Sportsday - rolling sports news

1. Chelsea apologise to man involved in metro incident
2. Liverpool boss Rodgers backs striker Balotelli over penalty
3. NZ beat England by eight wickets in 12.2 overs
4. One of England's worst days in one-day cricket - Boycott
5. F1 testing news from Barcelona

Sportsday Live

That's it for Sportsday Live for Friday and for the rest of the week

As well as 5 live Sport, you can follow the rest of the evening's sporting action on the BBC Sport website and we will be back on Monday from 08:00 GMT

Coming Up

BBC Radio 5 live

Friday night's 5 live Sport presented by George Riley looks ahead to all of the weekend's football action with Mark Lawrenson, Jermaine Jenas and journalist Sachin Nakrani.

As well as previews of all the key games, including Chelsea v Burnley, which will be Saturday's live commentary game on 5 live, there is also a feature on life after football plus a look back at England's Cricket World Cup loss to New Zealand and live action from the World Track Cycling Championships in Paris.

Challenge Lawro

There is another weekend of Premier League games on the horizon so there is another chance for Mark Lawrenson to pit his wits against a different guest.

Lawro's opponent for this weekend's Premier League fixtures is seven-time World Superbike champion and reality TV star Carl Fogarty with the Blackburn fan predicting that Chelsea will beat Burnley 17-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Weekend team news

Manchester City's £25m signing Wilfried Bony could make his debut after returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty along with Yaya Toure.

James Milner is out with a knee injury, but Sergio Aguero is expected to overcome a minor back problem.

Newcastle's Paul Dummett has been ruled out for up to three months adding to Newcastle's injury crisis in defence.

Midfielder Cheick Tiote is definitely out, while Remy Cabella is a doubt after picking up a knock in training.

Thomas retains Algarve lead

EPA

Britain's Geraint Thomas retains the overall lead in the Tour of Algarve after finishing third in Friday's 19km individual time trial stage.

Germany's Tony Martin won the stage between Vila do Bispo and Cabo de Sao Vicente, in Sagres, in 21 minutes and 51 seconds - three seconds clear of Thomas.

Thomas is 30 seconds clear of Martin in the overall standings with last year's winner, Michal Kwiatkowski of Poland in third a further nine seconds back.

Saturday's fourth stage is a 218.3km ride from Tavira to Alto do Malho in Loule, featuring several climbs and a summit finish.

Weekend team news

Swansea welcome back Gylfi Sigurdsson after serving a three-match suspension for the red card he picked up against Blackburn and although Wayne Routledge and Marvin Emnes are available again after injury, Kyle Bartley has been ruled out for six weeks with a knee problem.

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is fit after missing the FA Cup win over Preston with a minor knock and Phil Jones is also back, leaving Michael Carrick as their only absentee.

Chelsea suspend two more people

Chelsea say they have suspended a further two people from Stamford Bridge as a result of ongoing investigations into the incident on the Paris Metro on Tuesday evening.

This makes a total of five to date after three were suspended by the club on Thursday.

Earlier on Friday, Jose Mourinho said he was "ashamed" of the Chelsea fans who prevented a black man from boarding a train in Paris.

Weekend team news

Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole could play his first game of 2015 after knee and groin injuries while Jermain Defoe may also return after missing the FA Cup defeat to Bradford.

West Brom defender Jonas Olsson could feature for the first time since September after being an unused substitute in the FA Cup last week.

Youssouf Mulumbu, who picked up a hamstring injury at the Africa Cup of Nations, might also return but Victor Anichebe (groin) is definitely out.

Golf bodies in merger talks

Golf's governing body the R&A is in talks with the Ladies' Golf Union (LGU) over the prospect of a merger.

In a joint statement they say "exploratory discussions are under way" to achieve a "closer relationship and the possibility of a merger".

Weekend team news

Hull's Mohamed Diame has had to delay his return from three months out due to a minor recurrence of his knee injury.

James Chester (shoulder), Liam Rosenior (hamstring) and Robert Snodgrass (knee) have long-term injuries.

QPR welcome back top scorer Charlie Austin after he missed the win at Sunderland with a foot injury.

Mauricio Isla, Leroy Fer, Sandro, Richard Dunne and Alejandro Faurlin are all out with knee injuries, while Nedum Onuoha has a hamstring problem.

Farah 'hurt' by Vernon claims

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Mo Farah has claimed Great Britain team-mate Andy Vernon questioned his nationality after the double Olympic champion won European 10,000m gold in Zurich last year.

Somalia-born Farah, 31 - who beat his fellow Briton to the 2014 title - said Vernon suggested he did not deserve the win because he was not European.

But Vernon, 29, told the BBC this was a "huge misrepresentation" and that he considers Farah to be British.

"All I said in a complete joking fashion was that I was European champion," said Vernon who has called for the pair to "act like men and move on".

Welsh player given two-year doping ban

A Welsh Premiership rugby player has received a two-year ban from all sport after an anti-doping rule violation.

Neath player Lee Evans, 32, a former captain of the west Wales club, tested positive for the anabolic steroid drostanolone following an out-of-competition test conducted last summer and is suspended until 27 July 2016.

Evans maintained the banned substance had entered his body because of the supplements he was taking but while the UK Anti-Doping panel agreed that there was some evidence to support his claim, it concluded that he hadn't undertaken any serious research into the supplements which contained prohibited substances.

Weekend team news

Crystal Palace could have captain Mile Jedinak back from the ankle injury he picked up on international duty for Australia at the Asia Cup.

James McArthur may also return, but on-loan striker Yaya Sanogo is ineligible to play against his parent club.

Arsenal have Jack Wilshere available again for the first time since he injured ankle ligaments against Manchester United in November.

Hector Bellerin faces a fitness test, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is unlikely to be risked.

Misbah confident of success

AP

Pakistan cricket captain Misbah-ul-Haq tells BBC Urdu's Adil Shahzeb that his side have plenty of "match-winners" who can turn the team's fortunes around at the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

Despite Pakistan losing their opening match to rivals India by 76 runs in Adelaide, Misbah remains confident but says his side must take wickets to be successful - starting with their second pool match against West Indies on Saturday.

Weekend team news

Chelsea's Diego Costa returns after completing a three-game domestic ban while Oscar, Petr Cech, Juan Cuadrado and Kurt Zouma could earn recalls

However, John Obi Mikel remains sidelined by a knee problem.

Burnley full-back Stephen Ward is back in contention after recovering from a fractured ankle suffered in December but Dean Marney and Kevin Long are sidelined by long-term knee injuries, while Matt Taylor is not yet ready to return from an Achilles problem.

World Club Series ready to kick-off

SWPix.com

Players and coaches look forward to the new World Club Series, an expanded competition with six sides competing, which starts on Friday with Warrington up against St George Illawarra.

The series will be played over three days climaxing in the World Club Challenge to determine the world's best club Rugby League team.

As well as the Wolves, Super League champions St Helens and runners up Wigan Warriors will represent England whilst National Rugby League champions South Sydney Rabbitohs and Brisbane Broncos join St George in representing Australia.

You can watch highlights of every game on the Super League Show on Sunday at 23:40 GMT on BBC One.

Paris Metro racism victim has had no contact from Chelsea

In his first UK media interview, Souleymane S, the man who was prevented from boarding a Paris Metro train by Chelsea fans before their Champions League tie on Tuesday, says he was left "wounded" and "humiliated" and that the incident is the club's "responsibility".

He also told BBC Radio 5 live Drive that he has had no contact from the club.

Earlier on Friday, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said he felt "ashamed" when he heard about the incident.

Weekend team news

Aston Villa's new manager Tim Sherwood has been boosted by the return of Gabby Agbonlahor and Carles Gil from injury.

However, defensive duo Nathan Baker and Philippe Senderos are still injured and will not be involved against Stoke.

