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      ‘Beyond belief’ – Wayne Rooney furious at what Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo did before FA Cup tie

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Wayne Rooney slammed Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo’s starting line-up in the FA Cup.Forest defeated Brighton 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw at the Amex Stadium to punch their ticket to the semi-finals at Wembley and challenge for their first piece of silverware in 35 years.Wayne Rooney criticised Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirot SantoCredit: AlamyManchester United legend Wayne Rooney slammed Nuno’s starting line-up at BrightonHowever, Nuno opted to bench key players, such as Callum Hudson-Odoi, Anthony Elanga and Ibrahim Sangare, while giving starts to the likes of Danilo and Nicolas Dominguez.Rooney was left “shocked” with the Portuguese tactician’s decision with Forest considered a favourite to lift the FA Cup with all of the Big Six out, bar Manchester City.The pundit, who underwent some hapless stints as manager of Derby, DC United, Birmingham and Plymouth, understood Nottingham’s bid for Champions League qualification.However, Man Utd’s record goalscorer, who won the FA Cup in 2016, was adamant key players need to maintain momentum.Read More on FootballRooney told the BBC: “I’m shocked. I think the FA Cup is such a prestigious tournament and to rest players in the quarter-final when you’ve got a great opportunity to get to the semi-finals… “They’re trying to get into Champions League football which is fine, it’s great.”But as a player, you want to play, you want to get momentum, you want to keep trying to win games.”To leave players out… If I was a fan, I’d be fuming. You want to win silverware and this is a great opportunity.Most read in FA Cup”To leave players out when they’re not guaranteed to win the game on Tuesday is beyond belief for me.”Nuno, who lost top scorer Chris Wood to a hip injury during the international break, addressed his choices before kick-off.’I’m not playing for you’ – Wayne Rooney could’ve played for different country before breaking England goal recordThe ex-Tottenham boss explained cup competitions are always a great opportunity to use players who don’t get enough minutes in the Premier League.Nuno said: “Look, the cup is always a good chance for players that work so hard and don’t have minutes in the Premier League, so we keep this idea.”Taiwo [Awoniyi] has been working good and Danilo has been working good. Players deserve their moments.”Nuno won’t be looking back at the quarter-final with any significant regret as his choices paid off and he sent Forest to the semi-finals for the first time in 34 years. More

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      Brighton vs Nottingham Forest live stream FREE: How to watch FA Cup quarter-final today

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      BRIGHTON and Nottingham Forest clash in an enthralling FA Cup quarter-final TODAY.This is a massive match and the Seagulls’ desire for vengeance is one of the primary drivers.Anthony Elanga was at the heart of the Brighton destruction with three assistsCredit: GettyBrighton have only conceded six goals since the heavy defeatCredit: GettyFabian Hurzeler’s team were humiliated in dramatic fashion as Forest crushed Brighton 7-0 at the City Ground in February.However, since that crushing defeat, Brighton have been playing well, winning six of their previous seven games across all competitions and drawing the other.Brighton’s hunger and focus, which were evident at the beginning of the season, have returned thanks to Karou Mitoma, Joao Pedro, and Yankuba Minteh. Despite never having won the FA Cup, Brighton have advanced to the semi-finals twice in the last six seasons.READ MORE IN FA CUPForest are undoubtedly confident in their ability to persevere. So far this Premier League season, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have been the biggest surprise.With Forest now third in the standings, the City Ground will likely be the site of the renowned Champions League song next season.However, winning the FA Cup would be Nottingham Forest’s best Wembley day in 65 years. During his tenure at Forest, not even European Cup-winning boss Brian Clough was able to obtain the trophy.Most read in FA CupHow to watch Brighton vs Nottingham Forest for FREEBrighton and Nottingham Forest’s last-eight clash will be broadcast live on BBC One in the UK for FREE.Fans will also have the option to stream the action on BBC iPlayer, which is available to download via any compatible mobile device or tablet.Kick-off for the match is scheduled to get underway at 5.15pm GMT on Saturday, March 29.Alternatively, tune into SunSport’s comprehensive live blog for all the action as it happens.What other FA Cup games are happening this weekend?Fulham vs Crystal Palace Preston North End vs Aston VillaBournemouth vs Manchester City More

