-half Jack Kyle has died at the age of 88.

He played in Ireland's Grand Slam winning side of 1948 and toured Australia and New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions in 1950.

After his retirement from rugby he worked as a doctor in Zambia for 35 years.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Australian Greg Chalmers has a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Australian Open, but defending champion Rory McIlroy is well-positioned for the weekend in a share of second place.

Chalmers, 41, who has won the tournament twice before, snared a seventh birdie on the last green for a five-under-par 66 to edge ahead.

World number McIlroy is hot on his heels after a second 69, while Adam Scott revived his tournament with a sparkling 66.

"I think it's very early to be talking about winning," said Chalmers, "given who's right behind me."

Sussex have appointed one-time England Test seamer Jon Lewis as bowling coach after he decided to retire from playing.

The 39-year-old last winter, but only played eight County Championship matches because of injury.

But in his career, he took 849 first-class wickets at an average of 26.26, spending all but three of his 20 years as a professional with Gloucestershire.

"I'm excited to make the transition from player to coach to help develop the bowling attack at Sussex," he said.

PACopyright: PA

Radio West Midlands' Mike Taylor on Roy Keane's departure for Aston Villa: "Keane's time at Villa has been unusual. There have been more questions than answers.

"Was he being prepared to usurp Lambert if Villa's struggles of last season continued? How much was Villa's good start - which quickly evaporated - down to him? Could he fully commit to Villa while continuing a similar role with Ireland? Was he going to end up in the jungle anyway?

"His circus leaves town at a particularly tense moment. In a near half-empty Villa Park on Monday night, Lambert appeared short of friends. He is now also short of a senior assistant just as Villa, without a win in eight matches, and faces four matches in a fortnight - all against fellow strugglers."

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

An absolute whopper of a transfer rumour in the Daily Express today.

Barcelona megastar Lionel Messi is apparently available for £200m and the newspaper racks up three reasons why Chelsea could meet that world-record price tag.

Firstly, Messi's personal sponsor Adidas make Chelsea's shirt and would help fund the move from Barcelona, who are kitted out by rivals Nike.

Secondly, Messi apparently thinks his son Thiago would get a better education in London.

Lastly, Blues owner Roman Abramovich has a penchant for a big signing even in the age of Financial Fair Play.

Peter Crouch: Seems to be only two big fight promoters at the moment - Eddie Hearn and whoever organized this carnage #BlackFriday

@IndianAcesCopyright: @IndianAces

The Indian Aces - featuring Ana Ivanovic, Gael Monfils, Fabrice Santoro and Sania Mirza - have beaten the Singapore Slammers in the first-ever International Premier Tennis League match.

Mick Channon (66, soccer) - former Southampton, Manchester City and England striker, now a successful racehorse trainer.

Kriss Akabusi (56, athletics) - former British 400 metres hurdler.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Stephen Roche (55, cycling) - former Tour de France and Giro d'Italia winner.

Nick Knight (45, cricket) - former Warwickshire and England batsman.

Sonia O'Sullivan (45, athletics) - former 5,000 metre world champion.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

After delaying the release of next season's county fixtures because of the death of Phillip Hughes, it has been announced champions Yorkshire will travel to promoted Worcestershire in the opening round of the 2015 County Championship to start the defence of their title.

Jason Gillespie's side will launch the county season on 22 March when they play an MCC XI in Abu Dhabi in the traditional four-day curtain-raiser.

The Championship begins on 12 April, with promoted Hampshire facing Sussex.

The NatWest T20 Blast starts on 15 May and the Royal London One-Day Cup on 25 July, with holders Durham at Northants.

You can find links to all the 2015 county fixtures here.

"Wigan striker Grant Holt will return to the DW Stadium at the end of his loan spell at Huddersfield Town.

"Manager Malky Mackay confirmed the news at his press conference on Friday morning.

"The 33-year old has been an influential figure for The Terriers after joining the club in September.

"Mackay said: "Grant will be back as of January 1st. He's an experienced top player and we need as many good players at the club as possible."

BBC Sport's Pat Murphy: "Roy Keane came to see Paul Lambert this morning and said that he could not continue to combine the two roles of being both assistant manager of Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland along with supporting his young family. Paul Lambert says that he totally understands the reasons and respects.

"Keane was always going to be a short-term appointment. Conspiracy theories will suggest that as it is Roy Keane there is more to this than meets the eye, but quite simply he can't juggle both roles."

