Sportsday - rolling sports news

1. Man Utd's Carrick fit for Arsenal
2. Football: Ings & Alli in England squad, but no Sturridge
3. RWC: Joseph & Morgan return to England team
4. F1: Button to stay with McLaren
5. 40 years on from Thrilla in Manila

Until next time...

That brings another busy Sportsday to a close. Thanks as ever for your company and contributions, we’ll be back at 08:00 BST approx. on Friday.

For now, I’ll point you in the direction of our Europa League and Wales v Fiji coverage. Enjoy.

Button stays, Alguersuari retires

Jenson Button has confirmed he will stay at McLaren for 2016 following speculation that he could quit the sport at the end of the season.

Team boss Ron Dennis said the Englishman is "as committed and focused as ever".

Meanwhile, former Toro Rosso driver Jaime Alguersuari has retired from motorsport at the age of 25 to pursue a career in music.

The Spaniard, last seen in the Formula E electric series, said: "I could stay just for the money but I need a change. What makes me happy is music."

EPA

Manchester United news conference

Louis van Gaal on not taking Arsenal for granted after their loss to Olympiacos in the Champions League: "We are happy but I think Arsenal can come back from a defeat. They have shown that a lot of times."

Manchester United news conference

Concerns about fatigue following Wednesday's Champions League football have been addressed by Louis van Gaal. He faces Arsenal this weekend and says recovery is crucial if they are to beat what is possibly the best side in the league "in a technical and tactical sense".

He says: "The solution is recovery, recovery, recovery. That is why it’s so difficult to prepare for the match against Arsenal. We have to see how the evaluation is from my fatigue specialist." 

Manchester United news conference

More from BBC Sport's Simon Stone at the Manchester United news conference. Asked whether players can get bored of managers, Louis van Gaal replies "not with me". 

"My selections are never the same. I always make my own decisions." 

England squad recap

PA

Roy Hodgson announced his England squad for this month's Euro 2016 qualifiers earlier on. Liverpool striker Danny Ings and Tottenham teenager Dele Alli have been given their senior debuts but Daniel Sturridge misses out.

Hodgson said: "We can survive without him for the next two games. Our hope is that he will come to us in November super-fit, fully recovered and in great form."

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty said: "Rodgers is determined Sturridge's return from long-term injury problems will not be rushed, a position understood by Hodgson as he is in no hurry with England already qualified for Euro 2016.

"And the call-up of Alli after only three starts for Spurs could be taken in two ways - the emergence of a bright young talent or a not to a shallow pool of England talent. Probably a bit of both."

Manchester United news conference

BBC Sport's Simon Stone reports that Louis van Gaal has singled out Ashley Young as "very important" to the squad thanks to his willingness to play out of position for the team. 

"I am very happy with him," the boss says.

Manchester United news conference

Louis van Gaal is speaking to the media following Wednesday's win over Wolfsburg and in anticipation of the match against Arsenal this weekend.

BBC Sport's Simon Stone mentions that the boss is pouring praise on goalscorer Chris Smalling, backed up by the club...

Celtic v Fenerbahce build-up

Reuters

Emilio Izaguirre is suspended for Celtic's Europa League meeting with Fenerbahce after being sent off against Ajax in their opener.

The versatile Charlie Mulgrew is still out with a thigh complaint and defender Jozo Simunovic remains a doubt with a twisted ankle. However, midfielder Stuart Armstrong is available after recovering from a back injury.

Tyler Blackett, Saidy Janko and teenager Kieran Tierney are all options for manager Ronny Deila at left-back, while central defender Efe Ambrose can also operate at full-back.

Follow live text commentary of Thursday's Europa League fixtures here.

Belated birthday

Better late than never, they say. And never more so than when wishing a famous footballer happy birthday on Sportsday. Former AC Milan and Chelsea strikerGeorge Weah is 49 today.

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Wigan and Huddersfield aim for Grand Final

Wigan and Huddersfield go head-to-head at 20:00 BST with a place in the Super League Grand Final at stake.

The Warriors have beaten the Giants on all three occasions they have met this season and have won every Super League game at the DW Stadium in 2015.  

You can hear live commentary of the game on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra, BBC Radio Manchester and BBC Radio Leeds.

SW Pix

Manchester United news conference

An early line from Manchester United before Louis van Gaal speaks to the media at 17:00 BST. He's updating the fans following the 2-1 Champions League win over Wolfsburg on Wednesday. We'll bring you more as it comes...

Easy win for Pakistan

Getty Images

Pakistan have beaten Zimbabwe by 131 runs in a one-day international in Harare.

Yasir Shah, on his one-day debut, took 6-26 as the hosts were bowled out for 128. Pakistan had posted 259-6, with wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan hitting an unbeaten 75 off 74 balls. The scorecard is here.

Houghton joins Ireland for Zimbabwe tour

Ireland have brought in former Zimbabwe coach Dave Houghton to give them an edge over their rivals during their tour on 7 October.

The 58-year-old will be "invaluable", according to head coach John Bracewell. He added: "His experience as a coach and knowledge of Zimbabwe is a real bonus to the group."

Houghton had a brief spell in charge of Ireland at the 1994 ICC Trophy in Kenya before moving onto roles at Worcestershire and Derbyshire.

Busy at Man Utd

Simon Stone

BBC Sport

"What with media arriving for Louis van Gaal's news conference, fans looking for autographs and workmen arriving as Carrington is remodelled, it's a bit busy at Manchester United's training ground this afternoon."

We'll bring you the latest from LvG's natter with the press shortly.

And the answers were...

A Question of Sport Teaser

Earlier we asked which five players have scored tries for Wales so far in the Rugby World Cup.

The answers were: Cory Allen (3), Gareth Davies (3), Hallam Amos (1), Justin Tipuric (1), Samson Lee (1).

Lucketti takes charge at Fleetwood

League One side Fleetwood Town have promoted assistant manager Chris Lucketti to caretaker manager after they sacked Graham Alexander on Wednesday. 

The 44-year-old played with and worked alongside Alexander at Preston, before joining him at Highbury Stadium. 

