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Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella praised the seam bowling trio of Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Kulasekara and Nuwan Pradeep for holding their nerve late to secure a one-run win over West Indies

Liam Brickhill in Bulawayo24-Nov-2016

Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella credited his team’s seamers for holding their nerve against a big-hitting West Indian lower order after Sri Lanka pulled off a one-run win to secure their place in the final of the Zimbabwe tri-series. Dickwella was one of two Sri Lankans to reach the 90s in a total of 330 for 7 before Sri Lanka held West Indies to 329 for 9 in reply.”Our bowlers held their nerve, and our fast bowlers did really well,” Dickwella said. “Suranga [Lakmal], [Nuwan] Kulasekara and Nuwan Pradeep – they were the key players in defending this total. We were confident of defending the score, with our bowling attack. We missed some opportunities that we should have capitalized on, but fortunately we were on the winning side on the end.”Evin Lewis, the West Indies opener, survived two early lbw shouts and was also dropped twice during the first Powerplay in an uncharacteristically sloppy fielding effort by Sri Lanka. Lewis was dropped again off a tough chance at mid-on before he had reached fifty, and he went on to score a maiden hundred. He might have been run out shortly thereafter, but Dickwella disturbed the stumps with his glove before collecting the ball.That was one of his few lapses in the field or with the bat – after his 94 in the morning he eventually ran Lewis out for 148 – to increase Sri Lanka’s advantage at the death. Dickwella then held on to an awkward inside edge off Ashley Nurse’s bat in the penultimate over of the match.”It is kind of a challenge [batting up the order and keeping wicket], but you just have to adapt to the situation, and play according to that,” Dickwella said. “I’m a wicketkeeper-batsman, and when I score runs when we’re batting first, I still have to keep wicket for 50 overs. Obviously I have to do that, for my team.”Batting at No. 3, Dickwella was at the crease in the third over of the match and fell 36 overs later just six runs short of what would have been a maiden ODI hundred in his fifth match.”It was a good track,” he said. “Since the morning, it was a flat track. There was a bit of grass, but it was dead grass, so we didn’t expect it to move a lot. We thought it would move a bit, but that didn’t happen.”It was coming on to the bat. It was a pretty easy wicket to bat on, compared to the previous games. I could have got a hundred, and scored some more runs for the team, but I’m really happy with my performance today.”Performances such as these will help Dickwella state his claim for a spot in Sri Lanka’s touring party for their trip to South Africa in December. He is one of a number of fringe players who have come in to Sri Lanka’s squad in the absence of injured senior players such as Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal.”Some of the senior players back in Sri Lanka, Angelo Mathews and Chandimal, they’re recovering. They’ve started training again. The selectors must be picking up some juniors from this tour for the big upcoming tour, so this is a good opportunity for the juniors to perform and show them that we are good, talented players. This is a good opportunity to play, perform and win even if we don’t have those seniors with us.”

Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell has given his reaction to reports linking Celtic ace Josip Juranovic with a move away this summer. 

The lowdown: Mixed messages

The 26-year-old Croatian full-back has found himself in the middle of transfer speculation this week after respected journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that a move is on the cards during the summer window.

However, a contrary report from the Croatian outlet Germanijak claimed that Juranovic was settled at the Glasgow giants and the Hoops would be demanding £15million for the defender, thus pricing him out of a move.

Amidst the conflicting reports, one pundit has had his say on the situation and whether Ange Postecoglou would enter the market should the right-back leave…

The latest: ‘I’m sure…’

Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Everton hitman and regular Sky Sports contributor Campbell claimed that the club would be well prepared for any departure and likely already have a replacement ‘in mind’.

He said: “Listen, Postecoglou has done a great job and the last thing he will want is to lose key players. Nobody was quite sure how it would go last season. It could have gone horribly wrong but almost all the new signings did well.

When you are a successful side and the Premier League sides are watching, they will come for your best players. I’m sure there is lots of clubs looking at Juranovic and thinking, ‘Yeah, he could do a job here.’ He had a really good season.

“It is one of those things Celtic and Postecoglou has to deal with. I’m sure Postecoglou and his staff have a target in mind who could slot in and replace him.”

The verdict: Spot on

Such is the faith rightfully placed in Postecoglou and his transfer acumen, almost any exit this summer should be met with an element of calm that the 56-year-old will find a suitable replacement.

So far, the Greek-Australian boss has proven to be an astute operator in the market and even relatively unknown captures who have been lured to Parkhead – like Daizen Maeda, Liel Abada and Carl Starfelt – are flourishing in a Hoops shirt.

That said, after a six-goal and four assist first full campaign under Postecoglou last term, the man hailed as ‘quality’ by positional rival Anthony Ralston was certainly an effective player in the title-winning season and would still be a huge loss for the Bhoys.