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      Brighton vs Nottingham Forest LIVE SCORE: FA Cup quarter-final updates as Prem high-flyers clash for last-four spot

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      BRIGHTON host fellow Premier League high-flyers Nottingham Forest in a huge FA Cup quarter-final clash this afternoon.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side thrashed the Seagulls 7-0 when the two sides last met in February.But Brighton are unbeaten since their drumming at the City Ground, and the Seagulls will be out for revenge as they look to stay on course to claim the first major trophy in their history.Forest are in a strong position to finish in the Premier League’s top four, but the Tricky Trees will want some silverware to remember such an outstanding season.Kick off time: 5.15pm GMTTV channel: BBC OneFREE live stream: BBC iPlayerBrighton team: To follow…Nottingham Forest team: To follow…CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Forest looking to buck trendNottingham Forest do not have a good record at this stage of the competition, something they will want to address today.In their last three FA Cup quarter-finals, they have been defeated all by a one-nil scoreline.It is 35 years since Forest progressed to the semi-finals, eventually losing to Tottenham in the final.Copy linkCopiedSeagulls continue to BloomFor any newly promoted side to the Premier League, they would do well to look at Brighton as a model to emulate.Owner Tony Bloom backs the managers financially to improve their squad with young talent.Every player has their price but The Seagulls never seem to sell any of their players for less than their true value.That is then reinvested in the squad and they are starting to reap the rewards.The icing on the cake for Brighton would be to bring some silverware to the Amex Stadium in the process.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBlow for Forest in FA CupNuno Espirito Santo’s side will go into this game without prolific striker Chris Wood this afternoon.The striker picked up a hip injury on international duty for New Zealand in the recent international break.It will be interesting to see how that disrupts the machine that is Nottingham Forest on the south coast but it does offer the chance for Taiwo Awoniyi to impress the manager.Copy linkCopiedBrighton vs Nott’m ForestNow we move onto the second semi-final of the day.Two form teams meet each other at the Amex Stadium.The Seagulls will be looking for revenge for their 7-0 drubbing at the hands of Forest earlier in the season.Copy linkCopiedCottagers left wondering what could have beenThe spring sunshine was beating down in West London and everything looked set up for a memorable afternoon.Fulham dominated the early stages of the game and Craven Cottage was bouncing.However, they could not carve out any clear-cut chances to break the deadlock against Crystal Palace.This one will hurt The Cottagers, Marco Silva has some job to pick his players up as they turn their attentions back to Premier League duties.Credit: ReutersCredit: AFPCopy linkCopiedEagles soar in FA CupWhile talk of silverware was deflected by the players and manager, Crystal Palace fans are dreaming of what could be a special season.They knew it would be a tough challege against Fulham in West London but having secured an emphatic victory, Wembley now awaits.If Oliver Glasner is able to bring a trophy to Selhurst Park, he can probably expect a statue of him to be erected soon after.Credit: AlamyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPalace wing it in West LondonWhat a week it has been for Eberechi Eze.Scoring his first England goal in midweek against Latvia, he carried that form into the FA Cup this afternoon as Fulham were put to the sword.Constantly linked with moves to bigger clubs, the winger really showed how integral he is to this Eagles side at Craven Cottage.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jordan Davies at Craven CottageFulham look dejected, but the Palace players are fist-pumping the away end, and don’t look like stopping any time soon.Marco Silva will be desperately disappointed. For all their dominance, they barely laid a glove on Palace, who will revel in the one of the most smash-and-grab 3-0 results you will see in a long while.Wembley awaits the soaring Eagles…Copy linkCopiedBoss plays down Eze factorSpeaking with ITV Sport after the match, The Eagles’ manager gave his thoughts on their victory:Key number one was to survive the first fiteen minutes. We were rusty and the structure was not good due to the international break. It was so important the first goal as we got the belief back. When you are struggling in a game, you need these actions. It was a great team effort which