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Celtic have flagged up their interest in St Johnstone midfielder Ali McCann, according to the Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Hoops’ previous scouting trips

Celtic have been keeping a close eye on McCann over the last six months.

Reports back in November claimed that Hoops scout Tosh McKinlay watched the midfielder in action, whereas John Kennedy admitted earlier this month the Hoops are aware of the midfielder.

McCann can play as a defensive, central and attacking midfielder and is under contract with St Johnstone until 2023.

The Latest: Celtic flag up interest

The Daily Record dropped a line on McCann in a piece mainly on Celtic’s pursuit of Manchester City man Fergal Harkin as their director of football.

They suggested that McCann has been flagged up at Celtic Park as a potential addition, as well as Hibernian striker Kevin Nisbet.

McCann, who has two caps for Northern Ireland, made 43 appearances for St Johnstone in the 2020/21 campaign, scoring twice and registering two assists.

The Verdict: A solid long-term addition?

The majority of McCann’s displays this season came as a central midfielder, an area of the pitch where it seems the Hoops need to strengthen.

Scott Brown will be an Aberdeen player next season, whereas reports have hinted that the Hoops will terminate Olivier Ntcham’s deal next month.

That could leave Celtic with Ismaila Soro, Callum McGregor and David Turnbull as central midfielders, so bringing in McCann could prove a shrewd move in the long run.

He’s made over 60 appearances in the Scottish Premiership at just 21 years of age and was described as ‘impressive’ by Kennedy, so a deal could be one worth pursuing.

In other news: Celtic linked with move for Spanish defender, find out more here. 

David Graveney, the England chairman of selectors, has revealed that England are likely to rely on seam bowling in this summer’s Tests

CricInfo07-May-2001David Graveney, the England chairman of selectors, has revealed that England are likely to rely on seam bowling in this summer’s Tests.Talking to Sky Sports Graveney confirmed that the pitches for the Tests this summer are likely to suit seam bowling far more than spin, and suggested that England may opt to go into the games without a front-line spinner – as they did against the West Indies last year.
Ashley Giles
Photo © CricInfo
“Although we came in for a lot of criticism last summer for playing what people perceived to be an unbalanced side in seven batsman and four seamers, on the majority of my travels I have found that most of the wickets are favourable to seam,” he said.Spin played a vital role in England’s successful winter, with the subcontinent pitches providing little help for the pace bowlers. But back in England, Graveney suggested a return to the tactics of the 2000 season.”We used the format last summer against the West Indies and that would be the more likely option, although I wouldn’t like to put all my eggs in one basket,” Graveney continued.Graveney also had some encouraging words for Dominic Cork, but stressed that the Derbyshire captain still had some work to do to prove his fitness.”I have seen Dominic play and Geoff Miller has seen him play and it is pleasing for everybody: he seems to have made a good recovery,” said Graveney.”He seems to be back diving around and doing what everybody expects Dominic to do and certainly the way he played in the Second Test against the Windies last year, when he walked down the steps as we were staring at both barrels, we know he can make a massive contribution.”But Benson and Hedges cricket is different to playing a Test match and the messages will get through to Dominic that we need him to play for Derbyshire against Pakistan in the tour match beginning on Tuesday.”We wouldn’t normally expect players to turn out against the tourists, but we are looking for him to fully participate and bowl a lot in that game. The same really applies to Matthew Hoggard, he has made a speedy recovery and we expect him to play in that round of county games as well.”Graeme Hick and Mark Ramprakash received some comforting words too. Graveney insisted that the door to Test cricket was still open for both players as the team search for an extra batsman.”I wouldn’t even say that we are specifically looking only for a middle-order batsman because the people who have batted at seven in the past, people like Mark Ramprakash and Graeme Hick – and nobody has discarded them in terms of runs this season – they are top order batsmen within their own counties, so the fact that somebody bats three for their county doesn’t mean they can’t bat seven for England.”Meanwhile Ashley Giles, the centrally-contracted left-arm spinner, has admitted that he is unlikely to be fit in time for the First Test anyway.Giles has missed the start of the England season in order to rest a nagging Achilles tendon problem and admitted that his recovery was still in its infancy. “At this stage it is difficult to say how far away I am from playing again,” he said, “but as I haven’t started running again yet. Lord’s does look very unlikely.”

