Sportsday - Monday 22 October as it happened

Tiger Woods, who will play world number one Rory McIlroy in an 18-hole medal match play contest at Jinsha Lake Golf Club in Zhengzhou on 29 October, says he is looking forward to a decade of battles with the 23-year-old Northern Irishman.

"It's going to be a lot of fun going head-to-head with Rory," he said of the forthcoming match, before adding: "We've all seen how talented Rory is. It'll be fun to battle him for the next decade or so and hopefully we'll have many battles to come."

Englishman Peter Barker beats Laurens Jan Anjema of the Netherlands to reach the semi-finals of the PSA international in San Francisco. In an all-English quarter-final, second seed Nick Matthew beats Daryl Selby 11-6 12-10 11-4.

Former Newcastle defender Steve Howey says the Magpies will not be satisfied with the 1-1 draw at Sunderland, despite having Cheick Tiote sent off midway through the first half.

"They'd have taken a draw given Tiote's red card, but seeing as though the game was that comfortable they're more than disappointed," Howey tells 5 live.

BBC Sport's Matt Slater, speaking on 5 live this morning on the announcement later today from the International Cycling Union on whether the governing body will support the US Anti Doping Agency's decision to ban Lance Armstrong. "We're pretty sure they are going to comply with that demand to strip Lance Armstrong of his titles and go after the prize money he accumulated," Slater says.

The England and Wales Cricket Board are searching for a new sponsor for the England team after Brit Insurance, who have sponsored the team since 2010, decided not to renew their contract.

Former Australia forward Hugh McMeniman, 28, who won 21 Test caps for the Wallabies over four years and played in the 2007 World Cup, is to leave Japanese club rugby to join Australia's Western Force for the 2013 Super Rugby season.

Manchester United and England midfielder Michael Carrick says the team need to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League as quickly as possible.

United were pipped to the Premier League title by neighbours Manchester City last season, but both teams failed to qualify from the group stages in the Champions League last term. United have won their opening two matches this time around and play Portuguese side Braga at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening. "It does help the league form if you can get through early," Carrick said.

Former New Zealand captain Sir Wilson Whineray, who played 77 matches for the All Blacks, including 32 Tests, and captained the side 67 times, has died in Auckland aged 77.

Former QPR and West Ham striker Leroy Rosenior, who is part of the Show Racism The Red Card group, has been speaking to 5 live about the row over players not wearing "Kick It Out" t-shirts.

"We need the players to do more," he says. "To be unified and work with organisations. Saying 'Kick it Out' should do more, they can't, they haven't got the authority the manpower or the funds. If players want things to change they're the drivers. We should put behind us what happened this weekend and start working together."

Also speaking about the t-shirt row on 5 live this morning was Mark McCammon, who won £68,000 after his dismissal from Gillingham was ruled as unfair racial victimisation.

"When I had my grievance it was disregarded by Kick It Out," he said. "I thought 'what is is there for, what is the meaning of Kick It Out?'

Leeds chairman Ken Bates admits the fan who attacked Sheffield Wednesday has caused severe damage to his club's efforts to improve their image.

"The idiot who ran on the pitch better not go anywhere near Elland Road again," Bates told the Yorkshire Post. "There are a lot of people angered by what he did. We have been working hard as a club to improve our image but this guy has done so much damage to that. It isn't fair on the overwhelming majority of Leeds fans."

More from Mark McCammon, the former Gillingham striker who won damages against the club for unfair racial victimisation. He has been speaking to 5 live about the Kick It Out t-shirt furore.

"We're talking about these organisations going to number 10 Downing St, sitting down with David Cameron, talking about 'let's kick racism out of football', and nothing is being done, it's all for show. The players have a right not to wear these t-shirts, and send out a statement," he said.

A 21-year-old man with has been charged with assault and entering the field of play by South Yorkshire Police following Sheffield Wednesday's home match with Leeds on Friday.

Aaron Cawley, from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, is due to appear at Sheffield Magistrates' Court this morning.

Celtic's Scott Brown, James Forrest, Georgios Samaras and Kris Commons, who all missed Saturday's 5-0 win over St Mirren with various ailments, were all in the travelling party which checked in at Glasgow Airport this morning ahead of the trip to Barcelona for tomorrow night's Champions League clash.

Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke has left a Rio hospital, four days after being admitted for treatment of a urinary infection. The 52-year-old Frenchman had been in Brazil to inspect progress in construction of stadiums for the 2014 World Cup but was admitted to Samaritano hospital late on Wednesday.

