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Newcastle United might now boast wealth unrivalled by the majority of Premier League outfits, but that is not to say that Eddie Howe is loathe to offer opportunities to those of younger years.

After so many years of mediocrity, the Magpies are now fighting to secure Champions League qualification for a second successive year, and has started the current campaign with aplomb, drawing against AC Milan at the San Siro and defeating Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 in a thunderous night at St. James' Park.

The Tyneside club, which was restored after the PIF club takeover in 2021, are burgeoning nicely as a collective and Howe and technical director Dan Ashworth have conducted impressive work in blending expensive additions such as Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman with the existing squad.

Such alterations brought the best out of formerly struggling players such as Fabian Schar and Joelinton, who are now rejuvenated and integral members of a Newcastle project that seeks silverware and cemented success at the forefront of the game.

Schar, aged 31, has forged a sturdy defensive partnership with Botman, having been praised by Harry Redknapp, who said "there's not many centre half pairings better than Schar and Botman."

Is Fabian Schar leaving Newcastle?

Last season, Newcastle defied expectations and finished fourth in the Premier League, ahead of rivals such as Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, concluding the campaign with the joint-best defence in the division (alongside Manchester City).

The one-time Basel prospect has completed 152 matches for Newcastle, and while he had previously been deemed surplus to requirements, he has now taken the moment to grow into his skin and is now crucial at the back, but the Swiss international is currently playing his final year at the club, among the raft of players ostensibly headed for the exit door next June.

Player

Age

Fabian Schar

31

Jamaal Lascelles

29

Emil Krafth

29

Javier Manquillo

29

Loris Karius

30

Paul Dummett

32

Mark Gillespie

31

Much change could be set to occur within the Newcastle squad, but Schar would undoubtedly be the most prominent name to depart, and with Jamaal Lascelles also stepping in when Schar or Botman are sidelined, this is a priority for Howe and his transfer team.

As per FBref, the 6 foot 1 ace ranks among the top 8% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 5% for shot-creating actions, the top 2% for touches in the attacking penalty area and the top 20% for aerial wins per 90 – very much another dimension to Howe's attacking efforts.

The £40k-per-week titan has proved to be a revelation at the back under Howe's tutelage, and has continued to prove his worth over the past several weeks, demonstrating how he is "important at both ends" – as claimed by Statman Dave – with a resounding rasper to cherry-top the huge victory over PSG.

Given United succeeded in renewing Callum Wilson's contract with a one-year extension last month, there's every chance that efforts will be made to tie Schar down to another term.

But regardless of whether this proves fruitful, moves will need to be made to bolster the backline, and with Lascelles nearing the end of his destination on Tyneside, perhaps it would be a good opportunity for a youth product to earn a shot.

Charlier McArthur is a young defender awaiting a chance at the senior stage, and the developing situation could prove to be the moment for him to announce himself to the endearing Magpie support.

Who is Charlie McArthur?

Newcastle completed the signing of McArthur from Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock in July 2022 when he was aged just 17, having attracted strong interest from a number of rival Premier League clubs.

His arrival was part of a concerted effort to bolster the Toon academy, which had scarcely produced any first-class talents for many years and was in dire need of restoration prior to the transformative takeover.

McArthur, now 18 years old, has made ten total appearances for Newcastle's respective youth ranks after earning four senior showings for his erstwhile Scottish side – having also captained Scotland's U19 outfit.

This season, he has already completed seven matches and scored in an enthralling 5-3 win over Southampton, tantalising an offensive prowess that could set him up to succeed Schar in the first-team.

Described as a “huge prospect" by reporter Mike McGrath, McArthur has been hailed as such right from the get-go, with his former teammate and captain Euan Murray waxing lyrical over his ability.

He said: "I thought he was excellent. I like everything about him. First and foremost he is a good lad; respectful, listens to what you tell him and a massive amount of ability.

“I have no doubt that he has the support network around him to keep his feet on the ground because that is important but he is an unbelievable talent and I hope he goes on to have the career that right now he has the potential to do.

“He got man of the match and it was deserved. He picks up good positions and he is very composed on the ball. He isn’t rash that you sometimes find in young centre-halves and what he has here are all the tools now to go and kick on."

With Lascelles and Schar both potentially headed for the exit – as things stand anyway – there is every possibility that Howe will look to the academy ranks to offer a homegrown solution to the sustainability of the backline's current solidity.

