Tag Archives: visitors

Sunderland to consider loan move out Ji-Dong Won, the first hero of 2012

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Whatever happened to Sunderland's first hero of 2012, Ji the City slayer

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UPDATED:

22:00 GMT, 25 December 2012

Ji Dong-won may have been forgiven for believing that his dramatic late winner against Manchester City would kick-start his Sunderland career.

But while Martin O’Neill leapt high into the air when the South Korea striker bundled the ball round Joe Hart on the first day of 2012, the Sunderland manager has barely played him since.

Good old days: Ji Dong-Won's Sunderland career has failed to take off since his memorable goal against Manchester City on the first day of 2012

Good old days: Ji Dong-Won's Sunderland career has failed to take off since his memorable goal against Manchester City on the first day of 2012

The 21-year-old, who was signed by
Steve Bruce from Chunnam Dragons 18 months ago, played only six games
after New Year’s Day and has yet to feature at all this season.

Hundreds of Korean visitors still go
to the Stadium of Light hoping to see the South Korea Olympic squad
member, only to find him forlornly sitting in the stands in his club
suit and tie.

Ji, who is also a cult figure with
Sunderland supporters, has been linked with a move back to Chunnam
Dragons and O’Neill admitted the striker may have to go out on loan to
revive his Sunderland career.

O’Neill said: ‘It has been tough for
him. He has had a difficult time trying to learn his trade and I have
to look at that, realise how young he is and how far away from home he
is but he has the makings of a player.

‘He has found it difficult to cope with the physical aspect but he has natural talent and it is really up to him.

‘There have been a number of inquiries about our players and all I can say is that it has been a frustrating time for him.

‘He played in the Olympics, didn’t always start the games but he perhaps thought after that goal it would be lift-off time.

‘If there was a possibility of a loan
spell I would give it some consideration, although I can’t at the minute
while we consider in-coming players.’

England v Fiji: Show no mercy, says Andy Farrell

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Farrell demands England show 'no mercy' to Fiji as autumn internationals get underway

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UPDATED:

22:59 GMT, 9 November 2012

England will adopt a ‘no mercy’ mantra at Twickenham as they try to clinically dispatch Fiji and lay the foundations for a triumphant autumn series.

Stuart Lancaster’s men go into the first of four QBE Internationals as firm favourites to see off the under-cooked, weakened Pacific Island visitors, despite a lack of experience in the home ranks.

The game, in front of a capacity 82,000 crowd, will test the national team’s ability to deal with expectation and show they can take the step from being competitive to being utterly dominant at home.

Put through their paces: England were at Twickenham on Friday to prepare for their clash against Fiji

Put through their paces: England were at Twickenham on Friday to prepare for their clash against Fiji

Put through their paces: England were at Twickenham on Friday to prepare for their clash against Fiji

England know they must set the tone and win the match with room to spare. ‘We have to be ruthless and show no mercy,’ said coach Andy Farrell. ‘We’re after a performance.We’ve had two brilliant weeks of training. The boys are itching to get out there.

‘You will always look for that perfect performance but we haven’t played for five months so there will be a lot of learning to come out of this game for us. We can kick on for the rest of the autumn.

‘The boys are led well and they know exactly what they’re doing. They have brought fight and desire and intensity to their performances this year, but they understand that they have to improve now.

‘The intensity and passion have to be an absolute given, but to be the best, there is an extra 15 to 20 per cent there. The proof of our progress will be how we perform.’

No mercy: Stuart Lancaster, Andy Farrell and Mike Catt are demanding the best from their team

No mercy: Stuart Lancaster, Andy Farrell and Mike Catt are demanding the best from their team

Leading example: Chris Robshaw

Leading example: Chris Robshaw

Chris Robshaw, the England captain, agreed it was vital for him and his team-mates to be ruthless.

‘We have to take every opportunity we can,’ he said. ‘We can’t take 10 or 15 minutes to get into a game like we did in South Africa. We must make sure we deliver from minute one.

‘It is a different type of pressure. It is easy to go into a game when you are underdogs and have nothing to lose and you can throw the ball about. It is when people are expecting something that you have to perform.

‘That’s what we want to do as players. We need to stay positive throughout the game.’

England’s players were last night given their Test jerseys by former captain Will Carling. Among them was New Zealand-born No 8 Thomas Waldrom, who has marked his first Test start at Twickenham by flying his parents to London from Christchurch.