The former Bury, Huddersfield, Preston and Sheffield United centre-back will be assisted by Barry Nicholson.

Diarra ends 5-year France absence

Former Chelsea midfielder Lassana Diarra is back in the France squad after five years out of international duties.

Head coach Didier Deschamps has named him for the friendlies against Armenia on 8 October and Denmark on 11 October after a strong start to the season with Marseille.

Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho also returns but Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny is out through injury.

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Biggar eyes top spot

Follow all of the latest from Wales's World Cup game against Fiji via the BBC Sport website.

Spot The Ball

Where exactly is the ball? Well, that's for you to figure out. Our latest Spot The Ball competition, courtesy of our friends at CBBC, is now available to play.

It's over here.

Getty Images

Njie wary of Monaco threat

Spurs striker Clinton Njie believes Monaco will be fired up for their Europa League tie because they will want to beat an English side.

The Cameroon international, 22, said: "I think all the teams from the French league, whenever they play teams from England, are motivated and I know we are going to have a difficult game.

"They will be at 100% because they are playing against Tottenham, but we are going to be ready physically and mentally."

Follow live text commentary of Thursday's Europa League action here.

Reuters

Rodgers to give young guns a run-out

"Our approach to this game is how it's been in the competition - this is an opportunity for young players and an opportunity for players on the fringe of the team that aren't getting so many games." Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is intent on using Thursday's Europa League match as a test for his up-and-comers.

Elsewhere in the squad, striker Daniel Sturridge will be rested meaning Belgium international Divock Origi is likely to play up front.  

Forwards Christian Benteke (hamstring) and Roberto Firmino (leg) are also missing for Brendan Rodgers's side.  

PA

Australia 'over-sensitive'

BBC World Service has interviewed Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shahryar Khan who says Australia are being "over-sensitive" after they postponed their tour of Bangladesh on security advice.

"Australia are being over-sensitive," Khan said. "One man gets killed, an Italian, in Bangladesh and the tour is off...we've had 50,000 killed. A certain amount of tension is likely through terrorism, but they have to trust us - we give them 100% protection.”

Speaking about a likely series between Pakistan and India, Khan added: “It's bigger than the Ashes... tickets for the World Cup game in Adelaide (in February) sold out in 20 minutes. That event was the most watched sporting event in the whole world - more than Super Bowl, Wimbledon Finals."

Butcher leaves Newport

Terry Butcher has left his post as manager of Newport County.

The former England international was announced as County manager back in April 2015 but they are bottom of League 2 with just one win from 10 games.

Anya staying at Vicarage Road

Wales v Fiji (16:45 BST)

It's getting exciting in Cardiff as kick-off time approaches for the World Cup match between Wales and Fiji.

Victory will see Wales move closer to a place in the quarter-finals.

You can keep up with all the latest from the Millennium Stadium via the BBC Sport website.

Reuters

Cuthbert confident over form

Wales winger Alex Cuthbert says he will cast aside concerns about his form to help Wales beat Fiji (16:45 BST) on Thursday and move closer to a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Cuthbert will start the game as one of three changes from Wales' thrilling 28-25 victory against England.

"This game is nothing to do with my form. It's about this team and playing well," said Cuthbert. "I'm in the squad for a reason - the coaches and players believe in me.

"I'm going to go out there like every other player and play my heart out for my country. Hopefully that will see us through to the quarters."

PA

Sunday League player jailed

A Sunday League footballer who deliberately stamped on an opponent's leg, causing multiple fractures that required reconstructive surgery, has been jailed for a year. 

Nathaniel Kerr, 24, pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court to assaulting Stuart Pearson by launching a flying tackle on him during a match in August 2014. It followed an argument involving Mr Pearson and one of Kerr's team-mates, the court heard.

Kerr, of HMP Forest Bank, "has shown absolutely no remorse for his vicious attack, calling the victim a 'wimp' and verbally abusing him as he was lying in agony on the pitch," PC Louise Spencer of Greater Manchester Police said.

To watch a BBC Radio 5 live interview with Stuart Pearson, click here.

Greater Manchester Police

Choose the MOTD 2 soundtrack

Not long now to choose the soundtrack for this Sunday's Goal of the Month competition on Match of the Day 2.

Don't know what I'm talking about? Well, they've teamed up with BBC Radio 1's Greg James to shortlist three songs that could accompany the monthly montage. They are:

• Bring Me The Horizon - Throne
• The Maccabees - Spit It Out
• Sigma/Ella Henderson - Glitterball

You can vote here and the deadline is 18:00 BST. Greg will announce the winner on his show, which runs from 16:00 BST to 19:00 BST.

BBC

England's tour of the UAE

Bedene loses out

After the defeat for Johanna Konta at the hands of Venus Williams in Wuhan, there is news of defeat for another Briton.

Aljaz Bedene has lost 6-2 6-0 to South Korea's Hyeon Chung in the second round of the Shenzhen Open.

Wales v Fiji (16:45 BST)

Ahead of Thursday's game, BBC Sport's The Hit looks at how the Welsh are preparing for the match and how Tonga scored five tries to beat Namibia in Exeter.

Davies warns against Wales complacency

Former dual-code international Jonathan Davies has warned that after beating England at Twickenham on Saturday, Wales cannot take beating Fiji for granted.

But Davies told Scrum V that the famous win at Twickenham will have been wasted if they slip up against Fiji in Cardiff on Thursday (16:45 BST).

Fiji have knocked Wales out of a World Cup before, at the 2007 tournament in France.

Reuters

Thursday's game will be live on BBC Radio 5 live, BBC Wales and BBC Cymru with live text commentary on the BBC Sport website.

Zimbabwe v Pakistan latest

Zimbabwe v Pakistan stands alone on our scorecards page at the moment but it looks like there could be a game in it. The home team are currently 107-5, chasing 260 to win.

View the full scorecard here.

AFP

Get Involved

We're asking you for your favourite names/labels which have been given to sporting events - 40 years on from Thrilla in Manila.