is what I told the guys in the dressing room. We can achieve a lot.Oliver GlasnerCrystal PalaceCopy linkCopiedMunoz asks questions of CottagersWhile Crystal Palace had plenty of defending to do in the early stages of this game, when they had the chance to counter, their full-backs supported the attacks.Munoz spent the match working up and down the flanks, dragging Fulham’s players out of position.This then allows the likes of Sarr, Mateta and Eze to exploit the gaps in the hosts’ defence.Copy linkCopiedEze does it at Craven CottageMatch-winner Eberechi Eze spoke with ITV Sport about their win over Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-finals:Yes it was an important goal, happy to help the team, this is what am here to do. It was no a good start from us. This is where I want to get the ball to run at defenders. When you get the chance, you need to take it and that is what we have done today. We’re confident in ourselves, we know what we are capable of.Eberechi EzeCrystal PalaceCopy linkCopiedFT: Fulham 0-3 Crystal PalaceMikel Arteta take note of this one, The Eagles have shown how you get nothing for dominating possession in the modern game without any penetration.A classic away performance from Oliver Glasner’s side.They are heading to Wembley for a big day out.Copy linkCopiedFT: Fulham 0-3 Crystal PalaceThe referee brings the game to a close at Craven Cottage.Crystal Palace are heading into the semi-finals.A superb performance from The Eagles in West London.Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-3 Crystal Palace90+2. These Palace fans are going to enjoy their short trips back to the other side of London after this one.All eyes will be on that semi-final draw tomorrow for The Eagles.A lot of teams would like to see Bournemouth dump Man City out of the cup tomorrow to improve their chances of silverware.Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-3 Crystal Palace90. Clyne is shown a yellow card for a poorly-timed challenge.For all their possession today, Fulham really have not tested Henderson enough in the visitors’ goal.We are going to have three minutes of added time.Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-3 Crystal Palace88. Munoz and Sarr are replaced for the visitors.Devenny and Clyne come on for Glasner’s side.It would take a dramatic comeback for Fulham to keep their hopes alive in the FA Cup now.Silva’s side have been well and truly dealt with by Palace today.Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-3 Crystal Palace86. Munoz counters and Palace have numbers forward.He ends up dribbling the ball into danger as he is crowded out by three Fulham players.Had he looked up and played the early pass, the visitors could have grabbed another goal there.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFulham 0-3 Crystal Palace84. This has been the perfect away performance from Palace.They absorbed all Fulham had to throw at them and were clinical when a chance presented itself.It has been a comfortable win for The Eagles on paper this afternoon.Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-3 Crystal Palace82. This could be a massive springboard for Palace’s season.They have been one of the form teams in the Premier League in 2025.Only Liverpool and Arsenal have taken more points than them.Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-3 Crystal Palace80. The Eagles’ fans are enjoying their afternoon now.They continue to sing ‘we’re going to Wembley’.It has been some time since Crystal Palace played in a FA Cup semi-final.Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-3 Crystal Palace78. Earlier in the season there was relegation talk at Selhurst Park.What a job Oliver Glasner has done to turn that around.Now they are dreaming of European qualification and a trip to Wembley.Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-3 Crystal Palace76. The ball is rolled in behind the Fulham defence.Nketiah runs onto it and slots it past Leno.Game, set and match for The Eagles.This may well be the worst Saturday afternoon in West London since news broke that the Gucci store was closing.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedGoal – Eddie Nketiah (Crystal Palace)Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-2 Crystal Palace74. Lerma is fouled in the middle of the park.He takes the opportunity to roll around and make it seem worse than it is so he can run the clock down.Lacroix is then shown a card for time-wasting in taking the set-piece.Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-2 Crystal Palace72. Time is starting to run out for the hosts.For The Eagles, it is just a matter of defending what they have now.That said, if they get the chance to counter, another goal really puts this game to bed.Copy linkCopied More

