Sportsday - rolling sports news

1. Preston v Man Utd (19:45 GMT)
2. Aston Villa must stay in Premier League - Tim Sherwood
3. Lance Armstrong receives record $10m fine
4. Heather Watson suffers first-round exit in Dubai
5. Scotland's Russell cited over tackle on Biggar

So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodnight

Nine teams remain in the FA Cup. Preston and Manchester United are around 45 minutes away from beginning their battle for the last quarter-final place.

See the quarter-final draw on BBC One at 19:30 GMT, then catch the full match live from Deepdale - which you can also listen to on BBC Radio 5 live. We've even got a live text commentary for you here on the BBC Sport website.

Enjoy your night's cup football, and we've be back with Sportsday tomorrow from 08:00 GMT.

Lescott's FA Cup wish

West Brom defender Joleon Lescott has one wish for tonight's FA Cup quarter-final draw. He tweets: Just want a home tie tonight. Boys are buzzing after the weekend, confidence high at the moment.

The draw is live on BBC One at 19:30 GMT.

BBC

Costa starts for Chelsea in Paris

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will start Diego Costa in tomorrow's Champions League last-16 first leg away to Paris St-Germain, but does not expect his prolific striker to be at his best following suspension.

The Brazil-born Spain striker was banned retrospectively for three matches for treading on Liverpool's Emre Can in the Capital One Cup semi-final victory on 27 January.

Costa, who has 17 goals in 19 Premier League games this term, missed the matches with Manchester City, Aston Villa and Everton, but will come straight into the starting line-up at Parc des Princes as he bids for a first European goal for his club.

Mourinho has told a news conference in Paris this evening: "Yes, I start him. But I don't think it's good for a player to be three weeks or three matches without starting a game. So I don't think he's in the best of his condition."

'Disservice to Rooney'

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Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney has been played in midfield recently by manager Louis van Gaal - and BBC Sport pundit Kevin Kilbane has queried that strategy.

"Wayne Rooney is a fantastic striker - that is his natural position. He is a goalscorer," Kilbane told World Service.

"He's chasing records don't forget, he's chasing the Premier League's overall goalscoring record and Manchester United's overall goalscoring record. That's what he wants, he wants to be scoring goals and he is less likely to do that playing in midfield.

"I think that you do him a disservice by playing him in the position that he is playing because he is far better suited to playing as a striker."

Rooney starts for Man Utd

Breaking team news from Deepdale: Wayne Rooney starts for Manchester United tonight - but there's no Robin van Persie, even on the bench.

Man Utd XI: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Rojo, Shaw, Blind, Herrera, Rooney, Fellaini, Di Maria, Falcao.

Preston, meanwhile, have an FA Cup hero in their starting line-up. Kevin Davies, who helped Chesterfield reach the semi-finals as a third-tier side in 1997, starts up front alongside their leading scorer Joe Garner.

Preston XI: Stuckmann, Clarke, Huntington, Wright, Laird, Humphrey, Welsh, Kilkenny, Gallagher, K Davies, Garner.

Aiming to make Sir Tom proud

Chris Bevan

BBC Sport at Deepdale

"It's a crisp clear winter's night in Preston, where fans are already gathering outside Deepdale, many pausing to take a picture of the famous 'Splash' statue of Sir Tom Finney outside the ground. Saturday marked one year since Sir Tom passed away at the age of 91 and North End boss Simon Grayson wants a performance tonight that would have made football's most famous plumber proud.

"This club has fantastic history and tradition," said Grayson. "It would be a fantastic way to mark what he did for this club with a good performance and hopefully a result for him."

There's a dedicated live text commentary on tonight's game under way on the BBC Sport website. It's also live on BBC One and BBC Radio 5 live.

BBC Sport

Football

Let's start looking ahead to tonight's FA Cup fifth-round tie between Preston and Manchester United - kick-off is around an hour away at Deepdale.

Salford's Hock faces double charge

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Salford Red Devils forward Gareth Hock faces two charges of recklessly using his knees during last Thursday's Super League defeat by St Helens.

The more serious Grade C charge arises out of a 53rd-minute incident involving Tommy Makinson of Saints.

And the 31-year-old has also been charged with a Grade B offence towards Mose Masoe a few minutes later as Salford were beaten 52-6.

IAAF boss needs to 'move out of the way'

Former British Olympic 400m bronze medallist Katharine Merry has responded to a claim by the head of world athletics that the sport is in crisis.

Lamine Diack, president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), has told BBC Sport that the sport was in trouble over allegations of doping by Russian competitors.

But Merry has told BBC Radio 5 live: "It's not a case that more people are cheating. What's happening is there are more people getting caught. You have Diack coming out and saying the sport is in crisis. But it's individual bodies and the IAAF who are in crisis because they haven't put sanctions in place for bodies who break the rules consistently.

"He needs to retire, move out of the way, let someone else come in like Seb Coe or Sergey Bubka and put new rules in place to deal with this."

MK Dons re-sign Fulham's Williams

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MK Dons have re-signed Fulham and Wales midfielder George Williams on a youth loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old came through the Dons' youth system, and became the club's youngest-ever goalscorer at the age of 16 when he found the net against Nantwich Town in the FA Cup in 2011.

"I was so gutted when he left because he's a kid who has got everything," Dons manager Karl Robinson told the club website.

Heaslip out for 'around four weeks'

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Ireland forward Jamie Heaslip will be out for around four weeks with a back injury sustained during Saturday's 18-11 win over France.

The number eight, 31, was forced off after receiving a knee to the back from Pascal Pape, who has been cited for the challenge, as we told you at 11:17.

Ireland bosses confirmed Heaslip suffered "fractures of the transverse process of three vertebrae" in his back, but there is a chance he could return for the final match against Scotland on 21 March.

A statement by the Irish Rugby Football Union added: "Although this injury causes a good deal of discomfort it does not impact on the structural integrity of the spine, and once healed should pose no long term issues. Typically this injury is treated akin to a soft tissue injury; according to symptoms.

"Jamie is already feeling more comfortable and it is hoped that he will be available to play again in approximately four weeks."

Timeouts may suit coaches - Jackett

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Wolves boss Kenny Jackett says the introduction of timeouts in football could be a good idea - but only from a coach's point of view.

The 53-year-old head coach admitted timeouts would spoil the game for fans, but would give team bosses a tactical advantage.

"As we went 2-0 up at Huddersfield last week, I could have done with a timeout to reorganise," he told BBC WM 95.6.

Brown to be re-assessed

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England full-back Mike Brown is to be re-assessed by the team's medical team this evening after apparently being concussed in the early stages of Saturday's Six Nations win over Italy at Twickenham.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster says Brown has been given two days complete rest and will now begin the graduated return-to-play protocols. England's next match against Ireland is a week on Sunday, so no early decision will be made on his participation in the Dublin match.

The 32-man England squad is gathering at the team's Surrey base this evening with all players being medically assessed ahead of training tomorrow.