Celtic have already added Cameron Carter-Vickers and Benjamin Siegrist to the squad this summer, plus the potential additions of Jota, Alexandro Bernabei and Vinicius Souza in the pipeline, so the off-season is shaping up nicely and keeping Juranovic would be another cherry on the cake.

An update has emerged on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Destiny Udogie in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to TuttoSport, Spurs have made contact with Udinese and already had one offer turned down as Fabio Paratici is in talks over a deal for the wing-back.

Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas has also provided an update on the situation by claiming that the club may send the gem, valued at €20m (£17m), back on loan for the 2022/23 campaign.

The reporter Tweeted: “Tottenham interested in Udinese’s young left-back Destiny Udogie. 19yo Italy U21. Juventus also keen (as per @SkySport Italy).”

He added: “Some more context to this: Not beyond the realms that Tottenham do a deal for Udogie and then loan him out as per Sarr last summer. Perisic and Sessegnon expected to be main LWB options for Conte. Reguilon future uncertain. Has interest.”

He’s the future

Tottenham can land their future left wing-back option by signing Udogie and developing him, whether that is out on loan or at the club, in the years to come.

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Talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed him “tenacious” and claimed that he is “the future” after watching his performances in the Serie A in the season just gone.

In 35 league appearances, the teenager averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.84. Without any context, this is a solid – albeit unimpressive – score for the wing-back. However, it was his first full season at senior level and he established himself as a regular starter – as he was named in the XI 29 times.

This shows incredible maturity, and quality, for his age as he has been able to stand out above more experienced professionals to be Udinese’s first-choice at wing-back.

He has shown that he can make an impact going forward with five goals and four assists last term. This means that is suited to the wing-back role as he has the ability on the ball to make things happen in the final third when he bursts forward to support the attacking players.

The youngster did not shy away from his defensive responsibilities, though, as he made 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game and won 52% of his duels in total. Udogie has proven that he can win the ball back for his team defensively whilst offering a threat going forward and this means that he can provide a good balance down the left flank.

Now, imagine what the 19-year-old could do for Spurs after another season or two of developing – back on loan at Udinese or whilst working with Conte. He can be the future for the club at left wing-back and Paratici must work hard to strike an agreement for him.

AND in other news, Paratici now given green light to seal “outstanding” Spurs signing, he’d be “clinical”…

Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be looking forward to his first full pre-season and summer transfer window as manager of Rangers, although he does have some work ahead of him.

The Ibrox club won the Scottish Cup last month for the first time in 13 years but lost the Europa League final, while their Glasgow arch-rivals won the Premiership title, so the onus is on the Dutchman to improve the squad in order to wrestle back domestic supremacy.

There are several areas of the squad which require strengthening, with a right winger being particularly sought=after by Van Bronckhorst, having missed out on Andreas Skov Olsen in January.

Rangers have now been linked with Rabbi Matondo, with German outlet WAZ claiming that he could be on the move from Schalke 04 ahead of next season as he only has one year left on his current contract in Gelsenkirchen.

The Welshman was on loan at Cercle Brugge last season, scoring 10 goals and grabbing two assists, but the Belgian clun have opted not to sign him on a permanent deal for €3.5m (£3m) ahead of the summer window.

This could leave the door ajar for Rangers, who face competition from Celtic, to secure his services and add a right winger to their squad.

The Gers need some pace on the right-hand side. Van Bronckhorst deployed Ianis Hagi, Scott Wright and even Scott Arfield in the wide right position on numerous occasions during the 2021/22 season, to varying degrees of success.

Former Wales manager Ryan Giggs previously praised Matondo’s speed, saying: “Just like Dan James he has electrifying pace.”

With Ryan Kent occupying the left-wing position and being one of the club’s most prized assets, they now need someone on the opposite flank to do a similar job.

A duo of Kent and Matondo could be a dream for Van Bronckhorst, and their pace and trickery would surely give opposition defenders nightmares.

If the Rangers boss harbours ambitions of success next season, a move for Matondo would appear a shrewd one to make.

AND in other news, “Was told..”: Journalist makes big Rangers transfer claim that’ll leave supporters excited…

Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in singing Ali Al-Musrati, according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Al-Musrati’s areer so far

Signed on a free transfer from fellow Portuguese Primeira Liga outfit Vitoria Guimaraes in 2020, the defensive midfielder has gone from strength to strength at Braga.

In 89 appearances for his current club, Al-Musrati has scored six times and provided five assists whilst playing an instrumental role in the team’s Portuguese Cup triumph last season.

It now appears that the Libya international is destined for pastures new this summer, and Wolves have seemingly joined the party…

The latest: Wolves linked with Al-Musrati

As per O Jogo, translated by Sport Witness, Wolves and newly-promoted Fulham are both attentive to the possibility of signing the 26-year-old.