‘I don’t think it’s sunk in yet that I’m playing for England at Twickenham,’ he said. ‘It’s a very special occasion. I was only told on Tuesday, so it’s been a rush.’

The 29-year-old, who played for New Zealand age-group teams, qualifies through an English-born grandmother.

England v South Africa ODI abandoned after wash-out

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Cardiff wash-out scuppers England ODI revenge bid against South Africa

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UPDATED:

15:16 GMT, 24 August 2012

England's hopes of exacting revenge against their Test conquerors South Africa were frustrated as the first match of their NatWest one-day series was washed out with less than half-an-hour's play possible in Cardiff.

Ian Bell did his best to offer the drenched supporters some entertainment, clubbing two huge sixes on his way to 26 not out from 18 balls, but England's 37 without loss from 5.3 overs was a poor return for more than five hours of watching the skies.

The sides were contesting a reduced 23-over contest when the game was finally abandoned under the heaviest rain of the day.

Foiled: Alastair Cook during a rare period of play

Foiled: Alastair Cook during a rare period of play

Play in the first one-day
international was due to begin at 10.15am and the rival captains got as
far as the toss, with AB de Villiers calling correctly and opting to
field.

The dark clouds above duly began to open and the start was delayed.

The umpires, Richard Kettleborough and
Kumar Dharmasena, were frequent visitors to the pitch for the next few
hours, inspecting conditions in the brief breaks between showers.

A handful of provisional start times -
and revised playing conditions – were set and then abandoned as the
rain continued to set in but spectators finally got some action when the
sides took to the field at 3pm.

A 24-over match was scheduled at that
point but spectators reacted with disbelief when just one delivery – a
leg-side wide by Morne Morkel – was sent down before the players left
the field again.

On hold again: Players trudge off in the rain

On hold again: Players trudge off in the rain

A slow handclap ensued and the delay
this time lasted just 10 minutes before hostilities were resumed, this
time with a further over per innings removed.

Alastair Cook failed to score off the
first six legal deliveries of the game and was then close to being run
out attempting a bold single when Wayne Parnell failed to hit the stumps
from close range.

England managed just four runs from
the first three overs but both Cook and Bell picked up boundaries in
Lonwabo Tsotsobe's second over, both crisply driven to the ropes.

Cook (10no) might already have been
gone after a bold single gave Parnell the chance of a run-out from
mid-on. He missed from close range to reprieve the England skipper.

From there it was all about Bell.

Still having fun: Fans drinking during a rain break

Still having fun: Fans drinking during a rain break

He took a step down the track before
swiping Morkel into the stands at mid-wicket for six and followed up
with an even better lofted six over mid-off.

England took 16 off that fifth over to
double their total and when Bell stepped outside off-stump and flicked
Tsotsobe for four over short fine-leg it looked as though fireworks were
imminent.

Instead, it turned out to be a damp squib as just two more balls were possible before the rain returned with vengeance.

This time the weather was heavy and
locked in for a long time, leaving officials with no choice but to call a
halt to proceedings.

England had earlier chosen to hand Chris Woakes his fifth ODI cap, and the first since August 25 last year, with the in-form Warwickshire all-rounder replacing the rested Stuart Broad.

Broad has been given the series off and 23-year-old Woakes got the nod ahead of Samit Patel's left-arm spin and the pace of Jade Dernbach.

Halted: Ian Bell and Cook leave the field

Halted: Ian Bell and Cook leave the field

South Africa's side was much-changed from the team which clinched the Test series 2-0, with only De Villiers, Hashim Amla, Graeme Smith, JP Duminy and Morne Morkel retained.

Debutant Dean Elgar was among the incoming players, alongside one-day specialists including Ryan McLaren, Robin Peterson and Faf du Plessis.

Both Albie Morkel and Dale Steyn failed fitness tests and will be monitored ahead of Tuesday's second match at Hampshire's Ageas Bowl.

Team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee said: 'Albie's recurring left ankle injury is still a concern for us. We do not want to risk him by playing and would rather take the necessary precautionary measures especially with the World T20 taking place next month.

'Dale is battling with a stiff neck and will need a few days to recover from the strain.'

St Louis Rams pull out of Wembley games in 2013 and 2012

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St Louis Rams pull out of NFL games at Wembley in 2013 and 2012

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UPDATED:

22:55 GMT, 13 August 2012

St Louis Rams have opted out of their commitment to play a National Football League game in London in 2013 and 2014.