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      Fulham 0 Crystal Palace 3: Ebere Eze’s magic sends Glasner’s side off to Wembley for FA Cup semi-final

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      CRYSTAL PALACE produced a stunning FA Cup splash-and-grab to book a semi-final date at Wembley.Jean-Philippe Mateta – donning his water polo-inspired protective headguard – barely made a ripple on his Eagles return.Ebere Eze’s magic sent Crystal Palace into the FA Cup semi-finalCredit: GettyHe curled a superb finish in off the far post at Craven CottageCredit: ReutersInstead, Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr stepped up to grab two goals in four first-half minutes, blowing a stunned Fulham out the water at Craven Cottage.A third goal against the run of play in the 75th minute sealed it thanks to second-half sub Eddie Nketiah.Marco Silva – enjoying his 500th game in management – will be scratching his head for weeks at this scoreline, shocked by how his Fulham boys failed to see this one out after such a dominant but toothless showing.The Portuguese coach will also be wondering what might have been had Adam Wharton received a second yellow for a 22nd-minute kick-out at Rodrigo Muniz.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFor now, Fulham’s 50-year wait to reach a domestic cup final goes on. Meanwhile, Austrian boss Oliver Glasner’s hero status in South London has hit new heights. The Selhurst faithful will genuinely be believing this is finally their time in the most open FA Cup for years – even if they were outplayed for large parts on the banks of the Thames.Mateta’s comeback was another positive for Palace and Glasner – the Frenchman making his first appearance since requiring 25 stitches in his left ear after being hit with a horrific kung-fu kick by Millwall keeper Liam Roberts in the fifth round on March 1.A bizarre-looking headband covering the ear made its debut. Glasner joked in the build-up he looked like a water polo star, while his team-mates compared Mateta to a WWE wrestler.Most read in FA CupUnsurprisingly, he looked rusty and leggy, unable to add to his 15 goals in all competitions so far this term in this 69-minute outing, with chances few and far between for the visitors.Silva also made a big decision, bringing in Muniz to lead the line after his impressive goal-scoring display to down Tottenham in the Premier League before the international break, dropping Raul Jimenez to the bench.Why Man City could be dumped out of the FA Cup by Bournemouth | Experts’ best bets – Weekend WagerThe early signs were promising. Inside the opening two minutes, Muniz outmuscled Marc Guehi, nipped past Maxence Lacroix and curled just wide of Dean Henderson’s far post.The Cottage was rocking. The noise was sensational. White and black flags had draped the stands before kick-off while red and blue balloons bounced around the away end. Early kick-offs in the cup are often recipes for tame, muted affairs, but this one – smothered in sunshine – had the feel of a final. Both sides recognised what a chance this was.Fulham continued to pile on the pressure, suffocating Palace. Sander Berge’s long-range shot was deflected wide by the hand of a lunging Jefferson Lerma. VAR weren’t fussed.Muniz then sent a header from a corner straight into the arms of Henderson. The visitors were struggling for a solution. Mateta cut an isolated, frustrated figure.He almost got his chance as Sarr skipped in front of Calvin Bassey on the edge of his box – only for his cut-back to be comfortably dealt with.It seemed inevitable Fulham would score. Bassey, this time rampaging forward, made the most of a mistimed Guehi clearance but his tee-up for Andreas Pereira was wasted.Soon after, Wharton kicked out at Muniz off the ball in the middle of the pitch, having already picked up a yellow for wiping out Willian in the 14th minute.Ref Darren England, surrounded by furious Fulham players, opted to give Wharton the benefit of the doubt. In hindsight, it was a huge let-off for Palace, one they would take advantage of.Lerma had just smacked the bar with an audacious volley, and in the 34th minute, Eze was given too much space to cut in off the left and curl a beauty in off the post from 25 yards, shushing the home fans with a smile.Palace’s cup king, four of Eze’s last five goals have come away from the Prem.Shell-shocked and downbeat, Fulham’s reaction could not have been worse, backing off Eze yet again, this time the England international going on the outside and getting a cross in.Sarr had wriggled free of Bassey’s grasp for the simplest of flicked headed finishes.In truth, Fulham never looked like getting back into it from there. Palace were beginning to enjoy themselves, especially Wharton, suptuously pirouetting on the ball around two players just before the break.The Cottage demanded an almighty response, a memorable comeback. They received neither. The air had been let out of Fulham’s FA Cup balloon.READ MORE SUN STORIESTheir second-half highlight included a deflected Willian effort off Wharton that was palmed away by Henderson and a subsequent goalmouth scramble from a corner that Bassey somehow failed to convert.Sticking to the script of the day, Palace then struck against the run of play once more, Nketiah – who had replaced Mateta – slipped in down the left and poking a cute finish through the legs of his old Arsenal pal Bernd Leno.Adam Wharton was fortunate not to get sent offCredit: AlamyIsmaila Sarr headed in the second for the EaglesCredit: AlamyEddie Nketiah rolled in for 3-0Credit: ReutersNketiah was all smiles as he put the result beyond any doubtCredit: ReutersJean-Philippe Mateta returned to action with protection for his earCredit: GettyPalace fans revelled in their side’s emphatic winCredit: GettyMarco Silva knows this was a glorious chance for Fulham to win the FA CupCredit: AFP More

