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An update has emerged on the fitness of Rangers central midfielder Ryan Jack, via an insider source… 

What’s the latest?

Close friend of Ryan Jack and former Gers star Greg Stewart has revealed that the midfielder is not too far away from being back in action for the club.

Stewart has claimed that Jack will be ‘like a new signing’ for the Gers and that he has heard the 29-year-old is closing in on his return.

He told the Daily Record:

“It’s been a difficult one for Ryan.

“He’s had a couple of problems but from what I hear it won’t be long before he’s back on the pitch. That’s great news – it will be like a new signing for the team, because we’ve missed him.

“Every team would miss having a Ryan Jack in their line-up as he’s got a bit of everything about him. He even chips in with a few goals, which is great for a midfielder. Once he’s back, it will be like he’s got a new lease of life and I can’t wait to see him out there again.”

Gerrard will be buzzing

Jack’s last appearance for the Gers came back in February and he recently took to Instagram to post a picture of his muddy boots on the floor of what appeared to be a changing room.

His post left plenty to speculate over in regards to what stage he is at in his recovery, but these quotes from his close friend provide a better perspective as he has stated that Jack is not too far away from being fit.

Gerrard is surely buzzing with this news as it will be a welcome boost to his team in the coming weeks and months.

Jack adds another central midfield option for him to call upon in the Scottish Premiership and Europa League, which could make him feel like a new signing, as Stewart explained. It also allows him to rest and rotate his other options in that area of the pitch.

Back in 2019, the Teddy Bears head coach lauded Jack as a leader within the squad as he demands everyone around him to up their levels. He said:

“Ryan is an example for the rest of the squad because he never drops his standards, whether it’s a training session or a game.

“He knits everything together, he drives the team on, he demands from everyone else around him.”

This suggests that Gerrard will love to have Jack back in contention to play as he could raise the standard of those playing alongside him and lift the XI overall.

Whilst you can debate his own merits as a player and whether, as an individual, he is better than the likes of John Lundstram, Steven Davis, Glen Kamara and Joe Aribo, his leadership – as explained by Gerrard – could be an immeasurable boost to the Gers.

AND in other news, Huge blow: Rangers facing potential nightmare over key Ibrox gem, fans will be livid…

The Indian selectors announced today a squad that will take on Zimbabwe in the two-Test series beginning shortly

Anand Vasu22-Jul-2009The Indian selectors announced today a squad that will take on Zimbabwe in the two-Test series beginning shortly. Despite recalling stumper MSK Prasad for the Board President’s XI game, the national selectors thought it best that they stick with Deep Dasgupta, who has performed creditably with the bat if not behind the stumps in the longer version of the game.Also back in the team are speedster Tinu Yohannan, overlooked for the one-dayers against England and middle-order bat Rahul Dravid who was out due to injury. Importantly, there is no place in the squad for Delhi southpaw Gautam Gambhir, who made a spirited 218 against Zimbabwe in the tour match that is under way.Offie Sarandeep Singh and all-rounder Sanjay Bangar get a reprise, being named in the squad despite widespread speculation that neither had done enough to warrant selection.VVS Laxman, who was dropped from the squad that played the one-dayers against England in favour of Mohammad Kaif, makes his way back into the squad. His place in the Test side was never in doubt, despite rumours that Kaif had done enough to replace him.Zaheer Khan, who has done wonders for state side Baroda since being relieved of national duties, has been called up to reinforce the bench. The Baroda left-arm seamer was lethal in domestic cricket, taking his state side to the final of the domestic competition with a 10-wicket performance that impressed more than one selector.The squad: Saurav Ganguly (c), Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, SS Das, Virender Sehwag, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Sarandeep Singh, Deep Dasgupta, Sanjay Bangar and Tinu Yohanan.