Lancaster said: "We'll review the Italy game in the morning followed by training and we will then release a number of players back to their clubs in the evening ahead of the Aviva Premiership this coming weekend. We will then train on Wednesday and Thursday before we come back into camp on Monday."

Stringer to leave Bath

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Bath scrum-half Peter Stringer will leave the club at the end of the season.

The 37-year-old, who has 98 Ireland caps, moved to the Recreation Ground from Munster in January 2013.

Head coach Mike Ford said: "It's a shame we are unable to keep Peter, but with Niko Matawalu joining, Chris Cook re-signing and Will Homer coming through from the academy, this has become an incredibly competitive position within the squad."

Stringer said: "I am, of course, disappointed not to be staying at Bath, but I am very much looking forward to the next chapter of my rugby career elsewhere."

Punch drunk

Colombian side Deportivo Cali say they were forced to abandon their own coach and take a police bus to Sunday's match against Deportes Tolima after their driver was found to be drunk.

"Our squad had to get to the stadium in a police bus after a routine stop on the road there detected that the bus driver was over the legal limit of alcohol," said the club in a statement.

The incident appeared to have left the Cali players with a hangover as they lost the match 4-1.

Clarke denies Orient 'crisis' report

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Captain Nathan Clarke has dismissed a report which said League One strugglers Leyton Orient are "a club in crisis".

An Evening Standard article suggested players had held their own team talks because of a language barrier with Italian manager Fabio Liverani, that the squad had been unsettled by the wage structure and some staff were "determined" to leave.

"I'm a bit surprised and I'm not too sure where it's come from," centre-back Clarke, 31, told BBC London 94.9.

He added: "There are always differences in wages. You don't get one team that are always on the same. To point the finger at that is a cop-out and an easy thing to say; that because he is on more than me I am not going to try or I'm not going to work."

Get involved

Alex Howarth: Re: 17:37: How stupid can the Bournemouth chairman be? Does he not understand that £1m is considerably less than a minimum of £99m? As in our society as a whole, the gap between the rich (Premier League clubs) and the poor (Championship clubs) will widen.

'Use TV billions to cut ticket prices'

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The Premier League's £5.14bn TV rights deal, starting in 2016, should prompt a ticket price cut for fans, says the Swansea director representing supporters on the club's board.

Huw Cooze also backs a renewed campaign to allow standing areas at matches.

Swansea City supporters society owns 21.1% of the club's shares.

"It's an area of high unemployment and we need to try and get as many supporters through the turnstiles as we can," said Cooze.

TV deal 'will benefit Championship'

Championship clubs could benefit by about £1m per year from the new Premier League TV rights deal, according to Bournemouth chairman Jeff Mostyn.

He said money would "trickle down" to the Championship in a "very positive outcome" for clubs in the second tier.

"It could mean a substantial amount in real terms. We may be talking in excess of £1m," he told BBC Radio Solent.

SPFL set to take no action against Celtic or Rangers

The Scottish Professional Football League is unlikely to take action against Celtic and Rangers over the behaviour of their fans at the recent League Cup semi-final.

Twelve supporters were arrested for alleged sectarian offences at the game on 1 February.

But the SPFL say both clubs did all they could to avoid any offensive behaviour in the match at Hampden.

And they revealed, as yet, there is no evidence of any breaches to the SPFL's rules by Celtic or Rangers.

Gould joins West Brom coaching staff

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Tony Pulis has added goalkeeping coach Jonathan Gould to his backroom staff at West Brom.

The 46-year-old will link up with the club tomorrow, replacing Dean Kiely, who left the club last month.

Former Preston and Celtic keeper Gould, the son of former Wales boss Bobby, joins from Wellington Phoenix of the A-League.

Albion's professional development phase goalkeeping coach Mark Naylor will revert to his role working with the club's young keepers.

Sport faces 'crisis' over doping allegations

Dan Roan

BBC sports editor

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The head of world athletics admits the sport faces "a crisis" over allegations of doping by Russian competitors.

Speaking to the BBC, Lamine Diack, president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) says: "It's a difficult crisis but we will put it behind us by cleaning all this."

In December, a German TV documentary claimed Russian officials systematically accepted payment from athletes to supply banned substances and cover up tests.

In his first broadcast interview since the allegations were made public, Diack says he was "shocked" and "disturbed" when he first heard the claims.

But the 81-year-old Senegalese official insists allegations that 99% of Russian athletes are doping are "a joke" and "ridiculous".

Reaction: Armstrong fined record $10m (£6.5m)

SCA has indicated that it is pursuing further legal action against Lance Armstrong over his lying about his use of performance-enhancing drugs.

The company said: "SCA's dispute with Armstrong is not over. It has a currently pending lawsuit in Dallas state district court where it is pursuing additional claims against Lance Armstrong and Bill Stapleton (Armstrong's agent)."

Reaction: Armstrong fined record $10m (£6.5m)

Here's a statement from SCA Promotions following the legal decision against Lance Armstrong:

"Lance Armstrong was hit with a record-breaking $10m sanctions award by the arbitration panel hearing his dispute with Dallas-based SCA Promotions, Inc.

"According to the arbitrators' written ruling, the sanctions award punishes Armstrong for engaging in 'an unparalleled pageant of international perjury, fraud and conspiracy'.

"The 10 million-dollar award, which must be paid directly to SCA Promotions, is believed to be the largest award of sanctions assessed against an individual in American judicial history.

"The award was made public today when SCA Promotions filed a motion with a Dallas state district court to have the award confirmed into a judgement against Armstrong."

Armstrong fined record $10m (£6.5m)

PA

Former cyclist Lance Armstrong must pay a record $10m (£6.5m) in damages after losing a lawsuit with Dallas-based SCA Promotions Inc.

Armstrong has been sanctioned for lying about his use of performance-enhancing drugs following an arbitration panel hearing into his case with SCA.

The Dallas company was forced to pay Armstrong $7.5m in 2006 after an arbitration process over disputed payments relating to his seven Tour de France victories.

However, Armstrong has since admitted to doping in all seven of his Tour wins and was found to have lied in proceedings, leading to the payout.

Stoke 'the worst I've seen' - Whelan

Stoke City's Glenn Whelan says their performance in the 4-1 FA Cup fifth round exit at Blackburn was the worst he has seen in seven years at the club.

Mark Hughes' Potters have now conceded eight goals in their last two matches.

"To the fans I apologise because that's not the Stoke City that I know," said the 31-year-old midfielder.

"The players didn't want to be out there. You could see that after the first 10 minutes. That's the worst I've ever seen," he told BBC Radio Stoke.

Get involved: Odd reasons for sporting failure

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Stephen: Sporting Failure Reasons? I give you ... the beachball.

Darren Bent's shot was deflected past Pepe Reina by a stray beachball to give Sunderland a 1-0 win over Liverpool in October 2009. One of today's Sportsday text commentators wrote the BBC Sport website report on that match. His reaction: "2009? Was it that long ago?" It was.

