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      Youngest ever FA Cup finalist Curtis Weston now dreams of biggest upset in history as minnows Chesterfield face Chelsea

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      CURTIS WESTON is dreaming Chesterfield can cause the biggest shock in FA Cup history at Stamford Bridge – but he has already made competition history.The midfielder will play for a National League team taking on a Chelsea side not just 91 places above them in English football’s pecking order but also the reigning European champions. 
      Curtis Weston made history by coming on as a sub in the 2004 FA Cup final for Dennis Wise aged 17
      Chesterfield captain Curtis Weston is hoping to cause a massive FA Cup upset at ChelseaCredit: Rex
      But the Spireites captain is also the youngest player to appear in an FA Cup final.
      Weston, now 34, came on as a late sub for Millwall player-boss and Chelsea legend Dennis Wise aged 17 years and 119 days against Manchester United in a 3-0 defeat at the Millennium Stadium in 2004.
      He told SunSport: “I’d only made my debut in the Championship as a sub two weeks earlier against Bradford.
      “I never thought I’d get on against the likes of Paul Scholes, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Nicky Butt.
      “I was happy to just be around Millwall players like Paul Ifill, who I watched from the terraces as a kid.
      “And I was learning from top-calibre players like Tim Cahill and Dennis Wise.
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      “It was also good just to be able to stay in an expensive hotel for the first time and the size of the changing room at the stadium and the warm-up area in it blew me away.
      “And then there were the suits we had to wear on FA Cup final day. Everyone had theirs fitted but mine was just given to me so it was hanging off me a bit!” 
      With the game already lost with a minute left plus stoppage time, Weston made history after another Chelsea legend, the late Ray Wilkins, told him he was going on.
      I came on, looked round and Paul Scholes was standing next to me for about a second. I looked away and he was gone. It was unbelievable – we’re 90 minutes in and he’s still moving around like that.Curtis Weston
      He said: “I was warming up and soaking up the atmosphere when Ray, who was assistant, ushered me over and told me to get ready.
      “I was so nervous to be facing world-class stars and it was just a case of trying to get close to some of my idols. 
      “Scholes was my favourite all-time player. I came on, looked round and he was standing next to me for about a second. I looked away and he was gone.
      “It was unbelievable – we’re 90 minutes in and he’s still moving around like that.
      “I did manage a sliding tackle on Van Nistelrooy and went in for a 50-50 with Butt.”
      At the end, Weston managed to nab the shirt of Mikael Silvestre, widely considered one of the best defenders during Sir Alex Ferguson’s United reign.
      That memento – alongside his own shirt and runners-up medal – is framed and at his aunt’s home in Dartford.
      Curtis Weston will be facing Chelsea this weekend for National League leaders Chesterfield
      Chelsea legends Dennis Wise and Ray Wilkins were mentors to a young Curtis Weston at Millwall
      Weston, who signed for Millwall after impressing in a youth trial game against Chelsea, is indebted to Wise and Wilkins for grounding him.
      Wise made 332 appearances for the Blues while Wilkins played 179 games as well as enjoying various coaching spells with them – and both were his mentors.
      He said: “Ray always had time for me and wanted to improve my game.
      “And it wasn’t just teaching youngsters like me but also the older lads. He even helped improve an exceptional talent like Jody Morris at Millwall. 
      “Everything flowed with Ray. He’d always get involved in keep balls and rondos. Even approaching 50, he’d never give the ball away.
      “Wisey would ask him to take a corner in training – and Ray would ask, ‘How do you want it, fella? Right foot? Left foot? Inswinger? Outswinger?’ Whatever, he’d nail it.”
      I couldn’t afford to go out with some of Millwall’s top-earners so asked Wisey if I could borrow some money. He took some notes from his wallet and said, ‘Take this and don’t be embarrassed if you need more'”Curtis Davies
      Weston revealed how he asked to borrow cash from Wise while on a pre-season tour to Canada with the Lions … so he could get a round of drinks in.
      He said: “I was around first-team players like Jody who were earning far larger amounts and got embarrassed because I couldn’t afford to go out with them.
      “So I asked Wisey if I could borrow some money and before I finished the sentence he was taking notes from his wallet, saying ‘Just take this and don’t be embarrassed if you need more.’
      “It wasn’t a case of me trying to keep up with the others while out but at least I could buy a round of drinks.
      “I went to pay it back when we returned home but Dennis said he didn’t want it.
      “Wisey led by example. After he finished playing, he’d go on 5k and 10k runs to keep fit. He instilled into me that work ethic.
      “The biggest piece of advice he gave me was, ‘Never let anybody out-work you.’ That’s why he had such a great career.” 
      Weston followed Wise to Swindon and Leeds where he also enjoyed working with another Chelsea old-boy, Gus Poyet.
      He said: “I enjoyed both clubs but can safely say Leeds was the best for me because I absolutely loved my time there. Obviously, they’re a huge club who were playing in League One at the time with incredible facilities.
      Curtis Weston loved his time at Leeds United under Dennis Wise
      “I loved playing with people like Jonny Howson and Tore Andre Flo.
      “But Leeds was the best city I lived. It was good for shopping, going out and just the people up there. I’m a Southerner and will happily admit Northerners are friendlier!”
      But it was at Gillingham where he tasted his biggest success – winning promotion to League One via the play-offs in 2009.
      However, he spent six seasons with Barnet, suffering relegation from the EFL twice and enjoying one promotion.
      While there he worked with Dutch legend Edgar Davids, who was the most ruthless manager he worked with.
      Jamal Lowe let the ball roll over his foot and Edgar Davids told him to leave the training pitch. It was a genuine mistake but that was the last time I saw him at Barnet.” Curtis Weston
      Weston said: “Look how well Jamal Lowe is doing at Bournemouth but, when he was at Barnet, he let the ball roll over his foot when it was passed out to him in training.
      “Then it happened a second time. It was a genuine mistake but Edgar told him to get off the pitch. That was the last time I saw him at Barnet. 
      “Jamal dropped down the leagues, worked on things and now he’s flying.
      “There’s two ways of looking at it – Edgar was either harsh or demanding. If the standards were not met, see you later.
      “But he’s a generous man. On our way back from an away game once, we stopped at Nando’s and he told us to order whatever we wanted and he’d pick up the tab.” 
      Weston is in his fourth season at Chesterfield and cannot wait for the Chelsea challenge.
      Weston played under Edgar Davids at Barnet and admits it was a rollercoaster ride
      Weston would love to have N’Golo Kante’s shirt today as he is the Chelsea player he admires most
      Asked whose shirt he wanted, he said: “If he plays, N’Golo Kante. He’s my favourite player because of his work ethic, endeavour and willingness to work hard for the team. 
      “I love his humbleness on and off the pitch. There’s nothing big-time about him.
      “Not long ago, he went to a fan’s birthday party and stayed the whole evening. That’s class.
      “There’s no expectation on us at Stamford Bridge and whoever plays for Chelsea, because I’m sure they’ll rotate, it’ll be a privilege to share the same pitch.”  More