Zimbabwe’s batting has improved with each outing this series, and today they kept their hopes alive with a victory that brought Bangladesh’s winning run to a screeching halt

The Bulletin by Jamie Alter14-Aug-2009
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were outElton Chigumbura had a good day, scoring a manic cameo and then taking two wickets•AFPZimbabwe’s batting has improved with each outing this series, and today they kept their hopes alive with a victory that brought Bangladesh’s winning run to a screeching halt. On a flat batting track the hosts briefly threatened to combust in another jittery display from the top order, but Hamilton Masakadza lit up the innings with a maiden ODI century, supported by a calm Brendan Taylor and a gung-ho Elton Chigumbura. Zimbabwe were in control when Chigumbura joined Taylor in the 39th over, and what proceeded to unfold turned a solid batting act into an exhibition of butchery.The pair added 90 from 50 balls, Chigumbura racing to his half-century from just 26 balls, and 60 from the batting Powerplay lifted the total to 323, Zimbabwe’s best at the venue and against Bangladesh. In reply, the visitors came up with a batting effort as edgy as Tuesday’s had been powerful, with only Raqibul Hasan and Mahbubul Alam showing any fight.Early signs indicated this game could be one for the bowlers when Zimbabwe slipped to 17 for 2 and then 60 for 3, but Masakadza and Taylor stood up to be counted. Zimbabwe’s top order will do well to take a few lessons from Masakadza, who assessed the situation smartly, bided his time against the bit of swing Mahbubul got and consolidated in the middle overs. He acted as a glue to guarantee Zimbabwe’s innings didn’t fall apart.Quick to capitalise on even marginal errors in length, Masakadza stroked delicate drives between cover and backward point off either foot. With Taylor offering cool support the pair counter-attacked in an efficient manner, knocking the ball into the gaps and not trying to play the spinners too safely – a factor that had stifled Zimbabwe in the series opener. Boundaries didn’t flow – at one stage Zimbabwe went 11 overs without finding the ropes – but the run rate rarely dropped. The pair regularly spoke mid-pitch, no doubt stressing in the fact that all that was required was levelheaded batting, and that a wicket would put too much pressure on those to follow.After a long absence playing cricket in England, Taylor came back strongly with a fluent half-century. He complimented his senior partner with an innings that relied solidly on on-side play. He judged singles superbly and his half-century came up from 62 balls without a boundary.When Mahbubul came back to bowl the 35th over, Masakadza dumped him over midwicket for six to go past his previous best of 87. Two balls after bringing up three figures, Masakadza was bowled for 102, but the final chapter of the innings was adrenalin-fueled. Taylor picked his first four in the 40th over, a deft late cut, and Chigumbura was quickly into his stride, slamming a six over long-on and slashing through point.An amazing one-handed six over extra cover by Taylor followed as Shakib returned, prompting Zimbabwe to take the batting Powerplay after 44 overs. Hitting cleanly through the line with meaty power and excellent timing, Chigumbura had Bangladesh scurrying for cover as the tone of the game changed dramatically, despite Taylor’s run out on 94. Whether it was pace or spin he backed his game, making room to hit through the line and depositing the ball over long-off and long-on. In the previous game, Chigumbura came down at No. 9 – today a promotion proved an excellent move.Battered in the field, Bangladesh needed a commanding start but the top order’s approach snuffed those hopes. Tamim Iqbal poked the first ball loosely to first slip, Naeem Islam lost his leg stump to a wild slog against Chigumbura and Mohammad Ashraful, for the umpteenth time, skied to third man. The pressure mounted on the in-form Shakib but it proved too much. Immediately after swinging Chigumbura for six, Shakib tried the aerial route only to top edge to point, leaving Raqibul and Mushfiqur Rahim to salvage an increasingly hopeless situation.With 324 to win, Bangladesh had to take some chances and Raqibul enjoyed a slice of luck on 9 when Prosper Utseya dropped a tough catch at cover-point. Mushfiqur targeted Masakadza’s gentle medium pace, going over the top for six and four in successive overs. It was an encouraging period of smart batting that briefly offered Bangladesh a glimmer of hope, as the pair added 68 at nearly a run a ball. Ray Price varied his pace to check the runs and the frustration resulted in Mushfiqur holing out to long-on, after which he took out Mahmudullah. Raqibul flayed the bat after crossing his sixth ODI fifty and Mahbubul picked up three successive sixes in a maiden half-century, but they were only delaying the inevitable.