The son of Rabobank team manager Erik Dekker has accused Lance Armstrong of "destroying the sport I love so much". In an open letter to Armstrong on Twitter, junior rider Kelvin Dekker said: "Once you were my hero now you're an *******."

West Brom striker Shane Long said the team need to keep their focus after losing a lead in the last 10 minutes in a 2-1 defeat against Manchester City at the weekend and drawing at Aston Villa last month.

"We have probably got to learn from these situations," he said. "We probably should have won at Villa and didn't see it out, and it was the same on Saturday, but at least we lost in the right way, trying to win the game and taking the game to them, there aren't many teams that will take points off Manchester City this season."

Former France international striker David Trezeguet, who was part of the 1998 World Cup-winning squad and scored the winner at Euro 2000, admits he feels Argentinian at heart.

The 34-year-old, who was born in France but has long had dual nationality and moved to Argentina with his family as a youngster, now plays for Argentine Premier Division side River Plate and said: "France gave me so much, but I've always been Argentinian at heart and I've always been very fond of its football and national team. But, of course, when I had to take them on I'd give my all for France."

Former Charlton midfielder Paul Mortimer, part of the Show Racism The Red Card campaign, tells 5 live: "Kick It Out is a good campaign, it's like us, an educational, anti-racist charity. We don't have the power to change, all we can do is highlight and educate."

John Terry will be asked by Uefa to wear an anti-racism armband if he captains Chelsea against Shakhtar Donetsk tomorrow. All club captains will be asked to wear a 'United Against Racism' armband as part of a week of action by the Football Against Racism in Europe anti-discrimination body, Fare.

Britain's Chris Froome has hinted he could be the leading rider in Team Sky's bid for the Tour de France next year. Froome had the support role as Bradley Wiggins became the first British winner of the tour in July and said of his plans for 2013: "I will only be able to seek one win and I have the Tour in mind.

"I think Bradley could be (the leader) on the Giro d'Italia and me on the Tour," he said.

Rio Ferdinand was training this morning as normal ahead of Manchester United's Champions League encounter with Braga at Old Trafford tomorrow. There have been suggestions that Ferdinand met with Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday to settle the row over the defender not wearing the Kick It Out t-shirt before Saturday's game with Stoke.

The chairman of Kick It Out, Lord Ouseley, tells 5 live: "The issue of the T-shirt has become the story. We need to be talking about what are their legitimate grievances. You have to move forward in a way to bring closure to the nastiness that is around. The players that have grievances need to bring those to the table."

Ospreys prop Aaron Jarvis is the only uncapped player named in a 35-man squad for Wales' autumn Tests against Argentina, Samoa, New Zealand and Australia in November.

Scarlets pair Rob McCusker and Tavis Knoyle also return to the fold alongside Ospreys fly-half Dan Biggar - there is no recall for London Welsh fly-half Gavin Henson.

Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac has been ruled out for six weeks after suffering a left foot fracture. The French side play Borussia Monchengladbach in the Europa League on Thursday.

Just to remind you that you can watch the International Cycling Union announce its verdict on whether to back a Lance Armstrong life ban for doping and strip him of his record seven Tour de France titles. Live video will be available at about 12:00 BST.

Team captains playing in Champions and Europa League matches this week will be asked to wear anti-racism armbands as part of a campaign against discrimination, European soccer's governing body Uefa said on Monday.

"While a life of getting intimate with the most sought-after females on the planet might sound like many young males' ultimate fantasy, it is far from straightforward."

What next for £100m horse Frankel? Find out on the BBC Horse Racing page.

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent Gordon Farquhar ahead of 12:00 BST Lance Armstrong announcement: "20 mins away in Geneva from the UCI's declaration of their position over Lance Armstrong. Press conference room is packed."

Paul Jewell reveals he will remain as manager of Ipswich for Tuesday's Championship match at home to Derby.

"I had another restless night on Saturday and then spoke to Marcus Evans [Ipswich's owner] on Sunday afternoon about the situation," Jewell told the club's official website.

"We had a good chat and yet again he gave me his 100 per cent backing. I couldn't really ask for more support from the owner to be honest."

Rio Ferdinand is set to figure in Manchester United's Champions League encounter with Braga at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has only Ferdinand, Jonny Evans and Scott Wootton as fit central defenders so the 33-year-old is likely to be involved despite his weekend T-shirt protest related to the Kick It Out anti-racism campaign.