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      MK Dons star Matt O’Riley wanted by DENMARK over international call-up with 21-year-old also on England’s radar

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      IN-DEMAND MK Dons star Matt O’Riley is being closely watched by the Danish FA.The Londoner, 21, is eligible for Denmark and Norway from his mum’s side and speaks Danish.
      Denmark could be set to rival England for Matt O’Reilly’s servicesCredit: Getty
      SunSport understands the midfielder would be interested in representing either Scandinavian nation or England should they show interest.
      He is a player on England Under-21s’ radar and is being monitored by Lee Carsley’s team in every game.
      Ex-Fulham kid O’Riley has been lighting up League One and is set to move this window with a host of clubs from home and abroad showing interest in a possible swoop.
      Bournemouth and Middlesbrough are among the Championship sides reportedly keen on the League One ace.
      And Huddersfield and Barnsley are also thought to be eyeing a potential move.
      Swansea are in the driving seat thanks to the player’s relationship with boss Russell Martin who managed the midfielder at MK before leaving for City in August.
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      But foreign clubs including Bordeaux, PSV and Venezia – as well as Rangers – are also keen on a player who has netted six goals already this season. 
      O’Riley made 44 appearances for Fulham’s Under-23s between July 2017 and July last year before making a January move to MK.
      The midfielder, who made regular appearances for the Cottagers’ youth sides, turned down the chance to stay at the club in a bid to gain first-team playing time.
      And the London-born starlet, who has made 51 first-team appearances for MK, was named EFL Player of the Month in November.
      O’Riley is reportedly a transfer target for several domestic and overseas clubsCredit: Alamy More