Stoke defender Marc Muniesa has been ruled out for up to six weeks after injuring his hamstring last weekend.

Captain Ryan Shawcross misses out again with a back problem, while Geoff Cameron is banned, but defenders Marc Wilson and Erik Pieters could return.

F1 testing update

Andrew Benson

BBC Sport chief F1 writer

"So day two of the Barcelona test ends and the Formula 1 teams reach the halfway point of their preparations for the new season. It has been a fascinating day, and there is a lot to chew over.

"But the headline has to be that late lap from Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes. Only fifth-quickest overall, but just 0.349 seconds off the fastest lap from Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo despite using a tyre reckoned to be at least a second slower. That will cause some concern up and down the pit lane - if little surprise.

"Meanwhile, there has finally been some good news for McLaren-Honda, with a trouble-free day in a compromised car and some encouraging pace from Fernando Alonso. It is all shaping up nicely."

West Ham given FA fine

PA

West Ham have been fined £30,000 by the Football Association for failing to control their players in the recent draw at Southampton.

The incident in question occurred after referee Craig Pawson sent off Hammers goalkeeper Adrian just after the hour mark for handling the ball outside of his penalty area.

Although the Spaniard's red card was later overturned on appeal, the FA has announced the club have been punished for the players' reaction.

Scots pair create British diving history

PA

Scottish Commonwealth divers Grace Reid and James Heatly have won 3m synchronised gold in the first-ever British mixed gender event.

Mixed competitions were approved by the sport's international governing body, Fina, in November and will be included at the 2015 World Championships.

Reid, 18, and Heatly, 17, scored 267.72 to beat English pair Clare Cryan and Ross Haslam's total of 248.22 in Plymouth.

Douglas signs new Brentford deal

Brentford midfielder Jonathan Douglas has signed a new contract, tying him to the Championship club until the summer of 2016.

"The offer has been on the table for some time," Brentford boss Mark Warburton told the club website.

"We were never worried about whether Dougie would sign. He was focused on delivering consistent performances."

Rutherford won't encourage athletics career for son

Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford has followed Darren Campbell and will not let his son participate in the scandal-hit sport.

Rutherford, whose son Milo was born in October, has criticised world athletics for failing to deal with widespread doping allegations.

He said: "I agree with Darren that it's the situation the sport is in. I'll try to guide Milo in different paths.

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"You might as well throw the sport to the dogs," added Rutherford.

F1 testing update

Andrew Benson

BBC Sport chief F1 writer

EPA

"Are we finally getting a hint of the true pace of the Mercedes? Lewis Hamilton has just set his best time of the day, just 0.349 seconds slower than pace-setter Daniel Ricciardo, on the medium tyre.

"Ricciardo was on the soft, which is reckoned to be a little over a second faster. We don't know the fuel loads, which can make a big difference, but that on the face of it is an ominous time from Hamilton."

Rowsell to race for bronze in Paris

Defending champion Joanna Rowsell can win bronze at best in the women's individual pursuit after qualifying in fourth place on day three of the Track Cycling World Championships.

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Rowsell, who won silver with the team pursuit squad on Thursday in Paris, clocked three minutes 31.171 seconds and will meet third-fastest qualifier Amy Cure of Australia (3:29.794) in the ride-off for bronze.

Katie Archibald missed out on a medal ride after finishing fifth while the final will be between Rebecca Wiasak of Australia and Jennifer Valente of the United States.

Jess Varnish beat Olympic champion Anna Meares of Australia to reach the sprint quarter-finals, which take place in Friday evening's session.

You can watch live coverage from Paris on the BBC Sport website from 18:00 GMT

Higgins advances in Welsh Open

Three-time champion John Higgins is the first player into the semi-finals of the Welsh Open in Cardiff, after a 5-1 win over Stephen Maguire.

"It was a good win against one of the form players, especially as I'd lost the last seven matches against Stephen," said 39-year-old Higgins. "But it was a scrappy match and the performance could have been 100 times better.

BBC Sport

"We are friendly and spend a lot of time together on the circuit, but you have to put that to the back of your mind. It has been a long time coming, to get to a semi-final. I feel as if I am getting my game back, but I'm still missing too many easy balls. If I do that in the semis I'll get found out so I have to eradicate that.

"If I were to win this for a fourth time and go above two legends of the game in Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O'Sullivan, that would be a feather in my cap."

Get involved

Some more of your comments on the England v New Zealand match in Wellington, which the home side easily won by eight wickets.

Yockomo: Eoin Morgan's record as captain of the Middlesex one-day side isn't good so why they made him England captain I have no idea.

CJbristol: People have very short memories, Three years ago we were the best test team in the world which is a far better achievement than being world champions at one-day cricket.

AFP

Tallhawk1: Didn't Alex Hales (pictured) score the most spectacular 100 for England against Sri Lanka in the recent 20-20 World Cup? How many players do we have capable of such a match-winning performance? Am I the only England fan confused by his omission?

Gus Poyet news conference

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet says he is enjoying the pressure of being a Premier League manager.

AFP

The Black Cats are 15th in the table and lost in the FA Cup to League One Bradford last weekend, but Poyet says: "I like pressure because it's the way I have been brought up. When you are in Uruguay and when you play football for the national team, the pressure is there to win. There is no other result, so it is part of my life.

"Can I work without pressure? I don't know - I have never done it so far. I have never played football or managed without pressure.

"I suppose it would be nice, but maybe I would not be myself after because I don't have the pressure. It's part of the game. I like it, I really like it."

Ferarri to supply former Marussia team with engines

Andrew Benson

BBC Sport chief F1 writer

Ferrari team boss Maurizio Arrivabene has said the Scuderia have agreed to supply the former Marussia team with 2014-spec engines in 2015, if they can finalise a deal to revive the outfit, which is now called Manor, and return to the grid.

AFP

"We said we are going to supply them with the 2014 engine," Arrivabene said. "There is nothing in writing yet but the answer is yes."

Portsmouth have play-off belief

Portsmouth striker Matt Tubbs says Andy Awford's side still believe they can reach at least the League Two play-offs this season.

They are currently 12 points short of the top seven, but 30-year-old Tubbs said they were still aiming high with 16 games to play.

"I think we've got to be ambitious," Tubbs told BBC Radio Solent. "If you're looking over your shoulder then it's a negative thought straight away."

Ipswich bring in Chaplow

Championship side Ipswich have made their second loan signing of the day, with Millwall midfielder Richard Chaplow following Luke Varney through the door.

Both have signed on month-long loans, with a view to extending the deals until the end of the season. Chaplow, 30, has made 10 appearances for the Lions is season.

Watch these videos

BBC Sport

Some more videos for your enjoyment before the weekend starts. You'll like these. Don't believe me, just watch.

Skiing: The US ski team take a break from training to record their own version of 'Uptown Funk' by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars.

Cricket: Former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott says England were "slaughtered" in their humiliating eight-wicket defeat by New Zealand at the Cricket World Cup.

Cycling: British sprinter Jason Kenny explains his "nightmare" ride that saw him fail to qualify for the keirin final at the Track World Championships in Paris.

Football: We look back in the archives at some of the worst fashion disasters in sport, from terrible football kits to regrettable haircuts.

BBC Sport

F1 testing update

Andrew Benson

BBC Sport chief F1 writer

Getty Images

"Like Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo, Lewis Hamilton is also doing a race-simulation run in his Mercedes this afternoon. This will provide the first like-for-like comparison between 2015 cars so far this year - or as close to it as it is possible to get in testing."

Roberto Martinez news conference

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has added his voice to the condemnation of the racist incident involving Chelsea fans on the Paris Metro.

"You don't want to see that sort of behaviour in any walk of life," he said. "We all need to take responsibility and show that certain behaviour is not acceptable."

Headlines

Here is a reminder of the top stories on the BBC sport site at the moment.