International Cycling Union president Pat McQuaid: "UCI will not appeal to the Court of Arbitration and recognise the sanctions Usada [United States Anti-Doping Agency] has imposed [on Lance Armstrong]. UCI will back the life ban and strip him of his seven Tour de France titles."

International Cycling Union president Pat McQuaid: "When I took over [as president] in 2005 I made the fight against doping my priority. I acknowledged cycling had culture of doping. Cycling has come a long way. I have no intention as resigning as president of the UCI."

International Cycling Union president Pat McQuaid: "We can only go on the system that is in place at the time. We always did more testing than any other international federation. It's easy to look back and say you could have done more but you can only work on the system you have in place."

Here are the key points made by International Cycling Union president Pat McQuaid on the United States Anti-Doping Agency's (Usada) investigation into Lance Armstrong:

• Lance Armstrong is stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned for life after the UCI accepts the findings of the Usada's investigation.
• "Lance Armstrong has no place in cycling."
• "Lance Armstrong deserves to be forgotten in cycling."

More from International Cycling Union president Pat McQuaid on Lance Armstrong and doping: "The assistance of police and government authorities is very important.

"You must remember that very few governments had laws about doping in sport. We've also developed collaborations with other anti-doping agencies. But it would be wonderful if we have police powers, but we don't.

"I was sickened by what I read. The story that he told of how he was coerced into doping was mind-boggling. I find it very difficult to understand that that was happening, but it was."

International Cycling Union president Pat McQuaid: "There are people with a doping past who are doing a lot to help the sport move forward. I think people who have made mistakes in the past can help the sport in the future.

"Meeting [of UCI management committee] on Friday is to discuss the ramifications of this decision and what we can do to make sure this doesn't happen again."

More from International Cycling Union [UCI] president Pat McQuaid: "This is a crisis, the biggest crisis cycling has ever faced. I like to look at this crisis as an opportunity for our sport and everyone involved in it to realise it is in danger and to work together to go forward.

"I don't think in any aspect of society there are no cheats, but I do believe doping can be reduced."

Crystal Palace have not allowed manager Dougie Freedman to speak to Bolton about the vacant manager's position.

"Crystal Palace FC can confirm that they have received a request from Bolton Wanderers to speak to Dougie Freedman regarding their vacant managers position," said a statement on the club website.

"Permission has not been granted for Dougie to speak to Bolton."

Go to the BBC Cycling page to read the report on the International Cycling Union's (UCI) decision to ban Lance Armstrong from cycling and strip him of his seven Tour de France titles.

A man has been jailed for running on to the pitch and punching Sheffield Wednesday's goalkeeper Chris Kirkland for running on to the pitch and punching Sheffield Wednesday's goalkeeper Chris Kirkland during the home match against Leeds last Friday.

Leeds United release a statement reacting to the verdict to jail the fan who attacked Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland for four months. He also receives a five-year football banning order.

The club say they will "ban the individual for life".

A club spokesman said: "We are pleased to see the matter dealt with by the courts so quickly. We note that he has been given a 16-week jail sentence and a five-year banning order.

"The club will also ban the individual for life from Elland Road when this banning order expires.

"While we are pleased to see justice brought so quickly, our one disappointment is that we feel the sentence could, and should, have been considerably longer."

Anti-racism campaigner Leroy Rosenior says the decision by some Premier League players not to wear Kick It Out T-shirts was "silly" and called on them to do more to help stamp out racism.

Rosenior, an ambassador for Show Racism the Red Card, told 5 live: "I found it a little silly from the players.

"Players need to give up their time and energy to move this thing forward."

Sheffield Wednesday agree a loan extension with Everton for 18-year-old midfielder Ross Barkley, BBC Radio Sheffield reports.

Spartak Moscow third-choice keeper Artem Rebrov will face Benfica in Tuesday's Champions League Group G match after Sergei Pesyakov was ruled out with a foot injury.

Fulham reject Blackburn's request to speak with first-team coach Billy McKinlay about replacing Steve Kean at Ewood Park, BBC Sport learns.

Rovers have turned to their former midfielder after failing to land Tottenham's Tim Sherwood, their first-choice candidate.

Yorkshire score 140 from their 20 overs in the Champions League T20 match against Chennai Super Kings. This is a dead-rubber match for the county side.