The Rams will honour their arrangement to compete against New England Patriots in October this year but it is unclear if another team will agree to a multiple game deal.

Pulling out: The St. Louis Rams, including Steven Jackson, won't play in London in 2013 or 2014

Pulling out: The St. Louis Rams, including Steven Jackson, won't play in London in 2013 or 2014

The London home: The NFL have staged games at Wembley since 2007

The London home: The NFL have staged games at Wembley since 2007

'In an effort to focus on the Edward Jones Dome First Tier Process with the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, the St. Louis Rams are withdrawing their commitment to play a home game in London in each of the 2013 and 2014 seasons,' the team said in a statement to www.nfl.com.

'The St. Louis Rams will play the New England Patriots on Sunday, October 28, 2012 at London's historic Wembley Stadium as previously announced.'

Sunderland want Junior Hoilett from Blackburn

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Sunderland face competition from Bayern and Marseille for Blackburn ace Hoilett

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UPDATED:

21:00 GMT, 26 April 2012

Sunderland are hoping they can entice Junior Hoilett to stay in the Barclays Premier League if Blackburn Rovers are relegated next month.

But manager Martin O'Neill faces stiff competition from Champions League finalists Bayern Munich and Marseille to land the talented forward.

Wanted: Blackburn forward Junior Hoilett (centre) has admirers across Europe

Wanted: Blackburn forward Junior Hoilett (centre) has admirers across Europe

Both European giants have been frequent visitors to Ewood Park this season and Canadian Hoilett, who joined Blackburn's academy at the age of 13, impressed O'Neill in their meeting earlier in the season.

Chief scout Brian 'Pop' Robson has since joined the regular observers at Blackburn matches.

AC Milan 0 Barcelona 0

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AC Milan 0 Barcelona 0: Defending champions frustrated in goalless first leg

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UPDATED:

21:03 GMT, 28 March 2012

AC Milan survived a prolonged Barcelona onslaught to hold their illustrious visitors goalless, but will be left wondering how they fluffed some golden chances to take a first-leg lead in the Champions League quarter-final.

A series of sublime Barca attacks produced no end product, while Milan had, but wasted, by far the better openings in the match.

The hosts managed to shut out Lionel Messi in red-hot form, though, to give themselves hope for the second leg at the Nou Camp.

Happy camper: Zlatan Ibrahimovic was happy with AC Milan's draw with Barcelona

Happy camper: Zlatan Ibrahimovic was happy with AC Milan's draw with Barcelona

MATCH FACTS:

AC Milan: Abbiati, Bonera, Nesta (Mesbah 74),Mexes, Antonini, Nocerino, Ambrosini, Seedorf, Boateng (Emanuelson 67), Robinho (El Shaarawi 52), Ibrahimovic.

Subs Not Used: Amelia, Aquilani, Maxi Lopez, Yepes.

Booked: Seedorf, Nesta, Ambrosini.

Barcelona: Valdes, Dani Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Puyol, Iniesta (Tello 65), Busquets, Xavi, Keita, Messi,Sanchez (Pedro 76).

Subs Not Used: Pinto, Fabregas, Thiago, Muniesa, Montoya.

Booked: Keita.

Att: 70,628

Ref: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden).

Milan squandered their first opening in only the third minute. Space opened up for Kevin Prince-Boateng on the edge of the area, but he hesitated for a split-second and Gerard Pique charged down the shot.

The ball was then headed back in to give Robinho an even better chance unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box, but he skied the ball horribly over the crossbar when it looked a certain goal.

Lionel Messi, one goal shy of 50 in the competition, gained some unwanted attention from a laser pen as he lined up a free-kick on the edge of the area, but could only blame the turf as he slipped while taking it, with Seydou Keita was offside as he tried to head in the unintended cross.

Messi then saw Christian Abbiati spill one of his shots, but the ball somehow evaded the advancing Daniel Alves as Milan survived.

Barca, though, should have had a penalty moments later when Alexis Sanchez fell over Abbiati after beautiful play from Xavi and Sergio Busquets, but the Chilean perhaps went over too easily and was told to get up.

Barca were passing the ball about at speed and forcing passes through seemingly impossible gaps, but they continued to stutter when it mattered, with Messi offside as he tapped in an Alves cross, while Abbiati denied Xavi.

