Wales have reached their highest ever mark in football's world rankings without even playing a game.

Chris Coleman's side are up to 21 courtesy of Mexico's recent friendly defeat to USA.

Image source, Getty Images

Elsewhere, the other home nations remain the same with England 14th, Scotland 29th and Northern Ireland 42nd. Germany are still officially the world's best team and no new sides moved into the top 10 in the latest published standings.

That's it. Our vote on the best Premier League manager of the season has now closed.

But fear not, we'll re-open the polls again at 12:00 BST with a new talking point.

Results on the bosses poll to follow.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson was in awe of Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp last night as Barcelona secured a 3-0 first-leg Champions League semi-final lead over Bayern Munich.

Messi's manager Luis Enrique said his player is "from another dimension", while defender Gerard Pique added "if he is inspired nobody can stop him."

Image source, Getty Images

George Ford, Jonathan Joseph, Joe Marler and Billy Vunipola have been shortlisted for the England player of the year award, voted for by the Rugby Players' Association (RPA).

Fly-half Ford has scored 109 points in 10 appearances for his country, while his Bath team-mate Joseph was this season's Six Nations' top try scorer with four in five games.

Harlequins' prop Marler and Saracens' number eight Vunipola were also seen as the stand-out performers.

Quins full-back Mike Brown won the award in 2014 and this year's winner will be announced on 13 May.

How do you fit a League One trophy through a letterbox?

Bristol City vice chairman Jon Lansdown tweeted these pictures, suggesting there was a special delivery waiting for him after his side's title win.

He wrote:, external "Received at home a couple of weeks ago. Who wants to help me pick up my post?"

Image source, Jon Lansdown

Image source, Jon Lansdown

A first-class post, we think you'll agree.

Image source, Getty Images

Highlights of the 2016 and 2017 Diamond League seasons will be available to watch on the BBC as part of a new deal.

BBC Sport will increase its TV coverage of all 12 international events, which will also be covered on the BBC Sport website and BBC Radio 5 live.

Image source, Getty Images

Thursday is where our Sportsday week really gains some momentum as Premier League news conferences ramp up. Today you can look forward to hearing from Nigel Pearson (ostriches not allowed) and Tim Sherwood among others.

12:30 BST: Pearson and Mauricio Pochettino; 13:00: Sherwood and John Carver.

Throw in some golf from Florida, Chester horse racing updates, more on #thegreatest, external debate plus polling day votes, and we have plenty for you to go at.

Image source, Getty Images

James Lockwood: Messi definitely the best ever! Players are better now, tougher leagues etc.! His champions league wins equal to World Cup!

Richard Mctiernan: It is impossible to compare the play of a Messi to a Zidane to a Van Basten to a Maldini all of whom play very different areas.

Ken Gorry: Often forgotten due to having to retire thru injury, but M Van Basten was the most lethal striker in the most defensive league.

Send us your view on who the greatest footballer of all time is to #thegreatest., external

We've been discussing your greatest players this morning, but who is your Premier League manager of the season?

Take a look at the panel to the right, give us your vote, and we'll let you know the results in an hour's time.

It could be the most important choice you make today, so choose carefully....

Image source, Getty Images

Madison Keys will defend the Aegon International title in Eastbourne next month.

The 20-year-old beat Angelique Kerber in three sets in the final last year to record her first tournament victory on the WTA Tour.

This year's event takes place between 20 and 27 June.

World number 17 Keys, who reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January, joins two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova in the field at Devonshire Park.

Image source, Aaron Cresswell

West Ham left-back Aaron Creswell tweets:, external "Absolutely delighted to get the awards last night, such an honour to be named hammer of the year. Thanks to all the fans for your support!"

Cresswell joined West Ham for £3.75m from Ipswich last summer and has played 39 games in all competitions this season, earning him the Hammer of the Year award at the club's awards ceremony last night.

No such thing as an easy Thursday morning if you're the IBF world welterweight champion.

Kell Brook has been showcasing his sweaty torso to his Twitter, external following. He says he is "putting the graft in".

Image source, Kell Brook Twitter

Brook takes on fellow Briton Frankie Gavin on 30 May where he will defend his title and unbeaten record of 34 wins from as many fights.

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland Ladies manager Carlton Fairweather says his side have surprised people with their impressive start to the season.

In their first year in the WSL 1, they are fifth in the table, with six points from their opening five matches.

"You can understand why people have looked at us as a surprise package," Fairweather told BBC Sport.

"The first part of the season has gone well but we've still got to keep our feet firmly on the ground."

Some good news from the family of Jimmy Greaves, as the former Tottenham and England striker is now out of intensive care following the severe stroke he suffered on Sunday.

Image source, Getty Images

A statement from the family released to the Press Association read: "We can tell you that Jimmy is out of intensive care and is able to sit up in bed.

"Whilst he is by no means out of the woods there is room for cautious optimism.

"We would also give thanks to over 30,000 well-wishers including many players and ex-TV colleagues as well as so many fans, that have sent messages and love to Jim at this most difficult of times."

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds United have confirmed that Massimo Cellino has been granted Football League permission to return to the club's board.

A statement on the club's website read:, external "Mr Cellino will take up the role as Leeds United chairman with immediate effect after passing the League's Owners and Directors Test."

Cellino had been banned from being involved with the Championship side until the end of the season after being found guilty of tax evasion in Italy.

Who is the greatest footballer of all time? Tweet us on #thegreatest., external

Image source, Getty Images

Adam Taylor: Keane, Vieira, certainly a proper midfielder. Greatest FOOTBALLER needs to attack and defend. Can't see Messi filling in at CB.

Peter Embleton: Totally agree with Pat Nevin - Maradona was subject to butchery by defenders in Spain and Italy, which Messi hasn't had to face. To be the greatest of all time you have to influence and win a World Cup. Pele and Maradona. Messi totally ineffective.

Dale James Power: Surely Lord Djimi Traore is up there from his Liverpool glory days, no?

Image source, Getty Images

Many of today's players can only dream of emulating what Seve Ballesteros achieved in the game. In addition to his five majors he won an incredible 50 European Tour events - that's an all-time record.

Those with hopes of being like him can start chasing their dreams today in the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, Florida.

Play starts at 12:15 BST, with key names underway at the following times:

Lee Westwood (12:25), Graeme McDowell and Padraig Harrington (12:46), Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Ian Poulter (13:39), Luke Donald (17:56) and Justin Rose (18:16), Tiger Woods (18:49).

And yes, The Players Championship is the one with the island green on 17. A corker.

As we continue our #thegreatest, external debate, it's timely that the European Tour upload an Instagram stating:, external "Four years ago today we lost a true great. Gone, but never forgotten."

Image source, European Tour

Ballesteros, a winner of five major titles, passed away at the age of 54. If you fancy an emotional look back, take a look at this video of him being awarded the BBC Sport Lifetime Achievement award in 2009.

Image source, Getty Images

Everton manager Roberto Martinez confirms he will not be in the market for a goalkeeper this summer despite stating in January that addressing the position was one of his aims.

"The goalkeeping situation is clear with us: Tim Howard and Joel Robles," says Martinez. "We will work with them in the next campaign so we are really strong in that position."

Howard has started 29 league games this season, Robles seven.

No such talk of Everton's season being over according to manager Roberto Martinez:

"I still see that the next nine points are important in order to achieve a top 10 finish. In the last seven games it looked out of reach so from my point of view it's trying to get that top 10 and the next three games are shaping up the squad for the next campaign."

The Toffees finish the season with Sunderland at Goodison Park, West Ham away and Tottenham at home.