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      Jurgen Klopp and Antonio Conte demand Carabao Cup second-legs are SCRAPPED amid fixture pile-up and Covid chaos

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      JURGEN Klopp and Antonio Conte have called for their Carabao Cup semi-finals to be cut to just one leg. Liverpool battled into the last four after an exhausting 3-3 draw with Leicester and penalty shootout win.
      Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool’s win over LeicesterCredit: Rex
      Tottenham meanwhile, booked their place by beating London rivals West Ham.
      They are now set to face Chelsea over two legs in another derby at the start of January, while Liverpool will play Arsenal, with a week separating both ties.
      Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp said: “I think it would be better with one game absolutely, but obviously what I say is not too important.
      “If there are two games, then we will play two games. But it would be helpful if there was only one, true.
      “The draw has us at Arsenal, I’m fine with that, we play there and see who is better and go for it.
      “I don’t just speak about player welfare this year, I have been speaking about it for six years or maybe longer.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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      “If the things I say would help more, I would say it much more often. But it doesn’t help.
      “The only thing I do with these messages is I create headlines. They never arrive at the right places.
      “Tomorrow we have a meeting at 4pm but it’s with the Premier League and not with the EFL, I’m not sure if they are involved or not.
      “I said it before, I would prefer only one semi-final. But I can’t see any kind of changes actually.”
      Tottenham’s Conte had a similar view, and said: “Honestly if I have to decide, maybe it would be to play one game and not two games.
      “Especially for the situation we are living. But we have to respect the rules.”
      Antonio Conte during Spurs’ 2-1 win over West HamCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Charlie Patino breaks silence after record-breaking goal in Arsenal in 5-1 win as fans go wild for new starlet

      by

      ARSENAL youngster Charlie Patino has broken his silence after his record-breaking debut goal against Sunderland.The 18-year-old came on with 10 minutes to go in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night and scored in the dying stages to make it 5-1 to the Gunners.
      Arsenal youngster Charlie Patino has spoken out after his debut goal for the GunnersCredit: Reuters
      Nicolas Pepe slid a ball across the box in the second minute of stoppage time and Patino turned it into the bottom corner with his left foot.
      Mikel Arteta described it as a ‘beautiful day’ for the midfielder and his family. But the strike also broke a bizarre record.
      At squad No 87, Patino became the highest squad number ever to score for the North Londoners – beating Bukayo Saka’s previous record when he played No 77.
      After the game, Patino took to Instagram to share his joy.
      He posted a picture of himself celebrating and wrote: “The best day of my life and an early Christmas present.
      “Thanks to all the fans for their amazing support! What a night.”
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      Mikel Arteta hailed Patino after a ‘beautiful’ day for himCredit: Getty
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      Patino also became the 886th player ever to represent the Gunners when he came off the bench.
      Gooners were loving it in the comments.
      Hundreds wrote ‘congratulations bro’.
      And several called for him to start the next game.
      Speaking after his team’s win, Arteta remained coy about Patino’s first team opportunities in the short term.
      The Spaniard said: “Charlie is with us more and more in training sessions, yesterday was his first competitive match which was a beautiful day for him and everybody involved in the club.
      “And we’ll go slowly from there.
      “If we need him, we’ll use him.
      “If the numbers are quiet and we have to throw him in there, we believe he’s ready.
      “And he’s making the right steps. We’re really happy with where we are.”
      ⚽ Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer gossip with our live blogs
      It was another great day for Arsenal’s Hale End academy and Arteta is thrilled with the work the club’s youth staff are doing.
      He added: “I am delighted but that is down to all the work that has been in the academy and at the club over many years and this is the fruit of that work.
      “Now it is about finding the right moments too give opportunities to these kids and finding the space in the squad to be able to do that.”
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      in Soccer