Football: Jose Mourinho is "ashamed" of the Chelsea fans who prevented a black man from boarding a Paris train on Tuesday.

Cricket: England's performance in their eight-wicket defeat by New Zealand was "almost too bad to put into words", says BBC's cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew.

AFP

Rugby union: Oscar winning actor Russell Crowe says Bath's former rugby league star Sam Burgess should be in Stuart Lancaster's England squad.

Formula 1: Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo edged out Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen by just 0.01 seconds to set the pace on the second day of the second pre-season test.

Golf: Darren Clarke deserved to be named captain of Europe for the 2016 Ryder Cup, says Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez.

Getty Images

Live Welsh Open coverage

BBC Sport

Live coverage of the Welsh Open can be watched on this page right now. Just press the live coverage tab and then click on snooker for live action from Cardiff as Wales's Mark Williams takes on Marco Fu in the quarter-finals.

Get involved

Some more of your comments from the match report of England's heavy defeat by New Zealand in the Cricket World Cup

Modharry: Too much doom and gloom. Yes it was a bad defeat but two years ago when a young New Zealand team gave England, then vying with South Africa to be the number one side in the world, a lot of trouble you could tell they were the coming force. England are a team in transition. We could still make the semis but we're never going to win it.

Hugo: Utterly pathetic. Think that sums up that performance. Yes New Zealand are a very strong ODI side but to capitulate so easily is woeful.

Dave1506: Well, Kevin Pietersen was sacked from the England team for much better performances than this. As we have seen this current bunch are worse than he was so I trust as he was so much better than they are, that those who wanted him sacked will be resigning without a pay off.

Greg Rutherford Q&A

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Olympic and European long jump champion Greg Rutherford has been answering your questions on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Rutherford will be in action on Saturday at the Birmingham Indoor Grand Prix live on BBC One from 13:00 GMT.

Nigel Pearson news conference

Leicester boss Nigel Pearson has been speaking to the assembled media. His side are bottom of the Premier League, five points from safety and play at Everton on Sunday.

"All games are big now and we must find ways to win," says Pearson. "Performances must warrant the support of our fans. It's about finding answers. The players' spirits are still high, but we must work hard to be successful at this level.

"The key games are against those near us, but every game is an opportunity. Need consistency in performance. Results must improve."

Brendan Rodgers news conference

More from Brendan Rodgers on the penalty drama during Liverpool's 1-0 win against Besiktas in the Europa League last 32, first-leg tie.

He says: "Jordan Henderson showed his maturity and what a team player he is as he respected that Mario Balotelli is an outstanding penalty taker and was happy to give it to him to take. Mario had the coolness and calmness to score the penalty.

"You can see the respect and commitment the players have towards each other. I don't like it when you see at my team, or any other team, four or five players around the ball all trying to take it.

"What has not been mentioned is what a great performance it was and one that puts us in a strong position for the second leg."

Ronald Koeman news conference

AFP

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman believe his side can score goals against Liverpool on Sunday, despite not finding the net in their last two home games.

"Swansea and West Ham didn't come here to play open football and that gives us more difficulties. We didn't have the quality to break it down but Sunday's game will be different. It is all about sharpness in the box," he said.

"I'm surprised they [Liverpool] have four points less than we have. To come closer, they have to win.

"We did a great job replacing good players with more good players. One of the qualities is that we have conceded only 17 goals and if we keep that sort of number it will help us to a high position in the table."

Brendan Rodgers news conference

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has been giving his views on the controversial penalty incident during his side's 1-0 win against Besiktas in the first leg of their last-32 Europa League tie.

Substitute Mario Balotelli scored the spot-kick, but only after taking the ball off stand-in captain Jordan Henderson, who also wanted to take it. Injured club captain Steven Gerrard, speaking as a television pundit for ITV, said Balotelli had disrespected Henderson.

AFP

But Rodgers says: "There has been a lot more drama made about it from you [the media] than us. It's very clear who the penalty takers are. When Steven plays he is number one. With the players on at the start of the game Jordan was nominated penalty taker.

"But if Jordan, Steven and Mario are on the pitch at the same time then we normally have Steven or Mario take penalties."

Ronald Koeman news conference

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has refused to be drawn on Adam Lallana's remarks that his departure from the club last summer will have 'left a sour taste in the mouth' before the side's meeting at St Mary's.

"That's not my question. My job is to prepare my team for Sunday's game," he said.

"I don't talk about players who come back to the club where they played last season because I could do that every week. He is doing well at Liverpool - he chose to leave the club and nothing else."

Rafferty recalled to England squad

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Chelsea's Claire Rafferty returns to the England squad for next month's Cyprus Cup as they continue their World Cup preparations.

The inclusion of Rafferty, who can play in defence or on the wing, is the only change to the squad that lost 1-0 to the USA earlier this month.

England, who finished runner-up to France last year, face Finland on 4 March and then play games against Australia (6 March) and the Netherlands (9 March) before the knockout phase.

F1 testing update

Andrew Benson

BBC Sport chief F1 writer

"Mercedes have said that Nico Rosberg has been taken out of the car for this afternoon's session to ensure his injured neck - where he has an inflamed nerve - is not over-stressed and is fit for a full day's running on Sunday.

"Lewis Hamilton is in the car now and clearly not completely recovered from the illness that forced him to abandon testing on Thursday - he has tweeted that he is "feeling a bit better now".

"Hamilton is due to drive again on Saturday, but it could be a frustrating day for him - light rain is forecast at various points.

AFP

"We've had our first driver go off today. Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz Jr has gone off at the fast uphill Turn Nine and brought out the red flag. That will be annoying for senior team Red Bull, who are part-way through a race simulation with Daniel Ricciardo, for which team bosses Christian Horner and Adrian Newey have turned up to watch."

Gus Poyet news conference

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet says England striker Jermain Defoe may miss Saturday's home game against West Brom.

"Jermain is touch and go and there are a few in that situation, so it is important to monitor how they recover after training today to see if there are any issues, but hopefully they will all be there," says Poyet.

"Let's hope that nothing happens between today and tomorrow and we have got practically everyone available."

Manuel Pellegrini news conference

A few more words from Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, this time on the importance of midfielder Yaya Toure.

City have won just one game in Toure's absence but with the influential Ivory Coast international returning after a successful Africa Cup of Nations campaign alongside new signing Wilfried Bony, Pellegrini is delighted to have more options.

AFP

"It's important to have Yaya back, he's an important player for us. For him and for Bony to come back after winning the Africa Cup of Nations is better," added Pellegrini. "We're sure Yaya will be the same player as he was before he left.

"We didn't win a lot of games without him but there were other problems too. We had players coming back from injuries and when you put both together, maybe that explains it."

Jose Mourinho news conference

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At his news conference, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was asked about John Terry's contract situation with the defender reportedly keen to sign another one-year contract.

"He accepts our policy of going year-to-year and he accepts it with a smile and as a challenge," said Mourinho.

"Last season he won the challenge and got an extension and this year he is winning it again."

F1 testing update

Andrew Benson

BBC Sport chief F1 writer

"Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo is the first race driver to try a race simulation run at the second pre-season test, after Williams test driver Susie Wolff did a steady but consistent one on Thursday.

AFP

"This is where the team try to run a complete race distance, including pit stops and accurate tyre choices, to see how the car gets on. Red Bull's rivals will be scrutinising it with interest.

"Meanwhile, the patched-up Honda engine in the McLaren is still going and Fernando Alonso has just improved his best time. He is still fifth fastest, but now 1.387secs off pace-setter Ricciardo."

Roberto Martinez news conference

Martinez also praised the contribution of Romela Lukaku, who scored a hat-trick in Switzerland.

"As a striker you need to be fed with goals but Romela was unstoppable at times. As well as creating the chances, he was in the right place with the right room and he could have scored six, but what also pleases me is the responsibility he took and that chemistry with players around him was strong. It is important that carries on.

