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      Jhon Duran is the most lethal sub in the Premier League and on course to break Ole Gunnar Solskjaer record

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      ASTON VILLA star Jhon Duran is fast becoming the Premier League’s most lethal super sub.The 20-year-old striker netted a stunner off the bench to sink Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.Jhon Duran bagged off the bench again in Villa’s win over Bayern MunichCredit: GettyThe super sub has been compared to Man Utd legend Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdDuran curled a majestic lob over Manuel Neuer just minutes after replacing Ollie Watkins in the Champions League clash. The Colombian has developed a reputation for being a game-changer for Unai Emery’s men.After a slow start to life in the West Midlands, Duran has come into his own over the past year. And stats show he is on his way to becoming as effective as iconic impact sub Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSince his debut in January 2023, Duran has scored more goals as a substitute than any other Premier League player.He’s netted ten goals off the bench in that period – two more than Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard and three more than Newcastle’s Callum Wilson.So far this season, Duran already has the most goals as a sub, with five, out of any player across the big five European leagues.It means he’s potentially on track to break the all-time Prem record, set by Chelsea’s Mikael Forssell on loan at Crystal Palace back in 2002.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSForsell scored nine times off the bench that campaign, with Duran needing another five sub goals between now and May to take the record.Also on the list is Man Utd legend Solskjaer, who built his career around dramatic late goals. ‘Don’t tell anyone!’, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals what Sir Alex Ferguson said to make him stay at Man UtdSolskjaer scored eight goals as a sub during United’s treble-winning season in 1999, most memorably in the Champions League final against Bayern.On the all-time Prem list of substitute goals, Ole is third with 29 behind Jermain Defoe and Olivier Giroud (both 31).Duran arrived from MLS side Chicago Fire in 2022 for a fee of £14.75 million.Boss Emery had high praise for his matchwinner after a historic night at Villa Park.But he admitted the striker had occasionally become “impatient” with his bit-part role. Emery said: “He arrived here two years ago and he is young, his potential is huge.”Sometimes he has been impatient and I need to speak to him as a person and connect to him as a person as well as a player to try to let him play, putting him on the field because his talent is there and the capacity to help us.”And the Villa boss revealed it was no accident that Duran knew Bayern stopper Neuer would be off his line for the winner.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “This is the talent that some players have and when Jhon Duran has the ball he is scoring quickly. “In the analysis we have of [Bayern], we were speaking of how usually the position of Neuer is always high.” More

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      Lee Carsley names England squad as Dominic Solanke ends seven-year snub and Kyle Walker returns but big names left out

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      LEE CARSLEY has named his England squad for the upcoming international break and left out some huge names.The Three Lions face Greece next Thursday followed by Finland the following Sunday in the Nations League.Lee Carsley has revealed his squad for the upcoming Nations League gamesCredit: GettyDominic Solanke is in the side for the first time in seven yearsCredit: ReutersKyle Walker has earned a recallCredit: GettyHarry Maguire is not in the England squadCredit: GettyTottenham striker Dominic Solanke has been called-up for the first time in SEVEN YEARS.He currently has just one cap to his name from a friendly against Brazil in 2017.On the decision to select Solanke, Carsley said: “Dom is a player I am fully aware of and I have worked with him in the past.”He was really close to being in the last squad – but he got injured just before the selection.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He is a player that has done so well at Bournemouth and has taken that form into Spurs.”He has got a lot of really good attributes that I like and as well as being a nice person, he is extremely talented and it is good that we have got him.”The player himself was delighted, writing on Instagram: “It’s been a while. Delighted to be called up to represent my country again.”Meanwhile, Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker has earned a recall after being left out of Carsley’s first matches as boss last month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe manager continues to select players that worked with him at Under-21 level, with Levi Colwill, Angel Gomes, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Noni Madueke all chosen.Among those notably missing from the squad is Manchester United’s Harry Maguire.England fans SLAM Lee Carsley for not singing the national anthem at Wembley The centre-back has been nursing a calf injury and missed the Red Devils’ 3-0 thrashing by Tottenham on Sunday.Meanwhile, Spurs midfielder James Maddison, Crystal Palace ace Eberechi Eze and West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen are not in the squad.Ivan Toney is also not in the side following his move from Brentford to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli.Tino Livramento was selected last time but has been dropped after failing to win his first cap in the wins over Ireland and Finland last month.Aston Villa ace Morgan Rogers has been pushing for a place in the England team but will have to wait for his debut call-up.On the players who missed out, Carsley said it was “important that it wasn’t just a copy and a paste” from his previous squad and that all the players left out had a case.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “There’s a lot of players that were close to being in this squad. The talent that we’ve got available for us, it would have been quite easy to name a 40-man squad and justify having them all in. “The challenge is making sure that we pick a competitive squad that can win the two games.”England’s starting XI the last time Solanke was selectedDominic Solanke’s last cap came in 2017Credit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun More