Sport accessory manufacturer Oakley announces that it has severed its relationship with Lance Armstrong in the light of the UCI's decision to strip the American of his seven Tour de France titles.

"When Lance joined our family many years ago, he was a symbol of possibility. We are deeply saddened by the outcome, but look forward with hope to athletes and teams of the future who will rekindle that inspiration by racing clean, fair and honest," read a company statement.

Oakley will continue to sponsor the Livestrong Foundation established by Armstrong.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson clarifies the situation regarding Rio Ferdinand, confirming the defender, plus fellow veteran Patrice Evra, is being rested for tomorrow's game with Braga ahead of Sunday's crunch league game with Chelsea.

Ferguson earlier revealed he had resolved the furore over Ferdinand's refusal to wear a Kick It Out anti-racism t-shirt prior to Saturday's match with Stoke. "There is a big game at Chelsea on Sunday," he said. "They will be the two main changes tomorrow."

More from Sir Alex, who wants to put an end to the T-shirt row. "The issue's simple. I've spoken to Rio. It was a communication issue. He felt I should have spoken to him on Friday and I didn't anticipate that he'd have a problem wearing the shirt," the Manchester United boss says.

"My advice to him is that I always feel a union is stronger than an individual. It's important he airs his grievances to the right people, the FA. It's been a communication issue more than anything else. We've resolved the situation, there's no lingering problems and we move on. That's the end of the matter."

In addition to his 16-week jail sentence for running on to the pitch and assaulting Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, Leeds fan Aaron Cawley is given a six-year football banning order. One of the conditions is for him to stay at least a mile away from football stadiums where Leeds United are playing on match days.

The head of the US anti-doping body wants a truth commission to uncover drugs cheats in cycling. "It is essential that an independent and meaningful Truth and Reconciliation Commission be established so that the sport can fully unshackle itself from the past," Usada chairman Travis Tygart said.

As we've heard there will be no Rio Ferdinand or Patrice Evra for Manchester United against Braga in the Champions League group H fixture at Old Trafford tomorrow. Alex Buttner will replace Evra, while Shinji Kagawa, Tom Cleverley and Ryan Giggs, who all sat out Saturday's win over Stoke, come into the squad.

Renowned sports psychiatrist Dr Steve Peters is appointed to the UK Athletics Performance team. Peters, who has spent the last decade working as an integral member of the successful British Cycling team, is the first significant addition under the leadership of UKA's performance director Neil Black.

Rangers chief executive Charles Green has apologised to the club's fans for revealing in a newspaper interview that he had received death threats. "I just want to make it clear that I believe Rangers fans are the best in the world and that is my heartfelt position," he says.

"I appreciate the article in today's Sun has upset some supporters and for that I am truly sorry. As I stated, I was merely trying to illustrate how far we have all come together."

Following the UCI's decision to strip Lance Armstrong of his seven Tour de France titles, Texas insurance company SCA Promotions will demand the return of $7.5m (£4.7m) in bonuses. SCA promotions covered a $5m (£3.1m) performance bonus paid to Armstrong after he won his sixth Tour in 2004.

Australian Lleyton Hewitt, the 31-year-old former world number one now ranked 91st, beats fourth seed Juan Monaco 6-3 6-4 in the first round of the Valencia Open.

Chennai Super Kings beat Yorkshire by four wickets with six balls to spare in the Champions League. The match was a dead rubber for the Tykes, who had lost two and had one no result in their three previous main group matches.

England spinner Graeme Swann has been granted a benefit year by Nottinghamshire. "Graeme's success on the international scene is a source of great pride for our club and he is thoroughly deserving of a benefit year," said chairman Peter Wright.

Paris St Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic's autobiography is nominated for a prestigious literature prize in his native Sweden.

The 31-year-old's "Jag är Zlatan Ibrahimovic", which translates to I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is among six titles in the running for the August Prize.

The jury described the book as "a precise narration that leaves a lasting impression."

Three-time Olympian Greg Searle, 40, has announced his retirement from international rowing for a second time.

Searle who won gold alongside brother Jonny in the coxed pair at Barcelona 1992, returned to the sport to win a bronze as part of the British eight at the London 2012 games.

Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel insists that the competition between him and French international Hugo Lloris to be manager Andre Villas-Boas's first choice remains "friendly".

Friedel started Tottenham's most recent match, the 4-2 defeat by Chelsea, and the 41-year-old told Sports Il that his fitness levels have surprised even him.

"It's healthy, but there's a competition. It's friendly," he said.