Juventus: Buffon rues wasted chance

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Gianluigi Buffon believes Serie A leaders Juventus only have themselves to blame for failing to win at Cesena on Sunday.

Arturo Vidal missed a late penalty in a 2-2 draw as Juve missed the chance to go nine points clear of second-placed Roma, who themselves drew 0-0 with bottom club Parma.

"After seeing Roma's result we had hoped for more," Juve captain and goalkeeper Buffon told Italian media. "We cannot go around throwing away opportunities like this one.

"The Roma result probably made us think this was going to be easy, but a team like ours cannot allow itself to be influenced by other games."

Tottenham liable for player brain damage

A High Court judge has ruled Tottenham Hotspur breached its duties to a 17-year-old player who suffered cardiac arrest in his first game for the club and was left brain damaged.

Radwan Hamed collapsed during the youth team game in Belgium in August 2006.

In a screening before he signed to the club, an ECG showed his heart to be "unequivocally abnormal" but he was not stopped from playing.

Damages, which could reach £7m, are to be decided next week.

Get involved

Martelly Addict: Why has that last entry about United's grey shirts just got a pic of two Southampton players?

No, if you look to the left of Ken Monkou, you can see... Ah, hang on, we get you now. Very clever. *Doffs cap*

Six players charged

Wigan half-back Sam Powell is one of six players charged with offences alleged to have been committed in the Super League's round two matches.

Powell could now be in danger of missing Saturday's game against Brisbane Broncos in the new World Club Series through suspension.

Huddersfield's Eorl Crabtree, Salford forward Gareth Hock, Catalans Dragons pair Eloi Pelissier and Olivier Elima as well as Castleford centre Jake Webster are the others who have been charged.

Get involved: Odd reasons for sporting failure

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Carl Standish: Has anyone said anything about the grey shirts?

Oh yes - just before 10:25. In fairness, though, the entry is very difficult to pick out...

Robertson backs up O'Sullivan

PA

Neil Robertson hit three centuries on the way to beating James Cahill 4-0 in the first round of the Welsh Open.

Afterwards, he supported Ronnie O'Sullivan criticising the venue by comparing it to playing in a "shopping mall".

"I know what he means," says Robertson. "There is an awful lot going on.

"It's important to stay focused and get through to the later rounds when there are less tables."

Russell cited over tackle on Biggar

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Scotland outside-half Finn Russell has been cited for a dangerous tackle during Sunday's 23-26 Six Nations defeat against Wales at Murrayfield.

Russell, 22, was yellow carded for his challenge on Dan Biggar - and is accused of breaking rules 10.4 (e) and 10.4 (j), which both relate to tackling opponents whose feet are off the ground. His hearing will be later this week.

'Both ugly'

Paris St-Germain defender David Luiz is asked to compare his former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho with current boss Laurent Blanc.

Luiz will face the Blues when PSG play them on Tuesday and jokes: "Both are ugly."

He adds: "The project and plan for PSG is to be the best club in the world in the next few years."

Get involved: Odd reasons for sporting failure

Mickey, in London, via text: Has anybody mentioned lasagne yet? You're welcome, Spurs fans.

Tottenham missed out on a Champions League place in 2006 as 10 players fell ill with food poisoning shortly before a costly 2-1 defeat at West Ham. A lasagne got the blame initially, although it was cleared in subsequent investigations.

Luiz's Chelsea reunion

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One of the first words David Luiz learned when he moved to Chelsea was 'geezer'. Last summer the Brazilian left Stamford Bridge to join Paris St-Germain for a reported £50m and he's been using a few more words talking about playing against the Blues on Tuesday.

Luiz will come face-to-face with his ex-Chelsea team-mates for the first time when PSG play the Blues in a Champions League first leg, last-16 tie on Tuesday.

"I hope, in this room, I am valued more than £50m," says Luiz. "I just need to show my football every day and show my job for the club."

"If I score against Chelsea I don't celebrate for respect, but I will be happy."

Hodgson heads for Deepdale

@FA

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke and England manager Roy Hodgson are on their way to Deepdale to watch Preston face Manchester United in tonight's FA Cup fifth-round tie - as proved in this photo tweeted by the FA.

Limond to face Jenkins in Leeds

British light-welterweight champion Willie Limond will defend his title against unbeaten Welshman Chris Jenkins in Leeds on 11 April.

The Glasgow fighter, 36, will face Jenkins, 26, on the undercard of featherweight Josh Warrington's world title eliminator against Dennis Tubieron.

Jenkins, who won a Prizefighter competition in July 2013, has won all 16 of his professional fights.

Limond won a British title for the first time in June last year with an emphatic victory over Curtis Woodhouse.

Leicester's Williams out for season

Leicester Tigers fly-half Owen Williams will miss the rest of the season after surgery on a knee ligament injury.

The 23-year-old former Wales Under-20 international was injured in the Anglo-Welsh Cup win at Cardiff on 6 February.

"It's massively disappointing because he has been outstanding for us," said director of rugby Richard Cockerill. "The full recovery period is usually about nine months."

Blanc wary of Mourinho mind games

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Away from classic 1980s BBC sitcoms, Paris St-Germain manager Laurent Blanc has been speaking before his side host Chelsea in the first leg of their last-16 tie in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"I know Jose Mourinho a bit and I know he'll raise the heat," said Blanc, whose side were knocked out by the Blues last season.

"So my players need to remain cool-headed, not react and keep calm."

Just as an aside...

On the subject of Sorry!, can anyone explain why, if Ronnie Corbett's character had never left home, he was the only one in the show with a Scottish accent?

Get involved: Odd reasons for sporting failure

Kit Chang Wong: Rafa Nadal and his alignment of water bottles. Andy Murray blaming Novak Djokovic's physical problem as a distraction in the Australian Open final. Get a grip.

Alan Simon: Blimey, it's after 3pm and I can't believe nobody's mentioned Adebayor and the 'mummy's curse'. That's right up there.

If you missed this one, Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor reportedly told Ghanaian radio in November that his poor form was a result of his mum putting a curse on him.

Seriously? A mum thwarting her son's best efforts? We're not sure. Sounds not so much a tale of Premier League woe and more like an episode of Ronnie Corbett's 1980s sitcom Sorry!

BBC

Man Utd knocking on the door

BBC North West Tonight

BBC North West Tonight: Man Utd kit arrives at Deepdale. They're locked out.

Well, if they can't get in, they can't win. Assuming Louis van Gaal's side do gain entry to Deepdale, you can see how they fare against League One Preston in tonight's FA Cup fifth-round tie, with live coverage on BBC One from 19:30 GMT.

Robins keep Milton & Elliott at helm

Cheltenham Town will keep caretaker boss Russell Milton and his assistant Steve Elliott in charge until May.

The duo took over last Friday following the departure of Paul Buckle, who lasted only three months in the job.