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      Ex-Rangers star Duncan Ferguson reveals he’s working for FREE at Inverness and says ‘I’ll try to put food on the table’

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      DUNCAN FERGUSON is to work for free at crisis club Caley Thistle after volunteering to give up his wage to help save the club.The Everton legend made the remarkable gesture just over a month after accepting a 40 per cent salary cut.Duncan Ferguson is working for free at InvernessCredit: Kenny RamsayHis remaining £1200-a-week wages, originally £3000-a-week when he was lured north, will go towards the £200,000 Caley Jags say they must raise this month to stave off the immediate threat of administration.Ferguson was talking while the Inverness board was meeting upstairs to discuss the scale of the latest financial threat to the 2015 Scottish Cup winners and former Premiership outfit’s future.The 52-year-old former Dundee United, Rangers, Everton and Newcastle striker, appointed late last September, said: “I’ve given up my wage to try and help the club. I’m now working for nothing.“That’s by the by, it’s my own decision to try and help the club get through all this.“The players are worried, yes. They have contracts to fall upon, but it is the people around about the stadium, the staff, everyone’s jobs are on the line.“I think you know since I’ve been here I’ve taken cuts and reductions.“Now, when I realised the position the club is in, in needing to raise £200,000 this month, I decided I don’t need to get paid my wage.“I’ll work for nothing just now to try and help them through this. The plight of the staff was in my mind. It always is.Most read in FootballCeltic legend Scott Brown as you’ve never seen him before as he opens up on his management career, Rodgers, Lennon.. and Walter Smith“I like to think I’m a caring person and I like to look after my staff and people around about me.“At the moment, I’ll get through as best I can and try to keep putting petrol in my car and food on the table.”Ferguson was offered £3k a week by past CEO Scot Gardiner after the sacking of predecessor Billy Dodds.He revealed just over a month ago that the wage was quickly reduced to £2k a week, before taking another 40 per cent cut in late August.Caley Thistle highlighted the renewed threat of administration in a letter to shareholders made public on Wednesday.Ferguson added: “It was a decision I took last night when we got the message coming through about the £200,000 the club needed.“I felt it would be appropriate for myself to offer my wage into that pot. They can look for a bit less than £200,000 now.“That will continue. I’ll give my wage to try and help the club.“Hopefully that helps.“I’m not going to ask anyone else to do what I’ve done. It is each to their own.“I’ve done my bit and I’ll continue to do my bit for the football club. Everyone who knows me knows that.“I’ll do it as long as is needed before the people at the club come up with some money to save the club.“Obviously, I can’t go without a wage forever and ever, because I need to put food on the table myself.“But at the moment it is needs must – I’m making sacrifices.“I think the club were happy with the decision, but I just think it is the right thing to do. It’s a personal choice.“It’s not an easy time for the club and I’ve made the decision.“Everyone knows I’ve enjoyed my time here, enjoyed the city.“I keep telling people that. I like Inverness and rarely go back down the road, down south.“It is a great club, a great fan-base and they’ve always been good to me, but I care about my players and the staff around about me.“I’ll always fight for them and that’s why I do this.”New Inverness chairman Alan SavageCredit: KEN MACPHERSONCaley Thistle have struggled to hit the back of the net this season, netting just six goals in eight league games.Six draws and a solitary win in that sequence has cast doubt on their initial status as title favourites, but Ferguson remains confident a challenge can be mounted.Administration would see the club docked 15 points, and that is also in his mind as he strives to turn draws into wins.The arrival of Charlie Reilly on loan from Dundee has added to his confidence that can be done.Ferguson said: “Charlie, we believe, can be a great signing. He is very direct and can score goals.“We have good players here and we’ll keep working hard to get those victoriers that will lift the whole place.“Am I a fighter? I think my past record proves that – on and off the field!“I’ll soldier on and keep doing it for the club.“We’ve just got to get results, haven’t we? We have a very young squad and with the financial implications you’re concerned for the staff.“I’m just going to go on, keep fighting and try to support the staff and players, everyone at the club.“If administration comes, every point counts.“We need to get more points on the board and should have more.“If it does go into administration, hopefully we can survive (in League One) as we have good players through there.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOur New YouTube ChannelSubscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.We’ve got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week…MONDAYGo Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.WEDNESDAYRobert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.FRIDAYGo Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.Subscribe now and don’t miss a thing. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Kylian Mbappe OUT of France squad after Real Madrid nightmare but five Premier League stars called up

