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      FA Cup semi-final sees my fastest ever team-mate and the biggest moaner I’ve ever met out to make history

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      THE fastest footballer I’ve ever played with and the biggest moaner I’ve ever met will play at Wembley today, both aiming to reach the FA Cup final.And I would love to see the Crystal Palace duo of Ismaila Sarr and Will Hughes — two old Watford team-mates of mine — on the winning side against Aston Villa.Ismaila Sarr and Will Hughes could both start for Crystal Palace against Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-finalCredit: RexIsma is a lovely man and one hell of a player — he could be a 100 metres sprinter or a 5,000m runner because his effortless pace over any distance is extraordinary.And with Isma there is an end product, too… nine goals and five assists this season in Oliver Glasner’s thrilling Palace attack.My greatest memory of him was when we returned to training after the Covid lockdown.The Watford physios were fuming because, unlike most players, Isma hadn’t been doing any fitness work on his own and provided them with no data, as he’d been asked to.So on our first day back, it was like a mini pre-season. We were running around a 1km track and were told we had 15 minutes to run as far as we could.We were all fit blokes but most of us were blowing out of our backsides after a lap or two.Isma and Abdoulaye Doucoure were lapping most of us effortlessly while chatting away to each other in French.Sarr’s endurance levels, as well as his sprinting ability, are absolutely phenomenal.He ran a lot as a young kid growing up in Senegal and that has set him up perfectly for a career as a top Premier League player.If Hughes had anything like Sarr’s pace, he would be playing for Liverpool or some other elite club — because he has every other quality needed to be a top player.Troy Deeney and Ismaila Sarr at WatfordCredit: GettySarr has been impressive for Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyTroy Deeney reveals he spent £250k promotion bonus in three days in Las Vegas partying with 15 Victoria’s Secret models But his most obvious trait is his ability to constantly whinge about anything and everything.Will was only 22 when he joined us at Watford from Derby but he was already an old man trapped in a young man’s body. He was old school, everything about modern life was rubbish.I don’t know if you remember the Brad Pitt film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button… a baby is born with the age and personality of an old man. Well, that was Will.When goalkeeper Ben Foster started doing his The Cycling GK podcast and videoed us around the training ground, it became a running joke that he would aim the camera at Will, who would respond by saying, ‘Get that thing out of my face’.  I see he has 12 yellow cards this season — and that’s because he is a  horrible b*****d to play against but brilliant to have at your own club.All that moaning means Will is a great driver of standards.So it’s not because of my Birmingham City allegiances that I hope Palace beat Villa today — it’s because of Will and Isma.There is a lot to admire about Palace as a team and a club, such as the way they stood by Glasner after failing to win any of their first eight Premier League matches this season — a patience they are now being rewarded for.Will Hughes was teased for his old school views at WatfordCredit: ReutersHughes’ attitude helps him keep standards upCredit: GettyThen there’s the way that, unlike most top-flight clubs, Palace are unafraid to dip into the Championship and sign players such as Adam Wharton from Blackburn and Romain Esse from Millwall.There are bargains to be had in the second tier — and these are players who haven’t got to acclimatise to living and playing in England.And watching Palace attack is thrilling.As well as Isma Sarr, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eberechi Eze are just brilliant to watch.Mateta is on a hot streak — that equaliser against Arsenal on Wednesday night was proof of a player bursting with confidence and blessed with excellent technique.Eze seemed to be a bit flat early in the season after missing out on a big move last summer,  while his team-mate Michael Olise headed to  German giants Bayern Munich.But once Eze was back on his game, so were Palace. What a talent he is.Palace are a club looking for success in the present but constantly building for the future too — always knowing that their best players could be picked off by the real big boys.And I think that Palace vs Manchester City would give us the best possible final.Palace have a very good record against City and were close to going 3-0 up at the Etihad before Pep Guardiola’s men came back to beat them 5-2 the other week.Having said that — and putting my personal allegiances aside — it would be cruel on Villa to end the season without the FA Cup or Champions League qualification.Especially when they came so close to beating Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals.Like Glasner, Unai Emery is an outstanding manager and the high-profile January loan signings of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio showed Villa were targeting success in the here and now.If Rashford starts ahead of Ollie Watkins at Wembley — as he did in both legs against French giants PSG — then we could definitely see Watkins heading out of Villa Park this summer.Watkins would have every right to moan if he missed out on another  massive match.But, believe me, the Villa forward would never moan as much as  Will Hughes.Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford have been exceptional for Aston VillaCredit: GettyOllie Watkins could leave Villa if he spends too much time on the benchCredit: Reuters More