Of course, the Magpies will continue to bolster their squad with exciting acquisitions, but given the roles that stars such as Sean Longstaff and Elliott Anderson are playing, it would be prudent to carefully nurture McArthur to the fore.

Twice in a week Phil Salt has produced the sort of innings that gets you noticed, firstly in the T20 Blast and then, equally spectacularly, in the Championship

David Hopps21-Aug-20181:38

Moeen and Vince send timely England reminders

ScorecardPhil Salt apparently likes to tell the story of how when he was growing up in Barbados he accidentally nicked Garry Sobers’ takeaway. Now he seems intent on nicking some of his shots.Twice in a week Salt has produced the sort of innings that gets you noticed. The way England’s middle order are giving it away in the Tests, gung-ho batsmen may be in danger of going out of fashion, but down on the Sussex coast it has been a breathtaking week all the same. Keep an eye on him.First Salt hurtled to 66 from 25 balls against Middlesex as Sussex reached the quarter-finals of the Vitality Blast on Friday night. This time his dashing strokeplay blew aside Derbyshire in the Championship as he struck 148 from 138 balls and, given a decent bowling display on the final day, could help carry Sussex back into the top two.Salt, 21, lithe and adventurous, is one of several young batsmen who Jason Gillespie, Sussex’s coach, has entrusted to carry the county forward. It certainly makes life exciting. His maiden Championship hundred at Arundel in June was overshadowed by Tom Haines’ hundred a little earlier that same day, a story all the more enticing because Haines had been driven to the ground as an emergency replacement by his mum.This time Salt had the story largely to himself. Sussex stretched a first-innings lead of 51 to 76 by lunch, but they were able to declare seven overs before the close with a lead of 404 because of a whirlwind afternoon session which brought 191 runs in all, Salt making 108 in the session as he moved from 11 to 119.Derbyshire, six without loss at the close, have never made more than 396 in the fourth innings in their history – and they lost that one. The most they have ever made to win is 371: it is known by every Derbyshire fan worth his salt (an unfortunate phrase on this of all days) that Shane Warne took seven wickets for the Australian tourists in 1997 and still finished on the losing side.Derbyshire are down to ten. They are lacking their portly West Indian seamer, Ravi Rampaul, who was driven back north on the third day for further medical checks after complaining of breathing difficulties in the field on the first day.Rampaul’s absence left their bowling attack as breakable as old plates on a summer fete stall on a sedate surface which Sussex will hope assists their spinners on the final day. Salt took a particular liking to the New Zealand quick, Lockie Ferguson, who bore the brunt of his early assault whether he bowled uphill or down, tried round-the-wicket short stuff or resorted to T20-style survival bowling in a desperate attempt to quell the assault.Sussex had 63 in nine overs by the time of the first lost ball, a disdainful front-foot pull off Ferguson which sailed into the flats at midwicket. An outrageous tennis swat followed later. There were five sixes in all, all of which flew in the same midwicket direction, a top-edge to third man apart, but his innings also featured controlled drives and some verveful singles. There will have been few more delightful knocks played in the Championship all season.Oddly, Luke Wells, although far less eye-catching, reached 50 a ball before him: he had far more of the strike and tended to steal his boundaries rather than embark on a smash-and-grab. Wells fell for 78 – the first-wicket stand worth 191 in 31.5 overs – when he swept the legspin of Matt Critchley to deep square leg. Critchley is not a big turner of the ball and Sussex will hope for more purchase for Wells himself and the left-arm spin of Danny Briggs.Derbyshire slowed the onslaught slightly after tea, largely through pace off the ball from Tony Palladino and Sean Ervine and it was apt that Palladino finally silenced Salt as he sought his third boundary in an over and was bowled by a ball that left him.Ben Slater, who was prematurely announced on Nottinghamshire’s website as having moved to the county, will complete his last innings for Derbyshire on the final day today before the signing is officially confirmed. Slater spent some time off the field when, as far as could be ascertained, he did not nip down to Southampton in case Notts asked him to have a bat. It is tempting to hope that Billy Godleman gets out early as he likes the press box windows to be closed. Otherwise it could be a very long day.