"Tottenham have been looking for the last year and a half for a long-term number one goalkeeper. I don't think they envisioned what my fitness levels would be at this age, and I sort of surprised myself."

The 2013 edition of the Volvo World Match Play Championship will be held in Bulgaria for the first time after being staged in Spain for the previous three years.

The tournament will be held at the Gary Player-designed Thracian Cliffs Course overlooking the Black Sea from 16-19 May.

Olympic gold medallist and USA cycling coach Jamie Staff believes Lance Armstrong has been made a scapegoat over drug-taking in the sport.

"A lot of people have done it, probably everyone in his generation. If you wanted to finish the course you had to jump on board," the Briton told BBC South East Today,

Crystal Palace grant permission for Bolton to open negotiations with their manager Dougie Freedman.

The Trotters are seeking a replacement for Owen Coyle who was sacked on 10 October following a slow start to the team's Championship campaign.

Former Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarrra will miss Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala's two Europe League matches against Liverpool after suffering a partial ligament tear in his left knee.

The 27-year-old moved to Anzhi last month from Real Madrid.

His new employers face Liverpool at Anfield on Thursday with the reverse scheduled for next month.

The Scottish Premier League warn Hearts over their future conduct after the Edinburgh side admitted that it failed to pay staff and players on time in September.

Former England cricket captain Tony Greig has vowed to give fighting cancer his "best shot".

South African-born Greig, 66, who has been diagnosed with lung cancer, tweeted: "Thanks to all of you who have sent me good wishes for a recovery. With your prayers and the help of my family I will give it my best shot."

Nearly one million visitors travelled from abroad and watched a football match in Britain last year.

These 900,000 foreign football tourists spent £706m, an average of around £785 per fan, according to VisitBritain. In total around 1.3m tourists went to a live sports event in 2011, spending a total of £1.1 billion.

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Rafael has overcome the impetuous streak that was threatening to prevent him maximising his potential at Manchester United.

"He is maturing and learning all the time," said Ferguson. "Rafael has all the ingredients of a great player. He is blessed with great enthusiasm, skill and speed.

He was quite impulsive and tended to over-commit himself. We have gone over it a few times but, bit by bit, it is all coming together and he was easily our best player Saturday."

Celtic striker Miku says his team can beat Barcelona away from home, despite the Venezuela striker regarding the Catalans as the world's best club side.

Asked whether Celtic could upset the odds, on-loan Getafe striker Miku said: "Absolutely - they have injuries that might give us a chance. It [the game] will be seen around the world, so that's maximum motivation."

Portsmouth have re-signed Watford defender Carl Dickinson on a one-month loan deal. Dickinson, 25, spent a season on loan at Pompey in 2010-11 before completing a permanent move to Watford from Stoke.

"It's an exciting move. I found out on Friday that Pompey were interested and it was a no-brainer for me," Dickinson said. "I wasn't getting a chance at Watford and I needed games."

Doncaster have signed full-back Andy Griffin on a non-contract basis, BBC Radio Sheffield reports.

The 33-year-old has been without a club since he was released by Reading in May following their promotion to the Premier League.

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have signed Australian prop Justin Poore on a two-year contract.

The 27-year-old, who played in the 2009 State of Origin game for New South Wales, will move to Yorkshire after a three-year spell with Parramatta Eels.

Dumbarton have sacked manager Alan Adamson with their side four points adrift at the bottom of Division One.

Assistant manager Jack Ross has taken over as interim boss as they begin their search for a replacement.

Rafael insists he is now ready to cope with the pressure of being a regular for Manchester United.

He said: "I do think they look at me differently now. They way I play for United has changed a little bit and I have scored some goals as well.

"But mature is the word. I always want the ball. Now I read the game more and know what the opposing player is going to do."

Poland right back Lukasz Piszczek has extended his contract with reigning Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund until 2017.

Newcastle's Yohan Cabaye rates his goal in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Sunderland as the most important to date in his time with the club. "I know how important this match is for the club, for the fans, for the city, for everyone who supports Newcastle. It means everything for everyone, and for me."

Wales goalkeeper Jason Brown has played down talk of a breakaway anti-racism group as the row over racism continues to engulf football, but has admitted it could be an option if he and his fellow black players lose further faith in the authorities.

"Enough is enough. If you look at those who didn`t wear them (t-shirts), then there is a lack of belief (in the authorities) and everyone can see it now for what it is," Aberdeen keeper Brown told Sky Sports News.