Youth coach Milton and veteran defender Elliott oversaw the Robins' 2-1 defeat against Bury on Saturday, which left them second from bottom in League Two.

The club confirmed a third "experienced figure" would be added to the backroom team next week.

Reality check for Boro

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka says his squad were "the opposite of lacking confidence" in their FA Cup fifth round

The Championship side beat Manchester City in round four, but lost via an Olivier Giroud brace at The Emirates.

In the League Cup this term, Liverpool needed penalties to knock Boro out.

"The players thought it was going to be like those games - it just showed there is miles and miles between Arsenal and Middlesbrough right now," said Karanka.

FA Cup: How the TV matches were chosen

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"The TV match selections for the fifth round of the FA Cup caused a bit of a reaction yesterday, so I wanted to use this post to explain in a bit more detail how the selection process works. You still might not agree with our picks, particularly if you're from Bradford, but hopefully you'll see there's a bit of logic to what we try to do..."

The words of BBC football lead executive Mark Cole, explaining how the live matches were chosen for FA Cup fifth-round weekend. His full article is available to read on the BBC Sport website.

Chelsea leave for Paris

Chelsea on Twitter

Chelsea striker Diego Costa and his team-mates take part in their final training session today ahead of the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie at Paris St-Germain on Tuesday.

The players have now left for Paris and Blues boss Jose Mourinho will be holding his pre-match news conference later this evening.

Get involved: Odd reasons for sporting failure

After golfer Peter Lawrie attributed his dip in form to withdrawal symptoms from trying to give up fizzy soft drinks, we're asking for the oddest reasons you've had - or encountered - for sporting underachievement...

Oomar Jaunmohamud: Eric Cantona blaming trawlers and seagulls for a Kung-Fu kick....

Stonewall Sid: Every team in World Cup 2010: 'The ball was too round.'

Andrew Tarpey: I had to have my two boxes of Jaffa Cakes at our town team table tennis or I just couldn't perform well. They are sporting gold.

Two boxes? We're surprised you could move after that, Andrew, let alone win...

Fulham still rebuilding, says Symons

Fulham manager Kit Symons has admitted his side are still a work in progress after a recent dip in form.

They have lost three of their last four league games, including Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Ipswich, and are now only five points above the Championship relegation zone.

"Confidence is still quite fragile. There is a lot of work still to be done and that is clear for everyone to see," Symons told BBC London 94.9.

Alonso boost

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McLaren engineering director Matt Morris is confident that the team's re-signing of Fernando Alonso will improve the team.

"Fernando is going to push us on as a team," said Morris.

"If you look at his motivation levels, when he is in the office and in the simulator, they are massively high.

"Obviously that then knocks on to everybody else, it pushes everybody else on, so I'm really looking forward to this year."

New contract for Hulk

AP

Brazilian forward Hulk has extended his deal with Russian league leaders Zenit St Petersburg until the end of the 2018-19 season.

"I was happy to extend my contract with Zenit," says Hulk. "I hope I'll be able to bring more joy to this great club."

'Sub-standard venue'

Ronnie O'Sullivan beat Vinnie Calabrese 4-1 but wasn't too happy with the venue, which he called "sub-standard".

"I enjoyed it and went for my shots. It's like playing in a shopping mall. There were people walking around and getting up as and when they wanted.

"The etiquette of snooker is not to move when a player is on his shot. If you take it too seriously you will get frustrated. I thought I would have a bit of fun and smash a few balls. It's like playing in an aircraft hangar."

Rocket Ronnie

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Ronnie O'Sullivan's defence of his Welsh Open championship title has begun in typical quickfire fashion. The Rocket has beaten Australia's Vinnie Calabrese 4-1 in the best-of-seven encounter.

Contador to retire

Alberto Contador has won the Tour de France twice and, while he plans to retire after 2016, there is a caveat.

"I don't want to set an exact date because a lot of things could happen," he says.

"Imagine I fall in the 2016 Tour, then I wouldn't want to retire in that way. But the truth is I don't see myself continuing for more than two more years."

Contador to retire

There's a bit more now on Spain cyclist Alberto Contador's plans to retire, with 2016 possibly his last year in professional cycling.

The 32-year-old, who is expected to compete in the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France this year with Tinkoff-Saxo team, told Spanish media on Monday: "I would like to retire being at the top.

"This year, I will definitely be competing and also next year.

"I cannot confirm it, but that could be my last. Yes, beyond 2016, I don't see myself [competing]."

'Big difference'

Jeremy Guscott

BBC Sport

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Jeremy Guscott (left) scored 30 tries for England - can Jonathan Joseph approach that tally?

"A lot of people have been making the comparison between myself and England's double try-scorer Jonathan Joseph, who is now filling the Bath and England midfield that I once occupied, but there is a big difference between us.

"I would anticipate or see a space, be on course to run into it and depend on players feeding me the ball on that angle.

"Joseph, by contrast, creates his own space with quick feet and rapid acceleration, and his speed and step will humble defences."

Read more from Jeremy Guscott by clicking here as he analyses Joseph, Johnny Sexton & picks his team of the week from the weekend's Six Nations action.

Ashe signs with Glasgow to 2017

Scotland international Adam Ashe has signed a contract to stay with Glasgow Warriors until May 2017.

The number eight, 21, signed his first professional contract with the Pro12 club in August. has made eight appearances for Glasgow and has won three caps for Scotland.

He says: "This is a great club with a really bright future, so I'm happy to be staying in Glasgow for another two years."

Wigan defender diagnosed with leukaemia

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Wigan Athletic have confirmed that Honduras full-back Juan Carlos Garcia has been diagnosed with leukaemia.

The 26-year-old returned to the Latics last week from his loan spell at Spanish side Tenerife with what the club called "a blood disorder".

Garcia joined Wigan in July 2013 on a free transfer but his only appearance came in the League Cup last season.

"I went in to see Juan Carlos and he was incredibly upbeat and his spirits were strong," says boss Malky Mackay.

Arundel switches to Wildcats

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have signed Hull FC centre Joe Arundel on a deal until the end of the season.

The 23-year-old joins a Wakefield side that has won both Super League games so far this season.

"His experience enables us to strengthen a position we've been looking for more competition in all pre-season," head coach James Webster says.

Bony arrives at Man City

Instagram/MCFCOfficial

A boost for Manchester City as they look to close the seven-point gap between themselves and Premier League leaders Chelsea - striker Wilfried Bony is in town.

The 26-year-old was signed from Swansea for an initial fee of £25m on 14 January - but his arrival was delayed as he was on duty with Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea. To make his appearance at their training ground, City have posted a picture on their Instagram page.

Lockyer 'would kick his Grandma for Rovers'

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Would you kick your grandma to win a game of football?

According to Bristol Rovers manager Darrell Clarke, Pirates utility man Tom Lockyer would.

The 20-year-old defender-midfielder scored the only goal in Saturday's victory over Grimsby, and Clarke said of the Rovers youth player: "He epitomises everything I want at the football club.