Seventeen-year-old Kerr racked up the highest score in women’s ODIs to send Ireland women hurtling to a 305-run loss

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jun-2018The only double-centurions in women’s ODIs•ESPNcricinfo LtdSeventeen-year-old Amelia Kerr smashed an unbeaten 232 off 145 balls – the highest individual score in women’s ODIs – going past Belinda Clark’s 229 that was made in 1997 against Denmark in Mumbai. Her record-breaking innings propelled New Zealand women to 440 for 3 – their third successive 400-plus score against Ireland women.Kerr wasn’t done yet. She followed it with career-best returns of 5 for 17 to lead her team to a 305-run win – the sixth biggest in women’s ODIs. New Zealand also hold the record for the biggest victory – by 408 runs against Pakistan in 1997 – and more recently they had secured wins by margins of over 300 runs in the first two ODIs of this series.Kerr was on 217 off 141 balls at the start of 50th over and needed 13 more to topple a 21-year record. She drove the second ball of the over to long-on for a single before hitting two fours and a six on the last three balls of the over to cap the innings to set the new record. She reached the landmark when she smacked seamer Amy Kenealy down the ground for a six off the last ball of the innings. All told, she hit 31 fours and two sixes.After New Zealand opted to bat again, new openers Kerr and Amy Satterthwaite, who scored 61 off 45 balls, set a strong platform by adding 113 runs. The partnership ended in the 15th over when Gaby Lewis had Satterthwaite holing out on the leg side. Kerr then combined with Leigh Kasperek, who was promoted to No. 3, to amass 295 runs at a run rate of nearly nine runs per over in 33.1 overs.Kasperek brought up her maiden ODI hundred off 97 balls when she ramped Lara Maritz over the keeper’s head for four in the 46th over. Martitz bowled Kasperek for 113 two overs later but Kerr was simply unstoppable. Conceding as many as 30 extras, including 18 wides, did not help Ireland’s cause either.Kerr then starred with her legspin to rip through the chase. She began with a maiden and then bowled top-scorer Una Raymond-Hoey (42) around her legs. Ireland were 91 for 4 at that point after 25 overs. They added only 44 more before being dismissed in 44 overs. Kerr made light work of the lower order and fittingly sealed victory when she bowled No. 11 Cara Murray for a duck to end with figures of 7-1-17-5.Kerr ended the three-match series as the highest scorer, with 342 runs at a strike rate of 156.88, and the highest wicket-taker with eight scalps, to be named the Player of the Series.

Developing and nurturing exciting young talent is something which is simply engrained in Manchester United's DNA, with the club's glittering history having witnessed the iconic Busby Babes and the famed Class of 92'.

In more recent times, the shining light of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson has been that of Marcus Rashford, with the local lad rising up from the academy to become arguably the main man at Old Trafford of late, having scored 30 goals in all competitions last term.

As is the way at United, however, the conveyor belt of talent does not end there, with the England international now faced with a direct rival for his starting berth in the form of teenage sensation, Alejandro Garnacho.

How good is Alejandro Garnacho?

As the man who powered the Red Devils to FA Youth Cup glory in 2022 – scoring twice in the showpiece victory over Nottingham Forest – it has been evident for a while that the 19-year-old is destined for big things at the Theatre of Dreams.

Following in the footsteps of his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, the Argentina international is the new golden boy among the United faithful, with chants of 'Viva Garnacho' regularly ringing around Old Trafford as a clear show of affection toward this emerging superstar.

Manchester United

42

6

5

Manchester United U18

31

16

8

Manchester United U21

16

5

2

Manchester United UEFA U19

7

2

1

Stats via Transfermarkt

Likened to a 'young Ronaldo' by the likes of Paul Scholes, Garnacho already has six goals and five assists to his name in 42 appearances for the club at senior level, notably getting off the mark this season with a well-taken strike at home to Crystal Palace in midweek.

While Erik ten Hag has warned that the teenager needs to do more to establish himself as a regular fixture in the starting XI moving forward – as he was "not good enough" when handed that chance earlier in the season – there can be little to temper the excitement surrounding the Madrid native.

For all the hype is coming Garnacho's way, however, there could well be an even bigger talent lurking in the academy ranks…

Who are the best academy players at Man United?