Amid it all, a first-time ball from Clarence Seedorf put Zlatan Ibrahimovic clean through, but goalkeeper Victor Valdez raced out to make a fine save at point-blank range.

Frustrated: Lionel Messi (left) was unable to replicate his recent red-hot form

Frustrated: Lionel Messi (left) was unable to replicate his recent red-hot form

Denied: Ibrahimovic missed the best chance of the game as Milan came close to stunning the holders

Denied: Ibrahimovic missed the best chance of the game as Milan came close to stunning the holders

Sanchez then looked to have broken clear, but Luca Antonini did not give it up and made a brilliant recovering tackle to prevent the shot.

The second half failed to capture the imagination in quite the same way.

Andres Iniesta cut in from the left to send an early shot wide, but it was hardly a sign of things to come as the game became scrappy thanks to a series of fouls and some unnecessary falls.
Milan lost Robinho to an injury amid the tumbles, but at least cut down the number of direct threats on their goal.

Tumble and fall: The second half was a scrappy affair as neither side could make the breakthrough

Tumble and fall: The second half was a scrappy affair as neither side could make the breakthrough

They should have been attacking themselves in the 67th minute when Urby Emanuelson came on to be handed the chance of an instant impact, only to scuff his first touch when a long ball put him clean through.

Barca began to threaten again going into the final 15 minutes. Substitute Cristian Tello fired high into the side-netting from a tight angle and then Messi saw a shot charged down and deflected wide.
From the resulting corner, Carles Puyol's diving header across goal went narrowly wide.

Shot: Alexis Sanchez tries his luck as Barcelona struggle to break down the Milan defence

Shot: Alexis Sanchez tries his luck as Barcelona struggle to break down the Milan defence

Their best chance of the half came right at the end when Messi stayed on his feet as Milan defenders fell about him, firing in a powerful shot which Abbiati could only parry across goal.

It rolled teasingly towards Tello as he raced in, but cover arrived in the nick of time for Milan.

Wakefield 32 Catalan Dragons 22: Wildcats end winless run despite late rally

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Wakefield 32 Catalan Dragons 22: Wildcats end winless run despite late rally

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UPDATED:

18:53 GMT, 25 March 2012

Wakefield ended a five-match losing run with their first home win of the Stobart Super League season against an out-of-sorts Catalan Dragons side at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium.

Winger Peter Fox scored his first tries since the Wildcats' opening-day win at Widnes and the home side led 30-6 after 51 minutes before withstanding a late rally from their French visitors.

Scott Dureau, Vincent Duport and Clint Greenshields all scored late tries as the Dragons cut the gap to just eight points, but Wakefield stand-off Isaac John closed out the game with a penalty on the final hooter.

Foxy: Wakefield Wildcats had Peter Fox to thank for victory over Catalan Dragons

Foxy: Wakefield Wildcats had Peter Fox to thank for victory over Catalan Dragons

One lapse in defence by Richard Agar's men let the Catalans in for a try on 34 minutes, scored by Gregory Mounis and converted by Dureau, but the Wildcats had the better of the first half and were good value for their 24-6 lead.

Winger Ben Cockayne opened the scoring after 12 minutes with his seventh try of the season and two in five minutes from Fox and Andy Raleigh midway through the first half put the home team in control.

Fox closed the half with an 80-metre breakaway try, converted by John, who was on target with all four first-half conversions.

John added to Wakefield's healthy lead with penalty and a try from Danny Kirmond on 52 minutes looked to have secured the points.

But the Perpignan team struck back through Dureau and Duport and Wakefield survived a late scare when a four-man move over 70 metres put Greenshields in for the final try, converted by Dureau.

Des Kelly: Why I"ve got a dragon tattoo

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Why I've got a dragon tattoo for the weekend

This weekend I’m The Boy With The Dragon Tattoo. It’s not a permanent mark. I’ll wash it off later, of course. But for a couple of days I’ve decided to be Welsh.

This is a wonderful 48 hours for Wales on the sporting battlefields of rugby union, football and boxing. The Principality might not be the land of my fathers (or ffathers as the Welsh prefer) but I’m still finding it remarkably uncomplicated to root for them this weekend, particularly as they lay siege to the two great English sporting citadels of Twickenham and Wembley.