Wales v Fiji (16:45 BST)

Dafydd Pritchard

BBC Sport Wales

"Wales are bracing themselves for a "physical battle" against Fiji later, according to forwards coach Robin McBryde.

"So who better to give a motivational speech than Joe Calzaghe? The former world champion boxer met the Wales squad at their training base on Tuesday night, and McBryde says the players were inspired by his visit.

"At the other end of the scale to Calzaghe and Fiji's hulking forwards is the man who will play full-back for Wales tomorrow, Matthew Morgan.

"Nicknamed 'Nipper', the 23-year-old is barely 5ft 6in and looked like a mascot who had gatecrashed Wales' warm-up when he was stretching with Jamie Roberts earlier.

"Morgan also looked a little cramped in the media scrum. He will be hoping for more space in the game."

Wales v Fiji (16:45 BST)

Let's switch attentions to rugby union for a while and in Thursday's World Cup action, Wales know that victory against Fiji (16:45 BST) will put them on the verge of the quarter-finals.

The sides meet at the Millennium Stadium with Wales confident following their 28-25 win over England last weekend.

Following two losses, Fiji have their sights set on third place in Pool A and qualification for the 2019 tournament.

With so much at stake and respect for Fiji growing, Wales coach Warren Gatland has selected his strongest available team.

AFP

Button must feel confident - McNish

BBC Sport commentator Allan McNish has said Jenson Button's commitment to McLaren for 2016 could be a sign that improvement is on the horizon for the Woking outfit.

Asked whether they can turn it around, he told BBC Radio 5 live the restrictions during the winter testing period will make it "very, very tough", but added: "From Jenson’s point of view he must feel confident that they’ll be able to leap-frog up the grid a little bit.”

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Premier League spending obscene - Waddle

Getty Images

"Ripped off", "a waste" and "obscene". Some choice words from ex-England midfielder Chris Waddle on 5 live last night. 

He was talking about Premier League spending and whether it can be directly linked to performance on the pitch, both domestically and in Europe.

It followed big-spending Manchester City's late win against German side Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday night. Manchester United and Chelsea were also in less-than-convincing form in Europe.

You can listen to the rest of his thoughts here.

Stoke news conference

Stoke manager Mark Hughes has been facing the media ahead of his side's Premier League trip to Aston Villa on Saturday with both sides in the bottom four in the table.

Leicester news conference

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri is speaking to the press as we type. BBC Radio Leicester are there for us, and here's what the Italian had to say about Jamie Vardy who is in the England squad announced today.

BreakingKonta loses to Williams

Britain's Johanna Konta has lost 4-6 6-3 7-5 to former world number one Venus Williams in a thriller in the quarter-finals of the Wuhan Open.

Konta had won 21 of her last 22 matches and despite the loss is set to become British number one.

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Southampton news conference

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman says his side need to improve on last week's win over Swansea when they visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday to take on Chelsea.

"We have to play on a higher level than last weekend because Chelsea will punish you," says the Dutchman. "They have a fast transition and you have to play good counter-attacking football. In all aspects we have to do it better than last week.

"Maybe defensively they have lost a bit but still they are very strong and they have the quality and the players to give a good reaction."

Getty Images

Mansell v Lewis - who'd win?

This morning, Nigel Mansell was asked by BBC Radio 4's Garry Richardson if he had four weeks to practice in Lewis Hamilton’s car, how fast could he drive that car and how competitive would he be in a race now?

“I’d get very close to his (Hamilton) time if not do an identical time," said Mansell. "I won’t be bold and say I’d be quicker but I’d get down to his time pretty quick. The thing is you can do it for a few laps but when you get old you can’t sustain it lap after lap. 

"But in a race, with a bit of training, give me more than a few weeks, give me a few months. And if the body would allow it I think we could, in that car, certainly get on the podium and have a bit of fun.”

Thrilla in Manila, 40 years on

If you, like many of us, are too young to remember the iconic Thrilla in Manila fight which happened on this day in 1975, it's worth reading Kevin Mitchell's excellent feature on the bout in today's Guardian.

The headline says it all: 'Thrilla In Manila: 40 years on from sanctioned manslaughter in boxing'.

Read it here.

PA

Cricket

Webb hitches a ride

England v Wales was always going to be a tense watch. But injured scrum-half Rhys Webb had a novel way of distracting himself from the drama at Twickenham last weekend.

He did what we would all do and took his gran's mobility scooter for a spin. Watch him explain all here.

BBC

Get Involved

Very good, Thomas...

Get Involved

They don't do sport like they used to: Thrilla in Manila, Rumble in the Jungle...

But what are your all-time favourites when it comes to naming an event?

Let us know by tweeting us via #bbcsportsday.

40 years since the Thrilla

The fight: Muhammad Ali v Joe Frazier. The venue: Araneta Coliseum, Manila. The date: October 1, 1975. The legacy: Timeless.

It's 40 years to the day since the Thrilla in Manila between arguably the greatest heavyweights of all time - the mercurial Ali and the wrecking ball Frazier giving fans around the world 14 rounds of sport at its most distastefully compelling.

Ali won the contest after Frazier's trainer decided enough was enough prior to the 15th round. Fifteen rounds? Imagine today's heavyweights trying to get as far as that.

BBC

Watmore aims to make his mark

One of the players included in the England Under 21 squad to face Kazakhstan is Sunderland's Duncan Watmore, who is balancing a burgeoning Premier League career with the pressures of a university degree.

The 21-year-old son of former son of former FA chief executive Ian Watmore will graduate from his Economics and Business Management course in December after three years' study.

BBC Sport's David Ornstein meets last season's Under 21 Premier League player of the season who scored in his first league appearance for the Black Cats.

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Yarmouth cancels meetings over track concerns

Yarmouth racecourse has been forced to abandon its final two meetings for 2015 after fears about the condition of the track.

Two riders were unseated during the three-day festival last month following heavy rain. Work had been carried out last winter to improve the surface.

Glen Tubby, Yarmouth's executive director, said: "The track did not perform as we would have hoped in September given the challenging weather during the month. We are undertaking remedial work to address the areas of concern to enable us to be ready for racing for the start of Great Yarmouth's 2016 season."

