Sportsday - Thursday 23 May as it happened

That's it for Sportsday Live - it will return on Friday at 08:00 BST.

Leicester Tigers veteran Geordan Murphy tells BBC East Midlands Today that he is delighted to be finishing his 16-year playing career on the coach's bench in Saturday's Premiership final against Northampton.

BBC Sport's Saj Chowdhury at the Champions League Festival in London:

Former England and Arsenal Ladies defender Faye White on the Football Association's announcement this week that the age limit of mixed football has increased from under-14 to under-15: "I remember a few years ago issues regarding girls playing in the boys' under-12s sides.

"I benefitted from playing with the boys' teams - although, I had no other option. Girls can learn a lot from playing in boys' teams and raise their ability levels. It's important that they have a choice whether to play in a mixed or a girls' team."

Frankie Dettori still hopes to be able to ride at next week's Epsom Derby meeting after making some progress towards having his licence reinstated.

The 42-year-old rider had planned to be back in action this week after serving a six-month ban handed out by France Galop after he tested positive for cocaine at Longchamp last September.

However, a "private matter" between Dettori and the Medical Committee of France Galop has so far prevented the French regulator from clearing the jockey to return, with the British Horseracing Authority reciprocating that stance.

Dettori has been in France for the last two days trying to iron out the problem with France Galop and his solicitor Christopher Stewart-Moore believes progress has been made.

He told Press Association Sport: "The latest position is that Frankie Dettori has been in France for the last two days at France Galop.

"The matter has moved forward and we are expecting a positive result. We are hopeful that the glitch has been ironed out so that he can get his English licence in time to ride in the Derby."

The anti-doping director for Sochi 2014 says 2,500 drug tests will be conducted at next year's Winter Olympics, about 350 more than at the 2010 Games in Vancouver.

Alexei Slautin, head of Sochi's anti-doping section, said in a statement on the Russian Sports Ministry's website that another 600 tests are planned for the Paralympics.

The World Anti-Doping Agency says 2,149 tests were conducted at the previous winter games in Vancouver.

Uefa's Karen Espelund tells BBC London that the Women's Super League is one of the best women's leagues in Europe.

The competition is set to be expanded into two tiers of eight and 10 teams from 2014.

The Norwegian is the chairwoman of Uefa's Women's Football Committee and remains the only woman to sit on the governing body's Executive Committee.

Perpignan fly-half James Hook says the "positives outweigh the negatives" when Welsh players make big-money moves to France.

Hook, 27, acknowledged his Test career has suffered since his 2011 transfer from the Ospreys to the French side.

But he believes the incentives outweigh the drawbacks, saying: "You can't blame any player for coming over."

BBC Sport's Saj Chowdhury at the Champions League Festival in London:

Former England and Arsenal Ladies defender Faye White says she would rather become a good coach in the women's game rather than become the first female coach of an English league club.

"I have a long way to go in coaching in the women's game having recently retired," she told BBC Sport

"I will start at the bottom and make my way up. My passion is in the women's game not the men's. I'm not driven to be a coach in the men's game. My heart lies with the women."

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has been given the target of a top-half finish in the Premier League for next season after holding talks with owner Mike Ashley.

Managing director Derek Llambias said: "Everyone connected with the club was disappointed to finish where we did last season, particularly on the back of such a fantastic year prior to that.

"Our discussions on Wednesday were very constructive and we pinpointed a number of factors that contributed to a season which fell below expectations.

"We are now looking forward and are entirely focused on the forthcoming campaign, with the expectation of at least a top-10 finish in the Premier League.

Play has resumed at the PGA Championship event in Wentworth after a delay because of the threat of lightning. South Africa's James Kingston leads on five under, one ahead of Mikko Ilonen of Finland with both in the clubhouse.

Uefa will announce on Friday whether the Europa League winners will be rewarded with a Champions League qualifying spot from 2016.

The move would be designed to boost interest in Europe's secondary club tournament.

It has been a busy few days for the sport of golf and BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter says Sergio Garcia's 'fried chicken' remark about Tiger Woods harms golf.

Lewis Hamilton believes he has a "pretty good" chance of winning the Monaco Grand Prix after a competitive showing on the first day's practice.

Hamilton was second quickest in second practice on Thursday, 0.318 seconds behind Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.

Former England and Arsenal Ladies defender Faye White tells BBC Sport that Thursday's Women's Champions League final between Lyon and Wolfsburg will be a close affair.