Former England international Steven Caulker has admitted that he wished he’d signed for Celtic four years ago, The Scotsman report.

The Lowdown: 2017 links

Back in 2017, when Brendan Rodgers was the manager at Parkhead, centre-back Caulker was heavily linked with a move to Glasgow.

Caulker was 25 years of age at the time and The Scottish Sun believed he was set to become Rodgers’ latest signing.

However, as we know, a summer move never materialised and Caulker ended up leaving QPR by mutual consent at the end of the year.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-15/” title=”Celtic updates!!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Caulker’s comments

Talking to The Scotsman in an in-depth interview, Caulker, who Calum Butcher said is ‘like Rio Ferdinand’, addressed a possible move to Celtic in the past.

He revealed that he had the opportunity to join the Hoops, however, he stayed in London, a decision which he later regretted.

“The summer before it, 2017, I had an opportunity to go to Celtic which I turned down because I felt London and QPR were better for my recovery.

“A few months after that I was then out of the squad at QPR and we mutually terminated my contract. At that point, of course I thought I should have gone to Celtic.”

The Verdict: A dodged bullet?

Since leaving QPR, Caulker spent 18 months with Dundee where he made just 17 appearances and is now with Turkish side Alanyaspor, where he is on £12,000-a-week.

The Hoops continued to win trophies under Rodgers and then Neil Lennon, so really, Caulker’s Celtic snub didn’t affect things at Parkhead.

You could say it was even a dodged bullet, especially as he didn’t exactly take the Scottish Premiership by storm with Dundee.

In other news: Celtic fans could be in line for ‘disaster’ following Saturday’s events

Many Aston Villa fans have been left slamming some news involving changes to their fixture schedule.

As per the official website of the Villa Park faithful, no fewer than six of their games over the busy December and January period have been selected for live TV broadcast, which means that their kick-off times have all changed.

AVFC supporters are particularly unhappy with the new Boxing Day time, with which they will now host Chelsea at 5:30pm – travelling will be difficult around that time in the evening, likely leaving fans with a choice of being able to enjoy family time or attend the match.

Dean Smith’s side also host Manchester City at 8:15pm midweek, which is another awkward time, particularly for fans who have work the next day.

Aston Villa fans on fixture changes

These Villa fans were left slamming the news of the fixture changes as they were shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that they were ‘disappointing’:

“8:15pm on a weekday and 5:30pm on Boxing Day feels like an attack tbh”

Credit: @victoriaabigail

“Leeds change and Chelsea is a right inconvenience”

Credit: @turland080694

“The fans don’t matter anymore.”

Credit: @Dannybarker1981

“Disappointing changes looks like my seat will be empty for 2 games”

Credit: @spartan888

“Ignorance is bliss”

Credit: @Jannetts_

“Half 5 Boxing Day, getting home last time was crazy…this is going to be a long walk home!”

Credit: @Hotwheels_1978

In other news, find out which Villa talent is set for a new deal here!

The IPL has sought to reduce the influence of players’ agents by asking its franchises to deal with players directly while signing them, and not through agents to ensure clarity and control over the process

Cricinfo staff21-Aug-2009The IPL has sought to reduce the influence of players’ agents by asking its franchises to deal with players directly while signing them, and not through agents to ensure clarity and control over the process. The sudden influx of former ICL players to the market is believed to be one of the main reasons behind this decision.”The rationale for this decision again was based on the problems being faced by cricketing boards around the world, where some agents have been responsible for misguiding players and the franchisees, with detrimental effects on global cricket,” the IPL said. “The league will only recognize as valid, contracts signed directly between the players and franchisees.”Apparently, the league has recently received complaints about agents, some of whom are former players, being involved in the recruitment of ICL players by various IPL franchises. The BCCI allowed those ICL players who have accepted their amnesty offer to be recruited for the IPL within a fee range of Rs 8-20 lakhs. Complaints have also been received about agents or their scouts approaching upcoming players from other countries and promising IPL contracts.Most of the BCCI’s 37 contracted players, including the entire Indian team, who are part of the IPL, are represented by agents who are compensated by the players and not the league. The new rules are part of a drive to regulate the recruitment process and bring all contracts under the purview of the league.The IPL also said it would not recognize any player contracts not conforming to prescribed guidelines. “The IPL has taken this stand based on complaints received from multiple quarters about individual franchisees tweaking the terms of conditions of signing up young and new players as per their convenience and were not part of the prescribed contract templates provided by the league,” the IPL said in a statement. It will not, it said, recognise any contract that flouts prescribed guidelines.The IPL has also asked all franchises to re-register all new player contracts and disclose details of all player contracts that have been signed so far by August 25. “The IPL will then update the player registry and publish a finalised list of registered players with the league on August 27,” the statement said.