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      Man Utd handed huge injury blow as Ruben Amorim reveals key man could miss rest of season

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      DIOGO DALOT could miss the rest of Manchester United’s season after suffering a calf injury.The wing-back is ruled out of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth and is a major doubt for both legs of the Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao – the first leg is on Thursday in Spain.Diogo Dalot could miss the rest of the season through injuryCredit: GettyThe blow comes just days before the Europa League semi-final first legCredit: ReutersIn an injury-plagued season for United, Dalot has been one of their most reliable players fitness-wise.The Portugal international, 26, has made more starts than any other United player and has featured in 51 of the club’s 52 games in all competitions – plus seven more for his country.But boss Ruben Amorim fears his compatriot’s heavy work load has finally caught up with him.Amorim said: “Diogo is out. We don’t know how long he’s going to be out but he’s out for these next games.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAsked if he will miss the rest of the campaign, the manager added: “There is that possibility but I don’t know. “We’ll check week by week because he works really hard and he recovers quite well but we’ll see.“He has a problem with his muscle in his calf. He had a sequence of games, he played all the time. “We tried to manage it but some of the players have to play a lot of minutes and we have to protect the ones that we think are not so ready to cope with that, but Dalot felt something.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBetter news for goal-shy United is that Amad Diallo – who has scored nine this season – could be fit for the Bilbao game after making a quicker than expected recovery from damaged ankle ligaments.The injury has kept him out of action since February 7 and it was feared he would be out for the season.Why Ruben Amorim’s Man United system is brokenCentre-back Matthijs De Ligt is also closing in on a return with Amorim saying: “Amad is near and so is Matha [De Ligt].”But young defender Ayden Heaven is still some way off a return after injuring his knee in the 3-0 win at Leicester last month.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      Jack Wilshere in race against time as he faces huge 350-mile commute from managerial debut to run London Marathon

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      JACK WILSHERE will take charge of his first game as a manager at Middlesbrough today before heading south for the London Marathon.The former Arsenal star has been given the Norwich caretaker boss job after the sacking of Johannes Hoff Thorup.Jack Wilshere has been named the interim manager of NorwichCredit: AlamyBut he now faces a race against time to get back down south for the London MarathonCredit: GettyHe revealed he will be on the team bus back from their clash with Middlesbrough before travelling to London from Carrow RoadCredit: GettyJack Wilshere faces an epic rush to London from Middlesbrough – via Norwich – to compete in the marathonWilshere will be on the team bus back to Norfolk this evening before travelling to London for the marathon where he is running for the British Heart Foundation.He said: “I was nervous until Tuesday because I was just thinking about the marathon – ‘can I complete it, or in what time?'”Since Tuesday, I haven’t really thought about it. I probably should start thinking about it after the game at some point. But I’ll be OK.”The charity I’m running for is really close to my heart and when you have that in your mind and are determined to do something, you’ll do it. I might be in a bad way, but I’ll complete it.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWilshere, who will also be in charge for next week’s game against Cardiff, says he is ready to take a manager’s job despite only being 33.He was Arsenal’s under-18s coach before becoming Norwich first-team coach in October.Wilshere said: “I feel some responsibility. “There’s mixed emotions but then you have to start thinking ‘what do I see in the team, how can I try and affect how we play and where are the small wins we can get?’Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I’ve been in the role for two and a half days. I’m ready to make an impact at this level. “I want to be a head coach but if you start thinking too much about that you can get carried away.”Footballers are great role models… but they need to be able to go partying, like I did, says Jack WilshereMOMENT IN THE SUNREGIS LE BRIS defended his decision to opt for freshness rather than momentum ahead of Sunderland’s play-off push.The Black Cats head to OXFORD with fourth-place already assured and then host QPR on the final day of the league.The French boss, who has rested a host of stars over recent weeks, said: “This period has been useful because it’s given opportunities to players who have not been involved as much.“We earned the chance to rest some players. I am proud of the team because what we have done so far is a big achievement.“To go up through the play-offs, we know it is important to have as many players as possible available and fit.“The period was unusual, but a good opportunity to refresh and reset.”Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has backed his decision to opt for freshness over momentumCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I know what club I signed for’ – Daniel Farke breaks silence on sack rumours as Leeds boss says ‘it’s not surprising’