"It's going to be a match of great quality. It's hard to predict the outcome," she said. "Lyon are really strong - they made some great additions to their squad recently. They could create history and get a third title on the trot. However, Wolfsburg work well as a team as Arsenal found out in the semi-finals (lost 4-1 on aggregate). It'll be a great game for the crowd at Stamford Bridge."

Vincenzo Nibali believes his time trial win in Thursday's Stage 18 of the Giro d'Italia, which sees his overall lead in the general classification to four minutes and two seconds over Cadel Evans, is enough to see him secure the overall title.

"I have a significant advantage now and that will allow me to control the coming two stages in more tranquil fashion," said the Astana rider.

Nibali won the 2010 Tour of Spain and was runner-up in the 2011 Giro d'Italia.

Great Britain's women's and junior wheelchair tennis teams are both through to Friday's finals of their respective events at the World Team Cup in Antalya, Turkey.

The women's team beat second seeds and 2011 finalists Germany 2-1 with London 2012 bronze medallists Lucy Shuker and Jordanne Whiley winning the deciding doubles rubber.

They will face top seeds and 25-time champions the Netherlands in Friday's World Group final.

Alfie Hewett and Lauren Jones combined to beat the Netherlands 2-1 in the junior semi-final.

After Jones lost her singles match, Hewett, the world number one junior boy, kept GB in the tie by winning his tie and the pair came from 4-2 down in the second set of the deciding doubles rubber to win 6-1 6-4.

But the GB men were edged out of a place in the men's World Group semi-finals after losing 2-1 to Sweden and will play now play Austria in their first play-off contest in their bid to finish fifth.

In a statement, European Tour chief executive George O'Grady has apologised for using the phrase "coloured athletes" in an interview.

"I deeply regret using an inappropriate word in a live interview for Sky Sports for which I unreservedly apologise," he said.

Former striker Pierre van Hooijdonk believes Celtic's season will be regarded as a disappointment if they fail to lift the Scottish Cup this weekend. He said: "I think in this league, in this year, everybody expects Celtic to win at least two of the three trophies. "There are a lot of people who expected them to win all three. If you lift only one trophy this year, I think people will see it as a bit of a disappointment."

Cycling has a long way to go to repair the damage done to the sport by the Lance Armstrong case, International Cycling Union (UCI) president Pat McQuaid said following the publication of the UCI's stakeholder consultation. A summary of the findings by Deloitte identified six "critically-important recommendations" and a further five "high priority" ones, including strengthening the anti-doping culture in the sport. "We didn't set out to find a report which was going to be a whitewash and we obviously expected that there were going to be some criticisms," McQuaid said.

A group of Manchester City fans plan to say thank you to their former manager Roberto Mancini this Saturday by placing an advertisement in the Italian sports paper, Gazetta dello Sport. Over 700 fans have contributed to the "Grazie Mancini" fund, raising £7000 in just four days.

Mancini placed a full-page advert in last Saturday's Manchester Evening News thanking City fans for "three unforgettable years" and telling fans that they "will always be in my heart."

Vincenzo Nibali wins the stage 18 time trail in the Giro D'Italia to extend his overall lead in the general classification to four minutes and two seconds over second-placed Cadel Evans.

European Tour chief executive George O'Grady has apologised for using the phrase "coloured athletes" in an interview.

In attempting to defend his organisation's decision not to punish Sergio Garcia for racially sensitive comments towards Tiger Woods, O'Grady said: "We accept all races on the European Tour, we take it very strongly. Most of Sergio's friends are coloured athletes in the United States and he is absolutely abject in his apology and we accepted it."

Chelsea and Manchester City will pay their respects to the victims of the Oklahoma tornado in tonight's match at Busch Stadium in St Louis. One dollar [around 66p] from every ticket sold will be donated to the Oklahoma Recovery Fund and the teams will wear black armbands as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives.

Former world super-middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe believes Carl Froch will prove too strong for Mikkel Kessler on Saturday in their IBF world super-middleweight title fight. "I think Froch is going to win the fight," Calzaghe said. "He's been active, Kessler's been very inactive, he's only had three fights in three years since their last fight which was a war."

Litex Lovech coach Hristo Stoichkov has been fined 7,000 levs ($4,600) on Thursday for threatening to beat up Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) president Borislav Mihaylov after his team's 2-1 home loss to Lokomotiv Sofia.

Former European Footballer of the Year Stoichkov, 47, also received a one-match touchline ban for "insulting officials in the media", the BFU's disciplinary commission said in a statement.

Sussex romped to victory inside two days over Somerset at Horsham, as the visitors suffered their second batting collapse of the match. Trailing by 224, Somerset, skittled for 76 on day one, again struggled with Jos Buttler (29) top scoring in their 108.

