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      Wayne Rooney invited One Direction superstar Niall Horan to Derby training as he aims to boost spirits

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      WAYNE ROONEY hopes to point struggling Derby County in the right direction – after inviting former One Direction pop star Niall Horan along to boost morale.The Rams only won one of their last 15 games of the season, narrowly escaping relegation on the final day of last season thanks to a 3-3 home draw with Sheffield Wednesday.
      Wayne Rooney invited One Direction star and Derby fan Niall Horan to Rams trainingCredit: Getty
      Rooney is looking to lift the mood at Pride Park after an eventful few monthsCredit: Getty
      Two failed takeover bids and the threat of an EFL points deduction for a potential breach of Financial Fair Play rules have left Derby’s fans and players sweating over an uncertain future.
      Now Rooney has tried to banish the blues by allowing massive Rams fan Horan into the club’s pre-season training sessions to lighten the mood.
      Horan, who is about to release a new solo album, told the Rams website: “I was texting Wayne and he said come down and have a watch 
      “The players had an 11 v 11 game and after seeing that, you see what Wayne is trying to do shape-wise.
      “I’ve been a Derby fan since I can remember so to have the opportunity to come down and watch the stuff behind the scenes is amazing.
      “Watching him in a meeting and coaching, you can’t help thinking ‘that is Wayne Rooney out there, Manchester United and England’s greatest scorer, and he’s the manager of our football club’.”
      Meanwhile, SunSport exclusively revealed yesterday that Rooney is giving Ravel Morrison a career lifeline by letting him train at Derby.
      Morrison, 28, played at United when Rooney was in his prime but is currently without a club.
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      The talented star is staying fit with the Rams and hoping to catch the eye as he plots his next move after years of moving clubs.
      Morrison was due to head to Mexico to sign for a top team after leaving Dutch side ADO Den Haag in January.
      Rooney has stepped in to take a look as he ponders his future.
      Simon Jordan says Derby’s off-field problems will let Wayne Rooney get away with poor results next season More

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      Watch Man Utd star Harry Maguire wallop home penalty for Sheff Utd at Wembley nine years before Euro 2020 spot-kick

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      ENGLAND star Harry Maguire smashed home his penalty during his country’s shootout defeat by Italy in the Euro 2020 final.But that’s not the first time the defender has scored and lost a Wembley shootout – doing the same for boyhood club Sheffield United nine years ago.
      Harry Maguire, 28, scored his penalty in the shootout against ItalyCredit: Getty
      The defender came through the ranks at Sheffield UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Maguire, 28, was part of the Blades squad that reached the League One play-off final in 2012.
      The South Yorkshire side played out a dull 0-0 draw with Huddersfield Town at Wembley and the game went to penalties.
      Maguire, then aged 19, wasn’t due to shoot from the spot with more experienced team-mates stepping up.
      But with the shootout level after six penalties, the future Manchester United captain was called upon.
      And the pressure was on as Gary Roberts had already hammered Huddersfield’s seventh penalty beyond Blades goalkeeper Steve Simonsen.
      But Maguire, shooting in front of the Terriers fans, was the coolest man in Wembley – walloping the ball past Huddersfield stopper Alex Smithies.
      The event draws comparisons with England’s shootout defeat on Sunday, with Sheffield United also ending up on the losing side.
      Maguire came through the ranks at Bramall Lane, winning the club’s Player of the Year award three years in-a-row before moving to Hull City in 2014.

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      Speaking exclusively to The Sun, the Three Lions defender revealed his dad has suspected broken ribs after ticketless fans trampled on him at Wembley.
      Maguire has also paid tribute to England’s penalty takers – and admitted he would have thought twice about taking one for his country at such a young age.
      And the Premier League star is aiming to go one step further in Qatar next year by winning the World Cup.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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      Birmingham star Neil Etheridge in hospital receiving coronavirus treatment as cases continue to rip through UK

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      BIRMINGHAM CITY goalkeeper Neil Etheridge is in hospital with Covid-19.The 31-year-old stopper is receiving treatment and the club hope to welcome him back soon.
      Birmingham keeper Neil Etheridge is receiving Covid-19 treatment in hospitalCredit: Alamy
      A Birmingham statement read: “The club can confirm that Neil Etheridge is currently receiving treatment in hospital for Covid-19.
      “Everyone at BCFC is sending him all our strength and best wishes.”
      Technical Director, Craig Gardner said: “On behalf of the Board, the staff, the players and everyone connected to the Club, we’re all behind Neil and willing him on in his battle against Covid-19.
      “We’re in constant contact with his close family and will continue to support them in any way we can.
      “He’s in the best possible hands and we’re hopeful we can all welcome him home at the earliest opportunity.”
      Philippines international Etheridge had been in pre-season training with the Midlands outfit.
      Etheridge signed for Brum from Cardiff City in September.
      He featured 43 times in his first season as the struggling Blues finished 18th in the Championship.