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      Jean-Philippe Mateta wears water polo-style helmet as he starts for Crystal Palace three weeks after horror head injury

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      JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA wore a water polo-style helmet on his return from a horror head injury.The Crystal Palace striker was taken to hospital after being on the receiving end of a sickening tackle in the last round of the FA Cup against Millwall.Jean-Philippe Mateta is wearing a helmet against FulhamCredit: GettyIt is reminiscent of a water polo hatCredit: PAMateta has not played since suffering an ear injury in the previous round of the FA CupCredit: GettyThe Eagles won the clash 2-1 to set up Saturday’s quarter-final clash with Fulham, but Mateta had not played since.He required 25 stitches in his ear and was spotted wearing a big bandage in a recent interview.On his return to action Mateta wore a water polo-style helmet to protect his ear and helped Palace to a 3-0 win at Craven Cottage.There was serious planning to put into the helmet’s design, with three versions considered.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMateta, 27, wore the helmet in a behind-closed-doors friendly, with Eagles boss Oliver Glasner joking afterwards that the helmet was better suited to water polo.He said: “It’s like a water polo helmet. In water polo it’s so they don’t get water into their ears, he has it just on one side. It sounds crazy, but we are used to it.“I said to him maybe you should try [water polo] because he’s tall enough.”It looks a bit strange but he says he feels comfortable so let’s see.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“When he scores a header, then it was the right mask and the right protection.“Our doctor and the team did a great job finding the right protection. Everything is approved by the FA.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall star“There were three different ones. He tried one like you use to ride a motorbike but he couldn’t train with this because it was too heavy.“I said to the doctor I remember Petr Cech wearing a helmet but the ear was free so we needed the full helmet. Then we found the right one.“He tried in training which one fits him best and doesn’t influence him in the wrong way.“If I believed it was a problem, I wouldn’t play him but it looks like it isn’t a problem.“The last 10 days he’s had this protection and he did well in training so I didn’t find a reason to talk about this.” More

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      Fulham vs Crystal Palace live stream FREE: How to watch FA Cup quarter-final today