"I expect a competitive Leicester side and it will be a really difficult game. Our group is feeling strong. February was always going to be a testing month and our experience will help us."

Manuel Pellegrini news conference

More from Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini. He says: "I hope tomorrow we will recover our normal performance at home - we will have to play well with intensity.

"If we win tomorrow we will have the same amount of points we had at the same moment as last season."

Remember what happened last season? This.

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Roberto Martinez news conference

Everton manager Roberto Martinez believes his side's Europa League adventures, including Thursday night's win at Young Boys, are helping the team as they switch focus to the Premier League and the visit of Leicester on Sunday.

"We are enjoying our football and it has helped young players to learn. It also highlights that we need to take that into our domestic performances," he said.

"We haven't been able to get the momentum but we feel confident in our play and I hope that last night's result will be the final push to help us enjoy our football until the end of the season."

Dorrans targets Norwich promotion

Scotland midfielder Graham Dorrans intends to help Norwich City secure an immediate return to the Premier League after arriving on loan from West Bromwich Albion.

The 27-year-old has dropped to the Championship to join the Canaries on an initial one-month deal.

"Everybody wants to play in the Premier League. I came here with the view of getting back to the Premier League," he told BBC Radio Norfolk.

Taylor-Fletcher moves to Millwall

Championship strugglers Millwall have signed Leicester City forward Gary Taylor-Fletcher on loan until the end of the season.

The 33-year-old previously played under Lions boss Ian Holloway at Blackpool.

Rain, rain, go away

Australia's World Cup match against Bangladesh is in doubt because of heavy rain predicted for the Brisbane area.

The game is scheduled to begin at 03:30 GMT on Saturday, although there is no reserve day set aside so both sides will pick up a point each if the match cannot be played.

A match can only be successfully completed if each side has a minimum of 20 overs, although the match can start later than the original time if needed.

If only it had been raining in the Wellington area last night. England were thumped by eight wickets in their game against New Zealand, if you didn't know.

Maybe the Australia and Bangladesh players can take to their "boogie boards" (a small version of a surfboard to you and I) and enjoy the rain as much as these youngsters (and dog) did in Brisbane earlier today.

AFP

Djuricic wants permanent Saints deal

Southampton's on-loan Benfica midfielder Filip Djuricic has said he wants a permanent move to the Premier League's fourth-placed club.

The 23 year-old joined for the rest of the season on 2 February, and made his debut against West Ham nine days later.

"I'm here to help the team reach the Champions League and after it's my goal to stay here if at all possible," Djuricic told BBC Radio Solent.

Gallagher to appear on Match of the Day 2

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Former Oasis star and Manchester City fan Noel Gallagher will be a guest on Match of the Day 2 on Sunday night.

Gallagher, who is preparing to release his second solo album, interviewed then City striker Mario Balotelli for Football Focus in 2012.

As well as discussing Tottenham v West Ham, Everton v Leicester and Southampton v Liverpool, he will also front a feature on City's match against Newcastle, which takes place on Saturday evening.

BBC

Hollywood actor Crowe wants format changed

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The World Club Series gets underway in Warrington on Friday night with the home side up against St George Illawarra after the event was expanded from a one-off to a six-team competition.

But Hollywood actor Russell Crowe (pictured below), the co-owner of NRL Grand Final winners South Sydney who will face Super League Grand Final champions St Helens on Sunday, is urging rugby league officials to be bold and raise the profile of the event.

"Some of this world series situation I disagree with because we are into a mode of two out of three games being friendlies," he said. "If there is no blood on the line it is not rugby league."

AP

Madsen hopes to stake England claim

Derbyshire captain Wayne Madsen has set his sights on an England call-up after being granted UK citizenship.

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The South African-born batsman, 31, has scored more than 8,500 runs in all competitions, 1,046 of them in last season's County Championship.

"If I continue to do well it gives me an opportunity to represent England," he said.

After England's eight-wicket humiliation at the hands of New Zealand this morning, they may need all the help they can get.

Louis van Gaal news conference

We have seen Louis van Gaal, let's say, be a bit grumpy at some news conferences this season, but not today. Today he is in a positive mood and this may well be why.

Asked if he had a fully-fit squad to choose from, the Dutchman replied: "We are very close to that stage. In the first four months I started, I could only select from the fit players. And, as you know, I always had 10 or 11 players injured.

"Now, in the last month, I only have one or two players and now only Michael Carrick is injured so that's a big difference.

"That's also because of the way of training, also the players had to adapt to the way of training, and now that's complete. That's the big difference with the beginning of the season."

F1 testing update

Andrew Benson

BBC Sport chief F1 writer

"Lewis Hamilton missed his day's running on Thursday through illness, but he is back at the track and is now out in the car.

AFP

"Mercedes will have done this on fairness grounds - it means that over the first two days of the test Hamilton and Rosberg will have had about the same amount of running at half a day each. Then they run a day each over the weekend."

Manuel Pellegrini's news conference

EPA

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini says midfielder James Milner will miss Saturday's visit of Newcastle with a knee injury.

"It's not very, very serious but [Milner] couldn't work all week. All of the other players are fit," he said.

But Pellegrini has refused to confirm whether Wilfred Bony will start against John Carver's side.

"Bony is an important player - he's on the squad list for tomorrow," adds Pellegrini. "We'll see if he starts or if he's on the bench."

Louis van Gaal news conference

Looking ahead to Saturday's away game at Swansea City, Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal says: "Swansea are a very good team.

"I like to see them playing. They want to play football. They want to make the game a passing game like we do, so I like that kind of football. I hope it shall be a match like that on Saturday."

AFP

Van Gaal also says his players can cope with playing a variety of different formations and systems.

He adds: "When we change the system during the game we always surprise our opponent and that's why it's also a good thing for our team. Of course, it is not always that we improve our game but mostly we have improved and won the match, so that's important."

Jose Mourinho's news conference

On team news for the visit of Burnley, Jose Mourinho says John Mikel Obi is the only player unavailable for Chelsea.

The Nigerian midfielder has a knee problem and the manager thinks he could be out for at least two more weeks. Otherwise he reports a fully fit squad.

Gough Jr hopes to dazzle for Essex

Liam Gough, the son of former England fast bowler Darren, is among three players to join Essex on a short-term trial basis.

A club statement said the 20-year-old batsman would be registered to play for the first team in the first two months of the county season.

Father Darren, who played county cricket for Yorkshire and Essex, took 467 wickets for England in all forms of the game and won the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2005.

Chelsea offer apology over metro incident

A Chelsea spokesman says the club has offered an apology to the man involved in the racism incident on the Paris Metro.

"We want to make it clear our disgust the incident on the Paris Metro. We were appalled by what we saw," said Steve Atkins.

"We apologise to Souleymane for the actions of a small number of individuals. We have co-operated with police and will continue to do so.

"We're writing to him to apologise and to invite him to come to a game as our guest."

Louis van Gaal news conference

More from Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal, who says his side, who are third in the Premier League, should have more points than the 47 they have picked up this season.

"We have lost a lot of points in spite of being the better team, but you have to score at that moment," says van Gaal.

"I believe that every player knows the philosophy of me and my staff and everyone wants to follow that philosophy. Our team spirit is unbelievable."

Jose Mourinho news conference

More from Jose Mourinho on the Fifa presidency bid of his compatriot Luis Figo.

"I am proud of him - I knew him as a kid and I am proud a good friend like him can reach this level," he said.

I told him yesterday that he can win or lose the election but one thing he has won already is credibility by a nice campaign polite clean without being offensive and I am proud of him."

Louis van Gaal news conference

More from Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal, who says: "When you see the score of the last 19 or 20 matches, we are the best team in the league.

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"I am never 100% happy. We can play better than we are now, but the main thing is to win games.

