Rory McIlroy produced a sensational 67 at the Turkish Open on Thursday to end day one five under par.

He has some work to do, though. Despite moving on to seven under early on in his round, he’s a long way adrift of runaway leader Jacob van Zyl of South Africa on 16 under.

We're not sure why Rory is pictured in the 007 pose below, though?

Image source, Instagram

Striker Christian Benteke is available for Liverpool's game at Chelsea, manager Jurgen Klopp says at his new conference. Forward Daniel Sturridge is out.

"Christian trained quite normally and is preparing for tomorrow."

It's the Rugby World Cup final tomorrow. Do you think the good folk of the Sydney Opera House are excited?

Bill Rice
BBC Radio Manchester

Louis van Gaal may say he isn't affected at all by the opinions of former players on his team, but by suggesting Paul Scholes should speak to him or Ryan Giggs rather than through the media indicates he wasn't best pleased with it.

He was keen to remind everyone Manchester United can't be that boring to watch if they continue to attract the biggest crowds in the country.

Richard Conway
BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Former candidate Luis Figo has come out in support of Uefa's Gianni Infantino for the Fifa presidency:

In a statement, Figo has praised Infantino, saying he "knows football inside out and his experience, competence, hard work and honesty make him the best candidate for the Fifa presidency".

"I fully support him in this race and I humbly ask all of those who will vote on the 26th of February to back Gianni Infantino. He won’t let football down". 

Bill Rice
BBC Radio Manchester

Louis van Gaal said he didn't want to defend himself against Paul Scholes' comments that Manchester United lack creativity and risk, and they are not a team he would enjoy playing for. 

However the Dutchman's use of the expression "sticks and stones may break my bones" took the public debate between the two down to school playground level.

Image source, Getty Images

Not great news for players and staff at Northampton Town Football Club this morning.

The Northampton Chronicle have reported they have not been paid today after the club’s bank account was frozen last month. The Cobblers owe the HMRC £166,000 in unpaid taxes.

Boss Chris Wilder says he is determined to keep the focus on this Saturday’s trip to Newport County. 

“The main event this week is ensuring that the football club survives,” he said. "Players are prepared for the game as normal tomorrow". 

Image source, Reuters

There was one major talking point at Louis van Gaal's news conference - Paul Scholes.

The former United midfielder has claimed he would not enjoy playing in van Gaal's side.

"When we shall lose and lose and lose I shall be finished. I know that," added Van Gaal.

"But we are improving. We now have 20 points from 10 games. Last year it was 13. We are in the Champions League. Last year we had 15 injuries. This year we have three. It can't be done in one year, it takes three years.

"If Mr Scholes thinks I go….Mr Scholes is not the responsible man. That is the Glazers and Mr Woodward."

Image source, Getty Images

Asa promised, some Spurs team news for you...

Nabil Bentaleb, Alex Pritchard, Nacer Chadli (ankle injuries) & Son Heung-min (foot) are all still out. 

Pochettino has said "We assess & analyse them every day & hope that they are ready to be in the squad as soon as possible."  

More on Louis van Gaal responding to criticism from former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes.

"I always take risks," said the Dutchman. "I don’t agree with his opinion. He has a lot of resonance [being sarcastic]. He should speak with the manager, or his friend Ryan Giggs, or Ed Woodward not….because he shall be paid by the BBC or Sky."

We have heard briefly from Tottenham manager, Mauricio Pochettino who says he laughs every time another transfer rumour about star striker Harry Kane pops up in the press. 

Kane who had previously only netted once in the Premier League this season, returned to form scoring a hat-trick in the 5-1 win at Bournemouth last week. 

Image source, Getty Images

Pochettino said it was all "sunshine last season when Harry Kane was scoring. You are in a bubble. All is dark when not".

He added: "We are in a good place. We are more difficult for our opponent. Our aim is to go up... but we need to be focussed". 

Team news to follow...

Image source, Reuters

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has responded to criticism from former Red Devils midfielder Paul Scholes.

Scholes said he would not enjoy playing in Van Gaal's side and that United lacked creativity and risk.

Speaking at his pre-match news conference on Friday, Van Gaal said: "You have an expression. Sticks and stones will break my bones. Names won’t hurt me. 

"He [Scholes] doesn’t have the responsibility. Is he saying this for the benefit for the club or benefit of himself?"

Nathan Powe: I had a nightmare last night, dreamt I was the Arsenal fitness coach!

Vaughan Try: Peter Crouch's 14 minutes at the Bernabeu was pretty horrific!

Image source, Getty Images

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, external says that Valentino Rossi is considering going to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to have his grid penalty overturned.

Rossi will start the final race of the season in Valencia from the back of the grid after he clashed with Marc Marquez in Malaysia lastweekend.

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds owner Massimo Cellino has admitted he is considering his future at the club and that his spell in charge is proving to be "a nightmare".

The 59-year-old Italian lodged his appeal against a second Football League ban in 12 months on Wednesday, having failed its owners' and directors' test last week following another tax conviction in Italy.

Steve Evans recently became the club's sixth head coach since Cellino took control of the club in April 2014, but he has yet to win in three games and Leeds are without a home victory in nearly eight months after Thursday night's 2-0 defeat to Blackburn.

"Now I have a low quality of life," the Italian said. "I feel shame when I walk to the shop to buy cigarettes if we lose a game. I convinced my family to come here and they have run away. It's like being at a party where you're not welcome. It's killing me. Every night I lie awake, asking myself, 'Am I good enough?'." 

Image source, Getty Images

West Brom manager Tony Pulis is not one to pull any punches - or sit down in his news conference.

He did neither today. When asked about this weekend's opponents Leicester, he suggested Claudio Ranieri is doing so well... because of Nigel Pearson.

"Ranieri has benefited from all the work Nigel has put in," said TP. "It's very, very nice to step into a football club where everything is in place and at that club it looks like everything is in place.

"Last season was a remarkable achievement and Claudio has picked it up and carried it on. It's difficult for me to say but let's not forget the work Nigel did, the three, four years he was at that club putting them in a position for Claudio now to push on." 

Mike Taylor
BBC WM

Image source, Getty Images

West Brom manager Tony Pulis was in relaxed form. Albion have 'one or two knocks... we won't know who is going to be fit until Saturday morning.' He praised Leicester for their start to the season, but reminded people that Nigel Pearson should share that credit for the groundwork he did there before Claudio Ranieri's arrival.

Gregory P: The end of Derby County's last 2 seasons.