Frankly, I imagine it isn’t always easy being Welsh – although you won’t find me saying so in print. They spend their lives putting up with sheep jokes, being called ‘Taff’ and explaining patiently to American visitors that their place of birth is not a part of England.

Reasons to smile: Wales will be involved in major football, rugby and boxing encounters this weekend

Reasons to smile: Wales will be involved in major football, rugby and boxing encounters this weekend

The language itself sounds a bit like a phlegmy cough, they have contributed little to the pantheon of world cuisine beyond ‘Welsh rarebit’ – translation ‘cheese on toast’ – and while Wales can be stunning geographically, the landscape is slowly, but steadily, being consumed by sheep (see the previous sheep joke complaint).

But this weekend, who cares Wales is proudly on tour. The Red Dragon pennants will be flying high in hope and expectation as they have the chance to roundly embarrass England not once, but twice on an epic weekend.

Where better to start than at Twickenham and the Six Nations The Welsh are firm favourites to power past a pedestrian England side still trying to find some coherence under Stuart Lancaster’s interim leadership.

This is where the expectation will weigh heavily. Wales have won only once at the English HQ in 24 years, but despite that record anything short of an outright victory on Saturday would be a serious setback.

Favourites: Wales are tipped to beat England at Twickenham on Saturday

Favourites: Wales are tipped to beat England at Twickenham on Saturday

For although the Welsh have earned
praise of late under Warren Gatland, a reputation burnished during the
World Cup Finals in New Zealand, they have not delivered any tangible
return.

Wales have yet to beat anyone of consequence aside from Ireland, the only side ranked in the top six they have overcome. And, in the global pecking order, they still lag behind an England side who are performing with all the spontaneity of a row of concrete bollards.

Gatland’s men lost to South Africa, France and Australia at the World Cup, however ‘bravely’ they succumbed, and went down again to Australia at home three months ago.

But if they can conquer their tendency to give away penalties through indiscipline, a Triple Crown should be the least this Wales side can accomplish. A Grand Slam would be a genuine sign their potential is finally being realised.

Then the Red Dragon flags move on to Wembley on Sunday for the Carling Cup Final as Cardiff City face Liverpool in a clash where the Welsh will assume the more familiar role of underdog.

Underdogs: Malky Mackay leads his Cardiff City side out at Wembley on Sunday

Underdogs: Malky Mackay leads his Cardiff City side out at Wembley on Sunday

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Logic says this should be a walkover for
the Premier League outfit, the start of Kenny Dalglish’s silverware
collection second time around at Anfield, and a bruising day for Welsh
pride.

But Cardiff will be awkward opponents and, in Malky Mackay, they have another bright, young manager who, just like Brendan Rodgers at Swansea City, is destined for greater things.

What’s more, Cardiff are old stagers at Wembley, making their third visit in five seasons. For Liverpool, it is more unfamiliar territory. Their last visit to the national stadium was in 1996, the day of the infamous white suits and an FA Cup final defeat against Manchester United under the old Twin Towers.
Even so, the Welsh are rank outsiders, but as in all cup games Cardiff have a puncher’s chance, something Nathan Cleverly knows all about.

The Caerphilly-born fighter, one of Britain’s two remaining world champions, defends his WBO light-heavyweight title against the American Tommy Karpency in Cardiff on Saturday night.

It is the first world title fight on
Welsh soil since Gavin Rees lost his WBA light-welterweight belt to
Andreas Kotelnik in 2008 and marks an important occasion for Cleverly
and for British boxing after a truly shameful week.

Cleverly succinctly summed up the
challenges ahead for the Welshmen involved this weekend, be it on the
rugby field, football pitch or in the ring: ‘You may be from a small
valley town in a small country, but you can conquer the world,’ he said.

Flying the flag: Nathan Cleverly defends his WBO title in Cardiff on Saturday

Flying the flag: Nathan Cleverly defends his WBO title in Cardiff on Saturday

How true. Wales has a trio of glorious opportunities this weekend, so I’m quite happy that y Ddraig Goch ddyry gychwyn.

(For English readers who believe I may have accidentally leant on the keyboard there, this translates as: ‘The Red Dragon will show the way.’)

It will be fun following. What’s more, I also got through an entire piece about Wales without once mentioning Max Boyce.

Oh blast.

Cole has to know his place

If the Chelsea dressing-room feud boils down to a popularity contest between Andre Villas-Boas and Ashley Cole, then call me ‘Cheryl’. I’m in AVB’s corner.