The country reacted with anger and disgust over Sherwin Campbell’somission from a West Indies training squad from which the team to tourZimbabwe and Kenya will be chosen

Haydn Gill24-May-2001The country reacted with anger and disgust over Sherwin Campbell’somission from a West Indies training squad from which the team to tourZimbabwe and Kenya will be chosen. But the man at the centre of thefurore remained upbeat.Obviously, there is a chance that my days could be numbered, a modestCampbell told NATIONSPORT yesterday.I’m not the oldest guy, but I’ve got to be positive and realistic, the30-year-old opening batman added.I have to stay positive all the time and always feel there is a chanceand never give up.The squad of 22 for the pre-tour training camp in Trinidad from May 28to June 8 includes three specialist opening batsmen Chris Gayle, LeonGarrick and Daren Ganga along with Wavell Hinds, a regular No 3 whowas asked to go in first in four Tests in the recent series againstSouth Africa.At no stage did any of them emphatically make a statement withconsistent heavy scoring against the South Africans.But they were preferred to a batsman whose fighting qualities are wellknown and who has been the West Indies’ most reliable opener sinceDesmond Haynes left the international arena in 1995.I am a little disappointed, but that’s life and that’s how things go,said Campbell, whose 51 Tests brought him 2 856 runs (ave. 32.82) andfour centuries.I’ve got to put it behind me and think about the future and thinkabout ways and means of getting back into the team.I don’t think you can kill yourself over it. Of course I amdisappointed, like anyone else, but it’s not the end of the world.Two-and-a-half years ago when Campbell was not picked for the WestIndies’ tour to South Africa, he responded with a prolific run in the1999 Busta Cup and was immediately recalled.You have to focus on getting back into the team and doing well toprove the selectors wrong, Campbell said.That is my main goal to focus on my performance and think about mygame some more and focus on getting scores consistently.The Barbados captain does not feel that the pressure is on him to theextent that he has to come back and prove a point.I just think I have to get out there and score runs and be consistent,he said.Campbell recently returned from New York where he visited Dr AnsworthAllen for an opinion on a shoulder injury he first sustained duringlast October’s Red Stripe Bowl.When I throw from the deep it affects me a little bit, but from closein and when I’m batting, it’s fine, Campbell said.When I throw from the deep it is not as strong as I would like it tobe.It is an injury which requires an operation and in view of his noninclusion in the West Indies training squad, he hopes to have thesurgery as soon as possible.I have not set a date as yet, but hopefully it will be very soon, hesaid.

Hands up if you saw that coming, then? After falling to a tame 2-0 defeat to Arsenal last time out in the Premier League, Newcastle bounced back in style with a 4-2 win over high-flying Leicester on Friday night.

Steve Bruce’s side looked almost unrecognisable from the one which surrendered meekly against the Gunners, racing into a four-goal lead at the King Power Stadium and completely blowing the Foxes away.

While a late rally threatened an improbable comeback from Brendan Rodgers’ side, the Magpies held firm, and once again they had Callum Wilson to thank for another virtuoso goalscoring display.

The striker was at his clinical best and looked a danger every time on the counter-attack, taking his brace with aplomb. His first goal was superbly dispatched, fending off Timothy Castagne and then having the composure to take it past Kasper Schmeichel before tucking it away.

The England international then wrapped things up after seeing his first effort come off the post and rebound straight back to him, capping off a fantastic night for the 29-year-old and Newcastle.

Dubbed “magnificent” by The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, Wilson looked every bit of the number nine Newcastle thought they were getting when they signed him from Bournemouth last summer.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for The Chronicle, Lee Ryder gave him a nine, saying: “What a signing he was for £20m. Two goals to take him to 12 in an injury-hit season. Looks so powerful on the break. Clinical.”

Despite only completing six passes in the entire game, it was Wilson’s off-the-ball movement which really undid the Leicester defence, who simply couldn’t keep up with his pace and power.

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While Bruce was quick to insist that Newcastle still aren’t safe from relegation from the Premier League, there’s no questioning that Wilson’s goals up front have been the key to ensuring the Magpies have avoided the drop.

While Joe Willock has been an absolute revelation in recent weeks with his goalscoring form, adding another to his tally last night, Wilson has been the man the Magpies have relied upon all season.

In other news, Steve Bruce must avoid making a transfer blunder over this Newcastle ace.

Wolves head into their Midlands derby with West Bromwich Albion on Monday evening with a real need to bounce back.

Nuno Santo’s men haven’t been at their best this term but losing 4-0 to Burnley was a disastrous result.

They were made to bemoan a catalogue of defensive errors as Chris Wood turned Molineux into his own personal playground by scoring a clinical hat-trick.

The Old Gold may have plenty of injuries in their ranks but the result they suffered was no excuse.

Languishing in mid-table, Wolves will have very little to play for on Monday night besides pride. Therefore, can the boss afford to take a few risks with his team selection?

Here’s the XI we’re predicting might face the Baggies this evening.

We’re tipping Nuno to make as many as four changes to the team that lost to the Clarets.

The first switch comes in defence where Romain Saiss is axed from the starting XI. He endured a nightmare against Burnley, repeatedly giving the ball away before costing them their fourth and final strike after being dispossessed.