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has been left out of Didier Deschamps’ France squad.The Real Madrid forward, 25, will not be available for Les Bleus’ matches against Israel and Belgium later this month.Kylian Mbappe was in action from the bench as Real Madrid lost 1-0 to LilleCredit: GettyMbappe suffered an injury scare during his club’s 3-2 win over Deportivo Alaves last month.He was substituted after feeling an issue in his hamstring, and following subsequent tests was expected to be missing for three weeks.The former Paris Saint-Germain star has recovered earlier than expected from his injury, and was deemed fit enough to make a 33 minute cameo from the bench against Lille last night in the Champions League.He was unable to turn the tide, however, with Real Madrid falling to a 1-0 defeat to the Ligue 1 side, who boast Mbappe’s younger brother Ethan among their ranks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite Kylian having returned to fitness, Deschamps has opted against calling him up.Mbappe has played 10 times for Real Madrid since quitting PSG for the Spanish capital in the summer.He has so far scored seven goals for his new team, and had bagged in his last four appearances prior to getting injured.Mbappe’s Real Madrid team-mates Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga will join up with France following their club’s clash with Villarreal this Saturday.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Ferland Mendy has been left out.Despite Mbappe’s absence, Deschamps will have plenty of attacking quality to call upon.Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid drawIn-form PSG winger Bradley Barcola will be involved, as will his club team-mates Ousmane Dembele and Randal Kolo Muani.Bayern Munich star Michael Olise is also in the squad, as is Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram.There is a recall for Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku, who has played just 29 minutes for his country since being ruled out of the 2022 World Cup on the eve of the tournament.In addition to Nkunku, Premier League stars William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate, Lucas Digne and Wesley Fofana have all been called up.France’s squad is jam-packed with quality More

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      Kick It Out founder Herman Ouseley dies aged 79 after life spent campaigning against racism & discrimination in football