"He'd kick his own grandma if it meant winning a football match. I can't speak highly enough of the kid."

Contador to retire in 2016 - reports

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The agency AFP - along with Spanish media - is reporting that two-time Tour de France champion Alberto Contador will retire at the end of 2016.

"After 2016, what I can say for now, is that I don't see myself racing," the 32-year-old Spaniard is quoted as telling a news conference. We've not had this one confirmed, so we'll keep an eye on it.

Get involved: Odd reasons for sporting failure

James Wood: Ian Holloway blaming the police when Leeds beat Millwall on Saturday.

Ryan Thomas: David Haye's broken toe.

David Haye blamed a toe injury suffered in training for his 2011 heavweight world title unification defeat against Wladimir Klitschko. Boxing promoter Frank Warren subsequently accused Haye of being a "cry baby".

Fire up The Rocket

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The Welsh Open championship is just under way in Cardiff - with Ronnie O'Sullivan beginning his title defence against Australia's Vinnie Calabrese. You can follow the action right now by clicking the 'live coverage' tab at the top of this page.

Is snooker cool enough in UK?

PA

World number six Judd Trump says it is "more or less an impossible job" to attract British youngsters to snooker.

Trump, 25, compared snooker's profile in Britain with that of China, where he says the sport is seen as "cool".

"Snooker has taken such a step down I am not sure it will recover unless five Ronnie O'Sullivans come along at the same time," the Bristolian tells BBC Sport.

World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) chief Jason Ferguson strongly rejects the claims.

Get involved: Odd reasons for sporting failure

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From Mike in Nottingham, via text: I suffered a dip in form, having returned to playing in goal, and blamed it on my gloves. I'd bought a new set part-way through the season which didn't have as much grip as a previous pair, and all confidence to come from crosses went. Subsequently dropped and changed my brand of choice!

North can play this weekend - Mallinder

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Northampton boss Jim Mallinder says he would have no concerns over using George North against Bath this weekend.

The winger was left out of the Wales squad for Sunday's Six Nations win over Scotland, after taking two blows to the head against England the week before.

North passed all tests for concussion before the Scotland game but was granted an "extended recovery period".

"I think he's playing really well for us, so I'm very happy," Mallinder tells BBC Radio 5 live. "He has taken a knock but I believe he has passed all of his tests and come through fine and he's fit and raring to go."

Get involved: Odd reasons for sporting failure

Kevin in East Kilbride, via text: I once had a promising football career as a youngster until an ingrown toenail left me sidelined. When I returned, I was never the same player although the smelly toenail was gone and the Mrs was happy...

One word, Kevin: Urrrrggggggh. Thanks for the contribution, though. We're asking for your oddest reasons for sporting failure, after Irish golfer Peter Lawrie put down his loss of form to withdrawal symptoms as he tried to give up fizzy soft drinks.

'Gabriel will overcome language barrier'

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Gibbs is also confident that new signing Gabriel Paulista will overcome his lack of English to be a Premier League success at Arsenal - having made his debut in yesterday's 2-0 FA Cup fifth-round win over Middlesbrough.

"He looks like he has been playing at this level for a long time," said Gibbs of the Brazilian centre-back, signed from Spanish club Villarreal in January. "He has settled in straight away, embraces the physical side of the game and that is what we want from a centre-half.

"Gabriel doesn't speak any English at the moment and it was the same with Alexis Sanchez when he came. But it won't take him long - we have brushed him up on a few of the sayings for him to get used to."

Gibbs looks for glorious finale

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Arsenal full-back Kieran Gibbs thinks they have the squad to compete in the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League over the last three months of the season.

England midfielder Jack Wilshere is on the verge of a return after three months out with ankle surgery, and Arsene Wenger's squad is approaching full strength.

Gibbs says: "We need a big squad and we certainly have the squad to compete on three fronts at the moment. We are just hungry to defend the FA Cup."

Porterfield wants to play more big teams

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Ireland captain William Porterfield says his side's four-wicket win over West Indies shows what they can do against top-class opposition.

"It would be nice to have more fixtures like this outside of the four-year World Cup cycle," says Porterfield.

The opening batsman added that he dislikes his side being termed as "an Associate nation or minnows".

"Cricket seems to be the only sport in which labels like 'Associate' are used, rather than just having a straightforward ranking system. It's frustrating but it is what it is."

Archaic management?

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Lotus team principal Gerard Lopez has suggested Formula One's lack of big-name sponsorship could be as a result of its "archaic management".

"According to the experts I meet regularly, and who invest in other sports, Formula One remains the only activity offering a global platform likely to attract world companies. And yet there seems to be some sort of blockage.

"Why do these potential sponsors never make the leap when they are not really undaunted by the amounts requested in F1? What's holding them back? Is it because of the sport's archaic management and organisation?"

Get involved: Odd reasons for sporting failure

LJ Messam: I once volunteered myself to be subbed for a poor game as I was suffering from nipple chaffing. The swine made me play on.

Ciaran Boast: Swindon lost 5-0 to Cheltenham in the FA Cup and 2-0 at Sheff Utd in the league. It was the kit, apparently.

Ah, come on, Ciaran, that Swindon third kit's lovely*.

*It's not lovely.

PA

Exeter boss hails Nowell attitude

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has praised the professional response of winger Jack Nowell to being left out of England's matchday squad for their two Six Nations games so far.

Nowell scored his fifth try in seven games for the Chiefs this season in their 46-17 Premiership win over Newcastle at the weekend.

"He wants to play for England, he's part of the senior group and he goes up there training at the beginning of the week and has to come back. His attitude when he's back has been absolutely fantastic," Baxter said.

Watson beaten in Dubai

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Heather Watson has suffered a disappointing return to WTA Tour action as she was beaten by world number 132 Kateryna Kozlova in the first round at the Dubai Duty Free Championships.

In her first tour match since losing to Tsvetana Pironkova in the opening round of the Australian Open last month, the British number one was broken once in the first set and three times in the second by the 20-year-old Ukrainian qualifier in a 6-4 7-5 defeat.

Welsh to miss rest of Six Nations

Jon Welsh is set to miss the rest of Scotland's Six Nations campaign after fracturing his hand during Sunday's 23-26 defeat against Wales at Murrayfield. The Glasgow Warriors prop needs surgery, the Scottish Rugby Union says.

Prop Gordon Reid is to have a scan on a knee injury, and will also go through World Rugby's return-to-play protocol after receiving a blow to the head during the game, which is being treated as concussion. Scrum-half Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, who finished the game, has developed mild symptoms of a possible delayed concussion and will be treated in the same way.

Goode to London Irish

Wasps have announced that former England fly half Andy Goode is to prolong his playing career and join London Irish next season.

Goode, 34, the Aviva Premiership's second-highest points scorer, who had been offered only a coaching role with Wasps next season, will join the Exiles for the 2015-16 season.

Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young said: "We would have loved for Andy to stay at Wasps in a coaching capacity next season, but we fully understand his decision to play on."

I'm battered and bruised - Jon Stead

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Bradford City striker Jon Stead, who scored his side's second goal as they beat Sunderland 2-0 in the fifth round yesterday, is still feeling the effects of his efforts, as he told BBC Radio 5 live this morning.

The 31-year-old said: "It feels fantastic. I'm a bit battered, bruised and tired, but it was a fantastic occasion for the club and the city."

FA Cup draw tonight

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BBC Match of the Day host Gary Linekertweets: Looking forward to the draw for the FA Cup quarter-finals, and in particular the choice of our televised games.

Well, quite. BBC One is the place to be for that, at 19:30 GMT, ahead of our live coverage of Preston's fifth-round home tie with Manchester United. Like you, we can't wait to see who Bradford City get in the last eight either.

Blackburn were 'phenomenal' - Bowyer

Blackburn Rovers manager Gary Bowyer has praised the "phenomenal" performance of his side as they knocked Stoke out of the FA Cup.

Peter Crouch had given the Premier League team the lead early on.

But striker Josh King responded with a hat-trick and forward partner Rudi Gestede slotted home a penalty as Geoff Cameron was sent off.

"It was phenomenal and I'm delighted for everyone connected with the club," Bowyer told BBC Radio Lancashire.

Get involved: Odd reasons for sporting failure

Andrew, in Aberdeen, via text: I blamed my poor tennis form as a teenager on my hair being too long. As soon as I had it trimmed, I started winning again. Now I never play a match without getting a hair cut beforehand.

Sadly, we don't have a picture of Andrew to back this up, so here's an impression of what we think the 'before and after' would look like, posed by a model.

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' Go Sunrisers'

England batsman Ravi Bopara has tweeted his joy at joining Sunrisers Hyderabad for the 2015 Indian Premier League.

Ravi Bopara on Twitter

Going, going, gone

England captain Eoin Morgan might be struggling for form but, along with team-mate Ravi Bopara, was bought to play for Sunrisres Hyderabad at the 2015 Indian Premier League auction.

Ex-England batsman Kevin Pietersen was also bought by the same team as all three players went for their base price with no-one competing with the Sunrisers for their signatures.

The Delhi Daredevils paid £900,000 for Pietersen last year but he went for £205,000 this time around. Morgan was £156,000 and Bopara £100,000.

Indian Yuvraj Singh topped the price list for the second year running, with Delhi Daredevils paying a record £1.6 million for his services.

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Figo to launch Fifa presidency bid

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

EPA

Luis Figo is to launch his manifesto for the Fifa presidential election this Thursday at Stamford Bridge.

Advisers for the former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Portugal winger say he will also speak "about his plan to restore the credibility and rebuild trust in football's world governing body".

Get involved: Odd reasons for sporting failure

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Martin Breslin: Massimo Taibi blaming his studs for conceding a goal at Old Trafford.

Egbah Ikpomwosa Andrew: Tiger Woods and the change of swings and golf sticks. He didn't complain about them when he had the 14 majors.

Poor Massimo Taibi. He played just four matches for Manchester United after arriving from Venezia in 1999. The low point, as Martin notes, was the soft goal he conceded to Southampton's Matt Le Tissier in a 3-3 Premier League draw at Old Trafford in September 1999.

Mayweather v Pacquiao update

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Mayweather (left) is the WBC and WBA champion, while Pacquiao is the holder of the WBO belt

WBC and WBA welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather says he is "hopeful" a fight with Manny Pacquiao can happen, but an agreement has not yet been reached.

American Mayweather, 37, and Filipino Pacquiao, 36, recently exchanged phone numbers at a US basketball game.

"I haven't signed yet and he hasn't signed yet," said Mayweather.

"It's just been speculations and rumours. But I'm hopeful we can make the fight happen."

Get involved: Odd reasons for sporting failure

Barrel, in Southampton, via text: I once lost a squash match and blamed it on the fact that I was wearing new socks. They were too fluffy, causing my feet to slide in my trainers and overheat. A valid excuse I thought.

Absolutely. Today's Sportsday tip: Never play racquet sports in fluffy footwear. You wouldn't catch Gregory Gaultier or Nicol David going for British Open glory in bunny slippers, would you?

Pape cited over Heaslip incident

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France second row forward Pascal Pape has been cited over the incident that saw him yellow carded during Saturday's 18-11 Six Nations defeat against Ireland in Dublin.

Pape appeared to knee Ireland forward Jamie Heaslip in the back. Ireland are waiting to discover the extent of Heaslip's injury.

Sammy and Mooney fined

West Indies batsman Darren Sammy and Ireland pace bowler John Mooney have each been fined 30% of their match fee for swearing during their World Cup match in New Zealand on Monday.

Both incidents happened during the first innings of the match in which Ireland beat West Indies by four wickets.

"Sammy was heard on television screens using inappropriate words after playing a shot in the 34th over," the International Cricket Council said in a statement.

"While in the second instance Mooney swore several times when a fielder dropped a catch in the 45th over."

Get involved: Oddest reasons for sporting failure

Benjamin Snell: Remember the World Cup Brazil 2014? Uruguay fans blamed their caramel spread being confiscated for the 3-1 loss to Costa Rica.

Polite Gregory: Ronnie O'Sullivan claimed the shock of a female streaker during the 1997 Masters final broke his concentration.

Tom Sefton: Charlton blaming the "pitch was a beach" farce for a 1-4 defeat at Chelsea in 2003.

Bradman Collection

BBC Sport's Stephan Shemilt in Australia: "Because TMS producer Henry Moeran forgot his shades, I found myself back at the Adelaide Oval today, happening upon the brilliant Bradman Collection.

"Inside are any number of fascinating accounts, pictures and even bats from the Don's career. But, the best part is a replica of the water tank against which the young Don learnt the game, complete with stump and golf ball for punters to have a try. I'm going to ask Geoffrey Boycott to have a go."

Vaughan worried by Morgan mindset

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Former England captain Michael Vaughan is worried by the form of current one-day skipper Eoin Morgan.

Morgan made his third duck in four ODIs as England opened their World Cup campaign with a thumping 111-run defeat to co-hosts Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

"When Morgan first came into the England side, he did not think. He just watched the ball and tried to hit it. At the moment, he looks like he is trying to play a technical game," Vaughan wrote in his column in the Daily Telegraph.

"I want to see the old Eoin Morgan back. He used to take risks. He was the X-factor player."

Get involved: Odd reasons for sporting failure

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Robert Williams: Harry Redknapp blaming snow for West Ham's FA Cup draw at Wrexham in January 1997. We beat them at Upton Park in the replay, no snow.

Ross Crombie: I blame a lack of ability on my part.

Kenny McLeod: One of the many recent Ayr Utd slumps was blamed on our black strips for making us "look like death and play like murder".