Tottenham Hotspur are the latest club to be linked to Florian Wirtz ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to Sport Bild, Spurs have entered the race to sign the 18-year-old Bayer Leverkusen sensation, who has also been intensely scouted by Premier League rivals Newcastle United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool.

It’s thought that the 5 foot 9 attacking midfielder would command a fee in excess of €100m (£90m) as he’s under contract at the BayArena until 2026.

Transfermarkt currently value the four-cap German international at £58.5m, whilst some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, are also keen.

No.10 solution

Wirtz has emerged as a real star of the future over in Germany and he has certainly helped fill the void left behind at Leverkusen by Kai Havertz, who left for Chelsea over a year ago.

Whilst Bayer head coach Gerardo Seoane has found a solution from within, Nuno Santo is still looking for a man to step up and take aboard the creative burden of his inconsistent Spurs side.

Indeed, the north Londoners have not sufficiently replaced Christian Eriksen, who left the club in January 2020. Neither Tanguy Ndombele (18 goal contributions in 83 games) nor Giovani Lo Celso (13 contributions in 76 games) have regularly stepped up to the plate since their arrivals in summer 2019.

Similarly, Dele Alli’s fall from grace makes it hard to imagine that he is the man either, especially as the Lilywhites’ hierarchy now seem open to selling him in January, per The Athletic.

Spurs rank amongst the lowest in the Premier League for average number of shots per game (10.4, second-worst) and expected goals (9.48, third-worst), so that only goes to show how much they have struggled in the final third. Harry Kane is bereft of proper service – if the Danish playmaker were here, he’d be looking a whole lot better, that’s for sure.

Eriksen delivered a goal or assist every 151.6 minutes during his time in N17.

Wirtz could hold the keys to this problem.

The teenage wonderkid has already provided six goals and six assists in only 11 appearances across the Bundesliga and Europa League this term, which means that he’s well on course to usurp last season’s already impressive exploits of eight goals and eight assists, as per Transfermarkt.

His end product isn’t the only key attribute – for example, in just 30 minutes for Germany against Armenia, he created four key chances, whilst ESPN have noted that his passing is near-perfect in every match.

“Florian is one of the most impressive talents in Germany,” said Stefan Kuntz, the Germany U21 coach who handed Wirtz his debut.

Also dubbed a “special player” by teammate Julian Baumgartlinger and an “elite talent” by scout Jacek Kulig, Wirtz could be exactly what Spurs need to resolve their problems in attack, so Fabio Paratici and co must look to complete a move for him at all costs.

He’s a player who, on the above evidence, would really excite the Lilywhites faithful.

AND in other news, Spurs could seal huge Winks upgrade in “dangerous” 27-cap gem, won’t cost ENIC a penny…

Legspinner Malinga Bandara and seamers Dilhara Fernando and Isuru Udana have been left out of the side which will be led by Kumar Sangakkara

Cricinfo staff25-Aug-2009Sri Lanka have named a largely expected 15-man squad for next month’s Champions Trophy. Among the changes are the dropping of legspinner Malinga Bandara and seamers Dilhara Fernando and Isuru Udana from the side that played Pakistan earlier this month. There was no place either for Chaminda Vaas, who retired from Tests but wants to play one-dayers till the 2011 World Cup.Sri Lanka’s fast-bowling department will be led by the in-form pair of Nuwan Kulasekara and Thilan Thushara, and supported by the pace of Lasith Malinga, who was erratic during the recent one-dayers against Pakistan,and Dammika Prasad.Sri Lanka’s concern remains the fragility of their lower middle-order, which caved in with little resistance in the final two games against Pakistan. The selectors have, however, kept their faith in the trio of Chamara Kapugedera, Thilan Samaraweera and Thilina Kandamby.Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara (capt), Sanath Jayasuriya, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Kapugedera, Angelo Mathews, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Thushara, Nuwan Kulasekara, Dammika Prasad, Lasith Malinga, Thilina Kandamby