The argument doing the rounds that the tetchy England full back deserves sympathy after being dropped from the starting line-up against Napoli is just laughable.

Benched: Ashley Cole (left) was left out of the starting line up in Naples

Benched: Ashley Cole (left) was left out of the starting line up in Naples

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Moreover, there are those who would have
you believe that it was some kind of indignity for the player to have
to listen to the manager’s tactical instructions on the touchline before
he was brought on as a substitute.

‘What has Cole got to learn’ we were told. But this is precisely the kind of indulgent nonsense that has left Chelsea where they are now – in need of an overhaul and with a clique of truculent senior players who think they run the place.

Either a manager is given license to tackle so-called ‘player power’ or not. We still don’t know Roman Abramovich’s opinion. Last week I wondered whether Villas-Boas was bluffing when he talked about the owner’s ‘full support’. Now I know for certain that he is after the Siberian oligarch demanded to know why players had been dropped.

AVB has no more idea whether he will be in a job for much longer than you or I.

In the meantime, he could do himself a favour. It’s not often you’ll hear a journalist say this, but Villas-Boas might care to remember he doesn’t have to answer every question in full.

I admire his candour and his honesty in press conferences, but there are times – especially when it comes to dressing-room rows and private discussions with the owner – when less is more.

However, I realise that would be infinitely easier if he wasn’t constantly dealing with gossip being broadcast from inside his dressing room.

The devious few know a leak can sink even the biggest ship. But it would be a shame if in a misplaced bid to keep Chelsea afloat the wrong man were thrown overboard.

Wolves board wandering around without a clue

The name has always been a puzzle to me, but I understand finally why ‘Wolverhampton Wanderers’ were so named. It’s because they haven’t got a clue where they are going.

Having stupidly sacked Mick McCarthy, the man who led them into the Premier League AND kept them there, chairman Steve Morgan and his chief executive Jez Moxey fumbled about searching for someone to fill his chair.

Fed to the Wolves: Terry Connor got the job no-one wanted

Fed to the Wolves: Terry Connor got the job no-one wanted

When several declined the challenge, including Alan Curbishley, Neil Warnock and Walter Smith, Steve Bruce went quiet and approaches for Brian McDermott and Gus Poyet floundered, the lost boardroom announced assistant manager Terry Connor would be in charge until the end of the season.

Morgan said: ‘Having spoken to a number of people, we have drawn that process to a close and myself and the board are unanimous that Terry is the right man to lead the club for the remainder of the season.’

Amazing. The ‘right man’ for Wolves was there at the club all along, working with McCarthy when he was sacked. Coincidentally, he appears to be the only man who didn’t say ‘no’ to the job as well.

Frank Carson: Always good for a laugh

Frank Carson: Always good for a laugh

Goodbye, Frank

The passing of Frank Carson reminded me of a brief encounter with the quickfire comedian at Twickenham.

I was with my father, Ireland had been beaten by England and we were leaning on a Guinness stand for support, as you sometimes need to do.

Carson breezed past and my dad said: ‘Hello Frank – it’s the way you tell them!’

Without breaking stride, Carson replied: ‘F*** off and get your own catchphrase.’

Never short of a word, was Frank. We laughed all the way home.

Bring the anthem back

At Twickenham on Saturday the rugby union crowd will respect the anthems. At Wembley on Sunday, the football supporters inside the stadium simply cannot be trusted to do the same.

The concern is Cardiff City and Liverpool fans will howl down the pre-match ritual with a chorus of boos at the Carling Cup final.

But so what It is a mistake by the Football League to ban the anthems. This panders to idiots and allows tradition to be decided by the lowest common denominators in society.

If some dumb fools want to holler through an anthem at a football match, who is really embarrassed by it, apart from the morons making all the noise

Really, Charles

Giddy reports this week claimed that Prince Charles is a ‘fan of Burnley football club’. Of course he is. Just as I am a fan of 18th Century Rococo antique furniture.

The truth is, the Prince was just being polite when someone at Windsor Castle asked him if he followed a football team. Burnley were just the last club he could remember visiting for one of his many charity functions. So no need to slap a Royal crest on Turf Moor just yet, folks.