We're asking for your oddest explanations for sporting failure, after golfer Paul Lawrie blamed his slump in form on withdrawal symptoms as he tried to give up fizzy soft drinks.

Tim Sherwood news conference

That's Tim Sherwood's first news conference as Aston Villa boss wrapped up - he's made it pretty clear that Premier League survival is the priority. He will aim to take the first step towards that target at home to Stoke this Saturday. Interesting times ahead at Villa Park.

Tim Sherwood news conference

New Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood on appointing his backroom staff: "I'm giving it thought. I haven't made any decisions yet and any that I make will be in best interests of the club."

Tim Sherwood news conference

New Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood on getting the job at Tottenham in December 2013, and lasting five months as manager: "I was chosen for the job but Daniel Levy, the chairman, had a lot of options. He didn't have to choose me. I'm hoping to be here as long as I was at Tottenham."

Reporter: But longer as a manager? "Yes."

Sherwood joined Spurs as an assistant first-team coach in 2008 - hence the reporter's request for clarification.

Tim Sherwood news conference

New Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood: "You've got to try to win football matches. We've got good players. I remember facing Christian Benteke as a manager and I know what a handful he can be. There are a lot of big names in that squad and none of them want to get relegated."

Tim Sherwood news conference

New Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood on taking over at the club: "We are not a one-man team. It's not only striker Christian Benteke. There are a lot of players at the club and they need to step to the front as well."

Reuters

Tim Sherwood news conference

New Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood on taking over at the club: "It's a fantastic opportunity and huge football club. When I got the call it was a no brainer and I said yes first and we'll negotiate afterwards."

Tim Sherwood news conference

New Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood: "I spoke to (chairman) Randy Lerner briefly and (chief executive) Tom Fox at length about the vision of the club. I liked what I heard. We're in a difficult situation, and I need to get the best of this group of players to keep us in this division."

Tim Sherwood news conference

New Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood on the club's poor home form: "I haven't been a manager here yet. But when I came to play here, it was a difficult place to come and get results. I want to turn this place back into a fortress. It's very important this club stay in the Premier League."

Tim Sherwood news conference

Tim Sherwood is Aston Villa's new manager after the club sacked Paul Lambert.

Sherwood is having his first news conference as the boss of the Midlands club and he says: "The team looked a bit tentative against Leicester City in the FA Cup. We have to play on front foot a bit more."

Aston Villa: Tim Sherwood press conference

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Tim Sherwood has arrived for his first press conference as Aston Villa manager. The club have posted a Vine video of the new boss taking his seat. We'll bring you details of what he's had to say shortly.

Get involved: Odd reasons for sporting failure

Steve: David James blamed poor form on spending too long on the Playstation while at Liverpool.

Kathryn Bate: Pastor Maldonado blamed his poor form at the end of the 2013 F1 season on his own team Williams sabotaging his car.

Adam Ainsworth: A long time ago, there was a strongman who, after much cajoling, claimed the secret of his success lay in his long hair.

Ah, yes, we remember him, Adam. Robbie Savage, wasn't it?

'Not walking away'

Salford owner Marwan Koukash raised doubts over his tenure of the club when he tweeted 'I have had enough' after last Thursday's crushing 52-6 defeat by St Helens.

But he now says: "I'm not walking out on the club. We're going to come out fighting.

"I'm going to work harder and if coach Iestyn Harris wants additional resources he will have them at his disposal."

Koukash will also enlist the help of Australia's national coach Tim Sheens to improve the club's fortunes.

Get involved: Odd reasons for sporting failure

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From Andrew in Richhill, via text: The most well-known odd reason for a sporting failure has to be Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United's claim that they couldn't see each other in the first half of their game against Southampton at The Dell in April 1996. They were 3-0 down at half-time while wearing that now infamous grey kit. They ran out in blue and white stripes in the second half and ended up losing 3-1, so they might have had a point!

Indeed, although Manchester United returned to The Dell the following October in the blue and white kit - and lost 6-3...

India fans savour victory

BBC Sport's Stephan Shemilt in Australia: "It's the morning after the party before in Adelaide, with some fans still milling about, taking in every last second following India's win over Pakistan on Sunday.

"There are still plenty of cricket shirts in the City of Churches, but only of the blue Indian variety. Pakistan fans are keeping a low profile."

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Get involved: Odd reasons for sporting failure

QPR fan Big Nige in Co Antrim, via text: I once played amateur football with a polished midfielder who insisted he needed three or four drams of whiskey about an hour before kick-off to help him perform at his best. When he did not get the whiskey - mainly when he was playing away from home - his performances were often poor! He was excellent when he had the hooch.

We're asking for your oddest explanations for sporting failure, after golfer Paul Lawrie blamed his slump in form on withdrawal symptoms as he tried to give up (non-alcoholic) fizzy drinks.

He jumped how far?!

BBC

It's been an extraordinary weekend for ski jumping - where the world record for the longest jump was broken twice at a World Cup event in Vikersund, Norway.

Slovenia's Peter Prevc became the first skier to jump 250m on Saturday - only for Norway's Anders Fannemel to jump 251.5m yesterday.

If you're in the UK, you can see video of both jumps on the BBC Sport website. Incredible efforts, both - like something out of a James Bond movie.

Rapids re-sign Munro

Worcestershire have re-signed New Zealand batsman Colin Munro as their overseas player for the 2015 T20 Blast.

The 27-year-old was Worcestershire's second-highest scorer last season with 332 runs at an average of 27.76, while he also picked up seven wickets with his medium pace as the Rapids reached the quarter-finals.

Director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: "Colin is going to be a terrific signing because he is a very dangerous and devastating player in T20 cricket.

"He is a powerful hitter of the ball as well and gives us, along with a few other boundary hitters, some real potency."

Munro added: "I said when I left last summer that I'd love to come back and play for Worcestershire again. It was an awesome experience."

Mark Cavendish wins Almeria classic

Mark Cavendish continued his flying start to the season as he sprinted to victory in the Almeria classic in southern Spain on Sunday.

The Isle of Man rider, 29, edged out Spaniard Juan Jose Lobato and Australia's Mark Renshaw respectively to claim victory in the 185.9 km race.

Cavendish, who recently took an overall victory at the won the race in 4 hours 36 minutes 19 seconds.

The victory is the Etixx-QuickStep cyclist's fifth of 2015.

Get involved: Odd reasons for sporting failure

Ross in Newark, via text: When playing basketball, my team-mate told me he wasn't aware of what was going on because he couldn't hear since his long hair covered his ears. Didn't explain why he kept giving the ball away, but we didn't ask questions. Our coach subbed him off after five minutes.

Back pages

Daily Telegraph

The Daily Telegraph's main back page is dominated by the Six Nations and a lead picture of England's Jonathan Joseph after his impressive performance in the win over Italy.

The football pull-out does not follow the rest of the papers in focusing on Bradford and, instead, has a picture of David Luiz. The Paris St-Germain defender will face former club Chelsea on Tuesday in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie.

