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After more than two months out of action Kieran Tierney made a successful return on Sunday in Celtic’s 4-1 win over Motherwell.

The defender suffered a hip injury during the Europa League defeat from RB Salzburg and has had to return to his role of fan in recent times.

For two weeks he had been involved in full training but Brendan Rodgers resisted the temptation to throw him in against Valencia and got his reward today.

Scott Brown’s suspension handed the armband to Tierney who responded with the cross for Scott Sinclair to open the scoring.

At the start of the second half, with Celtic leading 2-0, the patience of the Hoops skipper was tested as Motherwell pulled a goal back through Gboly Aribiyi. Tierney and his team-mates expected the ball to be returned from a throw in, but Motherwell took the opportunity to score instead.

Some Celtic players lost their composure after that incident but Tierney played a lead role until he was replaced by Jonny Hayes.

Provided there is no reaction, Tierney will continue his return to action away to Hearts on Wednesday as the Hoops look to maintain their winning domestic run all the way through to clinching their eighth successive title.

Here’s a look at how Celtic fans reacted to Tierney’s return on Twitter…

أعلن مرتضى منصور رئيس مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك عن التعاقد مع البرتغالي جايمي باتشيكو ليصبح مديرًا فنيًا للفريق في الفترة المقبلة.

وكان الفرنسي باتريس كارتيرون قد رحل عن تدريب الزمالك بعد فسخ التعاقد ودفع قيمة الشرط الجزائي وانتقل لتدريب التعاون السعودي.

وقال مرتضى منصور خلال مداخلة هاتفية عبر قناة “الزمالك”: “شكلنا لجنة لإدارة هذا الملف، مكونة من فاروق جعفر وإسماعيل يوسف وأحمد مرتضى منصور وأمير مرتضى منصور”.

وأضاف: “كان مرشحًا السويسري كريستيان جروس وجيسوالدو فيريرا وجايمي باتشيكو”.

وواصل: “جروس اعتمد على عدد قليل من اللاعبين وترك الباقي وتسبب في خسارتنا للدوري، وعندما علمت أنه سيأتي شهرين فقط أدركت أن طموحه الحصول على الأموال”.

وتابع: “هو له أموال عندنا ولا أنكر ذلك، لكني أدركت أنه قادم لأجلها وليس للحصول على بطولة”. 

وأردف: “ثاني مدرب فيريرا هو جيد جدًا، وجاء واستكمل عمل باتشيكو الذي رحل للشباب السعودي وحققنا معه الدوري والكأس، لكنه طلب منا التواجد في بداية الموسم المقبل وشكرناه لأننا لا يوجد لدينا رفاهية الوقت”.

واختتم: “اختارت اللجنة باتشيكو وهو عقده حتى نهاية الموسم المقبل”.

وكان “بطولات” قد انفرد منذ قليل بالكشف عن اسم المدير الفني الجديد لنادي الزمالك. طالع التفاصيل

يذكر أن باتشيكو قد درب الزمالك في عام 2014 للمرة الأولى وتعد ولايته في التوقيت الحالي هي الثانية له في الزمالك.

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Jonjo Shelvey has returned to Newcastle training ahead of a very winnable fixture at home to Huddersfield, and Rafael Benitez should switch things up to accommodate both the English pass-master and new signing Miguel Almiron.

Shelvey is officially back in Newcastle training, Sky Sports reports.

The 26 year-old England international has been missing since the beginning of January with a thigh injury, but has re-joined the first team at their warm-weather training camp in Spain.

The Magpies have no fixture this weekend due to their exit from the FA Cup, but the following weekend brings Huddersfield to St. James’ Park, and the struggling Terriers will be there for the taking, so Benitez should go for the throat.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals why Tyne-Wear is a more intense derby than anything London can offer – check out the video below….

Miguel, meet Jonjo

Benitez and Newcastle have found success with a 5-4-1 system recently, a formation which requires Matt Ritchie to play out of position as a left-wing-back.

By switching to a 4-3-3, Benitez would be taking a risk by benching one of his centre backs, who have performed mostly excellently all season.

However, there is simply no place for Almiron in the 5-4-1 setup, and a switch to 4-3-3 also makes room for Shelvey.

Salomon Rondon is un-droppable and Almiron would no doubt take a place in the front three, leaving the last spot for Ritchie, Christian Atsu and Kenedy to fight over.

Shelvey could then move into midfield alongside Mo Diame and the ever-improving Sean Longstaff, a midfield trio packed with athleticism, composure and most importantly for Almiron – Shelvey’s ability to ping balls behind the opponent’s defence.