Steven Magoffin took four wickets, ending with match figures of 12-31, to complete the innings-and-116 run win. The result leaves Sussex top of Division One, while Somerset are now without a win in any of their five County Championship matches this summer.

European Tour chief executive George O'Grady has unwittingly entered himself into golf's race row after defending the decision not to punish Sergio Garcia following insensitive comments towards Tiger Woods.

In a live interview with Sky Sports, O'Grady used the word "coloured". "We accept all races on the European Tour, we take it very strongly," said O'Grady. "Most of Sergio's friends are coloured athletes in the United States and he is absolutely abject in his apology and we accepted it."

Earlier we asked you today's #QSTeaser: since 1980, which three drivers' first Formula One win has come at the Monaco Grand Prix?"

And the answers are Riccardo Patrese in 1982, Olivier Panis in 1996 and Jarno Trulli in 2004

The Professional Jockeys' Association has vowed to support Eddie Ahern's planned appeal against 10-year ban after being found guilty of breaching three British Horseracing Authority rules including conspiring to commit a corrupt or fraudulent practice.

European Tour chief executive George O'Grady has dismissed any accusations of "cosiness" between his organisation and Sergio Garcia but defended the decision not to sanction the Spaniard for remarks he made about Tiger Woods which could be construed as racist. "There's absolutely no cosiness about this at all," he O'Grady said. "We take this very seriously as does he. He's convinced us just how seriously he takes it and that's why we've had to draw a line under this thing."

The ICC have pulled Umpire Asad Rauf from the Champions Trophy after reports that he's being investigated by Mumbai police.

The Ruler of Dubai and Godolphin owner Sheikh Mohammed has ordered the drafting of a bill that bans the import, selling and buying of banned performance-enhancing drugs in horse racing and equine sports. The bill will consider doping as a criminal act punishable by law. It comes after his stable was found to have 22 horses that have been doped.

The ECB's head of women's cricket Clare Connor expects to announce a new head coach of the women's team within the next "seven to 14 days". Connor told BBC Sport there are a "handful" of names in the frame to replace outgoing coach Mark Lane, who resigned earlier this month.

More from Rio Ferdinand after he announced that he has signed another one-year contract at Manchester United.

The central defender said on the club website: "I am delighted. Who wouldn't want to play in this fantastic team in front of 75,000 fans each week, it has been an incredible journey and I am glad it will continue. I can now fully concentrate on my club career, which has worked well for me over the past few years."

David Moyes, who takes over as the club's manager on 1 July, added: "It is clear for everyone to see that Rio has had one of his best seasons with the club.

"Even from the outside you can see what a big character Rio is around the dressing room so I am delighted he has signed a new contract and I am looking forward to working with him."

Manchester United fans let us know your thoughts on Twitter, via #bbcsportsday

Uefa will announce on Friday that the Europa League winners will get a place in the following season's Champions League from the 2015-16 season.

Uncapped London Wasps back Elliot Daly is named in the Barbarians starting line-up to face England at Twickenham on Sunday.

Daly, 20, missed out on an England place for June's tour of Argentina.

James Hook will play at fly-half after failing to win a spot in either the British and Irish Lions or Wales summer touring squads.

Sergio Garcia makes a steady start to his opening round at the PGA Championship at Wentworth. The Spaniard, who has apologised for comments he made about Tiger Woods, is on one-under after five holes.

Finland's Mikko Ilonen, who has finished his first round, is still in the lead on five-under, one shot ahead of Scotland's Scott Henry.

Ian Poulter is also on one-under, while Justin Rose ended with a double-bogey seven in his level-par round.

It was also a poor ending for Rory McIlroy, who dropped five shots in his last six holes to end on two-over.

Pakistan are playing Ireland in a one-day match in Dublin.

The visitors batted first and are on 120-1 in the 31st over of their 50-over match, with Mohammad Hafeez on 49 not out.

Defender Titus Bramble says he will leave Sunderland when his contract expires this summer.

The 31-year-old has made 51 appearances since joining from Wigan in July 2010.

"I've had a great three years and would like to thank every #SAFC fan for the support they have shown," Bramble posted on Twitter.

New Zealand spinner Daniel Vettori has been ruled out of the second Test against England after he was unable to guarantee his fitness over five days.

Vettori, 34, who was added to the squad for Headingley in place of the injured Bruce Martin, has struggled with Achilles problems.

The Black Caps were hoping he would be able to feature, but after a day of training with the squad it was felt he may not be able to deal with the workload.