Full refunds will be made to those with tickets to the fixtures on October 20 and October 27. 

Dutch boss in 'no-win situation'

AFP

Netherlands coach Danny Blind is in a no-win situation as he attempts to resurrect his side’s European Championship hopes, according to Frank de Boer.

The Dutch are in very real danger of failing to qualify after losses to Iceland and Turkey.

Former Netherlands international De Boer told BBC World Football that he cannot see a positive outcome for Blind whether the Dutch make it to France or not.

Hear more from De Boer in this week’s World Football show.

Coming up tonight

If you're not football-ed out (is that even possible?), you'll be well up for tonight's Europa League fixtures.

Tottenham kick us off when they visit Monaco at 18:00 BST, while Celtic and Liverpool play Fenerbache and FC Sion respectively. Those two kick off at 20:05 BST.

Alguersuari retires at 25

Getty Images

Former Toro Rosso driver Jaime Alguersuari has announced his retirement from motor racing at the age of 25 to follow a career in music.

The Spaniard left F1 at the end of 2011 then raced in the Formula E electric series. He fainted after the event in Moscow in June and pulled out from the final races in London on health grounds. 

Algeursuari, who composes music and DJs, said: "I could continue competing but I'm stopping," adding that he had no concerns about his health. "I could stay just for the money but I need a change. What makes me happy is music, I am going to make music.

"Something inside me says it's the moment to take a different path because I think I have fallen out of love with this girlfriend who has been with me all these years." 

Deeney ready to end goal drought

Geoff Doyle

BBC Three Counties Radio sport

Watford striker Troy Deeney is hoping the questions about when he scores his first goal will end soon. 

He's yet to hit the target this season and has likened it to a golfer trying to win his first major: 

"The Jason Day effect... hopefully if I get one I get three or four pretty quick," said Deeney. "The more people ask the more irrelevant it’s becoming. For me the main thing is the gaffer respects what I'm doing and the players respect what I'm doing. I'm in the top five for assists as well so I'm not doing too bad. 

"When it does come it might be a Leicester moment; take my shirt off and jump in the crowd to make sure everyone knows I'm happy because everyone seems to think I'm unhappy because I haven't scored."

Getty Images

Australia postpone tour of Bangladesh

Here's a bit more on the Australia cricket team's decision not to tour Bangladesh because of security concerns. Chief executive James Sutherland said: "This has been a very difficult decision. Following the most recent information from Australian Government agencies and our own security advisors, we have decided that, regrettably, we have no alternative but to postpone the tour.

“We had hoped that the security concerns would fade, but unfortunately the advice we have received from government, our own security experts and independent security advisors has clearly indicated that there are now high risks to our people should they make the trip.

“We have worked tirelessly to try to find a way for the tour to proceed, but in the end it was simply not possible."

AFP

All smiles in Wales

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

Chris Coleman's smile got bigger and bigger throughout his 21 minute news conference as he talked about how Wales hope to come back from Bosnia 'with the goodies' and finish their European qualifying campaign in front of a sell-out crowd in Cardiff.

Relief as well with positive news coming out of Real Madrid that Gareth Bale is back in training and hopeful of playing some part in the Madrid derby on Sunday night.

"That derby game is a tough one," said Coleman. "I spoke to Baley about it and he said it was incredible. If he does start or comes on maybe that's a good game for him. It'll be frantic.

"I'll be watching it. Bale is a machine. He's an unbelievable athlete and I'm quite sure whatever they have to throw at him he'll be able to handle it. I'm not worried about the physical hits, I just hope that he's fully recovered from his injury."

Konta takes second set

She's doing it again. Soon-to-be British number one Johanna Konta has come back to take the second set 6-3 to draw it level against Venus Williams at the WTA event in Wuhan. It's now 4-6 6-3.

Follow our live text commentary of that match here.

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A quick recap...

Phew. A busy hour there. Here's a rundown of the top lines from the past 60 minutes (the time of entry is in brackets if you want to read up on them again).

• Spurs' 19-year-old midfielder Dele Alli and Liverpool striker Danny Ings have earned senior England call-ups after Roy Hodgson named his Euro 2016 qualifiers' squad (12:39)
• Gareth Bale returns from injury to make Chris Coleman's squad as they lie on the cusp of qualification (12:00).
• Australia have postponed their tour of Bangladesh over security concerns (12:23).
• Jonathan Joseph returns for England's Rugby World Cup crunch match against Australia on Saturday. Ben Youngs is also fit.
• Gareth Southgate has named his England U21 squad (12:03).

Konta fights back against Venus

Things are going better for Britain's Johanna Konta against Venus Williams in the quarter-finals of the Wuhan Open.

Having lost the first set 6-4 she has broken her opponent in the second and leads 4-3.

Follow the latest via the BBC Sport website.

Roy Hodgson news conference

Hodgson on Jack Grealish's decision to represent England...

"I am very pleased. I think it is the right decision. He is English, albeit with distant Irish roots. I think he has the talent to become an England player. I was happy he took the bolder decision and what matters now is how he does for Villa. He is aware of that. I was keen to point out that there were no guarantees for him with England."

PA

'England's shallow talent pool?'

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

"The call-up of Dele Alli after only three starts for Spurs could be taken in two ways - the emergence of a bright young talent or a nod to a shallow pool of England talent. Probably a bit of both."

England news conference

Reuters

Stuart Lancaster has also touched on Sam Burgess's role in the match against Australia following a mixed match against Wales.

Burgess, who used to play rugby league for South Sydney Rabbitohs before crossing codes to join Bath, has a unique insight into the Australian game, he says.

Lancaster adds: "We look to the positives he brings and the opportunity to bring him off the bench as an impact player. 

"As a player he'll be used if and when appropriate in the second-half."

England news conference

England head coach Stuart Lancaster, asked about the loss to Wales and how to bounce back: "It was a hugely disappointing defeat but we can't wallow and feel sorry for ourselves."