SIX NATIONS 2012: Charlie Hodgson proud to get a second "debut" for England

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I'm so proud to get a second 'debut' for England, admits once forgotten Hodgson

Charlie Hodgson admits that he is preparing for Saturday's Calcutta Cup encounter with Scotland as if it is his second Test debut. But he will be well aware that it is unlikely to go quite as smoothly as his first, more than a decade ago.

When the Saracens fly half – then an emerging prospect at Sale – first played for his country in November 2001, he hit the ground running at Twickenham in record-breaking fashion.

Romania were the hapless visitors as England stormed to a 134-0 victory and their novice No 10 helped himself to 44 points, with two tries, two penalties and 14 conversions.

Charlie back in the big time: Fly-half Hodgson has been recalled by England

Charlie back in the big time: Fly-half Hodgson has been recalled by England

It was the proverbial armchair ride, aided and abetted by the presence of established figures such as Austin Healey, Will Greenwood and Mike Tindall around him in a formidably potent back line.

How different this 'debut' is sure to be for Hodgson, now 31. He will be named at stand-off by head coach Stuart Lancaster, in a back division set to contain three of his Saracens team-mates – Brad Barritt and Owen Farrell in midfield and David Strettle on the wing. Barritt and Farrell will be making debuts of their own and Strettle has only seven caps to his name.

It is quite fitting for Hodgson to consider this as a new start in the international game, considering the backdrop to his recall.

DEBUT DUO TAKE CENTRES STAGE

Should brad Barritt and Owen Farrell be named at centre, as expected, they will become England's most notable uncapped midfield pairing of the professional era.

Excluding a Test match against Argentina in June 2002 – a lowprofile tour for which coach Clive Woodward decided to leave the majority of his top players at home – the last non-cap centre pairing to start an England Test were John Spencer and David Duckham in the 1969 Five Nations opener against Ireland.

The bad news England were beaten 17-15.

He hasn't started a Test for England since being brutally exposed in defence by the marauding All Black centre Ma'a Nonu in Auckland back in June 2008.

His last Six Nations appearance was months earlier, as a replacement at Murrayfield, and his last championship start came almost six years ago at the Stade de France.

In the intervening period, he has continued to operate as arguably the finest playmaker in the English game – one who has worked feverishly to shore up his defensive game while reinforcing his status as the leading points-scorer in Premiership history, 74 short of 2,000.

He is also the all-time top goal-kicker in the league with 637.

Yet, for all the stellar entries on his c.v., Hodgson is in a position similar to Lancaster's, in that he could be merely keeping the seat warm for a long-term candidate – in his case, Toby Flood's imminent return from injury.

New start: Hodgson is set to play at No 10 against Scotland at Murrayfield

New start: Hodgson is set to play at No 10 against Scotland at Murrayfield

But Hodgson is philosophical about that scenario.

'It does feel like a debut,' said Hodgson. 'I feel very proud to be given the opportunity to be involved. Who knows where it goes I have learned not to look too far ahead and focus on what is going on in the next few days.

'It is pleasing just to be back in the squad first and foremost. There have been times when things have gone well and when they haven't gone well in an England shirt so to be back is a good thing for me.

'It was a case of always working hard and never losing belief in my own ability. The fact that I have gone through those times and come out the other side is a sign of character.'

Scotland will note Hodgson's selection and identify that area as one to target, in the belief they can open up the visitors' defence with a direct, physical approach.

'I have tried to improve what is one of the weaknesses of my game, it has improved and I have enjoyed it,' said Hodgson. 'If I have to spend more time doing that than anything else to make sure it is up to scratch, I can cope with that. Being in a good defensive system at Saracens has helped with that.'

Rebuilding his career: Hodgson at Sarries

Rebuilding his career: Hodgson at Sarries

The move south to join the champions last summer was, in Hodgson's own words, a case of 'getting out of my comfort zone'. He has relished the challenge of imposing himself in a new environment and in the process he has formed an effective 10, 12, 13 combination with Barritt and Farrell.

'We have a good understanding already,' said Hodgson. 'Brad has been one of the most consistent performers for Saracens in the last two years. He always gets over the gainline in attack and is very, very strong defensively. Owen has proved what temperament he has for such a young guy. He has got a really mature head on his shoulders, he is very enthusiastic and very studious and always wants to learn.'

Hodgson also confirmed that he will defer to Farrell when it comes to goal-kicking, adding: 'He is the No 1 at the club so I am sure that will continue.'

