Tag Archives: breakthrough

Kyle Walker returns to twitter after closing it following abuse

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Time to be social: Walker to reopen Twitter account following abuse from fans

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UPDATED:

14:21 GMT, 2 November 2012

Kyle Walker has vowed to reopen the Twitter account he closed after receiving criticism for his performances on the social networking site last month.

The Tottenham defender shut his @kyle28walker account, which had over a quarter of a million followers, after becoming angry at those who had hit out at his poor showing in Tottenham's 4-2 home defeat to Chelsea 13 days ago.

The England right-back explained that he had come off Twitter because he wanted to concentrate on football after what has been a mixed start to the season for the ambitious 22-year-old from Sheffield.

Being social: Kyle Walker is back on Twitter

Being social: Kyle Walker is back on Twitter

He revealed he would reactivate the account shortly, however, admitting he misses interacting with the club's fans, who have taken to him after he enjoyed an outstanding breakthrough season last term.

'I will be back on it shortly,' Walker said at an event to publicise the Topps Match Attax Tour.

'I just thought with my form it was time to concentrate on my football rather then tweeting.

'But I will definitely be back on it because I like to have a bit of banter with the fans and it's good to give the fans something back because they are coming to support us every game.'

Walker is not the first player to have shut his account. Darron Gibson and Danny Simpson both came off Twitter after receiving abuse while others have removed their profiles after getting in to trouble with their clubs and the authorities.

Disappointing: Walker could not help Tottenham past Norwich in the Capital One Cup

Disappointing: Walker could not help Tottenham past Norwich in the Capital One Cup

The former Sheffield United defender was clearly angered by some of the tweets he received following his display against Chelsea, and he admits he will have to learn to take any more abuse that comes his way when he returns to the site.

'When people say silly things you have to be a bit thick skinned and try and not make it bother you, but sometimes some comments do hurt because you go out there every week to try your best and you don't want to disappoint anyone,” Walker said.

'You just have to overcome it and get on with it. People are entitled to their opinions.'

Last year Walker enjoyed a hugely successful season in which he was compared to Roberto Carlos, scored a magnificent derby winner against Arsenal, and won the Professional Footballers' Association Young Player of the Year award.

Inconsistent: Kyle Walker says his form has been up and down

Inconsistent: Kyle Walker says his form has been up and down

The pacy full-back admits his form has been patchy at times this season, however.

'My form has been a bit up and down to be truthful. I couldn't tell you why,' Walker said.

'I had a good season last season so to keep that standard is very high.

'I will try and keep doing what I did last season and hopefully everything will fall in to place.

'I am prepared to work after training…that will make me a better player.'

One player whose form has not been questioned this season is Walker's team-mate Jermain Defoe.

Defoe struggled to make Harry Redknapp's first team last season, but he has looked sharp since Andre Villas-Boas' arrival, scoring eight goals for club and country so far this year.

The 30-year-old will no doubt be looking to add to that tally tomorrow when Tottenham welcome Wigan to White Hart Lane in the Barclays Premier League.

Walker thinks Defoe is in just as good form now as he was three years ago when he put five past Wigan in Tottenham's stunning 9-1 win at White Hart Lane.

'I don't think he has ever dropped that form (since the 9-1 win),” Walker added.

'He is one of the first in the gym and he does his finishing after training as well so he is getting the rewards he didn't get last season.

'He is someone young strikers look up to and will learn a lot off, not just in terms of his goalscoring, but his attitude as well.

'He is a pleasure to play with.'

Fabio Borini knows he must make his mark at Liverpool after 10m move

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Borini knows he must make his mark at Liverpool after 10m move

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UPDATED:

22:11 GMT, 6 October 2012

However strained relationships became at Anfield following a botched transfer window, you cannot imagine owner John W Henry ordering manager Brendan Rodgers to leave out 10million signing Fabio Borini against Stoke.

But similar boardroom interference is exactly what happened to Borini at Chelsea, when he had the temerity at 19 years of age to stand up to Roman Abramovich over contract talks.