Seamer Doug Bracewell will play, leaving New Zealand with a four-man pace attack.

County Championship - Division One (day two)

Sussex 300, Somerset 76 & 73-6

Adrian Harms (BBC Sussex): Sussex are on the brink of victory in two days and moving to the top of the County Championship, providing the weather holds.

For the second time in the match the Somerset batting has capitulated on a blameless pitch, but in the face of excellent Sussex seam bowling.

County Championship Division One (day two)

Durham 259, Middlesex 31-4

Kevin Hand (BBC London 94.9): Joe Denly and Dawid Malan were the two wickets claimed in the 15 overs possible during a rain-affected morning.

The nightwatchman Tom Smith is still there with more than half his side's total and, as the hosts near the visitors' tail, he now has even greater role to play in the afternoon. Durham have moved into a strong position at lunch on day two with Middlesex reduced to 31-4.

Sergio Perez is convinced McLaren will win at least one race before the end of the current campaign.

After five grands prix so far this season McLaren's best finish has been Jenson Button's fifth place in China.

"We'll win, definitely. That's the target for us - to win a race or a couple of races this season," said Perez.

County Championship Division Two (day two)

Essex 212, Kent 87-4

Glenn Speller (BBC Essex): Despite a poor weather forecast we got through the whole morning but the skies look a little foreboding at the interval.

An absorbing morning's play with Essex making three breakthroughs early on, reducing Kent to 43-4. Reece Topley in particular took the eye bowling with pace and bounce.

But Darren Stevens and Ben Harmison have done a good job of repairing the damage with Stevens looking unflustered and backing-up a good bowling performance in the Essex first innings.

BBC Sport's Ben Smith learns that Wigan chairman Dave Whelan and manager Roberto Martinez have held "extremely constructive" talks, but no decision on Martinez's future will be made today.

Smith adds that the pair will reconvene at the start of next week - either on Monday or Tuesday - with Whelan wanting to see if he can fulfil a number of requests from his manager relating to the construction of a new training ground and the academy.

Harlequins hooker Chris Brooker agrees to join fellow Premiership side Worcester Warriors this summer.

The 26-year-old has made 84 appearances for Quins since moving to the Twickenham Stoop from Bath in 2007.

But he has not played since sustaining a serious knee injury against Newcastle in 2012, two weeks before he was due to join the England Six Nations squad.

Finland's Mikko Ilonen is the early clubhouse leader on the first day of the 2013 PGA Championship at Wentworth. He ended his opening round on five-under, while Scotland's Scott Henry is one of four golfers currently two shots back on three-under.

England's Justin Rose is one of eight golfers on one-under, but a run of four bogeys in five holes has seen Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy drop down the leaderboard. He is currently on one-over after 17.

County Championship latest scores

DIVISION ONE - DAY TWO

Durham 259 v Middlesex 29-3

Sussex 300 v Somerset 76 & 61-5

DIVISION TWO - DAY ONE

Hampshire v Lancashire 84-2

DIVISION TWO - DAY TWO

Essex 212 v Kent 83-4

Worcestershire 65-0 v Gloucestershire 234

DIVISION TWO - DAY THREE

Leicestershire 142 & 62-0 v Glamorgan 442-9 dec

Live text commentary is under way for the second practice of the Monaco GP. You can also listen live on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra from 12:55 BST.

Carl Froch apologises for threatening to "kill" Mikkel Kessler in their IBF super-middleweight fight in London on Saturday night - but will still face an investigation by the British Boxing Board of Control.

Froch took to Twitter today to say: "I'm sorry if my comments yesterday offended anyone. This fight means so much to me and emotions are running high."

The Board's general secretary Robert Smith said the governing body would look into the comments, saying: "Carl's comments are inappropriate and we are disappointed in them."

Northampton Town defender Clarke Carlisle announces his retirement from professional football and so the club have terminated his contract.

Carlisle, 33, made more than 500 senior appearances for Blackpool, QPR, Leeds United, Watford, Burnley, Preston, York City and Northampton.

"Clarke's decision was a bit of a surprise," said Cobblers boss Aidy Boothroyd.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon is free to sit in the dugout for the Scottish Cup final against Hibernian on Saturday after receiving a suspended one-match ban for breaching a previous touchline ban, the Scottish Football Association announces.

Worcestershire bowler Alan Richardson admits his current form feels "surreal" after taking a career-best 8-37 against Gloucestershire.

The 38-year-old, who has taken 20 wickets in the last week, including 12 in his side's previous match against Kent, says he is surprised by his performances.