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      LORD Herman Ouseley, the founder of Kick It Out and anti-racism campaigner, has died at the age of 79.It is thought Lord Ouseley died on Wednesday, following a short illness.The anti-racism campaigner Lord Herman Ouseley, seen here in 2016, has diedCredit: Getty Images – GettyLord Ouseley outside the Palace of Westminster in 2018Credit: Tom Pilston – The Sunday TimesHe founded Kick It Out to tackle racism and discrimination in football and was its chairman for 25 years.Kick It Out paid tribute to Lord Ouseley this afternoon, calling him “a fearless advocate for underrepresented and disadvantaged communities and will be sorely missed”.The anti-discrimination charity announced Lord Ouseley’s death on its official X, formerly Twitter, account.”We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Lord Herman Ouseley after a short illness,” Kick It Out’s statement read.Read More on Football”Lord Ouseley was a titan in tackling discrimination in football over the 25 years he was chair of Kick It Out, having founded Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football in 1993.”He was also a fearless advocate for under-represented and disadvantaged communities and will be sorely missed.”Lord Ouseley’s vision to set up Kick It Out was the first true structural change in football to take on a problem that had blighted the game for decades.”Fans and participants are now more aware of discrimination and how to challenge it, which is a legacy of the tenacity and vigour he showed in ensuring football continued to change.Most read in Football”We owe him a huge debt of gratitude and vow to continue that legacy for the benefit of future generations.”Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”Birmingham star points out fan who racially abused him as police launch probe a week after crowd trouble hit FA Cup tieHe sat in the House of Lords as a crossbencher from 2001 until his retirement in 2019.Lord Ouseley was also the chief executive for the Race Equality Commission after a long career in local government.Tributes have been pouring in with Troy Townsend MBE, a former footballer and fellow anti-racism activist, calling him “the greatest”.He wrote on X: “Back in 2020 I was so grateful to pay tribute to this legend of a man whilst he accepted a Special Recognition Award from Pride of Britain.”Lord Herman Ouseley, I owe you a debt of gratitude for everything you did for me, for football & society. May your pain be no more.”Mr Townsend added: “[He] stood up when others stayed silent. Took on an industry that allowed racism to flourish. “Looked people in the eye and demanded they change. Whether it was football or politics Herman took on all comers. I’m very proud to be part of his legacy.”The FA also wrote on the social media site: “We are extremely saddened to hear about the passing of Lord Herman Ouseley.”Lord Ouseley was a trailblazer in English football, having the original vision for @kickitout, and he played a hugely inspirational role in tackling discrimination across our game while advocating for underrepresented and disadvantaged communities.”Labour MP Diane Abbott also paid tribute to Lord Ouseley, calling him “a pioneer at the top levels of local government”.Herman George Ouseley was born in Guyana in 1946 and came to Britain when he was 12, attending William Penn Primary School and then Catford College. He started a successful career in local politics, going on to serve as chief executive of the London Borough of Lambeth.It was also the first black head of the former Inner London Education Authority, a body which oversaw more than 1,000 schools and colleges in in the capital.Lord Ouseley set up Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football in 1993 and served as the head of the Commission for Racial Equality from 1993 to 2000.He was then made a Life Peer in 2001, going on to pick up 13 honorary degrees.READ MORE SUN STORIESLet’s Kick Racism Out of Football altered its name to Kick It Out, with Lord Ousley heading the organisation until December 2018.The campaigner shared two children with his teacher wife, Margaret.Lord Ouseley with then England manager Roy Hodgson, right, in the stands during a match at Stamford Bridge in May 2015Credit: PA:Press Association More

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      Spanish media turns on Jude Bellingham as England star slammed for ‘declining’ after Kylian Mbappe transfer

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM has “declined” following Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at Real Madrid, according to a Spanish media outlet.The 21-year-old enjoyed an outstanding debut season at Real Madrid, winning both the Champions League and LaLiga.Jude Bellingham has ‘declined’ this season, according to the Spanish mediaCredit: ReutersKylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid in a free transfer this summerCredit: GettyHe managed 36 goal involvements in 42 appearances for Los Blancos, making him one of the club’s most influential players.But Spanish outlet AS claims Bellingham has suffered a “decline” this term.The midfielder has managed just two assists in seven games since the start of the campaign.He is yet to score.Read More in FootballLast season, he scored six goals and assisted two in his first seven matches.With former Paris Saint-Germain striker Mbappe having joined Real Madrid in a huge free transfer this summer, Bellingham’s role in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad has changed.The England star now plays in a slightly deeper position, meaning his attacking impact is limited.But AS suggests it has negatively affected his game.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBellingham’s average stats comparedA recent article from the popular Spanish publication read: “In Bellingham’s case, the decline is much more palpable: he has only two assists, without goals, in seven games played.”Last season, after seven games, he had scored six goals. These figures should not be compared coldly, because his role now, since the arrival of Mbappe, is very different, but the Englishman is still looking for his best version as a midfielder.”Jude Bellingham follows Cristiano Ronaldo in launching YouTube channel with behind-the-scenes footage of England starReal Madrid suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Lille on Wednesday.New signing Mbappe started the match on the bench and was introduced in the second half.However, he failed to make an impact.At full-time, manager Ancelotti said: “It was complicated, it was not our best game and we have to clean our heads.”It seemed that we were improving, but we took a step back with this match.”Lille have been better than us. We could use a stroke of attention and a little criticism.” More

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      Arne Slot record: New Liverpool manager officially best Reds boss ever after nine games thanks to record-breaking start