Having just made his first-team breakthrough under Carlo Ancelotti, who compared Borini to legendary Italian goal sniffer Filippo Inzaghi, the teenager was suddenly axed from the squad.

Time to deliver: Fabio Borini has yet to score for Liverpool in the league

Time to deliver: Fabio Borini has yet to score for Liverpool in the league

‘Ancelotti told me that, above him, they didn’t want me in the first team,’ said Borini, now 21. ‘They said I had to play in the reserves because I hadn’t signed a new contract. It was a hard period for me and it wasn’t even the manager’s choice.’

Borini — nicknamed ‘The Pirate’ because of his trademark goal celebration — worked with Rodgers at Chelsea and Swansea before playing for Roma last season but has struggled to make an impact at Anfield so far. His debut was particularly painful when he ran into West Brom’s Liam Ridgwell, literally.

Heavy price tag: Borini was bought for 10m

Heavy price tag: Borini was bought for 10m

‘I was left on the floor with some broken teeth and he was standing over me shouting,’ said Borini. Things are unlikely to be any more comfortable against the giants of Stoke.

Borini hopes Rodgers will eventually play him as a centre-forward rather than wide on the left, where he has been used so far.

‘I’ve always played in the middle. I find things come more naturally to me there,’ said Borini. ‘If the ball drops in the box, I can sense how it will bounce, what a defender will do. I can read it early, it is a kind of instinct. When you play wide, you end up far away from the goal.

‘Inzaghi was probably not the best technical player but always ran like crazy and was clever in scoring goals. I don’t mind the comparison because he won everything in his career.’

Borini has also been working hard in the gym to improve his strength. ‘Physically, it is harder in England. In Italy, we’d stand for an hour in training doing tactical work. You can’t do that here — the weather is too cold!’

Things should heat up on Sunday, though, if the young Italian breaks his Premier League duck.

Raheem Sterling set for England call-up

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Hodgson ponders handing 17-year-old Sterling call up for England's World Cup qualifiers

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UPDATED:

06:55 GMT, 3 October 2012

Roy Hodgson is considering keeping Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling, 17, in the senior England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland rather than letting him join the Under 21s for their Euro play-off against Serbia.

The 17-year-old received a surprise
call-up for England's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine after a number of good performances for his club.

And he is expected to be handed a new deal at Anfield on his 18th birthday in December.

Breakthrough: Sterling has impressed this season at Liverpool

Breakthrough: Sterling has impressed this season at Liverpool

England are under pressure to get their World Cup bid back on track after the below-par performance at home against Ukraine.

The Three Lions were held to a 1-1 draw, but will be hoping to put that behind them with maximum points from the forthcoming qualifiers.

Teenage kicks: Sterling has enjoyed a fine start to the season with Liverpool

Teenage kicks: Sterling has enjoyed a fine start to the season with Liverpool

Carl Jenkinson"s moving message to grandfather outside Arsenal ground

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'Grandad, hope you're proud': Jenkinson's moving message outside Arsenal ground

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UPDATED:

16:09 GMT, 28 September 2012

Carl Jenkinson has left an emotional engraved message for his proud grandfather outside the Emirates.

The Gunners left back has emerged as a regular in the first team since making his dream move from Charlton last year.

Jenkinson is part of a family of avid Arsenal fans but unfortuntely his grandfather was not able to see him play for the club he supports.

Moving: Carl Jenkinson's tribute to his late grandfather outside the Emirates

Moving: Carl Jenkinson's tribute to his late grandfather outside the Emirates

Instead, the defender organised to have an engraved message on Armoury Square outside the ground that reads 'Grandad, hope you're proud – Carl Jenkinson'.

He said: 'I just wanted something for my grandad. It has always been a bit of a regret that he has not been able to come to my games since I’ve been at Arsenal.

'It is well documented that my dad is a massive Arsenal fan but grandad was just the same, and I was very close to him.

'It’s a regret that he has not been able to watch me, but I am sure he is looking down at how things are going for me and the fact I’m playing for Arsenal.

Breakthrough: Jenkinson has established himself in the Arsenal first team

Breakthrough: Jenkinson has established himself in the Arsenal first team

'I am a fan of this club and that will never change. I am just lucky enough to have been given the ability and the chance to play for my club.