Arsenal TwitterCopyright: Arsenal Twitter

Arsenal: A tribute to Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes at the training ground this morning.

Chelsea duo Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard, along with Arsenal's Mesut Ozil, have been included in a 15-strong midfielder shortlist for the Fifa FIFPro World XI.

Manchester City's Yaya Toure and Manchester United's Angel di Maria are the other Premier League representatives.

The full team will be announced on Monday 14 January. This was the selection from January 2014, with an unidentified gentleman stepping into the top left of the team shot in places of Andres Iniesta.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Steve Bruce heads back to his former club Manchester United on Saturday, aiming to end Hull's run of five games without a win - and end an even longer winless run for himself at Old Trafford.

The manager, who played for United from 1987-96, said: "I think I'm due a result and maybe without Sir Alex being there, I might have a chance.

"I've been going a long time and I've never been able to beat them. I've had a couple of draws but that's about it.

"I need everyone to play to a level that will cause Manchester United problems and hopefully we can catch them on a bit of an off-day."

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Despite the cricket world remaining in mourning following the tragic death of Phillip Hughes, New Zealand and Pakistan have resumed their third and final Test in Sharjah.

The teams observed a minute's silence before today's first session and wore black armbands. Bats and caps were also placed outside the New Zealand dressing room in memory of Hughes.

New Zealand were 7-0 at lunch, after Pakistan were dismissed for 351 in their first innings. Yesterday's second day was cancelled as a mark of respect for Hughes. Pakistan lead the three-match series 1-0.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

England's players have lined up their bats in their dressing room in Colombo as a tribute to late Australian batsman Phillip Hughes.

The 25-year-old died on Thursday, two days after being struck in the neck during a domestic match in Australia.

Thousands of people have posted photographs on Twitter, using hashtags #putoutyourbats and #putyourbatout.

Manager Paul Lambert will look to fill the assistant manager's position "as soon as is practically possible".

He said: "Roy came to me this morning and he informed me that, ultimately, the difficulty of combining both roles has prompted his decision, which I respect totally.

"In the brief period we have worked together he has been great in the role and I understand his reasons for leaving."

Villa's CEO Tom Fox added: "Our focus now will be on working with Paul to identify the right person to work alongside him and to help us continue on our journey to return the Club to its rightful place in the Premier League."

Aston Villa have released a statement explaining why Roy Keane has relinquished his role as assistant manager with immediate effect.

"Having combined his role as number two to Paul Lambert with a similar position with the Republic of Ireland since the beginning of pre-season, Roy has decided that committing fully to both jobs and making the necessary time for his family is impossible," it read.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Keane says: "Ultimately, my roles with Villa and Ireland and combining my commitment to these have become too much. It isn't fair to either Villa or Ireland, so I've made this decision.

"I'd like to thank Paul for giving me a great opportunity to come to a brilliant football club, I've really enjoyed my experiences at Villa and I wish the management team, the players, the supporters and the Club nothing but the best going forward."

Hull City boss Steve Bruce confirms midfielder Mo Diame will return to the side against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Diame scored four goals in quick succession after joining the Tigers in a £3.5m deal on deadline day.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

As a player, Roy Keane was famously sent home from the Republic of Ireland's 2002 World Cup campaign after an argument with manager Mick McCarthy.

His Manchester United career came to an acrimonious end when he criticised his team-mates' performances on the club's in-house television channel, enraging manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

EPACopyright: EPA

Back to the news that Roy Keane has left Aston Villa.

The Irishman was appointed in July as number two to Paul Lambert, combining that with his role as number two to Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill.

"I am delighted to be joining Villa and look forward to what promises to be an exciting challenge," Keane said at the time.

Villa are promising more details soon. BBC Radio 5 live's Pat Murphy says Keane himself made the decision to leave the club, as he was struggling to combine his roles at Villa and with the Republic.

Forward Theo Walcott will miss the trip to West Brom and Wednesday's meeting with Southampton with an inflamed groin picked up on international duty.

Strikers Yaya Sanogo and Danny Welbeck are both doubts with midfielder Mikel Arteta ruled out and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny yet to return to training.

@ArsenalCopyright: @Arsenal

Arsene Wenger says that he has had no offers for Lukas Podolski. The German international has struggled for first-team opportunities this season and recently told Bild that "the situation has to change".