The little Paraguayan international looked absolutely electric in his short cameo against Wolves, and his pace will terrorise the Huddersfield defence if Rafa finds a way to fit Shelvey in the team.

So, Newcastle fans, would you change the system to accommodate the star duo? Or keep the 5-4-1? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…

After almost eleven years at Crystal Palace, fame has finally caught up to Aaron Wan-Bisaaka.

Touted as one of the emerging young talents in England, the right-back is now hot properly for the Eagles following his meteoric rise in South London. Indeed, many clubs are reportedly – according to the Sun – eying to sign him up and Wan-Bissaka has a personal decision to make.

Clearly, when linked to teams such as Manchester City, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund, there’s always going to be a temptation to depart. However, we think he should stay, and here’s why.

He’s a Crystal Palace man through and through having being handed all his success by the side he’s playing since age 11. A Londoner by birth, it could be difficult for him to blend in somewhere else and get the same reception he gets from his fans. The right-back still has much to learn and patience is not something a big side will give him.

Wan-Bissaka’s been a relentless hard worker on the right flank and gave a fantastic account of himself in difficult situations. Not only has he helped Palace keep almost eight clean-sheets this season while averaging 3.8 tackles and 2.4 interceptions per game (stats from WhoScored), he’s also been an asset moving forward.

The right-back doesn’t shy away from attacking, with his electric pace and impressive dribbling ability causing trouble. While he’s only had one assist so far, Wan-Bissaka averages almost 33 passes per game(stats from Premier League) while creating quite a few glaring chances now and then.

After a decade with the Eagles, Wan-Bissaka is in a crossroads of his career. Leaving the side which handed him opportunities would be unwise, as he still has much to repay Crystal Palace for allowing him to fly high.

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There has been a cautious welcome from Scottish football fans to a report suggesting foreign referees could soon be in charge of Scottish matches.

According to a report in The Daily Record, that notion is being pushed strongly by Celtic after a meeting of Premiership clubs and the SFA to discuss the current issues with referees and discipline.

In 2010, during a strike called by referees, match officials were called in from Israel and Luxembourg before the problems were resolved.

This season there has been an unprecedented focus on refereeing decisions with a red card rescinded against Alfredo Morelos on the opening weekend of the season kicking off the mayhem.

A new Compliance Officer, Clare Whyte, at the SFA has complicated the issues through mixed messages and inconsistencies being sent out almost on a weekly basis.

It remains unclear in what circumstances the Compliance Officer can overrule decisions witnessed by match officials with almost all top flight clubs issuing statements of concern at some stage this season.

Celtic are reportedly keen to play a key role in drawing up recommendations for reforms to the current refereeing setup in Scotland, backing a proposal to recruit officials from other countries – similar ideas have already been floated by manager Brendan Rodgers and Tom Boyd.

The mechanics and costs of bringing in foreign referees has still to be assessed. Whether they’d get co-operation from Scottish assistants remains to be seen but the principle seems to be one that has support among fans of many clubs throughout Scotland.

Here’s a look at how they reacted on Twitter…

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Loads of Rangers fans have been discussing their performance against Aberdeen on Tuesday, and they’re crucifying Daniel Candeias for yet another woeful display.

Rangers were beaten fairly comfortably by Aberdeen on Tuesday if truth be told, which doesn’t happen too often at Ibrox.

The Dons are now responsible for both of Steven Gerrard’s two managerial defeats at Ibrox, and the Gers’ performance on this occasion was really worrying.

The visitors took an early lead thanks to a dreadful mistake from Glen Kamara, whose square pass went right to Niall McGinn, who finished well.

Connor McLennan doubled the lead in the second half after a well-worked move, and Gerrard’s side never really looked like getting back in it.

While he wasn’t the only one who had a poor evening, Candeias’ inability to pick out a good cross has become really frustrating.

The 31 year-old is a hard worker and has managed six goals and ten assists this campaign, but he missed a golden chance to put one on a plate for Ryan Kent in the first half.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

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Manchester United have announced a one-year contract extension for Ashley Young.

The 33-year-old has been a fine to servant to the Red Devils in his eight years at Old Trafford so far. Having arrived as a pacy winger, he has adapted into a versatile full-back in recent seasons, maintaining a regular starting berth under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Young has made over 200 appearances for the club since his arrival, and this contract comes as a reward for his consistency in that time. However, there ought to be some concern over how important the 39-cap England international is. By now, United should have found a long-term replacement for Young, who is still operating as an auxiliary full-back.