It is claimed that Braga are now waiting for the ‘best offer’ after the 40-cap Libyan was allowed to miss international duty in order to resolve his future.

The report suggests that, with Bruno Lage beginning to prepare for life after Ruben Neves, Al-Musrati – who has been hailed as a ‘special talent’ by journalist Zach Lowy – is among those on the radar at Molineux.

The verdict: Special player

Albeit predominantly a defensive-minded operator and therefore perhaps not a like-for-like replacement for Neves, the combative Libyan would nevertheless be a superb capture for Wolves this summer.

During the 2021/22 campaign, Al-Musrati made 45 appearances across all competitions and earned an outstanding 7.13 Sofascore rating, making 1.4 interceptions and completing 1.1 key passes per league game.

Perhaps most impressively, the £10.8m-valued Braga ace won 4.6 duels per match, comfortably more than the Old Gold midfield trio of Neves (3.8), Joao Moutinho (3.4) and Leander Dendoncker (2.8) per Premier League game.

Holding a close stylistic likeness to Liverpool destroyer Fabinho (FBRef) and boasting an array of impressive attributes including tackling, aerial ability and concentration, adding a player of Al-Musrati’s quality to Lage’s ranks appears a no-brainer regardless of what happens with Neves.

In other news: Two EFL clubs target Dion Sanderson…

Rangers fans were boosted by the surprise news yesterday that Connor Goldson had signed a new four-year deal at Ibrox, despite heavy reported interest from south of the border.

The centre-back followed in the footsteps of Steven Davis, who also committed to a new one-year deal earlier in the week, and it seems as if the good news won’t end there for Rangers fans.

What’s the word?

Daily Record journalist Mark Guidi has made a bold claim about the future of Allan McGregor, with the 40-year-old currently out of contract with Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, he said: “I don’t think he’s ready to give that up. He’s got far too much to offer as a goalkeeper. I’d be absolutely astonished if he does not sign a new one-year deal with Rangers.”

Supporters will love it

McGregor has made 446 appearances across two separate spells at Rangers and will undoubtedly go down as one of the greats, but his performances this season suggest that he still has something to offer at Ibrox.

The veteran shot-stopper conceded just 25 goals in 29 league appearances this season and was also a crucial part of the Gers’ run to the Europa League final, making 14 appearances in the competition before the penalty shootout heartbreak against Eintracht Frankfurt.

McGregor received a standing ovation when he replaced Jon McLaughlin for the final minute of Rangers’ Scottish Cup final win against Hearts last month and it is clear that he has established himself as a fan favourite during his time at Ibrox.

Tam MacManus was full of praise for the former Hull man after that appearance. He said: “I think he’s Rangers’ best ever goalkeeper personally.

“Andy Goram would be up there. Stefan Klos wasn’t at Rangers a long time.

“But for me, Allan McGregor in terms of longevity and what he’s achieved, is right up there.”

Although van Bronckhorst may feel that a younger ‘keeper is needed at Rangers next season, McGregor undoubtedly still has something to offer the Teddy Bears and from what Guidi suggests, it seems as if a new one-year deal is on the horizon for the Gers legend, something that supporters will no doubt love.

And in other news: Rangers can unearth Bassey 2.0 by signing “brave” 21 y/o gem with “so much ability”…

Phil Hay has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Noa Lang.

What’s the talk?

Speaking on a recent episode of The Phil Hay Show, The Athletic journalist suggested that, should Raphinha go on to secure his widely expected transfer to Barcelona in the coming weeks, Victor Orta could reignite his interest in the Club Brugge winger – with whom the Whites were linked with a £25m move for a little under 12 months ago – this summer.

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Concerning Leeds’ potential interest in the 22-year-old, Hay said: “It wouldn’t surprise me at all – if Raphinha left – if they went back in for Noa Lang because they do really like Noa Lang and they did like him last summer… that could happen.”

Orta must move for Lang

Considering just how impressive Lang has been in Belgium this season, in addition to the fact that Raphinha looks set to depart Elland Road in the very near future, it would appear an extremely wise move for Orta to reignite his pursuit of the Netherlands international in the coming weeks.

Indeed, over his 37 Jupiler Pro League appearances this term, the £19.8m-rated forward was in exceptional form for Brugge, scoring seven goals, registering 12 assists and creating 19 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.0 shots, making 1.9 key passes and completing 1.7 dribbles per game.

These metrics saw the £20k-per-week talent who Graham Smyth dubbed “exciting” and an “assist machine” average a quite extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.20, ranking him as his club’s joint fifth-best performer in the Belgian top-flight – playing a key role in Brugge’s title-winning campaign.