The quality of United's youth system has already been evident in the early weeks of the season, with young Hannibal Mejbri having started each of the last two games, after previously scoring from range in the defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Tunisian international is part of a trio of exciting midfield talents who have all forced their way into Ten Hag's plans over the past 12 months or so, with both Kobbie Mainoo and Dan Gore – who made his debut earlier this week – looking set to have a role to play both this season and beyond.

The player that is sparking "lots of excitement", however – in the words of GOAL's Tom Maston – is 16-year-old sensation, Shea Lacey, with the precocious winger seemingly a figure who could go on to shine even brighter than Garnacho when his time comes in the first team.

Who is Shea Lacey?

It may be a bold statement to make that the teen starlet could be even better than Garnacho, yet this is a player who has already been likened to Manchester City counterpart, Phil Foden, due to his undoubted gifts.

Also looking perhaps like "the next Messi" – according to one journalist – the promising playmaker simply has a "left foot made of gold", as per talent scout Jacek Kulig, having terrorised opposition defences with his innate dribbling ability.

As Daily Mail journalist Chris Wheeler recently stated, those at United appear to have high hopes for their "new wing wizard", with there having been a sense of delight that the Liverpool-born forward did agree to sign a first professional contract with the club last month.

That had come despite rival interest in the fleet-footed whiz from other top-flight clubs – as per the Manchester Evening News – with the Red Devils likely keen to avoid a repeat of the impending departure of Harrison Parker to Manchester City.

With Lacey having now signed on the dotted line, both the player – and United – can look forward to the impact he can make at the club in the years to come.

What does the future hold for Shea Lacey?

Amid the dearth of options in Ten Hag's ranks on the right wing – with the likes of Amad, Antony and Jadon Sancho all unavailable for various reasons – would it be too ridiculous to suggest that a chance could come for Lacey before too long?

While still only 16, the England youth international is already a firm fixture in the U18 set-up, having scored three goals and provided two assists in just 15 games at that age group in all competitions to date.

A player who can operate on the flanks or in a number ten berth, the silky gem could look to the impact that Lamine Yamal is making at Barcelona as inspiration, with the 16-year-old already featuring regularly at senior level for both club and country.

The 5 foot 11 Spaniard has already contributed three assists from seven La Liga appearances so far this season, having made a space for himself in a star-studded squad that includes the likes of Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Joao Felix and Robert Lewandowski.

With the Catalan giants reaping the rewards of that show of faith, perhaps United could follow suit with young Lacey, with Ten Hag believed to have already held talks with the winger – among others – regarding the potential demands of playing first-team football for the club.

Of course, history would dictate that with the player still only 16, he will not be rushed into the senior ranks if he is not yet ready, with the likes of David Beckham, for instance, going out on loan before eventually breaking into the team under Sir Alex Ferguson.

As Daily Express reporter Alex Turk has noted though, "Carrington has another very, very special player within its gates" with regard to Lacey, while according to journalist Thomas Alencar, he even appears to be the reincarnation of club legend, Ryan Giggs.

Amid the wealth of plaudits that are flooding his way, it is clear to see that United have a truly exciting talent on their hands – and one who could explode if given the chance to impress in the near future.

MatériaMais Notícias

Nesta quinta-feira, o Flamengo não atingiu o objetivo esperado, que era dormir como líder. O time de Domènec Torrent empatou com o Red Bull Bragantino em 1 a 1, no Maracanã, em duelo pela 16ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. E o técnico, em entrevista coletiva, realçou o esforço que o time fez, sobretudo por ter sido o terceiro jogo em um intervalo de seis dias. E se disse “orgulhoso”.

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– Jogamos três jogos em seis dias. Bragantino jogou o último jogo há quatro dias. Estou orgulhoso do time. Muitos jogadores jogaram muito bem por 90 minutos, como Isla e Thiago Maia. Bruno (Henrique) estava muito cansado. Sei a importância e a dificuldade de jogar três jogos em seis dias – disse Torrent, emendando:

-O adversário também joga. Talvez jogamos melhor no segundo tempo nos últimos jogos pois temos mais posição e encontramos mais espaço no segundo tempo. Acho que é isso, pois a intensidade é a mesma. Não podemos confundir. Corremos o mesmo ou mais no primeiro tempo. O que acontece é que o adversário defendia melhor. Concordo que jogamos melhor nos segundos tempos.