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      ARNE SLOT has made a record-breaking start to his Anfield reign.The Dutchman officially has the BEST EVER start of any Liverpool manager after the Reds earned a 2-0 win over Serie A side Bologna.Arne Slot became the first Liverpool manager in history to win as many as eight of his first nine gamesCredit: ReutersIt’s eight wins from a possible nine for Slot – a feat not managed by any of his predecessors. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah either side of half-time saw Liverpool climb into the top eight of the European table.When informed of his record milestone, Slot told TNT: “It’s nearly impossible to do something special at this club.“It says a lot about where we started off, about how the players bought into it, how much effort they put in and how much the staff helped me as well to create this start.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”But I hope I am remembered for more than that. It says everything about what Jurgen left at this club. I am hoping to do more special things.”The Reds currently sit top of the Premier League table with 15 points after six games, after wins over Ipswich, Brentford, Manchester United, Bournemouth, West Ham and Wolves.Slott has only dropped points once this season – in a shock 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, courtesy of Callum Hudson-Odoi.But Liverpool have maintained a 100 per cent Champions League record this season, having also beaten AC Milan 3-1 last month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the Reds face some tricky fixtures in RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen before hosting current champs Real Madrid, and Lille.And Slot can set another record if he wins against Madrid next month – as Liverpool haven’t beaten the LaLiga giants since the 2008-09 Round of 16.Watch Konate’s stunned reaction that he wasn’t Man of the Match… but his Liverpool boss AGREES with the decisionThe two European giants have played eight times since then, with Madrid winning all but one encounter – a 0-0 draw in one leg of the 2020-21 quarter-finals.Slot has only had to make slight cosmetic tweaks to the squad left by club legend Klopp.Federico Chiesa’s £11m arrival from Juventus was his only new signing, with the winger currently out injured with a foot issue.Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili will join at the start of the 2025-26 season, pending the end of Alisson’s current contract in 2027.Results of Arne Slot’s first nine Liverpool gamesIpswich Town 2-0 Liverpool (Premier League)Liverpool 2-0 Brentford (Premier League)Man United 3-0 Liverpool (Premier League)Liverpool 0-1 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)AC Milan 1-3 Liverpool (Champions League)Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth (Premier League)Liverpool 5-1 West Ham (League Cup)Wolves 2-1 Liverpool (Premier League)Liverpool 2-0 Bologna (Champions LeagueKlopp had chanted Slot’s name in his final address to 60,000 fans at Anfield on the final day of last season.The former Feyenoord boss stepped into huge shoes when he succeeded Klopp in the summer.The German enjoyed a glittering nine-year reign on Merseyside, winning the Champions League and Premier League.What is more, Slot was not the only one breaking records for Liverpool on the night.Salah became the first Liverpool star to score in five consecutive Champions League home matches.He also became the only player to score and assist in nine Champions League games for any English club.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, who blew open their title surge last season, at 12:30pm on Saturday.With even harder games against Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa to come.Mohamed Salah won Player of the Match against BolognaCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League icon, 48, unrecognisable after incredible body transformation as mate admits he’s constantly in the gym’

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      A FORMER Premier League striker has undergone a shock body transformation and looks unrecognisable.The 48-year-old used to be a rapid centre-forward but is now built like a target man.The former striker looks unrecognisableThe ex-player now works as a coachCredit: RexHe has showed off his new look on social mediaCredit: @DHUCKS6He has been regularly hitting the gym and these days boasts a stunning ripped physique.His trademark spiky hair has also gone and a grey beard replaces his old clean shaven look.The player came through the ranks at Lincoln and got a Premier League move to Newcastle in 1995.He struggled for game time under Kevin Keegan and was loaned to Milwall before permanently joining Coventry.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe scored 28 league goals for the club across three seasons and earned a £6million transfer to then Champions League club Leeds.After one-and-a-half years at Elland Road, he signed for Manchester City, playing a crucial role in getting the club promoted from the Championship in 2002.Five years at Norwich and a brief stay at Nottingham Forest followed before he hung up his boots with San Jose Earthquakes in the MLS in 2009.The star in question is Canaries legend Darren Huckerby.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe looked unrecognisable in an appearance on the Soccer A-Z podcast this week.Huckerby currently works as a coach in Norwich’s academy.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanDarren Huckerby helped Man City to promotion in 2002Credit: GettyHe has cult hero status at NorwichCredit: Getty Images – GettyWho are these famous footballers? More