Moving onto Australia: "It's a huge game, we respect the quality but we know we've beaten them in the last two games." 

Lancaster says the atmosphere in the camp is similar to when England lost to South Africa in 2012 but went on to beat New Zealand 38-21 in the following game.

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Roy Hodgson news conference

England manager Roy Hodgson on Danny Ings, Dele Alli and Daniel Sturridge..

"Danny was someone we followed closely last year but he was involved with the Under 21s.

"Dele is the more offbeat one because he is so young but we have been impressed by what we have seen of him. We have so many midfielders out injured and he is an exciting talent.

"It is better for Daniel to concentrate on what is essentially a preseason for him. We can survive without him and we are hoping we see a super-fit player in November. The best way to have him in November is to leave him in October."

Reuters

'Good news for Liverpool'

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

"Liverpool manager Brendan Rogers will be pleased with two aspects of England manager Roy Hodgson's latest squad - no early recall for Daniel Sturridge and the first call-up for fellow striker Danny Ings.

"Rodgers is determined Sturridge's return from long-term injury problems will not be rushed, a position understood by Hodgson as he is in no hurry with England already qualified for Euro 2016.

"The call-up for Ings is reward for his energetic displays that have made him one of the plus points in Liverpool's indifferent start to the new season.

"And as Hodgson starts to look at his options for France with qualification secured, it will be intriguing to see how 19-year-old Spurs midfield man Deli Alli acquits himself. There is a lot of excitement surrounding the youngster, who has been handed a chance to stake his own claim to be at the Euros next summer."

England news conference

England captain Chris Robshaw has been asked about the days after that crucial, ill-fated decision late in the game to go for the winning try against Wales.

He says: "You do run things over but you've got to move forward quickly. You take the rough with the smooth with this game. We've got a massive game now [against Australia] so you can't sit and sulk."

England news conference

Stuart Lancaster has been speaking at the England news conference. Asked about his job possibly being on the line: "I'm not going beyond this game really, there's a lot to play out in the next two weeks. 

"I'm just getting this team prepared... if you start distracting yourself with 'what ifs' you're not doing your job."

England's new boy

England squad for Euro qualifiers

PA

Alli, 19, has impressed for Tottenham this season since arriving from MK Dons and Ings, 23, has scored two goals in his last three games for Liverpool. 

There is no place in Hodgson's 24-man squad for Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge even though he has recovered from injury. 

England squad for Euro qualifiers

Here's the full England squad for the double-header against Estonia and Lithuania: Jack Butland, Joe Hart, Tom Heaton, Ryan Bertrand, Gary Cahill, Nathaniel Clyne, Kieran Gibbs, Phil Jagielka, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, John Stones, Dele Alli, Ross Barkley, Michael Carrick, Adam Lallana, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jonjo Shelvey, Raheem Sterling, Danny Ings, Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney, Jamie Vardy, Theo Walcott.

BreakingAlli and Ings get England call-ups

Spurs' teenage midfielder Dele Alli and Liverpool's Danny Ings have been called into the England senior squad ahead of the European Championship qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania. 

Thinking caps on...

A Question of Sport Teaser

It's a rugby-themed Question of Sport teaser today, unsurprisingly. We're asking which five men have scored a try for @WelshRugbyUnion at this year's @rugbyworldcup?

We'll bring you the answer a little later on.

BreakingAustralia postpone tour

Australia have postponed their tour of Bangladesh because of security concerns.

Konta struggling against Venus

It's not going particularly well at the moment for Britain's Johanna Konta who is taking on Venus Williams in the quarter-finals of the Wuhan Open.

Konta is 5-2 down against the American and will be serving to stay in the opening set.

You can follow the latest via the BBC Sport website.

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The latest from Molineux

The latest from Molineux

Dan Pallett

BBC Midlands Today Sport

Earlier this week, Wolves owner Steve Morgan announced he was selling the club. The club's chief executive Jez Moxey spoke to the media this morning...

BBC

There is no single reason for Steve Morgan selling Wolves says chief executive Jez Moxey. Morgan spoke to Wolves fans at Preston on Saturday but Moxey denies that's the reason for sale. Moxey added that a divorce two years ago led to Morgan reviewing his time commitments. They've spent £85m on players in his time. His commitment was shown by not selling Bakary Sako in January and Benik Afobe in the summer. They won't say how much they want for the club.

Wales squad announcement

Having named a strong squad for the matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina on October 10 and Andorra on October 13, Chris Coleman is leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of that solitary point to ensure entry to next year's Euro 2016 finals in France...

But there are still minor question marks over the fitness of Gareth Bale, who has been absent for Real Madrid through a calf injury.

Wales squad announcement

Here's Chris Coleman's squad in full for the matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Andorra, including recalls for Emyr Huws and Jonathan Williams. 

Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Crystal Palace), Danny Ward (Liverpool, on loan with Aberdeen), Owain Fon Williams (Inverness Caledonian Thistle).

Defenders: Ashley Williams (Swansea City), James Chester (West Bromwich Albion), James Collins (West Ham United), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Gunter (Reading), Neil Taylor (Swansea City), Adam Henley (Blackburn Rovers), Ashley Richards (Fulham).

Midfielders: Joe Ledley (Crystal Palace), Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal), Joe Allen (Liverpool), David Vaughan (Nottingham Forest), Jonathan Williams (Crystal Palace, on loan with Nottingham Forest), Emyr Huws (Wigan Athletic, on loan with Huddersfield United), Andy King (Leicester City), David Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers).

Forwards: Gareth Bale (Real Madrid), Hal Robson-Kanu (Reading), Sam Vokes (Burnley), Simon Church (MK Dons), David Cotterill (Birmingham City), Tom Lawrence (Leicester City, on loan with Blackburn Rovers).

Southgate names Under 21 squad

England Under-21 manager Gareth Southgate has named his squad to face Kazakhstan in their Euro 2017 qualifier on Tuesday, 13 October in Coventry.