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      FULHAM go head-to-head with London rivals Crystal Palace for a spot in the FA Cup semi-finals TODAY.Both sides have aspirations of going all the way in football’s oldest competition, with many of the big boys already out of the conversation.Fulham knocked out Manchester United on penalties in the FA Cup fifth roundCredit: AlamyCrystal Palace avoided an upset against MillwallCredit: GettyNeither Fulham nor Crystal Palace have won the FA Cup in their history, but they do have three final appearances between them.The Cottagers’ only final came in 1975, when they were beaten 2-0 by West Ham, while the Eagles have made two appearances (1990 and 2016) but they were beaten by Manchester United on both occasions. Palace are set to be boosted by the return of striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who was on the receiving end of a horror challenge from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts in the last round, which left the Frenchman needing 25 stitches to his left ear.Fulham have some firepower of their own with both strikers Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz in fine goalscoring form of late.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis afternoon’s FA Cup tie promises to be a thriller as the two London rivals battle for a spot at Wembley.SunSport brings you all the information you need so you don’t miss a minute of action at Craven Cottage.How to watch Fulham vs Crystal Palace for FREEFulham’s huge FA Cup quarter-final tie with Crystal Palace will be broadcast live on ITV1.You can live stream all the action for FREE via the ITVX app/website.Most read in FA CupThe match will kick off at 12.15pm GMT on Saturday, March 29, with coverage beginning at 11.30am.Mark Pougatch will be on presenting duties, while Karen Carney and Ian Wright will provide analysis.Seb Hutchinson and Ally McCoist are on commentary for the London derby at Craven Cottage. More

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      I’m the TENTH member of my family to play for my country – I’ve already beaten England, now I want to cause FA Cup shock