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      DANIEL FARKE is unsurprised by claims Leeds  are considering sacking him — despite securing Premier League promotion.The Whites sealed their top-flight return after two years out when they thumped Stoke 6-0 last Monday.Daniel Farke says someone is linked with his job ‘on a weekly basis’Credit: PALeeds players celebrated their Prem return at Elland RoadCredit: AlamyYet despite his success, Leeds reportedly doubt boss Farke is the right man to lead them into the big time.The German’s critics point to his record  with Norwich — two Prem promotions and two immediate returns to the second tier.Asked if he felt disrespected, Farke said: “Not at all, it’s not surprising.“I knew for which club I signed, I’m not sure how many managers Leeds had in the last 20 years, but it’s a good effort if you last for three months.READ MORE LEEDS UNITED NEWS“Once you sign a contract, there’s lots of pressure, noise, expectations.“On a weekly basis someone is linked. It’s nothing new.”Leeds’ US-based owners 49s Enterprises are not convinced the ex-Borussia Monchengladbach chief is the right man for 2025-26..Supporters sang the 48-year-old’s name amid promotion celebrations outside Elland Road on Monday night. Most read in FootballFarke took Leeds to the play-offs this year and promotion this timeCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut Farke has failed to win over at least one section of Leeds fans.They were unhappy with his playing style, use of substitutes and, until recently, his faith in keeper Illan Meslier.Inside Leeds’ wild promotion celebrations with thousands of fans greeting team and former Man Utd star on the micFarke took the reins at Leeds last term following relegation and only missed out on a Prem spot when Southampton won the play-off final. Now he’s not just ensured a return to the elite, his team top the Championship on goal difference.And victory in their final two games would mean 100 points.Leeds host Bristol City on Monday then travel to bottom side Plymouth on May 3.However, Farke’s win record in the Prem stands at only 12%.And if Leeds did take the controversial decision to replace him, there could be an attempt to lure back Carlos Corberan.Read More on The SunThe Spaniard was assistant boss at Elland Road under Marcelo Bielsa and had decent spells in charge of Huddersfield and West Brom.Three huge names have also been mentioned – Steven Gerrard, Patrick Vieira and Jose Mourinho. More

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      Diletta Leotta shows off new ‘Bond girl’ look as DAZN host puts on revealing display in low cut ski suit