"We've shown our team spirit many times this season. It's good for the fans and for me, as you see a player wants to follow you."

Jose Mourinho media conference

Chelsea's media conference with Jose Mourinho is being taken up with the aftermath of the racism incident on the Paris Metro and Mourinho has condemned those involved.

"I felt ashamed when I found out what happened but these supporters do not represent the club," he said.

"The dressing room reacted as I did - with disappointment and they condemn the situation and support the gentleman involved and they feel ashamed but maybe we shouldn't because these people involved do not belong to Chelsea Football Club."

Young fan wins SPFL award

Young Celtic fan Jay Beatty has won a landslide victory in the Scottish Professional Football League goal of the month award.

The 11-year-old, who has Down's Syndrome, recorded 97 per cent of the vote in the SPFL's online competition for January.

Jay, who comes from Neil Lennon's home town of Lurgan, netted a penalty on the New Douglas Park pitch during the interval of Celtic's 2-0 win against Hamilton on 17 January after being invited to the game as a guest of the Lanarkshire club.

Louis van Gaal press conference

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says that both Robin van Persie and Phil Jones are fit for the visit to the Liberty Stadium.

The Dutchman adds that Michael Carrick is his side's only injury worry but expects him to resume training with the squad next week.

Ricciardo sets Barcelona pace

Andrew Benson

BBC Sport chief F1 writer

Getty Images

Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo edged out Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen by just 0.010 seconds as teams stopped for the lunchtime break on the second day of the second pre-season test at the Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya.

Sergio Perez's 2014 Force India was third, followed by Nico Rosberg's Mercedes.

It was a more encouraging morning for the troubled McLaren-Honda team as Fernando Alonso set the fifth fastest time.

BBC Radio 5 live

Coming up at 13:00 GMT on BBC Radio 5 live it is the Friday Sports Panel presented by Eleanor Oldroyd.

Today's guests are cricketer Harry Gurney, rugby union player Ben Morgan and Paralympic legend Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson.

Among the topics being discussed will be England's World Cup woes, captaincy in sport and racism in football.

Firm loses Spurs stadium court bid

An old family business standing in the way of Spurs' £400m stadium redevelopment has lost its High Court challenge against a compulsory purchase order being used to force it out.

Archway Sheet Metal Works, in Paxton Road, Tottenham, asked a judge to quash Communities Secretary Eric Pickles' decision to confirm the order on the grounds that it was "unlawful and invalid".

But Mr Justice Dove, who has revealed he is an Aston Villa fan, ruled there was "no legal flaw" in the decision-making process.

Unless there is a successful appeal against the ruling, it is believed the way is now clear for Tottenham Hotspur to go ahead and build their new stadium.

Cosgrove option to captain Leics

Australian batsman Mark Cosgrove could be appointed as Leicestershire's new captain, should he join the club, says chief executive Wasim Khan.

Talks are well advanced in a bid to bring the 30-year-old left-hander, who holds a British passport, to Grace Road.

"I think it will be mid-March before we get somewhere with that because he's currently contracted to South Australia and it could take a little bit of time to get to a conclusion," Khan told BBC Radio Leicester.

F1 testing latest

Andrew Benson

BBC Sport chief F1 writer

"There has been a flurry of fast times on the 'soft' tyre at the Barcelona test. Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen both ran on it, and the Australian set a new fastest time of the day of one minute 24.574 seconds - just 0.010secs faster than Raikkonen.

"Sergio Perez remains third in the 2014 Force India - their new car will not appear until at some point during next week's final test - with Nico Rosberg's Mercedes fourth fastest and Fernando Alonso's McLaren with its patched up Honda engine - which is still going - fifth.

"The lunch break starts at 1200 GMT."

Get Involved

Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford will be in action on Saturday at the Birmingham Grand Prix, which will be live on BBC One from 13:00 GMT.

But before then, at lunchtime on Friday, he will be answering the best of your questions on the BBC Sport Facebook page and it is not too late to get involved.

Bruce backs Figo's offside plans

Well, Mark Hughes is not totally convinced by Luis Figo's attempt to become Fifa president (see 11:33 GMT), but Hull City manager Steve Bruce does like Figo's idea of simplifying the offside rule.

"There's too many grey areas in the offside rule," says ex-Manchester United central defender Bruce.

"When you see people standing in front of the goalkeeper, yet they might not be interfering with play. The referees are being put under too much pressure. Are the players interfering or not? It's a very good idea to take away that problem."

F1 testing latest

Andrew Benson

BBC Sport chief F1 writer

"Fernando Alonso has now surpassed the number of laps team-mate Jenson Button managed in the McLaren-Honda on Thursday before the failure in the energy recovery system that ended the 2009 world champion's running. So whatever temporary fix Honda put in place on the hybrid system overnight - before the arrival of a newly designed part to fix the problem completely on Saturday - seems to have worked, at least for now.

"Assuming the car keeps going, this has already been a more positive day for the team. Alonso has run some decent lap times all morning, even though the team are focusing on exploring set-ups.

"As of 1100 GMT, The double world champion was fourth fastest. He's 1.46 seconds slower than pace-setter Sergio Perez's 2014 Force India, but 0.8secs off the fastest 2015 car - Nico Rosberg's Mercedes. Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo is between the Mercedes and the McLaren. But Kimi Raikkonen has just gone up to fourth, ahead of Alonso, in the Ferrari."

Sam Allardyce news conference

Reuters

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce was asked at his news conference about how he copes with speculation over his future at the club.

"The same way I deal with most things in the game, I don't listen to it," he said.

"It's not my desire to listen to praise or criticism. I like to be professional and work with the people within the football club to try and get the best out of them. I hear things but I don't take any notice of it.

"There was speculation last season same as this season, I think there always will be. It seems to me it occurs if and when you get a bad result."

Mark Hughes news conference

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has been giving his views on Ex-Portugal international Luis Figo, who is aiming to become the next Fifa president and who announced his election 'manifesto' at Wembley earlier this week.

"It certainly got people talking and I'm sure that's why he has said his ideas," says Hughes. "Some of his ideas were interesting, some were not.

"He has a lot of support from celebrities backing him and some high-profile footballers have aligned themselves with him. His standing as a footballer is without question."

Big day for Rosberg

@Nico Rosberg

Nico Rosberg has posted a message on twitter to announce that wife Vivian is expecting their first child later this year.

He wrote: "Exciting time for our little family. Vivian is pregnant and if all goes well we will get a little baby girl in August." The 29-year-old Mercedes driver married his childhood sweetheart in a lavish ceremony in Monaco last July.

Ipswich loan for striker Varney

Ipswich Town have signed Blackburn Rovers striker Luke Varney on loan until the end of the season.

The 32-year-old has not made a Championship start since joining Rovers permanently in the summer, but has played 11 times from the bench.

He comes in as potential cover for Noel Hunt, also 32, who could miss the rest of the season with a medial ligament injury.

Chelsea metro incident 'pathetic' - Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said the racist incident on the Paris Metro involving Chelsea fans was "pathetic and dreadful."

Three Chelsea supporters could face life bans from football after a black commuter was blocked from entering a train by what appeared to be a group of fans travelling to the Parc des Princes for the Champions League match against Paris St-ermain.

"You have to be extremely severe with any incident of that calibre," said Wenger. "It looked pathetic and dreadful. Unfortunately we always have a recurrence of that."

Asked where the problem lies, the Arsenal manager replied: "(It is) society's problem. More intelligent people than myself think about that and nobody has found a miraculous solution, it certainly starts from childhood education and an open-minded attitude."

Whelan announces retirement

Getty Images

Commonwealth Games gold medal winner gymnast and two-time Olympic gymnast Hannah Whelan has announced her retirement from the sport.

The 22-year-old helped guide the GB team to European silver and Commonwealth gold in 2014 as well as sixth place at the World Championships.