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      STEFAN THORDARSON has a remarkable football heritage.The Preston midfielder is one of TEN internationals in his family tree.Stefan Thordarson is one of Preston North End’s star menCredit: PAThe midfielder comes from Icelandic footballing royaltyCredit: PAHis great-grandfather played in Iceland’s first-ever competitive gameCredit: SUPPLIEDThordur Thordarson with son Stefan pictured in 2020Credit: SUPPLIEDAnd as the Iceland star prepares to take on Premier League giants Aston Villa at Deepdale on Sunday, he said: “As soon as you’re born in my family, a ball is put in front of your feet!“It feels like almost everyone I’m related to has played for Iceland!”Thordarson, 26, has been capped 28 times — including playing in the 1-0 Wembley win over England last June.And his dad Thordur, uncle Stefan who played for Stoke, great-uncles Olafur and Teitur and great-grandad Thordur have also represented their homeland.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSBut it does not stop there.Branching off from his great-great-grandmother, he is related to former Iceland star Petur Petursson, who played for Feyenoord, Anderlecht and Royal Antwerp.And through his great-grandma he is also related to Arni Sveinsson, Sveinn Teitsson and Sigursteinn Gislason — who were all capped by their country too.Finally, although not picked by Iceland, his older brother Thordur Thorsteinn Thordarson has been a professional footballer playing in the top flight back home, while cousin Oliver Stefansson is currently with Swedish team IFK Norrkoping.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPreston’s secret weaponBy Justin AllenASTON VILLA had better beware — Preston’s secret weapon is gunning for them.Iceland midfielder Stefan Thordarson was brought up learning the art of slaying giants and is bidding to stun the Prem side in the FA Cup.Villa, who travel to the Championship outfit tomorrow in the quarter-finals, only need to ask defender Ezri Konsa how you write off the 26-year-old at your peril. When the England star faced Thordarson last June, the Three Lions lost 1-0 at Wembley in their final warm-up for Euro 2024.And the North End midfielder said: “That was a perfect day to play and win against such a talented England team at the iconic Wembley in front of 81,000 fans.“I’d love to go there again for the semi-finals. We want to take this club to Wembley.“Villa have international players in every position, but we’re going to try to do what we do best — dominate the game in the way we want to.”If North End, who sit 14th in the second tier, pull off a shock, it will be the third consecutive year a Championship side have made a Wembley FA Cup semi-final.Coventry were controversially beaten by eventual winners Manchester United on penalties under the arch last season after VAR ruled out what would have been a 120th-minute Haji Wright winner.While Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom took Sheffield United there in 2023 where they lost to Manchester City, who again went on to lift the famous old trophy.Thordarson was in the side that beat Fulham in the Carabao Cup earlier this season after a thrilling 16-15 shootout win.And he has always believed no team is unbeatable since watching his homeland famously knock England out in the last 16 of Euro 2016 — arguably the Three Lions’ most humiliating defeat at a major finals.Thordarson added: “It was the biggest day in Iceland’s sporting history, so we know all about upsets.“It was a huge moment because we all look up to the Premier League and England.“That Iceland side inspired an entire generation of footballers that anything is possible.“We know Villa are a top European side and you can see that in the Champions League.“But as we’ve seen from FA Cup history — and our Iceland team — nothing is impossible.”Altogether, his family have amassed 299 caps and 42 goals for Iceland – of which Thordarson has scored one.Thordarson said: “I’m fortunate to have a family who know what I’m going through as a footballer and they’ve been a major help.Unai Emery proud as Aston Villa compete victory against Club Brugge “The main one is my dad, who played as a goalkeeper back home but had two years in Sweden too at IFK Norrkoping.“And then there’s my uncle Stefan — who I’m named after. He was a striker with Stoke between 2000-02.“My middle name is Teitur, which I get from my great-uncle. He played for Lens and Cannes in France.“He was a great goalscorer and in the 1981-82 season he got 19 for Lens, which was only three behind Les Bleus legend Michel Platini, who was playing for Saint-Etienne that year.“Teitur was the Estonia national team coach and managed a lot of teams in Norway and Iceland as well as Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada. I look up to him a lot.“Then going further back there’s my great-grandfather Thordur, who was in the Iceland team for their first-ever competitive match, against France, when we were allowed to enter the qualifying stages for the 1958 World Cup.”Thordur also scored against an amateur England side in 1956 — classed as a B international as Iceland were not professionals at the time.Stefan Thordarson’s, great uncle, Teitur, also played football before going into managementCredit: SUPPLIEDThordarson added: “I’m lucky to have all these role models. I’m always talking to dad and my uncle who played for Stoke.“Once or twice a year I meet my great-uncles too. Everyone has always been a huge help in my career.”Thordarson is the THIRD player in Preston history to not only come from Iceland but herald from Akranes on the west coast.The town is a 30-minute drive from the capital Reykjavik and has also produced North End midfielder Bjarki Gunnlaugsson (1999-2002) and striker Thordur Gudjonsson (2002).Akranes, with an official population of 8,452, has also produced the likes of ex-Aston Villa, Wolves, Leicester, Burnley and Huddersfield midfielder Joey Gudjonsson and former Wolves striker Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdarson.And current Iceland head coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson, who played for Bolton, Leicester and Stoke, is also from the town.Thordarson said: “There cannot be many places in the world that have produced so many pro footballers from such a small population.“When you’re brought up, it’s all about football. Our hometown team won everything in the 1980s and early 1990s.”Not surprisingly, his role model growing up was Iceland’s most famous player — former Barcelona, Chelsea and Bolton star Eidur Gudjohnsen.And Thordarson was almost starry-eyed when the great man was his Under-21s coach.He said: “Eidur was a huge inspiration. To come from Iceland and get into that Barcelona team alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Xavi and Deco was amazing.“It was such a great honour to play for him.”Thordarson is driven to follow in Gudjohnsen’s footsteps by reaching the Premier League and said: “That’s why I moved to England. That has always been my dream.”Stefan Thordarson was inspired by former Chelsea and Iceland star Eidur GudjohnsenCredit: GETTYAs a kid, he grew up watching English football and his favourite team were Arsenal — idolising Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and, in particular, Cesc Fabregas.The Preston star revealed: “I had an English coach back home called Dean Martin.“He still lives in Iceland but is from London and is a big Arsenal fan. He got some of us to be Gooners too.“It was at the time of the Invincibles. The way that team played under Arsene Wenger — and Cesc? Wow.“The way he was and how he moved on the field with his upbringing from Barcelona. It was a joy to watch.”After playing for his local club, Thordarson moved to Denmark and played four seasons for Silkeborg.And in the 2022-23 season, he played against West Ham in the Conference League group stage.Thordarson joined Preston last July and he has quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite.He said: “It’s been an eventful first season. We lost manager Ryan Lowe, who signed me, after just one game.“We had a good Carabao Cup run by beating Fulham 16-15 on penalties and I got the chance to play Arsenal.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Despite the 3-0 loss, that was a great experience.“And now we’re in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Beating Burnley 3-0 in the last round was one of the best atmospheres I’ve ever played in.”Stefan Thordarson helped Iceland get the better of England last summerCredit: AFP More