Dome também foi abordado a respeito da recuperação dos jogadores após esta dura sequência – antes apontada pelo catalão como “autêntica loucura”. E o treinador ainda respondeu especificamente sobre a saída do Pedro (no intervalo).

– A recuperação foi muito importante. Falamos individualmente com cada jogador. Pedro tinha chance de lesão pela sequência, mas quando falei com ele, me disse que poderia jogar o primeiro tempo. Jogamos com ele pela boa forma, mas não quisemos correr risco. Temos dados técnicos, que é importante para nós. Não tivemos sorte com os jogadores das seleções, pois dois voltaram machucados, Arrascaeta e Rodrigo Caio. Isla e Thiago falaram que poderiam jogar os 90 minutos. Acho importante falar com cada atleta sobre as condições.

– Não penso no próximo jogo, o jogo mais importante é o hoje. O Pedro tinha risco de lesão. Era o único jogador que tinha risco de lesão. Doutor Tannure disse que poderia jogar no máximo 50 minutos. Pedro queria jogar no início, mas não poderíamos arriscar uma lesão. São nove jogos consecutivos. Temos os relatórios médicos depois de todos os jogos, muita informação. Não pensei no próximo jogo, mas para não machucar o jogador – completou.

> Confira a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

Agora, o Flamengo, com 31 pontos e na terceira colocação do Brasileiro, volta a campo neste domingo, às 16h, contra o Corinthians, fora de casa.

Confira outros trechos da entrevista coletiva:

VAR E POSSÍVEL PÊNALTI

– Eu não quero falar sobre arbitragem, pois é muito difícil arbitrar o jogo. Mas se tem o VAR, tem a possibilidade de consultar. Se não consulta, não posso falar o porquê. Se isso aconteceu eu não vi. Não quero falar do árbitro.

APROVEITAMENTO NAS FINALIZAÇÕES

– Jogo contra o Goiás também foi assim. Criamos mais chances que hoje e marcamos só dois gols. Eu falo muito isso. No outro jogo, você cria só quatro chances e marca três gols. Os técnicos são os gerentes de área a área. O que acontece lá você pode controlar. O golaço que acontece não é o técnico que faz, sim o jogador. O técnico tem uma ideia de como chegar à área. Contra o Del Valle criamos cinco ocasiões e marcamos quatro gols. Estou contente com todos. Trabalhamos as finalizações a cada dia, pois é importante.

INVENCIBILIDADE DE OITO JOGOS NO MARACA

– Vocês sabem o que aconteceu no último mês. A questão da covid-19. Jogamos com jovens jogadores contra o Palmeiras. O que posso falar sobre isso? Estou muito orgulhoso do time. O time é maravilhoso. O esforço que o time fez este mês é maravilhoso. Foi uma loucura o que aconteceu este mês. Vão ajudar, pois têm qualidade. Tento fazer o melhor time possível. O Lincoln jogou na direita, na esquerda, de camisa 9, e foi muito bem. O esforço do elenco foi maravilhoso.

ALERTA COM GERSON E BH

– Gerson com certeza. Hoje também treinamos bola parada. Acho que não se sabe se tem risco de lesão. Mas quando você fala com eles, dizem que estão cansados. Bruno me disse que podia jogar 30 minutos, mas estava desgastado. Quando o jogador fala que está muito cansado, você tem que procurar que não se machuquem.

This is the Sri Lanka cricketer’s second arrest in 18 months, after having been taken into custody following a car accident in Colombo in September 2016

Andrew Fidel Fernando10-Mar-2018Sri Lanka cricketer Ramith Rambukwella has been arrested on charges of assault and drunk driving on Friday night. It is alleged that the assault was made on two university students.The media wing of the Sri Lanka Police confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that the arrest had been made on Nawala Road in Colombo, and that Rambukwella will be produced in the Aluthkade Magistrate court on Saturday.This is Rambukwella’s second arrest in 18 months, after having been taken into custody following a car accident – also in Colombo – in September 2016. He had also previously been involved in a bizarre incident in July 2013, when on the way back from the Caribbean with the Sri Lanka A team, he caused mild panic on a flight by attempting to open the aircraft’s cabin door at 35,000 feet. Rambukwella has a history of disciplinary problems dating back to his time with the Sri Lanka Under-19 side.Sri Lanka Cricket officials had not been fully briefed on the circumstances of Rambukwella’s latest arrest, but at least one official said that if the charges against him were true, the board would hand out its own punishment.Rambukwella played two T20Is for Sri Lanka, the most recent of which was in July 2016. He is active in domestic cricket, having played for Tamil Union in the club-based T20 tournament over the past few weeks.