'I was going to watch Arsenal the same as the fans were and [now] just count myself very lucky to represent them as a fan who has become a player.

'It doesn’t come around very often and I just feel privileged and honoured to be that person.'

Neil Lennon: Celtic must be more clinical

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Lennon wants Celtic to be more ruthless ater defeat of Dundee

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UPDATED:

18:24 GMT, 22 September 2012

Neil Lennon urged his shot-shy players to turn chances into goals following their 2-0 Clydesdale Bank Premier League win over bottom side Dundee at Parkhead.

Strikes by Gary Hooper and Victor Wanyama gave the home side three welcome points but the victory would have been more comprehensive had it not been for former Hoops goalkeeper Robert Douglas and some poor finishing.

The 40-year-old Dees number one had a fine match, brilliantly saving a Scott Brown penalty in the 38th minute – only to be beaten just before the break when Hooper hammered in from 10 yards.

Roar power: Gary Hooper beats Dundee keeper Rab Douglas to score the opener

Roar power: Gary Hooper beats Dundee keeper Rab Douglas to score the opener

Wanyama fired in from distance after
four minutes of the second half and after that the home side were in
complete control but continued to spurn numerous opportunities, with
Hooper hitting the post.

The Celtic boss, asked about the
missed chances, replied: 'It is a concern for me. What isn't a concern
is the chances that we are creating, because we are doing that on
numerous occasions in games – but I would like to see us start putting a
few more away.

'We lacked a little quality at times
in the final third but the build-up play was pretty good and defensively
we looked pretty comfortable all afternoon.

Powerhouse: Victor Wanyama made it 2-0 with a rasping long-range drive

Powerhouse: Victor Wanyama made it 2-0 with a rasping long-range drive

'It was a good performance, a clean sheet and three points which is what I wanted.

'There was a good tempo to the game.
We had to wait a wee while for the breakthrough but it was a quality
goal from Gary after really good play between him and Scott.

'We got a great second goal in the
second-half and I felt after that it was one-way traffic and the only
disappointment was we didn't get more goals.'

Lennon joked about the performance
of former Celtic team mate Douglas. He smiled: 'I will have him by the
neck later on for making my day uncomfortable.

'I thought he was excellent. It took two quality goals to beat him today.

Crowded out: Lassad Nouioui tries to go between Steven Milne and Kyle Benedictus

Crowded out: Lassad Nouioui tries to go between Steven Milne and Kyle Benedictus

'I thought Gary was unlucky with the
one that hit the post, he took a great first touch but Rab made some
fine saves, especially in the second-half.'

Dundee boss Barry Smith paid tribute to Douglas, saying: 'Rab has done extremely well for us all season.

'He gets a lot of plaudits and maybe a
lot of people give him some stick but at 40 years of age, producing
performances week in, week out is difficult.

'For him to continue to do that is great for Dundee Football Club.'

Smith claimed his side might have
been denied a first-half penalty when defender Gary Irvine went to
ground after going past Emilio Izaguirre in the Hoops box.

The former Celtic defender said: 'I think that Gary Irvine was possibly tripped going into the box.

'I haven't seen it but I think it
would be strange for him to go into the box and go down as easily as he
did (had he not been touched).

'Gary said he was clipped but I can't say anything until I see it for myself.'

Smith mourned John Baird's missed
chance from 12 yards when the game was goalless. He said: “If we take
the chance then it is a different game.

'That is the chances you have to take at Celtic Park.

'They don't come that often so you have to take them.

'Obviously when Robert makes the penalty save, you think maybe something will turn again but unfortunately for us it didn't.'

World Twenty20 2012: Zimbabwe eliminated after South Africa defeat

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Zimbabwe eliminated after 10-wicket thrashing at hands of South Africa

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UPDATED:

18:13 GMT, 20 September 2012

Jacques Kallis starred with the ball as South Africa cruised to a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in their World Twenty20 opener in Hambantota today, sealing their berth in the Super Eights in the process.