"It feels a bit surreal. After about three games this season, I didn't think I would get another wicket all year," he told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

Salford say they will not play centre Chris Nero again until they realise why he is suffering neck injuries.

The 32-year-old Australian, who is in his 10th season of Super League, was taken to hospital in a neck brace after being hurt in the Reds' 28-7 defeat by Bradford last Friday.

"The great news is that Chris is fine and we're delighted about that but we have to take some serious decisions on his future," said Salford coach Brian Noble said.

"When something like this happens, you have to examine the reasons for it. The medical people have to give us the right information and then we can sit down with Chris and discuss it."

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone says he will not bear any grudge if striker Radamel Falcao decides to seek a new challenge.

Falcao, 27, has scored 32 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions so far this season and has been linked with a summer move to Monaco, Manchester City and Chelsea.

"I have known him since he was a child and I wish him all the best," said Simone. "If he feels he needs to make a move, I'll be happy for him. If he stays with us, I'll be happy too."

Bristol Academy are confident they can defeat Arsenal in the FA Women's Cup final on Sunday, after losing to them two years ago.

Arsenal beat Bristol 2-0 in the 2011 final, but Vixens boss Mark Sampson is confident of a different result this year.

He told BBC Radio Bristol: "One thing the players know, unlike in 2011, if we perform, we're going to win the football match."

Double Commonwealth Games gold medallist David Carry has been appointed to the board of directors at Swimming Scotland.

Carry retired after the 2012 London Olympics, but won gold in the 400m freestyle and individual medley at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

"I hope to help create a positive and lasting impact to swimming in Scotland," said Carry.

Finland's Mikko Ilonen is an early leader on the first day of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and is on five-under after 15 holes of his opening round.

England's Justin Rose is two behind after 12, while Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy is one of nine golfers currently on two-under.

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is confident his side will win Saturday's Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.

He tells a press conference: "If we call upon our potential there are few teams in Europe who can beat us.

"It's down to us. We respect Borussia but I believe it's down to us if we win or lose."

County Championship Division Two (day two)

Essex 212 v Kent 33-3

Glenn Speller (BBC Essex): We are underway on time here at Chelmsford but there is the promise of rain and showers during the day.

"It's a good start for Essex though as Reece Topley removes Nash and Powell. Kent are having to deal with some difficult batting conditions which Essex are using well.

Today's #QSTeaser from @QofS_Official is...

"Since 1980, which three drivers' first Formula One win has come at the Monaco Grand Prix?"

The answers will be revealed this afternoon.

Former Germany captain Michael Ballack thinks the injured Mario Gotze will be "a big loss" for Borussia Dortmund, but believes they can still win the Champions League.

Playmaker Gotze, 20, has been ruled out of Saturday's final at Wembley against Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich because of a hamstring injury.

Ballack told the BBC World Service: "It's not just about Gotze. Dortmund are dangerous for Bayern Munich."

County Championship Division Two - Hampshire v Lancashire (day 1): An injury update from Southampton, where Lancashire are without Simon Katich.

"News is that Simon Katich has been taken to hospital having been hit on the temple in the nets this morning," reports Lancashire's Twitter feed.

BBC Sport's Frank Keogh is looking ahead to the Epsom Derby on Saturday 1 June: Jim Bolger, trainer of Derby favourite Dawn Approach, has given an upbeat report on the 2000 Guineas winner.

"I'm very happy with him at the moment. I won't be losing sleep over who turns up," said Bolger, who owns 49% of the colt, with the other 51% owned by Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin racing operation.

Fellow Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien indicated son Joseph would be aboard second favourite Battle of Marengo while Guineas sixth Mars is likely to be among his runners.

Oxford United have signed former Bournemouth midfielder Jonathan Meades, 21, on a two-year contract.

Forward Deane Smalley, 24, has also signed a new one-year deal with the League Two side.

Worcester have signed former England Saxons hooker Chris Brooker from Harlequins.

The 26-year-old will link up with his new colleagues when pre-season training begins next month.

"We are very pleased to be able to sign a player of the experience and calibre of Chris," Worcester rugby director Dean Ryan says.

Nico Rosberg is fastest in first practice at the Monaco Grand Prix, with Fernando Alonso second, Romain Grosjean third and Felipe Massa fourth. The top four are separated by only 0.2 seconds.

Lewis Hamilton, Rosberg's Mercedes team-mate, is fifth, 0.3 seconds behind the leader.

Bedford Blues chairman Geoff Irvine has ruled out following London Welsh's financial strategy to win a place in the Premiership.