"I know I'm now ready to stop competing," she said. "To achieve what we did as a team last year made that decision worthwhile. I'm definitely leaving the sport on a high and I'm so proud to have been a part of helping get the British team to where we are today."

Friday's back pages

Daily Record

Celtic striker John Guidetti scored a stunning last-gasp volley to give the Scottish champions a 3-3 draw against Inter Milan in the Europa League at Celtic Park.

In the Daily Record he dedicated his leveller to goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who was at fault for two of the Italian side's goals, but has generally had an outstanding season. Guidetti claimed: "He's an amazing, amazing, amazing keeper".

Skrtel plays down penalty incident

Speaking of that Mario Balotelli penalty incident, Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel says the identity of their penalty taker against Besiktas mattered less than the fact it was scored to secure a Europa League victory.

Balotelli scored from the spot in the 85th minute for a 1-0 win but only after he took the ball from the designated penalty taker Jordan Henderson.

"The main thing is we scored," said Skrtel. "It doesn't matter who scored the penalty, we scored it and won the game. It was key that we won and it's a good thing that we didn't concede."

Must-not-miss clips

BBC Sport

Here's a few video clips to enjoy.

Cycling: Russia's Anastasia Voynova wins the 500m time trial in 33.149 seconds at the World Track Championships in Paris - and then crashes into a photographer.

Football: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says Mario Balotelli showed vice-captain Jordan Henderson "disrespect" in the Reds' Europa league tie with Besiktas.

Football: Portuguese great Luis Figo plans to expand the World Cup format and return money to individual football associations as he launches his Fifa presidency manifesto at Wembley.

Cricket: BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew describes England's humiliating defeat by New Zealand at the Cricket World Cup was "one of the most one-sided international matches" he has ever seen.

Boxing: Amir Khan says he believes the proposed 'super-fight' between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will happen, meaning he will face an all-British bout with Kell Brook later in the year.

AFP

Get involved

And so it goes on. More comments from you on England's capitulation against New Zealand in the World Cup.

laughingdevil: "Moores needs to take a leaf from Swann's book - and retire from cricket mid-series."

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1963Tiger: "Peace in the locker room. Rubbish on the pitch. Bring back Kevin Pietersen."

Analyst: "I am an Indian but still wish to have a player like KP in our national team. It was a treat for the eyes the way he bats. He still continues to be one of the expensive IPL players. Only England can afford to keep him out of the team. I wish to see that switch hit again."

Friday's back pages

Daily Mirror back page

In today's Daily Mirror Romelu Lukaku is pictured being embraced by Everton team-mate Steven Naismith after the £28m summer signing from Chelsea scored a hat-trick in a 4-1 Europa League win against Swiss side Young Boys in Berne last night. It was all smiles just days after he appeared to cast doubt on his Everton future after saying he wanted to play for "a top club."

Daily Mirror

Elsewhere, the Mirror reports that the net is closing in on the so-called Chelsea fans who allegedly shouted racist abuse on the Paris Metro on Wednesday and inside Liverpool's Mario Balotelli saved the day with a late penalty to beat Turkish side Besiktas 1-0 in the Europa League at Anfield.

F1 testing update

Andrew Benson

BBC Sport chief F1 writer

"Last night, there was doubt about whether Nico Rosberg would take part in today's testing in Barcelona because he had an inflamed nerve in his neck, which prevented him taking over from the ill Lewis Hamilton on Thursday.

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"But it can't be troubling Rosberg too much. Two-and-a-half hours into the session and he had already done 36 laps in the Mercedes, and set fastest time in a 1:25.556."

There's another one of those 'arty' pictures we warned you about.

Friday's back pages

Guardian

Liverpool's Mario Balotelli grabs the headlines in the Guardian, but under-fire Sunderland boss Gus Poyet also features having taken the unusual step of writing an open letter to Wearsiders fans in the wake of their FA Cup exit to League One giant-killers Bradford City. Poyet is pleading for their support in the Premier League game against West Brom at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Boycott attacks some more

He said he could go on (see 10:26) and Geoffrey Boycott did just that.

AFP

"We've had an interminably eventful few months with things going on," he adds. "What have New Zealand been doing? They've had a settled side, good leadership and winning Test and ODIs, while we don't know our best batting line-up.

"England are not out of the World Cup. They have to beat Scotland, Bangladesh and Afghanistan and then they're through to quarter-finals. It's a good job they've got minnows to play because they are not playing good enough to beat any decent team. I will be a bit nervous on Monday for the Scotland game.

"Coach Peter Moores is under pressure. I thought him an unusual choice because he had no real international experience. I think it helps to have played the game at international level. They are all under pressure, the captain and the coach. You have got to get wins under your belt."

Boycott on the attack

As you could probably guess, Geoffrey Boycott was not too impressed by England's performance in their eight-wicket defeat by New Zealand.

AFP

The former England opener tells BBC Radio 5 live: "This was not an uncovered or grassy pitch seaming all over the place. This was a flat 270-pitch minimum and they made a right mess of it.

"Perhaps they are not as good as they think they are. I said that about the captain Morgan and everybody went mad, but maybe England aren't either.

"They have got a lot of hard work to do. They were supposed to be planning for the World Cup for a year, but lost Jonathan Trott, a solid number three, sacked Kevin Pietersen and went on too long with Alastair Cook as captain. I could go on."

Sam Allardyce news conference

Unsurprisingly, West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is relishing the prospect of Sunday's London derby against Spurs.

"Everyone knows about the importance of West Ham v Tottenham games," he said.

"The 3-0 win away last year was the one of the best results in my time here.

"It's a massive game for us, we all know that. We have to convert more draws into wins. That's the reality if we want to get into Europe, which I think we are capable of."

Friday's back pages

The Sun

The Sun claims that stewards had to use umbrellas to shelter Everton's John Stones after he was pelted by missiles following his sending-off against Young Boys in the 4-1 Europa League win in Berne last night.

Inside, striker Mario Balotelli might have courted controversy by wrestling the ball off stand-in skipper Jordan Henderson, but the paper claims his late penalty to beat Besiktas might have kick-started his Liverpool career.

F1 testing update

Andrew Benson

BBC Sport chief F1 writer

"Despite running a Honda engine being limited by a part the team know might break, and despite apparently doing set-up work, McLaren's Fernando Alonso was, as of 10:10 GMT, second quickest overall on a time of one minute 26.741 seconds.

AFP

"Only Sergio Perez's 2014 Force India was faster. Daniel Ricciardo's Red Bull and Nico Rosberg's Mercedes were next up."

Mark Hughes news conference

Getty Images

Stoke manager Mark Hughes is refusing to use injuries as an reason for their FA Cup exit at the hands of Blackburn Rovers.

"We have been hampered and we have had to change things around. At the end of the day the team that performed so well against Manchester City for 60 minutes was the same team that started against Blackburn," he said ahead of their Premier League trip to Aston Villa.

"We don't want to use injuries as an excuse. We know we should have done better and hopefully this weekend the lads will be back to the levels they know they are capable of.

"We are not a million miles away from where we wanted to be in the league. We want to better last season's total and have a strong finish. We can beat last season's tally - there is no doubt about that, but we know we have to improve if we are to do that."

F1 testing latest

Andrew Benson

BBC Sport chief F1 writer

"It's always important to delve behind the headline times in testing, to try to spot the real story of who is where in terms of competitiveness.

"On Thursday, on the final times, Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen was 0.156 seconds behind Lotus's Pastor Maldonado and 0.38secs quicker than Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo while running a tyre that was 1.2secs slower.

"That suggests the Ferrari is 1.5secs quicker than a Red Bull. Which surely can't be true. Fuel loads must be playing a part in those figures. But, average out the times over the day - which is a crude way of ironing out some of the anomalies - and Raikkonen was actually 0.331secs slower than Ricciardo. This is hardly an exact science, though."