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      DILETTA LEOTTA fired a red arrow through the heart of her admirers with A View to a Thrill.Fans loved the DAZN presenter’s new “Bond girl” look as she wore a low-cut scarlet ski suit on the slopes.Diletta Leotta chose a look worthy of 007 movies but for adoring fans it was more swoon-maker than MoonrakerCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dilettaleotta/?hl=enFans were given a glam and glacial treatCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dilettaleotta/?hl=enThe wife of ex-Liverpool keeper Loris Karius hit new peaks for style as she wrote: “Summer starts at altitude.”Leotta was also called a “Beautiful Little Red Riding Hood” by one of her 9.2million Instagram followers.But the sports broadcaster claimed she had little time to enjoy her fairytale surroundings.Alongside snowy photos and video clips, Leotta wrote: “A quick escape to @stmoritz, just time enough to shoot, breathe and take it all in.READ MORE ON DILETTA LEOTTA”Grateful for the warm welcome and the beauty all around.”She reckoned her sleek outfit, complete with matching ski boots, was “timeless”.And it made for a red ‘Letta day for her admirers.Many were gasping, “Oh, Oh, heaven!” when seeing her sporty snaps from the Swiss mountains.Most read in FootballLeotta popped inside for selfiesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dilettaleotta/?hl=en”Mamma mia!” exclaimed one.And a fervent, thesaurus-favouring follower described her as: “Gorgeous. Wonderful. Inimitable. Aesthetic icon of extreme elegance.”Diletta Leotta wows in busty outfit at Fifa Club World Cup draw but fans baffled as Italy icon calls her an ‘immigrant’While another fan posted: “I don’t know if it looks like a Vanzina film or a James Bond film.”Meanwhile a Fan with a Golden Gun of praise for her glamorous pics announced: “Perfect shooting!”Leotta’s social media fame has been surpassed of late by her broadcasting career – as a Serie A specialist.Meanwhile, husband Karius is rebuilding his reputation at Schalke after poor Premier League spells at Liverpool and Newcastle.The 31-year-old had not played for 371 days before making his debut for the German second-tier club in February.A lesser man could have faded away after a year in the wilderness.But tough cookie Karius decided it was No Time to Cry!A glimpse into the DAZN presenter’s life…Diletta is one of the Serie A’s best loved presentersCredit: GettyDiletta stunned as she hosted a Turin derby on Italian TVCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaAnd boasts 8.9million followersCredit: GettyThe glamorous TV host put on a leggy display pitchsideCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaDiletta gave birth to her first child with Karius in AugustCredit: Instagram / @dilettaleottaDiletta is no stranger to some extravagant outfits on her InstagramCredit: @dilettaleottaDiletta and Karius were spotted out in MilanCredit: The Mega AgencyThe Italian beauty on holiday with KariusShe has flipped between blonde and brunette looksCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dilettaleotta/She has previously worn an outfit similar to her Tomb Raider lookCredit: @dilettaleottaDiletta with a pared back lookCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaDiletta Leotta is reportedly dating Loris Karius after he visited her in MilanCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaLeotta has 8.6million Instagram followersCredit: GettyShe is a presenter for DaznCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaLeotta burst on to the scene with Sky SportsCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaShe posts regularly updates on Instagram to the delight of her fansCredit: Instagram @dilettaleotta More

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      Fire brigade rush to Championship stadium as blaze erupts in laundry room ahead of huge clash

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      FIRE CREWS were called to tackle a fire at Luton Town football club.Pictures and videos shared on social media showed the home of the Championship football club, Kenilworth Road, on fire on Friday evening.Fire crews were seen tackling a fire at Luton Town’s Kenilworth Road on Friday eveningCredit: https://x.com/dawkinscov1980/status/1915863364422586613The source of the incident was from a small appliance that had caught fire in the stadium’s laundry roomCredit: AlamyFirefighters were seen battling the blaze as black smoke billowed from the stadium.Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene at 8:08pm, with crews from Luton, Stopsley, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard stations all responding.The fire brigade said firefighters wore breathing apparatus and tackled the blaze from an aerial platform and a 9-metre ladder using two hose reels during the incident.A thermal imaging camera was also used to check for hotspots in the operation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fire brought was under control and extinguished within two hours.A Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service statement confirmed crews remained on the scene and a full road closure was still in place on Hatters Way hours later.The shocking scenes came hours before the Championship outfit’s match against Coventry.The clash, which could be pivotal in the Hatters’ battle against relegation, was due to start at 12:30pm.Most read in FootballAnd a statement released by the club at 10:39pm confirmed there would be “no disruption” to the fixture with Coventry.The full statement read “We would like to advise supporters that following reports of an incident at Kenilworth Road this evening, there is no disruption to tomorrow’s fixture with Coventry City taking place.”Smoke was found to be coming from a small appliance that had caught fire in the stadium’s laundry room, which was contained within that area and has been dealt with swiftly to prevent any substantial damage.”We would like to offer a huge thank you to Beds Fire & Rescue for their quick intervention, along with club partners and staff who are also on site to help resolve the issue and ensure that everything is now safe.” More

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      Man City’s Premier League rivals to be forced into paying out £5MILLLION each if Man City win legal battle