Goalkeepers: Angus Gunn (Manchester City), Jordan Pickford (Preston North End, loan from Sunderland), Christian Walton (Bury, loan from Brighton & Hove Albion)

Defenders: Calum Chambers (Arsenal), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Brendan Galloway (Everton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Kortney Hause (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Dominic Iorfa (Wolverhampton Wanderers) Jack Stephens (Middlesbrough, loan from Southampton), Matt Targett (Southampton)

Midfielders: Lewis Baker (Vitesse Arnhem, loan from Chelsea), Nathaniel Chalobah (Napoli, loan from Chelsea), Jake Forster-Caskey (MK Dons, loan from Brighton & Hove Albion), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)

Forwards: Chuba Akpom (Hull City, loan from Arsenal), Jordon Ibe (Liverpool), Solly March (Brighton & Hove Albion), Nathan Redmond (Norwich City),Duncan Watmore (Sunderland), James Wilson (Manchester United), Cauley Woodrow (Fulham)

Easter & Kruis on the bench

Number eight Nick Easter - a late call up to the squad - is named as a replacement in England's team to face Australia. 

Saracens' George Kruis is named in the squad for the first time in the tournament. 

England XV: Mike Brown; Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph, Brad Barritt, Jonny May, Owen Farrell, Ben Youngs; Joe Marler, Tom Youngs, Dan Cole, Joe Launchbury, Geoff Parling, Tom Wood, Chris Robshaw, Ben Morgan.  

Replacements: Rob Webber, Mako Vunipola, Kieran Brookes, George Kruis, Nick Easter, Richard Wigglesworth, George Ford, Sam Burgess

BreakingBale in Wales squad

Real Madrid's Gareth Bale has been included in Chris Coleman's Wales squad for this month's Euro 2016 qualifiers.

Youngs starts for England

Ben Youngs will start at scrum-half for England against Australia after recovering from the ankle injury which forced him to be replaced during the second half of their defeat by Wales. 

England head coach Stuart Lancaster told England's official website: “JJ and Ben Youngs are both fit and raring to go, as are the rest of the squad for what will be a huge game against a very good team.

“England-Australia matches at Twickenham are always massive occasions, this one more than ever, and we want everyone behind us so we can get the result we all want.”

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Scotland name side to face South Africa

The Scotland team in full to face South Africa is: Stuart Hogg, Tommy Seymour, Richie Vernon, Matt Scott, Tim Visser, Duncan Weir, Greig Laidlaw; Gordon Reid, Fraser Brown, Willem Nel, Richie Gray, Jonny Gray, Josh Strauss, Blair Cowan, David Denton. 

Replacements: Ross Ford, Alasdair Dickinson, Jon Welsh, Tim Swinson, Ryan Wilson, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Peter Horne, Sean Lamont.

Burgess on the bench

Stuart Lancaster has made three changes to the team which lost to Wales on Saturday, bringing in Jonathan Joseph, Ben Morgan and Joe Launchbury. 

Joseph's inclusion means Sam Burgess - who started in the centre against Wales - is named as a replacement, while Launchbury replaces the injured Courtney Lawes (knee) and Morgan comes in for Billy Vunipola who suffered a tournament-ending knee ligament injury against Wales. 

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BreakingScotland name side to face South Africa

Scotland coach Vern Cotter has made 10 changes to his starting line-up for Saturday's World Cup Pool B match against South Africa in Newcastle.

Blair Cowan (back-row), prop Gordon Reid and centre Richie Vernon will all start their first matches of the campaign while captain Greig Laidlaw returns at scrum-half, where he will partner fellow half-back Duncan Weir.

Wing Tommy Seymour starts in place of Sean Maitland, where he will join Tim Visser and Stuart Hogg in the back-three – the latter the only player to start all three matches for Scotland thus far.

In the forwards hooker Fraser Brown starts while Jonny Gray returns to start alongside brother Richie.

PA

In place for squad announcement

Rob Phillips

BBC Wales Football Correspondent

"Waiting for Chris Coleman's noon squad announcement as Wales get ready to cross the Euro 2016 qualifying finishing line.

"Hottest topic, as ever, will be the health of Real Madrid's Gareth Bale as Wales prepare to face Bosnia Herzegovina away and Andorra at home, needing one point to guarantee qualification for a major tournament finals for the time since 1958."

BreakingBreaking News

Centre Jonathan Joseph and number eight Ben Morgan have recovered from injury and will start for England against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday. 

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Bale back for Wales

Gareth Bale will be named in the Wales squad on Thursday for the Euro 2016 qualifiers against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Andorra later this month.

The 26-year-old forward has missed Real Madrid's last three games with a calf injury but is set to return for the La Liga derby against Atletico on Sunday.

Wales face Bosnia in Zenica on Saturday, 10 October and host Andorra on the following Tuesday. Chris Coleman's team need one point to qualify for the finals in France.

We are expecting the full squad around 12:00 BST,

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Calzaghe's warning for Wales

It takes a brave man to stand up and fire warning shots at a rugby team. Then again, it takes a brave man to tell Joe Calzaghe he's wrong. About anything.

The former super-middleweight champion has told his fellow countrymen not to be complacent against hard-hitting Fiji on Thursday following their late win over England last weekend. 

We'll have live radio and text coverage of that match right here, and you can listen to Calzaghe's thoughts here.

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Roy Hodgson news conference

England manager Roy Hodgson will be naming his squad for the European Championship qualifiers at home to Estonia on 9 October and away to Lithuania three days later at 12:30 BST.

But one name that will not be included is Aston Villa's Jack Grealish.

The 20-year-old declared for England last week rather than the Republic of Ireland but he needs four to six weeks for Fifa international clearance to come through.

AFP

Golden Horn added to Arc field

If you had a spare 120,000 euros (£88,420), what would you do with it?

Well, millionaire racehorse owner Anthony Oppenheimer has splashed out that amount to add his horse Golden Horn to the field for Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.

The horse has already accrued plenty of prize-money this season thanks to his wins in the Epsom Derby, Eclipse and Irish Champion Stakes this season.

As expected, John Gosden has taken his stable star Jack Hobbs out of the race.