Friday's back pages

Daily Telegraph

The Daily Telegraph runs with the news that skipper Steven Gerrard voiced his criticism of Mario Balotelli after the Italian striker defied orders and took the crucial penalty that earned Liverpool a late win against Besiktas in the Europa League.

Inside, former QPR manager Harry Redknapp has denied saying in a radio interview that if England did not win Euro 2016 then "we might as well all give up".

Friday's back pages

Now let's have a look at the stories that have made the back pages of today's national newspapers.

Daily Star

Mario Balotelli finds himself in a "spot of bother" in the Daily Star. He grabbed the ball from team-mate Jordan Henderson to take an 84th minute penalty but his cheek paid off when he scored the only goal of the game.

QPR defender Rio Ferdinand also calls on football authorities to tackle racism after the incident on the Paris Metro on Wednesday.

Mark Hughes news conference

Stoke manager Mark Hughes knows his side need to recover from last weekend's 4-1 defeat by Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup.

"I had them in on Monday and we had a chat," says Hughes. "On occasions you carry one or two players, that is expected, but when you have to carry more than that, as was the case last weekend, then these results can happen.

"Thankfully, it has happened very infrequently during my time here, and credit to the lads to that because they have been fantastic for me and my staff.

"We analysed what went wrong in depth, and will look to move on from it now. We have drawn a line under it. It was nowhere near the levels that we have come to expect from ourselves. We will bounce back from it though."

Hull challenges in Australia

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England's Charley Hull is in fourth place on four under at the halfway stage of the women's Australian Open at Royal Melbourne.

Newly crowned world number one Lydia Ko of New Zealand shot a second straight three-under par 70 for a share of the lead on six under alongside fellow teenager Ariya Jutanugarn from Thailand and South Korea's Jang Ha-na.

Among the other Britons in action, Melissa Reid is on one under with Holly Clyburn and Catriona Matthew on two over.

Mark Hughes news conference

Reuters

Stoke manager Mark Hughes says he is wary of taking on a new-look Aston Villa on Saturday with Tim Sherwood in charge for the first time.

"Inevitably there will be a new manager bounce," he admits.

"It's a case of players wanting to impress. There's a little edge and an increase in work rate and focus. We'll be prepared for that. We have to be. They had a good win last weekend which will have lifted them too.

"Tim Sherwood comes across as a very positive guy and he will have been working on their positive thinking, but we've been doing OK. We've had a couple of poor results but prior to that we were doing OK."

'No one to blame but ourselves'

Mark Ramprakash

England batting coach

Getty Images

"Got to apologise to the fans regarding the game/result. At 103 for three didn't see the mayhem to come. No one to blame but ourselves - will do better!"

Testing latest

Andrew Benson

BBC Sport chief F1 writer

"Things are hotting up a bit now in Barcelona at the F1 test as drivers finally begin to get going after slow-speed data assessment runs. Although McLaren know their running is limited because of a fragile engine, and have said they are focusing on non-performance homework, the impression continues that the car may well be quick once the Honda engine is a) reliable and b) turned up to full power.

"The Honda is way off on the straights and yet Fernando Alonso at 09:40 GMT was only 0.7 seconds off pace-setter Nico Rosberg's Mercedes. Could it be that for the first time since 2012, McLaren have actually designed a good F1 car?"

Arsene Wenger news conference

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger dismisses media reports that Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla is going to join La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.

"He extended his contract last year," says Wenger. "I don't think there's anything to worry about, we've not been approached."

'Rock bottom'

Geraint Jones

Former England wicketkeeper

Getty Images

"It would be a good World Cup to win from now. They say you need to hit rock bottom to then start your climb back upwards. So let the climb begin."

Arsene Wenger news conference

More from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, this time talking about Saturday's opponents Crystal Palace and ex-Gunners striker Marouane Chamakh.

"They have found confidence again and have got positive results with their new management," says Wenger. "Chamakh lost confidence at Arsenal. I'm happy he's got a good career at Crystal Palace now."

Testing latest

Andrew Benson

BBC Sport chief F1 writer

"It has been a slow start to Formula 1 pre-season testing on a day that dawned misty in the Valles region north of Barcelona, where the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya grand prix track is situated.

"At 0900 GMT, an hour into the day's running, only four drivers had set lap times, and only two of them were at anything close to racing speed. Williams's Felipe Massa leads the way, followed by Sergio Perez (pictured) in the 2014 Force India, whose new car is not ready yet. Marcus Ericsson of Sauber and Mercedes' Nico Rosberg are the only other two men to do two consecutive laps.

AFP

"All others have been out, but focusing on either systems checks or, in the case of McLaren and Fernando Alonso, aerodynamic calibration work."

Steve Bruce news conference

AP

Hull City manager Steve Bruce says midfielder Mo Diame will miss Saturday's Premier League game against QPR.

Diame, who has yet to play a game in 2015, took a knock to his knee in training on Monday and has not trained since, although scans have come back all clear

"We don't think it will set Mo back too long," said Bruce at his pre-match news conference. "I am hoping he can be back involved in training next week."

Get involved

Some more of your comments from our match report of the England v New Zealand World Cup debacle.

Berbear: It's getting worse. Poor leadership, poor tactics, complete lack of application. Do they think as they are there it doesn't matter? Let's look at ending the central contracts as we seem to put the kiss of death to anyone that joins the group.

Scutterbob: Different captain but still the same old mess. Cook must be laughing in his cornflakes (other breakfast cereals are available).

Graham A: I am not surprised by the result at all. Very disappointed but not surprised. If you don't pick the 11 best one-day players in your country then they will never compete against countries who do pick their best 11.

Arsene Wenger news conference

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger on ex-Gunners striker Thierry Henry, who is helping coach some of the younger players.

"Thierry Henry is making his first steps as a coach," says Wenger. "It's good for our youngsters to be coached by him. He's been here once or twice.

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"All our former players are welcome to come back here and get their coaching badges. We're happy to have Thierry."

Arsene Wenger news conference

Arsenal

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger starts off with the club's injuries. He says midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is back in full training but is not ready to be considered for the game at Crystal Palace. Aaron Ramsey is "10 days away".

Right-back Hector Bellerin will have a fitness test today, but midfielder Jack Wilshere could be back in the squad.

Arsene Wenger news conference

We warned you it was busy. And it is. The first manager to face the media today is Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

'Play with freedom'

England all-rounder Luke Wright

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"Love the way Brendon McCullum goes about it! Attack first, putting all bowlers under huge pressure. Always looking for boundaries, not survive.

"I still believe England will get out the group and who knows what can happen on the day in knockout matches.

"England have some serious players and batters that are as dangerous as most. Hope they play with freedom for rest of the competition."

'Heads in the sand'

Mark Butcher

Former England captain

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"Everything's fine, heads in the sand, nothing to see here - #evolve.

"I've been saying it for years; we do all our players a disservice by not giving them the toughest, most competitive environment to play in at home."

Who says we don't give you arty pictures in Sportsday? The silhouetted player is, of course, England captain Eoin Morgan.

F1 testing latest

Andrew Benson

BBC Sport chief F1 writer

"McLaren have already warned that they could have problems on Friday, as a result of the failure in the engine they encountered on Thursday.

"The issue was, according to Honda F1 boss Yasuhisa Arai, a faulty seal on the motor generator unit that recovers energy from the rear axle, which then caused a problem that meant the engine needed to be replaced. A fullly redesigned replacement part arrives on Saturday.

"In the meantime, Honda have made changes overnight to effect what they hope will be a temporary fix, enough to allow what Arai said 'should be a productive day of running' on Friday. If it holds together. McLaren said they would use the day to try some 'time-intensive bigger set-up changes in a bid to maximise learning about the car's balance'. So there will be long breaks between Alonso's visits to the track.