      New Covid-19 cases are ripping through the UK as the Delta variant continues to cause havoc.
      According to John Hopkins University data, there were 32,439 new coronavirus cases recorded in the UK on Tuesday and 45 additional deaths.
      Approximately 2,7000 people are currently in hospital with the virus.
      Nearly 46million first vaccinations have been injected into the population with 34m second ones having been dished out.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Harry Maguire reveals his dad suffered crushed ribs in Wembley stampede More

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      Matthew Fitzpatrick and Billy Horschel use Sheff Utd and West Ham themed golf bags for The Open

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      FOOTY mad golfers Matthew Fitzpatrick and Billy Horschel are hoping to bring The Open title home with the help of their favourite clubs.Royal St George’s hosts the prestigious championship this weekend with two Premier League badges set for an outing on the course.
      Billy Horschel posed with his West Ham bag during Tuesday practiceCredit: The Sun
      The Hammers badge will accompany the American at The 149th OpenCredit: The Sun
      Six-time PGA Tour winner Horschel may be a native of Florida, USA, but is a huge West Ham fan.
      The 34-year-old showed off his new kit on Instagram ahead of teeing off in Kent.
      He wrote: “Excited to rock my West Ham bag this week at The Open!
      “Hopefully it brings me luck and support from the Hammers fans! And thank you to the club for allowing me to use the crest on the bag!”
      West Ham favourite and golf nut Mark Noble has even been exchanging messages with Horschel ahead of his crack at The Open.
      He revealed: “Mark Noble sent me a text.
      “I’ve never met Mark, but he got my number from Francesco Molinari and sent me a text yesterday.
      “That was one of the coolest things, and we were texting back and forth.”
      Meanwhile, Yorkshire’s Fitzpatrick is a lifelong supporter of Sheffield United.
      The 26-year-old appeared in interviews with Chris Wilder when the Blades played in the Premier League and even had tickets to watch the Euro 2020 final.
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      Matt Fitzpatrick will carry a Sheffield United themed bag at The OpenCredit: Getty
      West Ham fan Horschel will also be rocking his club’s coloursCredit: AFP

      While Ian Poulter was able to swoop in for extra-time at Wembley, Fitzpatrick was forced into a play-off for the Scottish Open crown.
      After being defeated in Berwick, he had to settle for a television screen and a tally of six European Tour wins.
      The Sheffield son will carry the Blades badge around with him this weekend, and has occasionally enlisted the club’s help in his golfing dream.
      Last year, his camp put him in contact with United to secure a coronavirus test that helped him earn a visa to play in the States.
      Victory at Royal St George’s could mean he has access to plenty more at Bramall Lane for years to come.

      Brazen fan takes Rory McIlroy’s club in front of ace before Scottish Open security haul him away More

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      QPR flop Junior Hoilett now Canada’s all-time assist leader after setting up two goals in win over Martinique

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      QPR flop Junior Hoilett became Canada’s all-time assist leader after he set up two goals in his country’s 4-1 win over Martinique on Sunday.The ex-Cardiff and Blackburn winger moved to 14 assists in total – overtaking previous leader Dwayne De Rosario.
      Junior Hoilett is Canada’s all-time leading assist provider
      The winger is a star for his countryCredit: Getty
      But he could not replicate that form at QPRCredit: Reuters
      Alphonso Davies is third on 12 – one behind De Rosario.
      Former Fulham star Tomasz Radzinksi is level with the Bayern Munich ace.
      And Martin Nash completes the top five with nine.
      Hoilett, 31, managed just 13 goals and 13 assists in 122 games for QPR.
      He had a similar record at Cardiff where he managed 25 goals and 22 assists in 184 games until the expiration of his contract on July 1 this year.
      Canada actually went 1-0 down in their Concacaf Gold Cup Group B match against Martinique.
      Emmanuel Riviere put the minnows ahead after ten minutes at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, USA.
      But their lead was short lived as Cyle Larin levelled things up just six minutes later – heading in a Hoilett corner.

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      Canada’s top five assist providersJunior Hoilett became Canada’s all-time leading assist provider with the two goals he set up against Martinique.
      And here’s the top five list…
      JUNIOR HOILETT – 14
      DWAYNE DE ROSARIO – 13
      ALPHONSO DAVIES – 12
      TOMASZ RADZINSKI – 12
      MARTIN NASH – 9

      Jonathan Osario gave Canada the lead they held on to on 20 minutes.
      And Stephen Eustaquio all but wrapped up the win just six minutes later again tapping in after being played in by Hoilett.
      There was then a relative goal drought until the 89th minute when Theo Corbeanu made it 4-1.
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      Jose Mourinho claims England player was snubbed for Euro 2020 after ‘refusing to take penalty’ at World Cup 2018 More

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      Liverpool’s forgotten man Ben Davies set to leave after ZERO appearances despite £2m transfer from Preston in January