Kallis took four for 15 off his four overs as Zimbabwe were limited to 93 for eight and South Africa's openers Richard Levi (50 not out) and Hashim Amla (32no) easily knocked off the target with 44 balls remaining.

The result means South Africa and Sri Lanka have both qualified for the Super Eights from Group C as Zimbabwe bow out of the competition having also been heavily beaten by hosts Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

Stroll in the park: Kallis starred for the Proteas as they hammered Zimbabwe

Stroll in the park: Kallis starred for the Proteas as they hammered Zimbabwe

South Africa v Zimbabwe

Click here for a full scoreboard

After winning the toss and putting
Zimbabwe in, South Africa were soon establishing a suffocating
stranglehold on their African rivals thanks to some miserly bowling
right from the start.

Dale Steyn (one for nine) conceded
just a single off the first over, and then Morne Morkel (two for 16)
leaked just two off the second, which included South Africa's first
breakthrough when Vusi Sibanda was bowled for a duck.

Thanks for coming: Zimbabwe have been sent out of the competition at the first hurdle

Thanks for coming: Zimbabwe have been sent out of the competition at the first hurdle

Thanks for coming: Zimbabwe have been sent out of the competition at the first hurdle

The dangerous Brendan Taylor quickly
came and went for four, also dismissed by Morne Morkel, and when Albie
Morkel snared Hamilton Masakadza for six, Zimbabwe were in all sorts of
trouble on 16 for three.

Craig Ervine (37) and Stuart
Matsikenyeri (11) stemmed the tide for a while with a fourth-wicket
stand worth 35, but they were the only two Zimbabwe batsmen to reach
double figures as man-of-the-match Kallis made short work of the middle
order.

Kallis sent back Matsikenyeri and
Elton Chigumbura in successive balls in a double-wicket maiden before
also snaring Graeme Cremer (six) and Ervine as Zimbabwe limped to 77 for
eight.

Bowled over: Morkel was in the wickets as Zimbabwe posted a woeful total of 93

Bowled over: Morkel was in the wickets as Zimbabwe posted a woeful total of 93

Bowled over: Morkel was in the wickets as Zimbabwe posted a woeful total of 93

Bowled over: Morkel was in the wickets as Zimbabwe posted a woeful total of 93

Zimbabwe at least managed to avoid
their lowest T20 total of 84 but they did not make much more as South
Africa were set a target of 93 to win.

The Proteas achieved that with few
serious concerns, with the only clear opportunity seeing Amla dropped by
Sibanda at point, although South Africa were 88 without loss at that
stage.

All smiles: Kallis finished with figures of 4-15 from his allotted four overs

All smiles: Kallis finished with figures of 4-15 from his allotted four overs

Ross Barkley joins Sheffield Wednesday on loan

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Barkley set for regular football as Everton midfielder joins Wednesday on month-long loan

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UPDATED:

09:21 GMT, 14 September 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Everton midfielder Ross Barkley has joined npower Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on a month's loan.

The highly-rated 18-year-old broke into the Toffees first team last season and has made 10 appearances in total, but so far this campaign he has played only in the Capital One Cup victory over Leyton Orient.

Quality: Ross Barkley is looking for regular football as he joins Sheffield Wednesday

Quality: Ross Barkley is looking for regular football as he joins Sheffield Wednesday

Manager David Moyes believes the teenager, who signed a new five-year contract in December, would benefit from a spell of regular football but the player remains a key part of the club's long-term future.

'We have been chasing Ross for some time and I'm really pleased to have him on board,' Wednesday manager Dave Jones told swfc.co.uk.

'This is as big as the Rodri (Barcelona striker) signing for me because this lad is a real quality player.

'He's energetic, good in the air and a box to box player who can score a goal.'

The Everton man, who has been given squad No 24, is available for selection ahead of Wednesday's clash with Brighton on Friday evening.

Breakthrough: Barkley (left) broke into the Everton team last season, and remains part of David Moyes' plans

Breakthrough: Barkley (left) broke into the Everton team last season, and remains part of David Moyes' plans

Tottenham target Leandro Damiao confirms transfer offer

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Brazilian hotshot Damiao confirms big European offer in closing days of summer window

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UPDATED:

11:02 GMT, 6 September 2012

Tottenham and Manchester United target Leandro Damiao has revealed he came close to joining a big European team during the summer.