Scott Brown (hip), James Forrest (groin), Georgios Samaras (elbow) and Kris Commons (hamstring) will be assessed at training tonight ahead of Celtic's Champions League clash with Barcelona at the Nou Camp tomorrow night.

All four missed Saturday's 5-0 Clydesdale Bank Premier League win over St Mirren in Paisley.

John O'Shea is confident a consistent run of games will help Sunderland's flair players rediscover their form and spark a push up the Barclays Premier League table.

He said: "Over the next few weeks, fingers crossed, with a few bodies coming back as well, we will be able to go on a stronger run than we have been doing. We have not been losing games - obviously, we lost against Manchester City, but we should have more wins on the board than what we have."

Wolves winger Jermaine Pennant says he is desperate to return to playing after joining on loan from Stoke City.

"There's only a certain amount of training you can do before you start missing the match days, the build-up, the crowd, the atmosphere, the butterflies," he told BBC WM.

"For every footballer their aim is to play in the Premier League. I'm no different and you never what it might lead to at the end of my three months. No matter what level you're at, you still get that feeling."

Franck Ribery will look to punish the club where he was formed as a youth player when Bayern Munich travel to struggling Lille, who released the France international in 1999, on Tuesday.

"I know my family and a lot of friends will be there," Ribery said. "We were surprised to lose to BATE Borisov. Because of that we've got a bit of pressure on our shoulders in the Champions League. So we have a clear objective: win the match in France and the return match in Munich. That will put us on the way to qualifying."

Neil Lennon stressed his Celtic side are not in Barcelona "for a holiday" after they landed in the Catalan capital ahead of tomorrow night's Champions League clash at the Nou Camp.

"It is exciting times for the players and the club and the supporters as well," he said. "But we are not here for a holiday. We are not here for the tourist attractions. We are here to play football."

David Millar agrees with the International Cycling Union that Lance Armstrong does not have a place in cycling.

You can read Millar's views on our cycling page.

Shakhtar Donetsk boss Mircea Lucescu has warned Chelsea would be made to pay for failing to appreciate Willian's "true value" in tomorrow's crunch Champions League clash.

Lucescu accused the European champions of making a derisory bid for the Brazil playmaker, who they tried to buy in January and reportedly made another attempt to sign this summer.

The manager said: "I would really like them to highly appreciate his true value tomorrow and realise that they made a big mistake."

The Nigeria Football Federation is investigating the Nigeria Premier League for suspected fraud.

The leadership of the NPL has come under severe scrutiny amid accusations by external auditors that it mishandled millions of dollars in broadcast fees.

And the NFF has been ordered by the country's sports minister, Bolaji Abdulahi, to carry out an inquiry.

Stuart Dickens, Featherstone's long-serving captain, has announced his retirement in order to join the coaching staff of Super League neighbours Wakefield.

The 32-year-old prop forward, who has spent his entire playing career with Rovers apart from a nine-game spell in Super League with Salford in 2005, has been appointed as the Wildcats' new Under-19s coach.

Motherwell defender Steven Saunders has started running again following a knee operation and is aiming to step up his recovery early next month.

Saunders underwent surgery in August after being troubled by injury in pre-season.

Marty Hurney has been sacked from his role as general manager of the Carolina Panthers, who have made a 1-5 start and have not made the playoffs since 2008.

Former QPR winger Richard Langley has appeared on Sportsday Live to discuss his views on the current racism debate.

Richard has also written a blog for the BBC Sport website, which you can read on our football page.

Manager Mark McGhee has said Bristol Rovers are unable to fulfil their potential because of their ongoing injury problems.

McGhee is set to be without 11 first-team players for Tuesday's League Two clash with AFC Wimbledon.

"We've been left with 11 or 12 outfield players," he told BBC Radio Bristol. "We're waiting for it all to clear so we can see how good we can be."

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has revealed he might loan out veteran midfielder Barry Ferguson, 34.

"Barry and I have had a chat. He thinks he should be playing every week," Holloway told the Blackpool Gazette. "He hasn't been nasty about it - he believes he needs to play every week. He's not used to not playing, so I might loan him out."

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova is worried his makeshift defence will struggle against Celtic's pace and aerial power in tomorrow night's Champions League clash at the Nou Camp.

Vilanova said: "All Champions League games are complicated and I am worried because Celtic are very fast up front and they proved it against Spartak. They play good, counter-attacking football so we know they are dangerous."