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      BEN DAVIES could be in line for an Anfield exit with Celtic reportedly keen on the Liverpool centre-back. And the former Preston North End player could end up leaving Merseyside without having played a single game for the Premier League giants. 
      Liverpool’s Ben Davies has attracted interest from Scottish giants CelticCredit: Reuters
      The Daily Mail claims the Scottish Prem runners-up came close to sealing a £2million agreement with the Cumbria-born ace in January.
      This was before their move was thwarted by a surprise bid from Jurgen Klopp’s side. 
      Preston accepted a £500,000 fee plus add-ons, rising to around £1.6m, for their star.
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      However, Davies appears to have fallen down the pecking order at Anfield with other players including Joel Matip, Fabinho and Nathaniel Williams starting. 
      And it is thought the player, 25, will be further away from a starting spot with Virgil van Dijk battling his way back from injury. 
      Davies, who signed for the Prem Champs on a long-term deal, played his most recent game back for his old side in January. 
      And that was a 1-0 loss to second-tier rivals Sheffield Wednesday 

      The Mail claims Liverpool would be keen on making a decent profit should they sell the former Deepdale player. 
      And it is reported Championship club Bournemouth and several English sides are interested in the centre-back. 
      It is thought Scott Parker’s side are seeking to bring the player to Dean Court on a one-term loan.
      And Danish champs Midtjylland are reportedly eyeing the player as a possible addition to their defensive ranks. 
      Davies is yet to make an appearance for Liverpool following his January 2021 moveCredit: PA

      The club’s new manager Ange Postecologou is thought to be eager to boost his squad ahead of their Champions League qualifier on July 20. 
      Davies began his career as a senior Preston player in 2013, made 145 appearances for the side across all competitions before leaving the club in January. 
      Should the former Championship ace remain at Liverpool reports claim he could still be seen as a back-up to Van Dijk should there be a delay to the Netherlands star’s recovery. 
      Khabib Nurmagomedov backs England to beat Italy in Euro 2020 final More

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      Partick Vieira to make Reading’s ex-Chelsea whizkid Michael Olise his first Crystal Palace signing in £8m transfer

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      PATRICK VIEIRA is set to make Reading whizkid Michael Olise his first signing as Crystal Palace boss.The Eagles are understood to have activated an £8million release clause to sign the midfielder.
      Reading winger Michael Olise, 19, is close to joining Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
      Incoming manager Patrick Vieira is building his squad ahead of the new Premier League seasonCredit: PA
      The 19-year-old has made 67 Championship appearances for Reading since making his debut against Leeds in March 2019.
      Olise played 44 of those games last term after becoming a regular under manager Veljko Paunovic, scoring seven goals.
      His efforts saw him named EFL Young Player of the Year, with Gareth Bale, Fabian Delph, Wilfried Zaha and Dele Alli among previous winners of the prestigious award.
      The English-born youngster represents France at international level, appearing twice for their Under-18 side.
      Olise was part of Manchester City’s academy before joining Reading in 2016 and has also been on Chelsea’s books.
      Palace were linked with the player in January and are believed to have been leading the chase for his signature for many months.

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      Paunovic publicly praised Olise following his team’s 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest last December.
      The Reading boss said: “Yes, he’s very talented.
      “In Michael we have seen a lot of progress this year. He is getting more minutes and competition and surrounded by a very good team – a group of leaders.
      “Experienced guys and younger ones are supporting him, providing him with a structure and the way we play enables him to shine in games like today.

      “But we also know with young players it’s about getting the consistency and maturity to compete on the same level in every single game.
      “That’s something that will come over time and we’ll enjoy his talent when he is at his best delivering for the team.”
      Arsenal legend Vieira was recently announced as Palace’s new manager, succeeding ex-England boss Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Crystal Palace confirm Patrick Vieira as new boss More

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      Wayne Rooney’s Derby set to offer Phil Jagielka contract on free transfer with 38-year-old training with crisis-hit club

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      WAYNE ROONEY is giving old Everton team-mate Phil Jagielka the chance to join crisis-hit Derby County.Rooney has taken veteran defender Jagielka in for training as the Rams try to get clearance to sign new players.
      Phil Jagielka is set to join Derby County after leaving Sheffield United as a free agentCredit: Getty
      Wayne Rooney is giving old team-mate Jagielka a chance at DerbyCredit: Reuters
      Jagielka is a free agent after leaving Sheffield United and Rooney thinks he could handle the Championship as he puts a squad together.
      Bolton also wanted to take a look at Jagielka who had a run of games in the Premier League last season despite his advancing years.
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      Yet SunSport previously reported that boss Ian Evatt admitted the social media response to the 38-year-old’s proposed move forced him to reconsider.
      Evatt, who led the Wanderers to League One promotion last season, explained how he would’ve loved to help Jagielka continue his playing career.
      But he wasn’t prepared to deal with what came with signing the ex-Everton defender.
      He said: “Jags asked me if he could come in pre-season and it was a yes, because I always like to help out good, experienced pros to try and stay in the game – it would have been just that.

      “But then we got the media fanfare, the expectancy that fans seemed to have for signing that sort of player, it’s just no good for anybody.
      “It’s certainly no good for the group, who we’re trying to hide from all the distractions and sideshows. We decided to move on.”
      Experienced Richard Stearman is also training at Derby, with Rooney’s club in talks with the EFL about how many players they can sign and what they can spend.
      Derby fined £100k as EFL develops fixture lists featuring Rams in both Championship and League One More