The Brazilian is one of his country's most coveted young stars having excelled at Internacional since his breakthrough two years ago as a 21-year-old.

One day: Internacional's Leandro Damiao turned down a move to Europe

One day: Internacional's Leandro Damiao turned down a move to Europe

The striker, who proved his international
credentials with a top-scorer showing at the Olympics, has continued to
develop his game and is favourite to lead the line at the 2014 World
Cup in his homeland.

Tottenham have long been on Damiao's trail and have seen numerous bids rejected by his club in the last year as Internacional hold out for someone to meet the 40million buyout clause.

Sir Alex Ferguson was a latecomer to the bidding, which also involved Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

And now Damiao has admitted an offer was on the table before club president Giovanni Luigi decided against pursuing the sale. It is a decision the 23-year-old is happy with.

He said: 'The value of the offer was very good for me and for Internacional. But it didn't happen. I think Giovanni Luigi is a great president and he knows what he's doing.

'I'm very happy to be playing in Brazil. I'll certainly leave at some point for sure, but not today.'

Southampton to sign Gaston Ramirez

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Saints close to signing Ramirez after agreeing 15m deal with Bologna

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UPDATED:

21:26 GMT, 27 August 2012

Southampton are hopeful of a breakthrough with Bologna over a deal for Gaston Ramirez.

The 21-year-old Uruguayan playmaker has refused to play for the Italian side after his 11.8million move fell through. However, negotiations have put a deal back in place.

It will see Saints pay Bologna 15m, while Ramirez’s former club Penarol, who own 30 per cent of the player, will be given 30 per cent of any future sale.

Heading for England: Gaston Ramirez (left) is close to joining Southampton

Heading for England: Gaston Ramirez
(left) is close to joining Southampton

US Open 2012: Heather Watson beaten by Li Na 6-2, 6-3 in first round

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Agony for Watson as Na sends her crashing out at Flushing Meadows in first round

PUBLISHED:

19:47 GMT, 27 August 2012

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UPDATED:

19:51 GMT, 27 August 2012

Heather Watson's US Open campaign came to an end on the first afternoon at Flushing Meadows as she was beaten 6-2, 6-3 by ninth seed Li Na.

It was a very tough draw for Watson. Li has had an up and down time since winning the French Open last summer but she has well and truly hit form on the north American hard courts.

The 30-year-old reached the final in Montreal earlier this month, losing to Petra Kvitova, and then beat Agnieszka Radwanska, Venus Williams and Angelique Kerber back to back to win her first title of the year in Cincinnati.

Bowing out: Heather Watson was beaten by Na Li in straight sets

Bowing out: Heather Watson was beaten by Na Li in straight sets

Watson, meanwhile, was fresh from winning her second WTA Tour doubles title of the year in Texas with New Zealand's Marina Erakovic on Friday but had not won a singles match since the Olympics.

The British number one began confidently and had a break point in the fourth game but Li saved it with a big serve, and from there the ninth seed rather pulled away.

Down and out: Na Li beat Heather Watson in straight sets

Down and out: Na Li beat Heather Watson in straight sets

Watson lost five games in a row to end the first set, looking exasperated at Li's precision, but the Guernsey player stopped the rot at the start of the second, beginning the game with two aces.

The 20-year-old does not lack for fighting spirit and she again began to trouble Li with her returns, and this time she got the breakthrough to lead 3-1.

But Li hit straight back and, when Watson lost a second straight service game to trail 4-3, the end was nigh.

End of the road: Watson saw her tournament come to an end of the first day

End of the road: Watson saw her tournament come to an end of the first day

She was saved, at least for a little while, though, by the weather as, with Li having held serve to move to within a game of victory, the heavens opened and an almighty thunderstorm hit Flushing Meadows.

The pair were off court for almost three hours but Li needed only one game to clinch victory with a third straight break of the Watson serve.