Scotland are bracing themselves for an onslaught based on the Saracens blueprint – with its emphasis on astute kicking, a good chase, ferocious commitment at the breakdown and minimal risks in their own half.

Yet, Hodgson suggested that such a preconception might be ill-advised.

'Everybody is used to playing a certain style at their clubs but when you come to England it is about picking up the structure and system Stuart wants us to adopt.

'It is a very positive way of playing. He wants us to go out there with no fear. He wants us to take on the opposition.'

If all the English talk of adventurous intent is more than just a smokescreen, this is shaping up to be one of the more eye-catching Calcutta Cup showdowns in recent memory.

However it unfolds tactically, Hodgson's 'second debut' will be a far cry from his first.

Saracens 20 Biarritz 16: Farrell fires Sarries to brink of Heineken Cup quarter-finals

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Saracens 20 Biarritz 16: Farrell fires Sarries to brink of Heineken Cup quarter-finals

England's new-boy Owen Farrell kept his nerve to kick Saracens to victory over Biarritz and to the brink of a place in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals.

Farrell showed just the kind of composure that has seen him earmarked for Test honours since the age of 14 to land his fifth penalty three minutes from time to seal the win.

Saracens had led 14-6 at the interval courtesy of a try from scrum-half Ben Spencer and Farrell's first three penalties before Biarritz came back at them in the second half.

Kicker: Owen Farrell was successful with five penalties

Kicker: Owen Farrell was successful with five penalties

Dimitri Yachvili scored all of the points for Biarritz, including a charge-down try, as the French visitors pushed Saracens to the wire and earn a losing bonus point.

But Saracens now need only gain a single point against Treviso next weekend to confirm their place in the last eight.

Saracens had wanted to break new ground by taking this fixture to South Africa but a local row over which Cape Town stadium was to be used eventually scuppered the idea.

Vicarage Road is certainly no Newlands. The three-sided stadium is in the shadow not of Table Mountain but of Watford General Hospital.

But Saracens certainly looked as if they had benefited from their week's warm-weather training in Cape Town as they hit Biarritz with a ferocious forwards performance and some dazzling back play.

Close: Mouritz Botha makes a tackle as his side moved close to the next round

Close: Mouritz Botha makes a tackle as his side moved close to the next round

Crunch: Farrell and Andy Saull tackle Iain Balshaw of Biarritz

Crunch: Farrell and Andy Saull tackle Iain Balshaw of Biarritz

The French visitors twice took the lead with penalties from Yachvili, either side of a strike from Farrell, before Saracens capitalised on a mistake to score the opening try.

Yachvili tried to force a pass in midfield but the ball went to ground and Saracens counter-attacked through David Strettle, Ernst Joubert and Chris Wyles.

The American wing was halted but Spencer darted from the base of the ruck, deftly evading three tackles before diving over to push Saracens into the lead.

Farrell missed with the touchline conversion but Saracens, with their pack on top and their potential England midfield of Charlie Hodgson, Brad Barritt and Farrell to the fore, kept Biarritz under pressure.

Alex Goode threatened from full-back with one break before lock Mouritz Botha, another member of England's Six Nations plans, picked off an interception and charged downfield.

Strettle cut in off his wing and almost broke clear but Biarritz were penalised for being offside at the ruck and Farrell extended Saracens' lead.

The Saracens pack, with John Smit at hooker and Carlos Nieto preferred on the tight-head, were on top and won a penalty on half-way that Farrell converted to secure a 14-6 lead at the interval.

The temperature rose in the early exchanges of the second half as Biarritz threatened, working a platform for Marcelo Bosch to attempt a drop-goal which drifted just wide.

Caught: Charles Gimenez is tackled by Chris Wyles

Caught: Charles Gimenez is tackled by Chris Wyles

Saracens' quick line speed was making life difficult for Biarritz but on the back of an improving kicking game they worked their way back downfield.

Goode collected a high ball outside his 22 but he was quickly swallowed up and Peter Stringer, who had been sent on for Spencer, saw his box kick charged down by Yachvili.

The Biarritz scrum-half followed up and muscled his way ahead of Goode to touch down and then convert to bring his side back to within a single point.

Farrell eased Saracens' nerves with his fourth penalty but only briefly, with Yachvili responding in kind after Smit's high tackle on Biarritz hooker Arnaud Hegny.

But with three minutes remaining the Saracens centre, called into England's Six Nations squad this week, drilled his fifth penalty to seal a tight victory.