Welsh, who moved to Oxford's Kassam Stadium after winning the Championship final, lost £4m over two seasons.

"I can think of far better ways of spending £4m, if I had £4m to spend," Irvine tells BBC East Sport.

Bedford host Newcastle in the first leg of the Championship play-off final tonight, but even if they win, they will not meet the Rugby Football Union's criteria for promoted clubs to play in the Premiership.

Coach Patrice Lair has urged Lyon to fulfil their pre-season promises and win a record third consecutive Women's Champions League title when they face Wolfsburg at Stamford Bridge tonight (kick-off 1930 BST).

The French side have already reached the domestic cup final and won a seventh straight league crown.

"What we have already achieved is great but to win the Champions League for a third time would be huge," Lair tells Uefa's website.

Outgoing Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has been handed a two-game ban from domestic cup matches following his dismissal in the Copa del Rey final on Friday night.

Mourinho, who will leave the club at the end of the season, was sent to the stands midway through the second half of the 2-1 defeat to city rivals Atletico for protesting with the referee after a series of fouls were given against his team.

But the suspension only applies to domestic cup games, meaning Mourinho can sit on the bench for Madrid's final two Primera Division games of the season.

Cristiano Ronaldo was handed a one-match ban for his sending-off after lashing out at Gabi in extra-time and he will miss Real's first Copa del Rey match next season.

Finland's Mikko Ilonen is the early leader on the opening day of the PGA Championship at Wentworth, with a score of three-under-par after 11 holes.

England's Justin Rose, Ireland's Shane Lowry and Scottish pair Scott Jamieson and Scott Henry are all one shot behind with Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy among a clutch of players who are two shots off the lead.

Defending champion Luke Donald tees off at 1250 BST, 10 minutes before Open champion Ernie Els.

Super League club Castleford have continued their boardroom restructuring with the appointment of three more directors.

West Yorkshire businessmen John Duff, Dion Lowe and Terry Cheesbrough, who were all influential in the recent appointment of new head coach Daryl Powell, join the recently-appointed Steve Vause on a new-look board.

There are just under 30 minutes of the first qualifying session remaining at the Monaco Grand Prix, and Germany's Nico Rosberg leads Fernando Alonso of Spain by 0.107 seconds.

Frenchman Romain Grosjean is third and Britain's Lewis Hamilton fourth.

Follow the practice session as it happens on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra, or join Lawrence Barretto for live text commentary on the BBC Sport website.

From BBC Sport's Frank Keogh: Confirmed: Telescope, part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, WILL NOT run in Epsom Derby on 1 June, says trainer Sir Michael Stoute.

Stoute, says the third favourite has a "little bit of soreness on the left foreshin".

Telescope's absence leaves 16-1 chance Libertarian, trained in Yorkshire by Elaine Burke, as the shortest priced British hope for the race.

Darren Bent will be allowed to leave Aston Villa this summer, along with fringe players Eric Lichaj, Andy Marshall and Simon Dawkins, according to the Birmingham Mail.

The paper reports that Villa will listen to offers for Bent, signed from Sunderland for a club-record £24m in January 2011, after club officials met the striker and his representatives this week.

There's plenty of gossip about player signings as the summer transfer market hots up - but the other side of the coin concerns departures.

Oussama Assaidi, Dani Pacheco and Danny Wilson are set to leave Liverpool this summer as part of manager Brendan Rodgers's clear-out, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Defender Wilson, whose contract expires next month, has been linked with Hearts, where he spent the second half of the season just completed on loan.

Striker Pacheco, who has 12 months to run on his contract, has been on loan at Spanish Second Division side Sociedad Deportiva Huesca, while Moroccan winger Assaidi has not started a single Premier League game since arriving from Dutch club Heerenveen in August.

Ireland coach Phil Simmons wants his side to prove they can compete with the top Test-playing nations when they face Pakistan in the first one-day international in Dublin today, with the match starting at 1045 BST.

At the 2007 World Cup, Ireland secured a shock win over Pakistan, but have yet to record a home win over a leading nation

Simmons says: "Our improvement is a constant work in progress, and while Pakistan have some unbelievable talent in their ranks, we want to prove that we don't just beat the major teams in big tournaments."

Division Two - Essex v Kent (day 2): Essex need early wickets on the second morning after being dismissed for just 212 by Kent, who will resume at Chelmsford on 20-1.

Division Two - Worcestershire v Gloucstershire (day 2): Worcestershire are well-placed on 65-0 at New Road after seamer Alan Richardson took took 8-37 as Gloucestershire were bowled out for 234. Richardson has now taken 26 wickets this season at a cost of only 14.69 runs each.