PA

Wakefield sack scrum-half Smith

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Wakefield have sacked Australian scrum-half Tim Smith for gross misconduct and bringing the club into disrepute. 

Smith was banned from driving for 28 months and fined £900 at Beverley Magistrates Court on Wednesday, after admitting failing to provide a specimen following a car crash in September. 

The 30-year-old was also handed a £600 fine for careless driving. 

On Tuesday, full-back Kevin Locke, who was involved in the crash with Smith and Reece Lyne, was released by the club, who face Bradford to retain their Super League status this weekend.

Konta set to take on Venus

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Britain's Johanna Konta will fulfil a childhood dream when she takes on Venus Williams in the quarter-finals of the Wuhan Open on Thursday at 11:30 BST.

The 24-year-old has risen from a ranking of 150 at the start of the year and will become British number one next week as she breaks into the world's top 50.

You can read about Konta's superb year so far on the BBC Sport website and there will be live text commentary of her match against the seven-time Grand Slam winner.

Wales in rankings boost

Wales are one place behind Brazil after reaching an all-time high of eighth in the Fifa world football rankings. 

They stay above England, who remain at 10th; while Northern Ireland move up six places to 35th.

England second in world

England are ranked second in the world behind Australia in the International Cricket Council's first-ever women's rankings system.

The 10-team table incorporates results in all three formats of the game - one-day internationals, Twenty20 and Tests - into one system.

Australia are the reigning ODI and T20 world champions, and beat England in this summer's multi-format Ashes series.

Ireland are ranked 10th in the world.

Reuters

Champions League team of the week

It's two matches down for all of the teams in the Champions League so who has impressed in this week's action?

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich form the spine of the second team of the season after their superb 5-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb but there are a couple of British-based players included as well.

Button to stay at McLaren

Lotus driver Romain Grosjean is pleased that Jenson Button will be on the grid for next year's F1 season. The Frenchman if, of course, off to a new team - US outfit Haas. Read more about that here.

Get Involved - your goalscoring records

Some excellent tweets coming through detailing your goalscoring records. Three goals from corner kicks sounds extraordinary. 

Tweet us your goalscoring records at #bbcsportsday.

5 live Football Daily podcast

Manchester United did their part to keep English stock high in the Champions League on Wednesday night, beating German side Wolfsburg 2-1. 

Manchester City also took the same scoreline on the road to Borussia Monchengladbach thanks to a late Sergio Aguero penalty.

Mark Chapman and Chris Waddle were on hand for the 5 live Football Daily podcast afterwards, taking in all the reaction and your thoughts. If you missed it, you can download it here.

EPA

Formula 1

More breaking news from the world of F1...

Pick the MOTD 2 soundtrack

Ever fancied choosing the music to the Match of the Day montages? Me too. Luckily you can do just that for this Sunday's MOTD 2 Goal of the Month competition. 

They have teamed up with BBC Radio 1's Greg James to choose three tracks (listed below) for you to choose from. You can vote here - entries close at 18:00 BST on Thursday.

BBC

So, which of the following do you want to hear on Sunday night?

• Bring Me The Horizon - Throne
• The Maccabees - Spit It Out
• Sigma/Ella Henderson - Glitterball

The winning track will be announced on Greg's show on Thursday 1 October (Radio 1, 16:00-19:00 BST), after the vote has closed.

Button to stay at McLaren

McLaren supremo Ron Dennis seemed pretty bullish about retaining  Jenson Buttonduring his interview with Suzi Perry and David Coulthard after Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix. And justifiably so.

After keeping hold of Button for 2016, Dennis has now tipped him to make history with the team.

He said: "I am extremely pleased. Jenson is the most experienced driver currently racing in Formula 1, and next season he is due to become only the third driver [after Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher] in Formula 1 history to pass the milestone of 300 Grands Prix." 

AP

West Ham news conference

West Ham might have made a superb start to the season with wins at Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal but manager Slaven Bilic has warned against complacency when they take on Sunderland on Saturday...

Button to stay at McLaren

BBC Sport's Andrew Benson has this following news that Jenson Button will stay at McLaren for 2016...

West Ham news conference

The Premier League news conference focus switches to east London, and West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has good news about forward Enner Valencia who was injured in the Hammers' Europa League game with Astra Giurgiu in July.

Button committed as ever - Dennis

McLaren chairman Ron Dennis has spoken of his delight at keeping Jenson Button at the Woking-based outfit for 2016.

He also said a clause in the Englishman's two-year contract allowing him to terminate the agreement after one year became "an irrelevance" once he realised Button was "as enthusiastic and as committed and as focused as ever".

He added: "Jenson and I have been discussing his plans in private for the past few weeks, and the fact that our talks have led to today's announcement is very pleasing to both of us and will delight and motivate all at McLaren-Honda."

PA

'I can't wait!' - Button

EPA

More on the news that Jenson Button will stay at McLaren for the 2016 season. The Englishman sounds typically ebullient at the news, saying: "I can't wait!"

He added: "Over the past month or so I have done quite a lot of thinking, and it is no secret that I was at one point in two minds about my future. But I have been a McLaren driver for six seasons now [2010-2015], and in that time I have got to know Ron very well. 

"He and I have had some very good chats these past few weeks, and during those chats it has become clear to me that Ron is both utterly determined and uniquely equipped to lead our team through its current difficulties to great successes in the future."

BreakingButton confirmed at McLaren for 2016

McLaren have confirmed that Jenson Button will stay with them for the 2016 season, following speculation about this future.

More to follow.

Daley announces engagement

It's congratulations to British Olympic diving star Tom Daley whose engagement to boyfriend Dustin Lance Black has been announced in The Times newspaper.

The 21-year-old and his American partner have been together for two years.

The announcement in the Births, Marriages and Death section reads: 'The engagement is announced between Tom, son of Robert and Debra Daley of Plymouth, and Lance, son of Jeff Bisch of Philadelphia and Anne Bisch of Lake Providence.' 

PA

Schweinsteiger happy with victory

Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger reflects on Wednesday's night's 2-1 Champions League win over Wolfsburg.