      Aleksandar Mitrovic’s goals for Fulham have led to him becoming a work of art after being painted by David Roman

      by

      ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC will soon be able to open an art gallery if he keeps dominating the Championship.The Fulham striker has been voted the PFA Vertu Motors fans’ player of the month in English football’s second tier for a THIRD month in a row.
      Artist David Roman did this painting of Aleksandar Mitrovic after he won the PFA fans’ award for October
      Mitrovic with one of Roman’s paintings
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      And – as part of the special awards – the winners each pick up a beautiful painting of themselves, depicting one of their month’s highlights
      Birmingham-based Romanian artist David Roman, 30, was commissioned to get his acrylics out at the start of this season.
      He said: “The PFA and the sponsors Vertu Motors were looking for a sports artist to do custom-made artwork that would be presented with a trophy each month.
      “A researcher got in touch and we talked about the idea and it was aligned with what I wanted to do.
      “It’s about working with pro athletes and champions as well as creating exciting art.”
      It is hoped the memorabilia will help raise awareness of the PFA awards beyond its traditional audience.
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      Roman invited us to his studio to see him at work on this month’s winners.
      Liverpool’s Diogo Jota won the Premier League gong for November while Burton’s Daniel Jebbison won in League One and Jamille Matt of Forest Green was victorious in League Two.
      Arsenal’s Beth Mead lifted the monthly award in the Women’s Super League.
      David said: “I do a portrait of each player, usually with the athlete moving rather than just the face.
      “What I look for is whether they’re in a flow or one of those winning moments where you can feel the energy at that time. 
      “It must be either at that moment or just after when they’ve very happy. The art must be driven by emotion.”
      Roman and the PFA select the moments they feel work best for a painting from shortlisted photos provided by picture agency Getty Images. 
      Roman invited SunSport into his studio
      He said: “The paintings are done in my personal way, which is with acrylics and I’ve developed a textured multi-layered style which is a result of me chasing how to capture best the movement and energy. 
      “It’s all done with newer materials, is experimental and heavily textured. I paint them on wood panels which are all A3 size.
      “I work on all five at the same time at different stages – and am so relentless. I only have one week to turn it around – so it’s intense.
      “Obviously I’d prefer to work a little slower. It sometimes takes a week to do one of my own paintings – but I don’t have that luxury.
      “But I’ve been pleased with the results.”
      Roman’s favourite painting so far was of Liverpool’s Mo Salah – a personal labour of love because he is a huge Reds fan.
      Roman’s work on the winners of the latest awards this monthCredit: Dave Pinegar
      But he revealed his most challenging was when Mitrovic won the October gong.
      He said: “Aleksandar was shouting with joy. You could see his smile but it was from a lower angle so his teeth were showing. They were difficult to get accurate.
      “I spent a whole day working just on his face.”
      Roman hopes that his own hero Salah and other players enjoy the paintings and even find somewhere at home to hang them.
      He said: “I’ve had good feedback from players, who have shared the art on their social media. 
      “It’s great to get a trophy but getting a piece of art recording an emotional moment just makes it extra special.”
      For more information about David Roman’s art, visit www.davidromanart.com
      HE’S JUST THE JOB
      JOHNNIE JACKSON’S appointment as Charlton boss could be proof that if something isn’t broke, don’t fix it.
      The Addicks legend had been doing an excellent job as assistant to Lee Bowyer and probably should have got the nod in the first place.
      Johnnie Jackson’s superb work as Charlton caretaker landed him the manager’s jobCredit: PA
      Nigel Adkins could not fire up Charlton this season but, with the same set of players, Jackson has won nine of his 14 games in charge.
      Now they just need to make their ultimate legend Alan Curbishley director of football and they will have the perfect combination.
      IT’S JUST THE JAB
      EFL footballers need to come to their senses and get vaccinated.
      It is staggering that a quarter of players across the Championship, League One and League Two have no intention of getting jabbed
      EFL VACCINATED PLAYERSIN THE EFL..
      59% of players are double jabbed
      10% of players single jabbed
      6% of players intending to get a jab
      25% of players not intending to get vaccinated
      (Figures correct of December 17, 2021)

      Of course, there will be players who have genuine concerns about their health. But, seriously, one in four footballers should not have any serious worries at all.
      Maybe if these footballers actually spoke to families of those who have lost loved ones to Covid, they might understand the real impact of this wretched virus.
      Getting jabbed is the sensible thing to do – so every footballer who has stated they don’t want to get jabbed should delve into their conscience and do the right thing. More