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      ‘He looks like a wrestler’ – Jean-Philippe Mateta to wear WATER POLO helmet in FA Cup clash after horror ear injury

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      JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA will be wearing a water polo-style protective headband on his Crystal Palace return on Saturday.And Eagles boss Oliver Glasner has insisted: “If I didn’t believe he was ready, I wouldn’t play him.”We imagine how Mateta might look in his water polo helmetJean-Philippe Mateta was pole-axed by Liam Roberts in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup clash with MillwallCredit: REUTERSThe horror tackle resulted in Mateta receiving 25 stitches to his earCredit: SKY SPORTSThe Frenchman has been wearing protective padding in trainingCredit: INSTAGRAM@CPFCHe’s set to don a water polo-style protective headband upon his return to the first teamCredit: DECATHLONFrench striker Mateta is set to start Palace’s FA Cup quarter-final clash at Fulham – his first appearance since requiring 25 stitches in his ear after being hit with a dangerous kung-fu kick by Millwall keeper Liam Roberts in the fifth round on March 1.After trialling three different versions, Mateta has been training over the international break in his FA-approved protective head guard – including in a behind-closed-doors match – which has been jovially mocked by Glasner and the Palace squad.Glasner explained: “It’s like a water polo helmet. In water polo it’s so they don’t get water into their ears, he has it just on one side. It sounds crazy, but we are used to it.“I said to him maybe you should try [water polo] because he’s tall enough. READ MORE SPORTS NEWS”It looks a bit strange but he says he feels comfortable so let’s see.“When he scores a header, then it was the right mask and the right protection. “Our doctor and the team did a great job finding the right protection. Everything is approved by the FA.“There were three different ones. He tried one like you use to ride a motorbike but he couldn’t train with this because it was too heavy.Most read in Football“I said to the doctor I remember Petr Cech wearing a helmet but the ear was free so we needed the full helmet. Then we found the right one.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOliver Glasner has no reservations about throwing Jean-Philippe Mateta back into the fireCredit: REUTERS“He tried in training which one fits him best and doesn’t influence him in the wrong way.”If I believed it was a problem, I wouldn’t play him but it looks like it isn’t a problem.Crystal Palace star Mateta stretchered off with horror injury after shock kung-fu kick from Milwall keeper who sees red“The last 10 days he’s had this protection and he did well in training so I didn’t find a reason to talk about this.”Asked whether there is a risk Mateta may not be the same player because of it, Glasner continued: “I watched him in training, he looks the same as he did before.“He needed to get back into his rhythm because he couldn’t really train for two weeks. “One week he was at home, the second he was training individually.“It’s also lucky that in this situation nothing was fractured and there was no concussion, it was just the ear although it was a terrible injury.“Some players say that the ear looks better than before!”Palace defender Chris Richards – who once played with a protective mask after breaking his nose while in Germany – added: “It can be restricting but I think he’ll be fine.“[Mateta] enjoys the attention. He’s got that bionic ear now. He looks like a wrestler.READ MORE SUN STORIES”With the headband, we were also saying he looks like the American tennis player Francis Tiafoe.”On if he has given Mateta any advice, Richards laughed: “No, no. He won’t listen to me anyway.” More