As a result, Max Kilman is handed a rare chance to impress in defence. He hasn’t played a single minute for the club since appearing as a late substitute in the 2-1 win over Southampton on Valentine’s Day.

Another change is at right wing-back where Wolves are currently sweating over the fitness of Nelson Semedo. If he can’t start the game then expect Ki-Jana Hoever to take his place.

Joao Moutinho faces a late fitness test and if he isn’t fit, the midfield pairing will presumably stay the same with Ruben Neves featuring alongside Leander Dendoncker.

Daniel Podence has been poor in two consecutive games now and could miss out in favour of Vitinha. The 25-year-old lost possession 19 times against Sheffield United and then won only one of his ten duels in their thrashing at the hands of Sean Dyche’s men.

The latter hasn’t started for Wolves since the beginning of February but deserves an opportunity to impress.

We also reckon that Fabio Silva should be given a chance to find some form at the back end of this season. Willian Jose is still struggling and was non-existent last time out, making just 14 passes all game.

AND in other news, Move over Semedo: Wolves must swoop for “exceptional” £5m gem with “enormous ability”…

Ben Johnson delivered a promising performance on his return to the starting line-up despite West Ham United succumbing to a 3-2 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.

David Moyes recalled the 21-year-old to his starting squad for the first time in four Premier League games, after hamstring injuries ruled Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku out of action.

The Irons boss had only fielded Johnson from the bench in two of West Ham’s prior three top-flight fixtures, after a chastening display from the academy graduate in defeat to Manchester United last month.

Johnson was widely criticised for his efforts at Old Trafford, with former Sheffield United midfielder Michael Brown claiming “I think he is frightened” after the youngster struggled to consistently get forward.

A first half red card for Craig Dawson this afternoon ensured that Johnson could not alleviate those concerns at Newcastle, as West Ham were forced to play much of the game with 10 men and needed a stable foundation in the hope of mounting a second half comeback.

However, Johnson still had chances to get forward and help to create openings for a Hammers side missing Michail Antonio due to a hamstring injury, and he ended the day with a team-high three key passes to his name, per WhoScored.

Only Newcastle’s dynamic dribbler Allan Saint-Maximin, who consistently ran at the Irons’ defence, created more goalscoring opportunities (five) than Johnson, while Vladimir Coufal and Mark Noble (two each) represented the visitor’s next-best options , per WhoScored.

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Jesse Lingard endured a very quiet first half and saw plenty of the ball after the break, but struggled to show his creativity before lashing home a thunderous penalty to restore parity with 10 minutes to play.

He would later limp off the pitch after appearing to develop cramp in his hamstring, having failed to offer a single key pass for the second game running and the fourth since joining the Irons on loan from Manchester United in February.

Johnson – who Franck McAvennie previously claimed is “a joy to watch” – also stood strong defensively to produce a vital goal-line clearance to deny Jacob Murphy in the closing stages, and further offered a joint team-high three successful tackles with Tomas Soucek.

Unlike Soucek, who was dribbled past twice, Johnson was only beaten on the ground once, with the £19k-per-week talent enjoy a vastly more productive afternoon than his Premier League match average of 0.8 tackles this season.

Johnson also won five of his seven ground duels and delivered seven crosses into the Newcastle box, with five finding an Irons teammate, per SofaScore.

Only Vladimir Coufal (seven) won more ground duels for West Ham than the left-back, while Lingard attempted the next-most crosses but failed to find a claret and blue shirt with any of his six deliveries, per SofaScore.

Lingard may have continued his run of either scoring or assisting in Premier League games for West Ham to seven in a row with his penalty, but Johnson was Moyes’ real positive from a disappointing defeat to Steve Bruce’s relegation-threatened Magpies.

AND in other news, a £4.5m-rated West Ham enforcer is being lined up for a summer move out of east London…

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan says he expects the Whites to make several new signings this summer ahead of what could be a busy transfer window.

Marcelo Bielsa has built an impressive squad at Elland Road, as highlighted by his side’s 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool on Monday night.

Leeds are now sitting 10th in the table after an excellent first year back in the Premier League, but they cannot afford to rest on their laurels this summer. New faces could be brought in, allowing the Whites to go up another gear and potentially finish in the European places next season.

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Whelan gives thoughts on Leeds’ summer business

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan gave his thoughts on how he expects Leeds’ summer to pan out, with as many as four new faces coming in. He said:

“No club in the Premier League now or Championship is not preparing for next season.

“If they’re not working on a list of players in areas that they need or players that they would like or may be available, then there’s something wrong.

“Preparation, for me, usually starts around about end of January, February time, when you’re looking at someone for next season.

“Even with Covid, I don’t think that will have stopped. We know where they need players. They need players in central midfield, they need another striker, they need a natural left wing-back. There’s three straight away.