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      in Soccer

      Swansea top scorer Joel Piroe getting striking tips from girlfriend Naomi… who’s firing them in for PSV

      by

      JOEL PIROE has revealed he gets tips on how to score goals and wreak havoc up front with Swansea from a leading expert… his GIRLFRIEND.Piroe’s better half Naomi Pattiwael happens to be a striker herself – playing for the PSV Eindhoven women’s team.
      Joel Piroe gets some of his best goalscoring tips from his footballer girlfriend Naomi Pattiwael
      Piroe is not just in love with his girlfriend but Swansea City after a wonderful start to the season
      And it has certainly paid dividends for the Swansea ace, who has now netted 10 goals in 14 starts.
      The couple met while they were both coming through the youth ranks at PSV.
      Piroe told SunSport: “We went to the same school doing our education together while we were at PSG.
      “The two of us train together in the summer to get ready for the new season. 
      “We’re always giving each other advice. We watch each other’s games and she will often ask me why I made a particular decision and how maybe I could’ve done something better.
      “The two of us are always talking about football because Naomi knows about it very well. She is a great player and it’s a good thing that we can help each other.” 
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      Naomi Pattiwael is a decent striker in Holland for PSV’s women’s team
      Loved-up couple Joel Piroe and Naomi Pattiwael enjoy the coastal scenes around Swansea
      Joel Piroe hopes it will be a Merry Christmas for him, his girlfriend and Swansea
      But one man who helped Piroe more than any other was someone else who knows a thing or two about scoring goals – Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
      The Dutch master is manager of PSV’s reserve side.
      Piroe said: “He helped me a lot. Of course, he has so much experience at the very highest level – and always try to see the same situations as him when I’m playing a game.
      “I always think about what he would do.
      “He really helped me make quick decisions and understand the importance of being in the right place at the right time to score. 
      “Ruud was so deadly but he wasn’t a striker who just stood there – he used to move around very well to get into the right positions to finish coolly.
      “He advised me on a lot of things but the most valuable was how to take penalties. He had a good method for it.
      “The art of taking a good penalty is having confidence. You never know what pressure will be on the kick so you just need to have a clear head and confidence in what you want to do.
      “If you do that, I don’t think any keeper will be able to save it.
      “I’m of course not at the same level right now as Ruud Van Nistelrooy but I hope to be at that level in the future.” 
      Piroe was confident he could do the business in British football when he moved to South Wales in the summer – but even he did not anticipate hitting the ground running as well as he has done.
      The Dutchman said: “It couldn’t have gone much better. I’ve settled quickly. It’s been a wonderful start to my career in the UK.
      “I was always confident I’d do well here. I felt as though I was well prepared although I didn’t expect to score as many goals as I have done and the start I’ve had.
      “Scoring on my debut helped and my team-mates and coaching staff here have helped me so much.” 
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET 20/1 ON ONE OR MORE SHOTS ON TARGET FOR EITHER TEAM IN TOTTENHAM VS LIVERPOOL
      Swansea striker Joel Piroe has hit the ground running with 11 Championship goals so far
      While he is enjoying his football, Piroe has found living alone in South Wales the biggest challenge – as he now has to cook, clean and iron himself!
      And the striker revealed he hates cooking.
      He said: “My mum used to do all that stuff but now I’ve had to learn to do all this myself.
      “I don’t like cooking. I just feel it’s a waste of time for me.
      “Most of the time I roast chicken in the oven and make myself some rice with different spices.
      “But cooking is so time consuming. If I cook for over half an hour or an hour, it seems a lot of work when you eat it in less than 15 minutes!
      “Obviously I can’t order takeaways because they are not healthy but the chef at Swansea does box some food up for me to take home, which is great.”
      Piroe will have to wait to add to his impressive scoring tally after Swansea’s game against QPR this weekend was called off after a Covid outbreak in the Londoners’ camp.
      The Swans were hoping to end a three-match losing streak that has seen them slip away from the play-off contenders.
      Piroe said: “We’ve been making too many unforced errors – especially when we get a bit tired.
      “That is the main thing we’ve got to improve and focus on.
      “It does become an issue when you’re playing three games a week. It consumes a lot from you but we’ve got to find a way to stay switched on.
      “I believe this team can break into the play-off places. We have everything to make it possible.” More

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      Premier League clubs CANCEL Christmas parties with players instead going out in small groups amid Omicron Covid surge