تأهل فريق ساوثهامبتون إلى نهائي الملحق المؤهل إلى بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، الموسم المقبل 2024/25، على حساب وست بروميتش ألبيون، اليوم الجمعة.

وتلاقى الفريقان مساء اليوم، في إطار منافسات إياب نصف نهائي الملحق المؤهل إلى البريميرليج الموسم القادم، حيث فاز ساوثهامبتون بثلاثة مقابل هدف.

وانتهى الشوط الأول من المباراة بالتعادل السلبي بين الفريقين دون تسجيل أي منهما.

جاء هدف ساوثهامبتون الأول في الدقيقة 49 عن طريق اللاعب ويل سمولبون، قبل أن يتمكن أدم أرمسترونج من تسجيل هدفين في الدقيقتين 78 و86، من ضربة جزاء.

في حين جاء هدف وست بروميتش ألبيون الوحيد في الدقيقة 97، عن طريق اللاعب سيدريك كيبري.

وحصل ساوثهامبتون بعد ذلك الفوز على بطاقة التأهل إلى نهائي الملحق المؤهل إلى الدوري الإنجليزي، خاصة أن مباراة الذهاب انتهت بالتعادل السلبي.

ويلتقي ساوثهامبتون في المباراة النهائية مع فريق ليدز يونايتد الذي تأهل أمس على حساب نورويتش سيتي، وذلك يوم الأحد 26 مايو الجاري.

الجدير بالذكر أن فريقين قد حصلا بالفعل على بطاقتي التأهل إلى منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الموسم المقبل، وهما ليستر سيتي وإبسويتش تاون.

Arsenal 16-year-old Ethan Nwaneri netted a hat-trick for the U21s last night, with senior manager Mikel Arteta in attendance.

Ethan Nwaneri scores U21 hat-trick

It's not often you get youngsters playing against people who are five years their senior at youth level, but every now and then a talent emerges within a club and rises up the ranks at great speed.

However, in Nwaneri, it appears the Gunners have yet another Hale End product who is fast building a reputation as the next big thing in north London.

Due to his age, the midfielder has only ever played nine games in the Premier League 2 division, but it appears that this is already becoming a little too easy for him on the evidence of last night's display.

Indeed, on Friday night, Arsenal U21s beat Leicester City U21s 4-1 at Meadow Park, and it was Nwaneri who stole the show with a hat-trick.

In the player ratings for The Gooner, journalist Layth Yousif handed the 16-year-old a 9/10 for his efforts, writing: "Absolutely outstanding. Improves by the week, will surely be in with a shout of inclusion into Mikel Arteta’s Carabao Cup third-round squad later next month.

"Lovely touch and vision as he glided around the action with such excellent balance. Subject of agricultural challenges at times as the Foxes backline attempted to quieten his influence but his treble provided the home side with the perfect answer."

While football writer Jeorge Bird, who specifically covers the Arsenal academy, concluded after the dazzling display: "Honestly believe Nwaneri could play in League Two now, although EFL Trophy games will probably provide a better indication of that.

"This is what he was doing for the U18s last season and he’s now taken it to the next level."

It certainly was an eye-catching performance, and with manager Mikel Arteta in attendance, the teenager certainly hasn't done his chances of a senior outing or two this season any harm.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

Is Ethan Nwaneri eligible for England?

Still only 16, Nwaneri of course famously made his debut last season when he came on off the bench in a 3-0 win over Brentford, becoming the youngest-ever Premier League player at 15 years and 181 days.

He also impressed for the Gunners during the summer when he starred in a pre-season friendly against Nurnberg, catching the eye as he spun past two opposition defenders with one incredible bit of skill.

Thankfully, he recently signed a scholarship deal at the north London outfit, committing his future to Arsenal and snubbing interest from the likes of major rivals such as Chelsea and Manchester City – who were all understandably ready to pounce if he was open to a move.

Still, Nwaneri isn't just for Arsenal fans to be excited about. After all, he has represented England at U16 and U17 level, so could be one to keep an eye on for the Three Lions one day as well.