Crystal Palace news conference

Here's more from Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew.

Serena 'out of China Open'

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The official Twitter feed for Saturday's China Open is quoting Serena Williams as saying she has pulled out of the tournament in Beijing and, perhaps more crucially, the WTA Finals on 25 October.

No official word on specific injuries from the woman herself, who has reportedly told organisers she has withdrawn to address her health "and to heal" following a busy 2015 that saw her miss out on the US Open at Flushing Meadows.

Crystal Palace news conference

Here's some of the best from Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew.

Crystal Palace news conference

It's time to hear from our first Premier League manager of the day, Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew ahead of his side's game at home to West Brom on Saturday.

Serena 'out of China Open'

Some breaking news on Twitter ahead of this week's China Open in Beijing.

Get Involved

As we've mentioned, Cristiano Ronaldo's double against Malmo sees him join Raul as Real Madrid's joint-leading scorer on 323 - having played 419 games fewer.

Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski is also enjoying a purple patch of form with 10 goals in three games.

So we want to know your amazing goalscoring records and feats. Send us your achievements via #bbcsportsday

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Cristiano Ronaldo's milestone

Cristiano Ronaldo equalled Raul's all-time goals record for Real Madrid and took his career tally to 501 after a double against Malmo in Wednesday's Champions League game.

The Portugal international opened the scoring when he latched on to Isco's pass and clipped the ball home and then added a second late on with a simple finish after he was teed up by substitute Lucas Vazquez.

That goal saw him draw level with Raul's club total of 323 goals.

AFP

Van Gaal says United are 'suffering'

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says his side are struggling after six matches in 18 days.

"A lot of players are very tired because of the accumulation of a lot of matches," said Van Gaal whose side are due to face Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.   

Joy for United

Premier League leaders Manchester United earned their first win of the Champions League group stage as they came from behind to beat Wolfsburg 2-1 at Old Trafford.

The Germans went ahead when Daniel Caligiuri finished off a six-pass move for the opener but Juan Mata levelled from the spot, after Caligiuri handled.

Mata then flicked through for Chris Smalling to slide in the winner.

EPA

Pellegrini reflects on 'lucky' win

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini says his side did not deserve their last-minute Champions League victory at Borussia Monchengladbach.

"We had a bit of luck to win the game," said the 62-year-old Chilean after Sergio Aguero's late penalty secured a 2-1 win.

"Against Juventus and West Ham we didn't deserve to lose and maybe today we didn't deserve to win but we did," added Pellegrini.

AP

City emerge victorious

Let's look back at last night's football for a while and Sergio Aguero's last-minute penalty helped Manchester City fight back toearn a crucial Champions League winat German side Borussia Monchengladbach.

City keeper Joe Hart saved a first-half penalty from Raffael but was powerless to stop Lars Stindl side-footing in the opener from 15 yards.

Defender Nicolas Otamendi volleyed in the equaliser before Aguero's late intervention.

Reuters

Coming up

Coming up later, we'll have news of the England team for Saturday's Rugby World Cup match at Twickenham and build-up to Wales's clash against Fiji (16:45 BST) while Britain's Johanna Konta will be in action against Venus Williams in the quarter-finals of the Wuhan Open.

There will also be news from a number of camps ahead of the weekend's Premier League fixtures starting with Watford and Crystal Palace and we'll be hearing from England manager Roy Hodgson from around 12:30 BST.

Australia ready for England test

"We've been working hard each day this week to improve our game before we play England on Saturday” says Australia coach Michael Cheika. 

“I believe that this selection, the same starting team that ran out v Fiji, has been really clear on where we must improve and the level we must be at to compete with England and we know that it's going to be a very tough challenge." 

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Australia name strong team

The Australia team in full is: Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Giteau, Rob Horne, Bernard Foley, Will Genia; Scott Sio, Stephen Moore, Sekope Kepu, Kane Douglas, Rob Simmons,Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper, David Pocock.

The replacements will be announced later.

14 return for Australia

Australia have named exactly the same starting XV that beat Fiji in their opening World Cup match for Saturday's game against England at Twickenham.

Bernard Foley is at fly-half over Quade Cooper, with Michael Hooper alongside David Pocock in the back-row. After returning to the Wallaby fold in the summer, Toulon's Matt Giteau is at inside-centre.

Thursday's gossip column

Here are some of the stories from Thursday's gossip column.

The London Evening Standard reports that former Borussia Dortmund boss - and rumoured target for several Premier League clubs - Jurgen Klopp, 48, has turned down the opportunity to take over as manager of the Mexico national team.

Reuters

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea fans have demanded Jose Mourinho restores skipper John Terry to the team after the central defender was left out for the fourth time in five matches against Porto on Tuesday.

Metro reveals that Reading have released an excruciating music video for their unique club song 'They Call Us The Royals', which features the lyrics "unstoppably we burn within" and "getting ready to shed our sweat".

Thursday's back pages

While Thursday's Times features a picture of Manchester City's Joe Hart saving a penalty against Borussia Monchengladbach, the main story is rugby-related with Ben Morgan warning Australia that the England pack will cause them problems when the sides meet at Twickenham on Saturday in the Rugby World Cup.

Times

Thursday's back pages

As well as a lookback at the Champions League action, Thursday's Guardian sports pages features a story about concern within the Chelsea dressing room at the perceived scapegoating of certain players by manager Jose Mourinho.

Guardian

Thursday's back pages

Thursday's Mirror back page has a similar theme reflecting on the Manchester clubs' wins in the Champions League but also an agonised-looking Per Mertesacker as the fall-out from Arsenal's defeat to Olympiakos continues.

Mirror

Thursday's back pages

Thursday's Sun back page features happy footballers - Sergio Aguero and Chris Smalling - after Manchester City and Manchester United both won in the Champions League on Wednesday night - and an under-pressure rugby player in Sam Burgess.

The Sun

Sportsday Live

Welcome to another day of Sportsday Live from the BBC Sport Centre. There's plenty to get your teeth into today but first here's what Thursday's newspapers are saying.