Some may consider this contract extension to be a sign that the Red Devils still haven’t found a way to adequately prepare for life without experienced player.

Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week…

This new deal has certainly divided opinion amongst United fans. Whilst some believe the wide man to be deserving of the extension, others feel the club should move on. Check out some of the reaction to the announcement below…

Manchester United are well on course to achieving a spot in the top four again this season, when just a few months ago it seemed almost impossible.

The change in scenario, well that’s all been due to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the manager who has made a wonderful difference to everyone at Manchester United.

The players have developed such freedom in their play, something that could be an advertisement for anyone who wants to come and join Old Trafford, with now seemingly the best time to do so.

Whoever may be in charge from this summer onwards, there is still work to be done and the one area that definitely needs improving, as well as their defence, is midfield.

One player who certainly has the star-quality to put an end to their concerns in midfield is Marseille’s Morgan Sanson.

Sanson, (who is valued at £19.8 million on Transfermarkt) has pretty much every window been linked with a big move to England and this summer will probably be no different.

Having provided four goals and four assists this season, he hasn’t quite lived up to the tally he accumulated last season – 12 goals, three assists – yet Sanson still presents himself as a very good option for a club like Manchester United.

He has years of experience playing for one of the top teams in Ligue 1, which could leave him with a relatively high chance of having success at Old Trafford.

Whether its a more attacking or defensive role the manager wants Morgan Sanson to perform, he can do it all and that’s one of his top assets.

The 24-year-old is still young, has plenty of time to adjust and if he can continue his strong performances at Old Trafford, could be a new star.

Do you agree… Let us know!

أفادت تقارير صحفية إنجليزية، أن نادي تشيلسي توصل لاتفاق مع لاعب وسط وست هام يونايتد، ديكلان رايس، خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الجارية، لضمه إلى ستامفورد بريدج.

ديكلان رايس هدفًا لـ تشيلسي منذ الصيف الماضي، ويرغب النادي الإنجليزي في تدعيم وسط ملعبه بصاحب الـ21 عامًا، لمواصلة المنافسة في بريميرليج.

صحيفة “SportsMole” الإنجليزية والصحفي الإيطالي نيكولا شيرا، ضمن المصادر التي أكدت بأن تشيلسي توصل لاتفاق مع ديكلان رايس على الشروط الشخصية، للتعاقد معه حتى صيف 2024.

وأشارت الصحيفة إلى أن وست هام يونايتد لا ينوي التخلي عن اللاعب بأقل من 80 مليون جنية إسترليني، في حين أن تشيلسي يعرض 45 مليون جنية إسترليني بالإضافة إلى 15 مليون متغيّرات.

وتشير التقارير أيضًا، إلى أن البلوز يعرض إيمرسون بالميري وروس باركلي ولوفتوس تشيك، في صفقة تبادلية لضم اللاعب الإنجليزي الشاب.

Manchester United may broker a swap deal with Juventus to see Romelu Lukaku and Paolo Dybala switch teams according to the Mirror, and the move would suit United down to the ground.

Since joining United from Everton in 2017 for £84m Lukaku’s form has been hit and miss to say the least. He finished last season on 16 goals in 34 appearances and this season he’s scored just eight goals in 23. His habit of going missing in big games and poor technical ability have been picked up on by United fans consistently.

On paper, he’s the perfect Jose Mourinho striker and appears a carbon copy of Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, but the lack of defensive stability stunted Mourinho’s ability to attack and that was reflected in Lukaku’s up-front isolation. The opportunity to fix that has gone, so with Ole Gunnar Soslkjaer now in charge, the new and dynamic style of play renders him surplus to requirements.

Juventus’ Paolo Dybala couldn’t be more different to the Belgian. He’s fast, can play as an attacking midfielder and right across the front line and makes intelligent runs deep as a well as forward – things Lukaku just doesn’t do.

That isn’t as much of a criticism of United’s striker as it sounds because that’s just not the type of forward he is, but the problem for him is that’s the type of forward United now need.

The 25-year-old has only scored three times and assisted eight in 21 appearances for Juventus this season, but his contribution lies deeper than just his basic statistics. Whoever the manager of Man United will be next season, it’s clear a return to an attacking style with fast-paced, fluid link-up between the striker and wingers is desired.

Transfermarkt value the Argentinian at £96m and Lukaku at £74m, so the deal seems financially sensible too. On the pitch, Juventus may need someone of Lukaku’s stature and one-versus-one presence, but United don’t anymore. It’s just a sign of the times.

Do you think United should swap Lukaku for Dybala?