AFP

"Among the interesting features of F1 testing in Barcelona on Friday is British rising star Jolyon Palmer's run in the Lotus. The 24-year-old (pictured) is the son of former grand prix driver Jonathan, won the GP2 feeder championship in 2014 and is Lotus's third driver this year. The path he hopes will take him into a fill-time race seat one day starts here."

'We can still make the quarter-finals'

As mentioned, the top story of the day so far is England's mauling by New Zealand in the Cricket World Cup.

England captain Eoin Morgan has faced the press and this is what he had to say.

Reuters

"We don't want to panic and make three or four changes," says Morgan. "That's not what I'm about - just because we were outperformed, it doesn't mean I'll be binning anyone for Scotland on Monday."

"These first two games we knew would be difficult, but there's no way we should be beaten by this amount," said Morgan, who replaced Alastair Cook as captain in December.

"We can still make the quarter-finals, but the sooner we start winning, the better."

There's nothing that makes a humiliation worse than any opposing player rubbing it in. I'm not too sure Morgan would have appreciated the hand on the shoulder and laughter from New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum.

Other headlines

So here are a selection of other headlines on the BBC Sport website.

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Rugby union: France lock Pascal Pape will miss the remainder of the Six Nations after being handed a 10-week ban for kneeing Ireland's Jamie Heaslip in the back during last weekend's game in Dublin.

Cycling: Great Britain's women were beaten as Australia broke the world record by nearly three seconds in the Track World Championships team pursuit final.

Cricket:New Zealand women beat England by six wickets in the second Twenty20 in Whangarei to level the series at 1-1.

Snooker: Wales' Mark Williams beats world number six Judd Trump 4-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the Welsh Open in Cardiff.

Football:Feyenoord fans clashed with police before their 1-1 Europa League draw with Roma in the Italian capital.

AFP

'Pelted in the stocks'

Derek Pringle

Former England bowler and Daily Telegraph cricket correspondent

AP

"England's shirts have these dark stains like the players have been pelted in the stocks, a response some fans no doubt feel would be apt."

Former cricketer and fellow Telegraph scribe Simon Hughes added: "Not a bad performance for a country of three million people and 60 million sheep. England look like the sheep."

News conferences coming up

As always, we have a busy Friday with a number of Premier League managers set to face the media before the latest round of matches.

We are expecting to hear from the following teams throughout the day - Hull, Arsenal, West Ham, Stoke, Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Sunderland, Everton, Liverpool, Southampton, Leicester.

We will have the best quotes and breaking news as it happens so stay with us.

'A soft display'

Shane Warne

Former Australia bowler

Reuters

"Feeling for England fans as that was a soft display. New Zealand were outstanding as Tim Southee put on an exhibition of swing bowling."

Meanwhile, Warne's former Australia team-mate and fellow bowler Glenn McGrath tweeted: "Sensational batting by Brendan McCullum too as the Black Caps absolutely destroy England in 12.2 overs."

Formula 1 testing update

Andrew Benson

BBC Sport chief F1 writer

"Friday marks the halfway point of Formula 1's 12-day pre-season testing programme, and for some that ticking clock is beginning to cause alarm bells.

AFP

"As the likes of Ferrari, Williams and Mercedes continue clocking up the miles, McLaren's troubles continue. Thursday was another day largely lost to problems with their new Honda engine - and they already know that Fernando Alonso's mileage will be limited today, as a redesigned version of the part that stopped Jenson Button (pictured) running is not available until Saturday, so it may well fail again.

"For McLaren and Honda, time is running out. Meanwhile, Mercedes had some good news this morning. Both race drivers were unfit on Thursday, but the inflamed nerve in Nico Rosberg's neck has recovered sufficiently for him to drive as planned today. The German has also just announced that he and wife Vivian are expecting a baby girl in May. We'll provide testing updates throughout the day."

Formula 1

It's going to be a hectic day of sports news, but stay tuned we will have all the breaking news and reaction as it happens.

Right, where next. How about off to Barcelona? The latest day of Formula 1 testing gets under way soon. So let's hear from our chief F1 writer Andrew Benson.

Europa League round-up

Liverpool were not the only British team in action last night as Everton won, with both Tottenham and Celtic drawing their matches. All games were the first-leg ties in the last 32.

AFP

Everton: Romelu Lukaku responded to recent fan criticism with a first Everton hat-trick in a 4-1 win against Swiss side Young Boys.

Getty Images

Celtic: John Guidetti's stunning added-time goal earned Celtic a 3-3 draw against Inter Milan.

AFP

Tottenham: Spurs face a battle to remain in the Europa League after being held to a 1-1 first-leg draw by Fiorentina at White Hart Lane.

'Balotelli showed a bit of disrespect'

Balotelli's actions angered his club captain Gerrard, who was working at Anfield as a pundit for ITV.

"Henderson is the captain and Balotelli showed Jordan a bit of disrespect there," said Gerrard.

"Rules are rules," he said. "Credit to Mario, he's scored, but it's not nice to see when footballers are arguing. I think Jordan has handled the situation very well."

Getty Images

Why always him?

Liverpool were heading for a goalless draw when Jordon Ibe was bundled over in the penalty area with five minutes to go.

With injured skipper and normal penalty taker Steven Gerrard sitting in a tv studio doing analysis on the game, stand-in captain Jordan Henderson wanted to take the penalty.

But Balotelli insisted he took the penalty, much to the annoyance of Henderson and fellow striker Daniel Sturridge.

AFP

Luckily the Italian scored, although he still came in for some criticism from the watching Gerrard afterwards.

Balotelli in the news again

One man who may be happy that England's cricket team are making the headlines this morning is Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli.

AFP

The Italian scored the winner as the Reds beat Besiktas 1-0 in the first leg of their last-32 Europa League tie at Anfield last night. So why isn't Balotelli the hero? Unfortunately, not everything is as straightforward in Super Mario's world.

Get involved

Some of your early comments from our match report of the England v New Zealand game.

Atlas64: Since last winter after the fallout from the dreadful Ashes series, England's demise has been of its own doing. From the inexplicable sacking of Pietersen to the appointment of Peter Moores, England have lurched from one crisis to another and this is merely an extension of those decisions. What is needed is a total change in the setup of English cricket.

GG Sinclair: As a Scot I actually see us in with half a chance of giving them a game. It does make me wonder what has happened to English cricket. Divisions in the team?

Frustrated: The game requires a complete overhaul from top to bottom. However, in order to achieve this and make it successful there needs to be recognition that we are just not good enough. No more excuses, we are not as good as we like to believe.

'England are a shambles'

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain

Getty Images

"England are a shambles, but Black Caps showing exactly why many fancy them to win the World Cup."

'England folded'

Geoffrey Boycott

BBC Test Match Special

"How do I say something praiseworthy about that? I can't lie about it. What I want is for players and coaches to stop telling us that everything's alright, because it isn't. There was an opportunity on a good pitch and we folded."

England woe

England suffered a humiliating eight-wicket thrashing by New Zealand as Tim Southee became only the fourth man to take seven wickets in a World Cup match.

Southee's 7-33 saw England blown away for 123, the last seven wickets falling for 19 runs.

Brendon McCullum then smashed an 18-ball half-century, the fastest in World Cup history, to propel New Zealand to their target in just 12.2 overs. That equalled the shortest ODI chase against England, in a match that lasted just 45.4 overs in total.

BBC Sport

Wakey, wakey

Hello and good morning. Well, it might not be a good morning if you follow English cricket. It is an early start for Sportsday today. And there's only one place to begin.

England get thrashed

As you wake up on a cold February morning, I would love to be able to tell you of a heroic England performance in their second match of the Cricket World Cup against co-hosts New Zealand.

Eoin Morgan's side were heavily beaten by Australia in their first game, but surely things could not get worse.

Getty Images

Wrong. They can get a lot worse.

England have today been absolutely humiliated, embarrassed, thrashed and humbled. Let the inquest begin.