Wasim Jaffer will lead Mumbai in their Irani Cup match against Rest of India in Nagpur starting October 1

Cricinfo staff19-Sep-2009Wasim Jaffer will lead Mumbai in their Irani Cup match against Rest of India in Nagpur starting October 1. The 15-man squad has three other players with international experience: middle-order batsman Rohit Sharma, fast bowler Ajit Agarkar and offspinner Ramesh Powar.Other key performers for Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy victory last season who are included are fast bowler Dhawal Kulkarni and batsman Ajinkya Rahane.Mumbai will be missing the services of veteran middle-order batsman and former captain, Amol Muzumdar, who has switched to Assam, and allrounder Abhishek Nayar, who is with the national team in South Africa for the Champions Trophy.Three players are in with a chance of making a first-class return for Mumbai after missing out for several years: offspinner OJ Khanvilkar (who last played in 2006), wicketkeeper-batsman Sushant Marathe (last played in 2007) and batsman Prashant Naik (last played in 2007).Saurabh Netravalkar, the left-arm medium-pacer who played for Air India Red in the recent BCCI Corporate Cup, also finds a place in the squad. He is yet to make his first-class debut.Mumbai are up against a strong Rest of India side, led by Virender Sehwag, with a bowling line-up reading Irfan Pathan, Munaf Patel, Sreesanth and Pragyan Ojha.Mumbai squad: Wasim Jaffer (capt), Ajit Agarkar, Sahil Kukreja, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Prashant Naik, Vinayak Samant, Ramesh Powar, Iqbal Abdulla, Dhawal Kulkarni, Rahil Shaikh, Murtuza Hussain, Sushant Marathe, Saurabh Netravalkar, OJ Khanvilkar

Crystal Palace have entered a new chapter in their history under the tutelage of Patrick Vieira, and the Frenchman could oversee a fresh wave of homegrown talent entering the senior ranks.

The Eagles have recently seen their academy facilities upgraded to Category 1 status after significant investment, and the fruits of their labour are already starting to show.

Last season, the under-18s only missed out on the league title to local rivals Fulham on goal difference, with several young stars making a name for themselves through a string of impressive performances.

One of those who caught the eye was 19-year-old midfielder Aiden Steele. The Northern Irishman joined Palace’s youth system in July 2019, but he really burst onto the scene last season.

He started 24 games for the under-18s throughout 2020/21, captaining them on 17 occasions, and was rewarded for his efforts in the engine room with a call-up to Shaun Derry’s under-23 setup.

The teenager has cultivated an enviable reputation for himself within the south London club, with the Eagles’ official website lauding his commitment both on and off the field.

“Steele’s grit and determination in midfield is coupled with professionalism and hard work off it,” his profile reads.

The praise for Steele inside Selhurst Park does not stop there. In a recent interview, youth coach Paddy McCarthy reportedly labelled the engine room operator “an honest and top professional” and someone who is “the first one out and the last one to leave the training pitch.”

His eye-catching displays for the club earned the youngster a call-up to the Northern Ireland under-21s in March for the very first time, but he remains ambitious to go even further in his career.

“I think I probably model myself on Toni Kroos as he has such a great passing range, touch and football brain,” Steele recently admitted. “I love the way he reads the game and can dictate a game with his one and two touch passing.”

With current Palace midfielders Luka Milivojevic, James McArthur and Cheikhou Kouyate all 30 or over and entering the twilight period of their careers, there could be an opportunity for Vieira to unearth a real gem over the coming years, but only time will tell if Steele gets his opportunity to impress at Selhurst Park.

In other news… Journalist claims “technical” CPFC gem is a “great option” for Vieira, fans will love him