"I was not feeling good there [at Chelsea] and I said I want to leave," says the Brazilian. "He (Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho) didn't try too much [to convince me to stay] because I was in Brazil and we just spoke on the telephone. And he said: 'It's OK, you can go.' "

Get involved: Odd reasons for sporting failure

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We're asking for the oddest explanations you've heard for a sporting slump, after golfer Peter Lawrie blamed his loss of form on withdrawal symptoms after he tried to give up fizzy drinks.

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet came up with a left-field claim after Sunday's FA Cup defeat at Bradford, saying that the media are partly to blame for the tough time he's having (see 09:09): "The problem is you (the media) not me. If you write what I say, the fans would be on my side. If we close Sunderland - if we put a China Wall around the city - it would be fantastic."

So there you have it: Sunderland could be successful if only the city had its own replica of a Unesco World Heritage site.

Ireland make rivals 'nervous'

Ireland beat England at the World Cup four years ago and have been upsetting another of cricket's major nations.

At the current World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Ireland beat the West Indies and ex-England spinner Graeme Swann believes will make their Pool B rivals "very nervous".

"This is a better victory than the one against England four years ago," says Swann.

"That was a one-man show from Kevin O'Brien. This was a team effort."

Get involved: Odd reasons for sporting failure

Just to get you up and running on today's Sportsday debate, we've canvassed the office and asked our colleagues to give us their oddest explanations for sporting failure. (No names, no pack drill.)

One reporter tells us of a Sunday league football team-mate who insisted he could only perform at his best if he had a full breakfast from a well-known fast-food chain. When he didn't get his brekkie one Sunday, his display fell well short.

Get involved: Odd reasons for sporting failure

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Irish golfer Peter Lawrie said at the weekend that he suffered a huge slump in form while trying to address what he called a fizzy drinks addiction.

The Irishman said he was drinking several litres of cola a day and had a near breakdown when he tried to quit.

So today, we're putting the question to you: What's the most unusual explanation for a poor sporting performance you've heard? And if you've suffered a lack of sporting success, what reasons have you come up with?

You can tweet us at #bbcsportsday, text us on 81111 or get in touch via the BBC Sport Facebook page.

'We're so ready' - Scotland coach

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On the back of Ireland's shock victory over the West Indies at the Cricket World Cup, Scotland will go looking for an upset tonight against New Zealand in Dunedin (22:00 GMT). It's a lot to ask, as Scotland coach Grant Bradburn acknowledges.

But Bradburn tells BBC Radio 5 live: "We're so ready. It should be a magnificent atmosphere. It's about a group of young Scottish players who've worked so well and trained so hard. It's such a privilege to work with this group.

"We've got a massive challenge tomorrow, but we're up for it too. We can't do anything about our lack of experience. Daniel Vettori, in the New Zealand side, has played more ODI cricket than our whole squad put together, but what we lack in experience, we make up for in spirit."

Poyet blames media

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One man who has come in for a bit of stick from his own fans is Sunderland manager Gus Poyet.

Many of the 4,000 Black Cats supporters at their side's FA Cup defeat by Bradford voiced their frustrations at the end and Poyet was blaming the media for causing some angst between the two parties.

The Uruguayan recently claimed Sunderland fans were living in the past and intent on a return to the 'kick and rush' style under former manager Peter Reid.

"When we let you (the press) in and you get (back) out and say what you want, then we've got a problem," says Poyet.

"The problem is you (the media) not me. If you write what I say the fans would be on my side. If we close Sunderland - if we put a China Wall around the city - it would be fantastic."

Back pages

Daily Star

The Daily Star's back page is dominated by the FA Cup action. It also has a story about Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal telling striker Wayne Rooney to tell him if he is unhappy playing out of position in midfield.

"He's happy - otherwise he should come to me and say he's not happy," says Van Gaal.

Easy, easy

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Bradford City striker Jon Stead scored for the fifth successive round to help the League One side claim a quarter-final place by beating top-flight Sunderland.

Afterwards, he claimed the 2-0 victory over Sunderland was even better than their stunning win at Chelsea in the last round.

"This tops the Chelsea win because of the expectation on us," says Stead.

"It's ended up, dare I say, a comfortable victory [over Sunderland]. The fans were magnificent and we made things hard for Sunderland right from the off, getting in their faces."

Watch FA Cup action

Let's get back to the FA Cup. If you haven't seen the action from Bradford's win over Sunderland on Sunday or, indeed, Arsenal avoiding a banana skin by beating Championship high-flyers Middlesbrough, you can watch both on the BBC Sport website by clicking the following links:

Bradford City 2-0 Sunderland

Arsenal 2-0 Middlesbrough

Back pages

Times

The back page of The Times leads with rugby union and England's Manu Tuilagi being told that he will need to produce "fireworks" if he is to break back into the side after Jonathan Joseph's performance in the 47-17 victory over Italy at Twickenham.

LVG wants midfielder

When it comes to the transfer market, Manchester United were one of the biggest spenders last summer with an outlay of about £150m. And, Old Trafford boss Louis Van Gaal says one the club's target this summer will be a midfielder.

When asked if his priority was to sign a new midfielder he said: "Of course."

Gossip column

A daily football gossip fix is an essential part of any day and today's offering includes the following:

Burnley striker Danny Ings, 22, has flown to Spain to open talks with Real Sociedad over a proposed summer move. (Daily Mail)

Atletico Madrid have agreed a deal to sign Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla, 32, in the summer. (Spanish radio station Cadena Cope)

Plus, Atletico are also hoping to take Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata, 26, back to La Liga. (The Sun - Subscription required)

Six Nations catch-up video

If rugby union is you sport of choice then we have a treat for you on the BBC Sports website. You can watch the biggest hits, the funniest moments and the best of the weekend's action in one bite-sized chunk with the Six Nations Catch-Up by clicking right here.

Ireland stun West Indies

Reuters

Ireland have also been at the shock-causing game. They caused the first upset of the World Cup with a four-wicket win against West Indies in their opening Pool B match.

The Windies recovered from 87-5 to post a more than respectable 304-7.

But Ireland's Will Porterfield and Paul Stirling put on 71 and Stirling then shared a 106 stand with Ed Joyce. Niall O'Brien added 79 not out as Ireland won with 25 balls left to register their fourth World Cup win over a Test team.

Bradford City joy

PA

There is only one place to start and that is with Bradford City. It was a case of another FA Cup tie and the League One side creating another FA Cup upset. Not content with knocking Chelsea out in the fourth round in what was one of if not the biggest FA Cup shock ever, Bradford have now dumped Premier League Sunderland out of the competition to reach the quarter-finals.

Welcome

If you are looking for a one-stop sports shop of one-stop sports shops then you have found it. It's another edition of Sportsday and you can get all the latest news, views and analysis from the sporting world on whatever device you care to choose (within reason) right here. Plus, we'll try to have a bit of fun along the way so enjoy.