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S Premier League rivals each face a £5MILLION bill — if the dethroned champions win their crunch legal battle with League bosses.Under Prem rules, costs are taken away from the amount distributed between top-flight clubs from broadcast and commercial deals.Manchester City’s rivals face £5m bills if they win their legal battleCredit: EPARivals Manchester United would be hit with the hefty billCredit: PAArsenal would have to fork out the cash tooCredit: EPAWhile a verdict on Pep Guardiola’s City’s 130 alleged breaches of financial rules is yet to come, it is anticipated the total legal bill for both sides could reach £100m.Earlier this month, it emerged “administrative expenses”, including legal fees, hit £200.2m last season.It was initially understood legal bills for the campaign would be around £8m.But Prem chiefs were caught in a series of rule disputes and challenges against City, Everton, Nottingham Forest and Leicester.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity’s win in the first Associated Party Transaction case in February saw Etihad bosses demand the Prem meet the club’s £10m legal costs in addition to their own bills.City faced 130 allegations when their financial rules case was heard by a commission last autumn.If the charges are proved, it is understood there will be a separate “sanctions hearing”.But a City win would almost certainly result in the club demanding a full recovery of their costs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis would see the legal bill split between the 19 other clubs, who stand to lose £5m each.It would be a hefty hit with Profitability and Sustainability Rules in place until next season at least.Pep Guardiola aims sly dig at rivals Man Utd hours after their heroic Europa League comeback More

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      I’ve been relegated and promoted from the Premier League – here’s how Leeds and Burnley can escape ‘yo-yo’ curse

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      SO now we know four  of the six clubs who will be promoted to or relegated from the Premier League.And we need to make sure this magnificent competition remains a meritocracy.Burnley have bounced back to the Prem under Scott ParkerCredit: RexLeeds are also returning to the top flight with two games to spareCredit: RexKarren Brady has seen relegation and promotion during her time as West Ham vice-chairmanCredit: GettyI’ve heard some supporters say: “It’s the same clubs going up and down” — but that’s  just not true. While this season the ‘three-up, three down’ did happen — or is about to — over the years that has not been a regular trend.There have been some yo-yo clubs, but remember in 2021-22 all the promoted clubs stayed in the Premier League and flourished.Just look where they are now. Fulham, Bournemouth and Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest are all in the top half.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo, it can be done and we want to make sure that remains the case, in order to uphold the Prem as world football’s most vibrant and exciting domestic competition.Heck, we must be doing something right as the average top-flight  attendance this season is more than 40,000 and the full-house signs are up everywhere. A decade ago that figure was 36,000 and 20 years ago it was 33,000.If you analyse the stats, relegated clubs from the Prem finish on average ninth in their first  season in the Championship, then 12th in their second season.Most read in FootballThriving Nottingham Forest are fourth in the Prem after beating SpursCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThat does not suggest there is a long-term trend for teams  bouncing between the two leagues but it does mean we must keep a very close eye on the situation as the Prem should reward success, as well as punish failure.What we have to ensure is that on any given day any side can beat anyone else in the Prem.Scott Parker sheds tears in emotional celebration with family as Burnley boss retains hundred per cent promotion recordForest won at Liverpool in  September, just as Fulham beat the champions-elect this month.Ditto Arsenal, who lost at home to West Ham in February.Also, Forest, Bournemouth,  Fulham and Brighton are all in the top half, with Brentford 11th and Crystal Palace 12th. That suggests merit is alive and kicking.To those clubs chasing the Prem dream . . . good luck.So far Sheffield United and Sunderland have booked themselves two of the four play-off  places and both clubs will know that promotion to the top flight will bring unbridled joy to fans.It is the Willy Wonka golden ticket and the financial windfall can change the future.You are then in the big league, performing in front of a global audience of billions.There is increased revenue from TV money, sponsorships, attendances and countless other commercial opportunities which come knocking, whereas for those clubs who get relegated from the Prem it is a tough world out there.Cost-cutting is the name of the game as revenue drops by millions in one hit. I know, I’ve been there.Without parachute payments, the tough task of remaining in the Prem gets even tougher and relegation is ArmageddonI’ve lived with the pain of relegation and  joy of promotion and, believe me, you never forget either.The challenge for whichever club joins Burnley and Leeds in the Prem next season is sustainability.Spend wisely and don’t go overboard in the transfer market.There are examples of clubs who have managed the leap into the Prem after showing resilience and building strong foundations.They have spent on the right players, appointed the right manager and have treated survival as a starting point, not the finishing line.Promotion to the Prem can make or break you and if the powers-that-be abolish parachute payments — which they have threatened to — I predict a very bleak future for some clubs.Without parachute payments, the tough task of remaining in the Prem gets even tougher and relegation is Armageddon.Read More on The SunAs we near the last few hurdles in the campaign, some will dream and some will turn to despair.And that’s why it remains the game we all love. More