“Will they need another keeper if Kiko Casilla leaves? Absolutely. There’s four players straight away that they’ll be thinking about.”

Transfer Tavern take

It is imperative that Leeds continue to go in an upwards trajectory, which may only happen if the squad is strengthened sufficiently.

As Whelan has suggested, additions seem particularly important at left-back and in central midfield, with Ezgjan Alioski expected to leave and Kalvin Phillips arguably relied upon too much in the middle of the park.

Similarly, Kiko Casilla’s likely exit will mean that a backup to Illan Meslier is required, further showing why reinforcements will be needed in the coming months.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly interested in making a move for a Premier League ‘big six’ player this summer. Read more here.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey, who made 270 appearances during his career, believes Graeme Jones could become Newcastle United’s permanent manager but think the Magpies would still look for a bigger name first.

Jones was brought in as a third assistant coach to Steve Bruce earlier this year but his appointment has not seen results change in Newcastle’s favour.

The former Luton Town manager brought his split striker system with him, something that has been widely discussed and criticised amongst ex-players and fans, especially when Dwight Gayle was shunned onto the left-wing against Aston Villa.

Speaking on why he could see Jones becoming manager if Bruce was sacked but how it might not be as straightforward as that, Howey told FFC:

“I’m not against him taking charge as such, but I think Newcastle would probably look at somebody else. Could Graeme take over as an interim manager until the end of the season? Possibly.

“His contract could be something where, if Bruce goes, then next season has Jones got to be a part of the setup still.

“I wouldn’t be gutted if that was the case but at the same time, I think the club would possibly go for, without being disrespectful, a bigger name.”

Jones has only been a manager at Luton which saw him sacked less than a year into the job as they were underperforming significantly.

It is still unclear how Bruce and Jones get along behind the scenes with it appearing to be Jones’ system the Magpies use, but then Bruce picks the players.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey, who scored 11 goals as a centre-back for Manchester City, claims Jesse Lingard isn’t that good of a player to have made a difference to Newcastle United’s side.

In January, the Magpies were reportedly interested in signing Lingard on a loan deal until the summer, however, he turned down that interest in favour of a move to West Ham United.

Newcastle only brought in one player during the January transfer window as Joe Willock arrived on loan from Arsenal, registering one goal on his debut whereas Lingard has five goals and two assists for the Hammers

Speaking on how Lingard wouldn’t have made an impact at Newcastle and how he made the right choice to join the Hammers, Howey told FFC:

“Jesse Lingard is not that good, he couldn’t carry a full team and I’m not being disrespectful to him because he is a very good player, but he’s not that good.

“You can’t carry the number of players that Newcastle are at the moment and I think that’s the real problem as you could maybe get away with one, maximum two in the Premier League.

“There wasn’t one player against Brighton that I could say, ‘well to be fair, he did alright’. You could possibly say Hayden because he shuts down the play and Dummett does what Dummett always does but the others, ‘wow’.”

The Magpies are currently on a run of just two wins from 20 games and with injuries to Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson making them a far worse side, so the £75,000 per week Man United loanee may not have been such a bad signing for Newcastle.

David Moyes’ side currently have top-four ambitions which, if achieved, may convince Lingard to sign permanently.

Manchester United were frustrated against AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday evening with a late goal pegging the Red Devils back.

The hosts looked like they were going to seal a 1-0 victory thanks to Amad Diallo’s first goal for the club, only for Simon Kjaer’s header to deny them in the final moments. It was a frustrating night in all with a host of chances being missed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s troops.

It wasn’t all bad news, however, with a few eye-catching displays – one of those coming from 31-year-old Nemanja Matic.

The Serbian destroyer was deployed alongside Scott McTominay in the centre of the park for the hosts and arguably echoed back to his peak with a thoroughly dominant performance against the Italian giants.

According to WhoScored, the £10.8m-rated former Chelsea man produced no fewer than five tackles, with no player on either side contributing more. It was a brilliant defensive performance from Matic throughout the 90 minutes as he also contributed a further three interceptions and two blocks.

His contributions were not just limited to reclaiming the ball for the Red Devils, either. Matic actually made more passes than any of his team-mates with 67, whilst he also had a better pass success rate (86.6%) than the inspirational Bruno Fernandes (84%), per WhoScored.

The Serbian’s performance was all the more impressive then considering that he was making just his seventh start in all competitions since the turn of the year.

With Matic confirming to O Jogo before the match that he had no intention of departing Old Trafford for the foreseeable future, he could potentially be a crucial player for United as they continue their challenges in the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup, especially if he continues to be a dominant figure in midfield.

AND in more news, take a look at why it is crucial for Ed Woodward and Manchester United to convince Edinson Cavani to stay at Old Trafford…