The day's six County Championship matches gets under way at 1100 BST, and we'll have regular updates here in Sportsday Live. You can also enjoy live commentary from BBC Radio by clicking the links down the right-hand side of this page.

Division Two - Hampshire v Lancashire (day 1): Hampshire have batsman Michael Carberry back from England Lions duty. Michael Bates is likely to keep wicket because of Adam Wheater's side injury, while third-placed Lancashire must manage without Paul Horton, who dislocated a finger in training and has undergone surgery.

Pulis continues: "I feel proud of the fact that I leave a club I found near the bottom of the Championship near the midway point of the Premier League.

"But that couldn't have been done without the efforts of everyone, from chairman Peter Coates through to the club's loyal fans.

"I came back to the club in 2006 because of the Coates family, and Peter in particular, and that is a decision I have never had cause to regret.

"Despite the events of the last couple of days, my relationship with him remains, and I feel privileged to say that I can always call him a friend."

Stoke were in the third tier when Pulis arrived at the Britannia Stadium in 2002, but went on to establish themselves in the Premier League, while reaching that 2011 FA Cup final and qualifying for Europe.

In his letter to the Sentinel, Pulis adds: "It doesn't seem five minutes ago since I first went up to the Potteries for a 4-2 defeat at Walsall.

"In those days, I think we had two sets of goals on the training ground and, if it ever rained, we were running round in puddles.

"On a matchday, meantime, you could see more empty seats than occupied seats. But when I first arrived, I remember saying this was a proper football club with so much potential to do a lot better."

Tony Pulis has thanked Stoke's fans for their support in an open letter to the Stoke Sentinel.

Pulis, who had two spells as Stoke manager spanning 10 years, wrote: "I am grateful for this opportunity here to express my gratitude because, unlike Roberto Mancini in his local paper last week, I can't afford to take out a full-page advert.

"We have all been on one hell of a journey, one that will live with me and my family forever."

County Championship Division One - Durham v Middlesex (day 2): Meanwhile, Middlesex's batsmen have work to do if they are to establish a lead against Durham at Chester-le-Street, having lost openers Chris Rogers and Sam Robson with only 11 on the board in reply to the hosts' 259 all out.

You can take your pick of county cricket commentaries from BBC radio stations around the country from the menu on the right-hand side of this page.

There's a busy day of domestic cricket ahead, with six County Championship matches at various stages of progress and a Yorkshire Bank 40 meeting between Warwickshire and Nottinghamshire later on.

Division One - Sussex v Somerst (day 2): Sussex pace bowler Steve Magoffin should have an early chance to add to his eight-wicket haul from the first innings against Somerset at Horsham. The home side will resume on 298-9, a lead of 222, after Magoffin helped bowl Somerset out for just 76.

Promoter Eddie Hearn believes a re-match with American Andre Ward is a possibility if Froch beats Kessler.

Ward and Kessler are the only two fighters to have beaten the Nottingham boxer.

Hearn told BBC Radio Nottingham: "Everyone will want to fight Froch because there's a huge amount of money.

"Of course Andre Ward is dying for a rematch. Froch is a true superstar."

Britain's Carl Froch faces Denmark's Mikkel Kessler for the IBF world super-middleweight title at London's O2 Arena on Saturday.

And Brian Magee, who has fought both men, tells BBC Radio 5 live is expecting a great match.

Magee says: "They are both really tough men, as hard as each other. It's going to be a great match, they are both strong guys, big hard punchers.

"Carl has improved in terms of his confidence and his strength. He is at his peak now of strength and power and he can take and land a great punch."

And here is some of the football gossip from around Europe, put together for us by BBC Monitoring.

Everton and Inter Milan are interested in signing Espanyol's Ghanaian midfielder Wakoso Mubarak, 22, who was the joint top scorer in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations with four goals. (Marca)

Paris St-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 31, has not ruled out a move away from the club in the summer. Asked if he would line up with the team next season, the Swede said: "We'll see. There is a lot going on." (Aftonbladet, in Swedish)

Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, 25, has agreed in principle to join Juventus on a four-year deal worth £4m per season. The Argentine has also been targeted by Arsenal. (La Repubblica, in Italian)

Let's take a quick look at some of the football transfer stories doing the rounds this morning, courtesy of the BBC Sport website's Gossip page.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 27, is reportedly being lined up for a £40m move to Paris St-Germain. (Daily Mirror)

Tottenham are ready to launch a £36m double bid to sign 27-year-old Valencia striker Roberto Soldado and forward Leandro Damiao, 23, from Brazilian club Internacional. (Daily Express)

West Ham say they are confident of being able to sign 20-year-old forward Romelu Lukaku from London rivals Chelsea. (Metro)

Wasps wing Christian Wade is celebrating a unique double at the Rugby Players' Association awards.