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have been cancelling their Christmas parties.The majority of them were due to be held last week with the exception of the teams playing European football.
      Charlton Athletic stars enjoyed their Christmas party but Prem stars aren’t getting oneCredit: Instagram
      Instead, Prem players are generally going out in groups of three and four.
      In the EFL, some clubs have carried on staging their parties while others have scrapped them.
      Some players have lied to their clubs by insisting the parties have been scrapped — and carried on boozing in any case.
      Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park is a favourite location.
      Charlton’s Ben Watson wins the award for the best fancy dress. He went as fellow redhead Steve Sidwell in full Chelsea kit.
      Another Addicks player dressed as Kim Jong-un.
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      ADAM LALLANA, Martin O’Neill and Tony Woodcock head the list of stars behind 360 Sports TV — the first dedicated streaming platform for sport documentaries.
      With over 300 hours of content, the subscription-based service also has rugby heavyweights Kyle Sinckler, Jack Clifford and Michael Young on board alongside Lallana.
      It is the brainchild of ex-Channel 4 presenter John Warrington.
      He told SunSport: “We are delivering the stories behind the passion — unlike Netflix/Amazon, who only invest in major names and ignore the real stories.”
      New films in the pipeline include Local Heroes — a doc featuring Nottingham-born Woodcock, Viv Anderson and Garry Birtles’ glory years under Brian Clough at Forest.
      Ex-Bradford midfielder Jamie Lawrence’s book From Prison to Premiership will be adapted, as will Corie Mapp’s incredible real-life Cool Runnings story.
      Every Premier League club’s most-affordable season ticket, ranked from most to least expensive
      FORMER Bristol Rovers director of football Tommy Widdrington is now manager of National League strugglers King’s Lynn.
      But there was no time for celebrating a 2-1 win over Dover in his first game on Saturday as he rushed off to find a TV to watch his son Kai, a professional dancer, compete in the semi-finals of Strictly Come Dancing.
      Kai Widdrington is through to the final with partner AJ Odudu.

      UEFA suffered a nightmare by cocking up the Champions League draw.
      And Scottish League Two side Stenhousemuir certainly thought it was funny by announcing: “We’re pleased, and confused, to announce we’ve been drawn away to Real Madrid in the last Champions League round of 16.”

      BT SPORT are sweating over Manchester United’s lunchtime kick-off with Brighton on Saturday after a Covid outbreak in the Red Devils camp.
      If the game is postponed, there will be no games moved to that slot and BT would screen the game when it is rescheduled for a midweek date.
      Last season six televised games were postponed and were screened again at a later date.
      Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick hopes his side can play on SaturdayCredit: MatchDay Images Limited More

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      Watch as Fleetwood vs Bolton bizarrely interrupted by a DUCK as feathery pitch invader stops play in League One clash

      by

      A DUCK bizarrely interrupted Fleetwood’s game with Bolton after invading the pitch. The League One clash was stopped in full flight just before half-time, with the bird waddling on near the corner looking for a puddle as Bolton waited to take a defensive throw-in.
      A duck trotted his way on to the pitch during Fleetwood vs BoltonCredit: Sky Sports
      The bird waddled around in the corner of the pitch as the rain poured down in LancashireCredit: Sky Sports

      It is understood the bird was keen to play on the wing.
      But a brave member of the ground staff collected the invader and escorted it away to safety, with the advertising hoardings moved for the duck to exit stage left.
      Thankfully, EFL beaks are unlikely to press charges against the trespassing offender.
      Fleetwood tweeted: “45+2’ Play stops as there is a pitch invader.
      “It’s only a duck and won’t be getting banned, though.
      “It’s carefully removed by one of the ground staff and play continues.”
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      Bolton said: “Play has just resumed following a brief pause whilst a couple of members of staff prevented a duck from entering play.”
      Specsavers joined in the fun and replied: “Wonder if the fine for entering the pitch will be added to its bill.”
      Another wrote: “Got to be a fowl.”
      A third added: “Give it a Bolton shirt. Probably do a better job.”
      And with the rain pouring down and the Fleetwood duck needing a Mac, a final user joked: “Perfect weather for them. I’d give it a pair of boots and stick it upfront for us.”
      Fleetwood led the Trotters 1-0 at the time, thanks to an early quacker from Gerard Garner, before going on to win 3-0. More