"I have had no enquiries from anybody," said Wenger.

"He faces big competition. He has an outstanding attitude and he works very hard."

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Hull City striker Abel Hernandez will miss the Tigers' games against Manchester United and Everton.

The club's £10m record signing, who signed from Palermo in the summer and has scored three goals so far this term, has returned to his native Uruguay for the birth of his child

Arsene Wenger has landed at Arsenal's London Colney base and is straight down to business, updating the media on his side's injury problems, saying there are "lots of knocks" ahead of his side's visit to West Brom.

He has also joined Jack Wilshere in defending the midfielder's record on injuries after his latest set-back.

"He deals very well with tackles and kicks but nobody would've dealt with that tackle," Wenger said of Paddy McNair's challenge on Wilshere.

"His injury is a consequence of a very bad tackle that was not malicious.

""If he has no problems with his joints he will make a massive career".

One of the issues that might come up in Arsene Wenger's press conference is Jack Wilshere's latest injury. The midfielder has been ruled out for up to three months with ankle ligament damage, but took to Instagram to attack the Daily Mirror's coverage of his latest set-back.

"Most people/players would have broken their ankle if someone tackled them like this," he wrote next to a picture of Manchester United's Paddy McNair's challenge on him.

"Luckily I have 'loose joints', not brittle' and only damaged ligaments."

Daily Telegraph sports news correspondent Ben Rumsby on Twitter: At Arsenal press conference this morning. Wenger late as usual.

Wenger was supposed to make an appearance at 09:00 GMT, but is taking his sweet time.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

The first set of the first match in the first ever International Premier League Tennis event has gone the way of the Indian Aces with Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna beating the Singapore Slammers' Bruno Soares and Daniela Hantuchova.

Next up is the legend's singles set with Pat Rafter taking on Fabrice Santoro.

@ArsenalCopyright: @Arsenal

Arsenal on Twitter: Morning all. We'll bring you the boss' #WBAvAFC press conference shortly.

Daily TelegraphCopyright: Daily Telegraph

Australia's Daily Telegraph gives over its front page to a photo of Phillip Hughes in the wake of the batsman's death.

Daily MailCopyright: Daily Mail

The Daily Mail is one of several UK newspapers to dedicated their back page to 25-year-old Phillip Hughes.

GoogleCopyright: Google

Search engine Google have paid their own tribute to Phillip Hughes - putting out a bat on the front page of their Australian site.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Australia team doctor Peter Brukner has revealed that Phillip Hughes' sister Megan offered sympathy to Sean Abbott, who bowled the ball that killed her brother, when he visited Hughes in hospital.

"When Sean came to the hospital yesterday, captain Michael Clarke came down and spent a significant amount of time with him," said Brukner.

"And then Phillip's sister Megan came and deliberately spent time with Sean.

"Obviously what Sean has gone through is an incredibly traumatic experience as it has been for everyone who was present on the field on that day."

Abbott and Hughes made their Twenty20 international debuts together in the United Arab Emirates in October with Abbott describing the pair as "pretty close mates" at the time.

Cricket fans and players have been using their bats to pay tribute to Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes.

The 25-year-old died on Thursday - two days after being struck in the neck during a domestic match in Australia.

Thousands of people have posted photographs on Twitter, using hashtags #putoutyourbats and #putyourbatout.

TwitterCopyright: Twitter

EPACopyright: EPA

First up is your daily dose of gossip, with plenty more tittle-tattle in the gossip column.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas could be heading to the Premier League in January, with Arsenal and Liverpool interested in signing the 33-year-old Spaniard. (Daily Express)

Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini wants to sign Manchester United striker Robin van Persie, 31, for his new club Inter Milan. (Telegraph)

Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock says midfielder Yannick Bolasie will not be sold in January. Liverpool are reportedly keen to buy the 25-year-old. (Sky Sports)

Good morning and welcome to Sportsday Live.

We have a packed day of Premier League news conferences with, deep breath, Arsene Wenger, Steve Bruce, Louis van Gaal, Manuel Pellegrini, Roberto Martinez and Ronald Koeman all facing the microphones.

There will also be build-up to the first day of the inaugural International Premier Tennis League, with Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray all signed up, and league convert Sam Burgess's possible union debut for Bath tonight .

Elsewhere tributes continue to be paid to Phillip Hughes following the Australia batsman's death yesterday.