Wade, 22, has been named both the Players' Player of the Year and the Young Player of the Year.

He scored 18 tries in 26 appearances and finished level with Wasps team-mate Tom Varndell as the Premiership's joint leading try-scorer with 12.

Jonny Wilkinson is the only other player to have won both RPA awards - but he did so in different years. Wilkinson won the young player trophy in 1999 and the main award in 2003.

It's the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend, with the first practice session getting under way at 0900 BST.

You can follow both sessions on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra from 0855 BST, and join Lawrence Barretto on the BBC Sport website right now for live text commentary.

England's Justin Rose was one of the early starters on the first day of the PGA Championship at Wentworth, and is on level par after his first hole.

The world number four, who grew up in Surrey, has vowed to thrive on the pressure of being a local boy at this year's championship.

"It's always a really good week for me. Nostalgia, family, friends," he says.

"I'm a hometown boy almost and even though there's pressure in every round you play, it's unique here. If you get in contention the vibe, pressure and support ends up being in your favour."

Roberto Martinez is expected to decide on his future as Wigan manager today, following talks with chairman Dave Whelan yesterday.

Martinez guided Wigan to the FA Cup earlier this month, but his future is in doubt following their relegation from the Premier League, and he has been linked with vacancies at Everton and Stoke.

Whelan told BBC Sport's Ben Smith yesterday afternoon: "Roberto has asked for 24 hours to think about what is going on. Tomorrow is D-Day."

The PGA Championship at Wentworth brings together all 12 of Europe's Ryder Cup-winning side, including Luke Donald, who is bidding for a hat-trick of titles.

Donald, who beat Lee Westwood in a play-off in 2011 and then successfully defended the title last year to become only the third player to win the European Tour's flagship event back-to-back, will be looking to make it three in a row over the famous West Course at Wentworth.

He will tee off at 1250 BST with Garcia, competing in the BMW PGA Championship for the first time since 2000, and Gonzalez Fernandez-Castano, winner of the Italian Open last year.

Sergio Garcia's major sponsors TaylorMade-adidas have released a statement following the Spaniard's comments about Tiger Woods.

It reads: "Sergio Garcia's recent comment was offensive and in no way aligns with TaylorMade-adidas Golf's values and corporate culture.

"We have spoken with Sergio directly and he clearly has regret for his statement and we believe he is sincere. We discussed with Sergio that his comments are clearly out of bounds and we are continuing to review the matter."

Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell have denied a rift amid reports that McIlroy is to leave Horizon Sports Management to create his own management group.

"There has been a lot of speculation but it's not something I can comment on," said McIlroy of his possible move.

"Graeme and I are great friends - he's maybe said a few things I wasn't happy with but we had a chat and all is OK."

McIlroy and McDowell are due to tee off at Wentworth at 0825 BST.

BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter tells BBC Radio 5 live that Garcia's apology indicates that he realises the seriousness of his offence.

"He knows how serious this is," Carter says. "Fuzzy Zoeller made similar comments after Woods won the Masters in 1997, and his image has never really recovered.

"There's the potential for a backlash from supporters, particularly in the United States. If you know the American position, it was clearly the wrong thing to say.

"I think there will be one or two eyebrows raised at the fact that there has been no punishment here, but Garcia's contrition seems very, very genuine."

Sergio Garcia will tee off at 1250 BST in the first round of the PGA Championship at Wentworth, having spent the build-up to the tournament dealing with the fall-out of his comments about Tiger Woods.

Garcia angered Woods by stating that he would settle a recent argument between them by inviting him to dinner and serving fried chicken, a dish stereotypically associated with black people in the American deep south.

The 33-year-old has since apologised for his comments, but said on Wednesday that he would not be withdrawing from the tournament.

He said: "If you asked me this morning I might have but I feel like the tournament deserves to have me, I want to go out there and give everything I have and make sure the people enjoy watching me play."

Good morning and welcome to Sportsday Live. Roberto Martinez is expected to make a decision on his future as Wigan manager today, and we will bring you all the latest football transfer developments, plus news from golf's PGA Championship at Wentworth, the Monaco Grand Prix and cricket's County Championship. Let's start, though, with a look at the sports headlines this morning.