However, he is also of Nigerian descent – much like fellow Hale End product Bukayo Saka – so could choose to represent the Super Eagles one day if he wanted.

Pakistan have left out former ODI captain Azhar Ali from their squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka in the UAE

Umar Farooq06-Oct-20170:51

Who is Imam-ul-Haq?

Pakistan have, unsurprisingly, kept faith with much of the squad that won them the Champions Trophy but with a couple of notable changes. They have left out former ODI captain Azhar Ali for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka in the UAE and included the uncapped batsman Imam-ul-Haq. Imam is the nephew of former captain and current chairman of selectors Inzamam-ul-Haq.Pakistan squad

Ahmed Shehzad, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (capt), Imad Wasim, Shahdab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Mohammed Amir, Ruman Raees, Junaid Khan, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq

Relieved of the captaincy, Azhar played some of his most assured ODI innings in the tournament, including fifties in the semi-final and final. But the knee problem that almost ruled him out of the Test series is one selectors want to rest. That is one of the reasons Imam, an opener, has been brought into the squad.Imam, 21, has been on the selectors’ radar for a few seasons now, especially when he was selected in the Islamabad side for the 50-over Pakistan Cup in 2016 – filling in for Misbah-ul-Haq. He scored a century in his first game. But questions will be asked about his inclusion on the back of what has been, at best, lukewarm form in the 50-over format. He played four games in the National One-Day Cup in January this year for Lahore Whites and scored only 96 runs (including an innings of 49). A month earlier in a National One-Day Cup for department sides, he scored 318 runs at 35.33 for Habib Bank. Over the last three years, Imam has played 24 List A games; in the last 10 months, he has played 13 matches, scoring 414 at 31.84.According to some board officials, in the past Inzamam had expressed reluctance in pushing Imam into the national fold – in one of his first selections ahead of the England tour last year, he said: “I’ve seen his [Imam’s] first-class record, he hasn’t scored many runs in this season and I have not selected him. That should be the way.”It would seem that has changed over the last year. “If you say he is my nephew then it was difficult,” Inzamam said of the selection in Dubai on the first day of the second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. “But if you look at his performances then I thought it’s ok. We wanted to keep the Champions Trophy team, to continue that, but unfortunately Azhar has a knee injury through which we had to bring an opener up. In my view, of all the openers who have performed recently, he was pretty good in that and deserves the pick.”The performances Inzamam spoke of have mostly been in the four-day game. Imam scored 848 runs at 49.88 in the last Quaid-e-Azam trophy, with three hundreds, including a double-century, for Habib Bank Limited. He has opened this season with a hundred for Habib Bank as well, against FATA at the end of last month.”We have to see what the talent is, what he can do,” Inzamam said. “His performances in the QeA everyone can see. He scored two hundreds in an U-23 tournament. Then recently in Sialkot he scored a hundred, so we look at performances but also how much talent a player has. Mickey [Arthur] and Sarfraz [Ahmed] and others were also involved in this decision. We give all the names but there is a discussion. So it would be better to not look at this selection in that way.”

There were three India A wickets left standing on the final day and the seamer took three of them to wrap up a 235-run victory

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Aug-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsJunior Dala picked up his fifth first-class five-for•Getty Images

There were three India A wickets left standing in Pretoria at the start of the fourth day, and they were toppled in fewer than six overs as South Africa A registered victory by a whopping 235 runs. Stephen Cook, who had been dropped from the senior team, was awarded the Man of the Match after scoring 120 – a score that took all 11 of India A’s players to match in the first innings, and as such might give him hope that he remains a contender for the opener’s position when South Africa’s home season begins.India A’s first-innings capitulation featured a top score of 31. On their next try, Ankit Bawne got as far as 46 before he was dismissed off what became the last ball of day three. Junior Dala, the 27-year old seamer, had made that blow and he proved too good for the tail as well, taking all of the wickets the tourists had left on the final day to finish with 5 for 36 in 10.1 overs. India began the day at 192 for 6 after 46.5 overs and, thanks to Dala completing his fifth five-wicket haul in first-class cricket, they ended it 211 all out in 52.1. Allrounder Vijay Shankar who retired hurt for 26 in the first innings did not bat again.