For comparison, over Raphinha’s 35 Premier League appearances this season, the £60m sensation scored 11 goals, provided three assists and created ten big chances, in addition to taking an average of 2.5 shots, making 1.9 key passes and completing 1.8 dribbles per fixture – returns that saw the 25-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 6.97.

As such, while the step-up between the Jupiler Pro League and the Premier League should not be underestimated, it would nevertheless appear that, should Raphinha indeed move onto pastures new this summer, Lang would be something of a perfect replacement for the Brazil international – leading us to believe that Orta simply must make a move for the 22-year-old in the coming months.

AND in other news: “Leeds United wanted…”: Graham Smyth drops big summer claim, Marsch will be gutted

Arsenal have been dealt a major injury blow ahead of their final game of the Premier League campaign against Everton today.

What’s the latest?

As per a report from Evening Standard, Arteta’s side are likely to be without Takehiro Tomiyasu, with the Japan international forced off in the 39th minute of the Gunners’ uninspiring defeat to Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United on Monday night.

Tomiyasu’s muscular injury is the latest in what has been a considerable amount of problems for Arsenal in the business end of the campaign, with the likes of Kieran Tierney and Thomas Partey also out for the season.

As such, Cedric Soares is expected to fill in at right-back in the Japan international’s absence.

A big blow for Arteta

The latest injury at Arsenal represents a big setback for both Arteta and Tomiyasu, with the latter having endured an injury-ridden first season in the Premier League.

When he has played, the 23-year-old has been a defensive rock for the Gunners.

Boasting an average of 0.20 defensive actions that led to a shot attempt, his ability to turn over possession quickly has enabled Arsenal to hit on the break on numerous occasions. Though, it’s his defensive participation average of 1.26 interceptions and 0.91 passes blocked that Arteta will miss the most, in what is an integral game if they are to achieve their top-four ambitions.

In the Arsenal squad, Tomiyasu ranks joint first for his 1.3 interceptions per 90 and boosts the Gunners’ attacking threat with his average of 4.00 passes into the final third.

His offensive acumen would have been felt by Lampard’s side, who boasts the fourth worst defence in the league, having conceded 61 goals this season.

The blow to Tomiyasu is another frustrating setback, with the Japanese defender having already missed nine games with a calf injury earlier this season.

In other news: Fewer touches than Ramsdale: Arsenal dud who made just 8 passes was a passenger v THFC 

Newcastle United are set to play in the Premier League for the final time in the 2021/22 campaign today as they face Burnley at Turf Moor.

The Clarets come into the match desperate for points in their bid to avoid relegation to the Championship, whilst the Magpies are only fighting for a place in the top ten as they currently sit 12th in the table.

Eddie Howe’s men come into the game off the back of an excellent 2-0 win against Arsenal on Monday night and will now be looking to end the campaign on a high.

How many changes will the head coach make to the team for today? Here is our predicted XI…

Newcastle predicted XI v Burnley

Martin Dubravka; Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles (c), Dan Burn, Matt Targett; Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton; Jacob Murphy, Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin

We are predicting that Howe will make three alterations to the side from last Monday, with Trippier, Lascelles and Murphy all coming into the team.

Starting off at the heart of defence, Fabian Schar may miss out after a nasty collision at St James’ Park earlier in the week. He was forced off in the game and Howe has now revealed that the Switzerland international is touch-and-go for today’s clash.

Injury expert Ben Dinnery tweeted: “Howe on Schar. “We’re following concussion protocols. He may be doing something outside today but we’re following the protocols closely so it’ll be a late decision on him.” Enhanced care setting Stage 4 (Fri): Non-contact training Stage 5 (Sat): Full contact practice.”

This will leave a berth open at centre-back if Schar is unable to play, and we are predicting that club captain Lascelles will be brought back into the side.

At right-back, we are predicting that Trippier will be given an opportunity to end the season with a starting berth. He has not been named in the starting XI since coming back from injury, and this is now the last chance for him to make it in 2021/22.

England manager Gareth Southgate called the £77k-per-week defender a “warrior” last summer, and the right-back has lived up to that billing in his short time at Newcastle so far. He has averaged an impressive 4.8 tackles and interceptions per game, showing that he is right up for the challenge on Tyneside.

Finally, Murphy may come in for Miguel Almiron on the right of the front three to keep things fresh. Journalist Liam Kennedy dubbed the Paraguay international “relentless” against Arsenal, and his constant pressing has earned him a rest for this match.

He can come off the bench to cause issues against a tired Burnley backline, while Murphy should be given an opportunity to show Howe that he deserves to be at the club next season and get regular game-time in the team.

AND in other news, “Sources at Newcastle”: Huge transfer update emerges that’ll leave supporters gutted…

Liverpool have a track record when it comes to signing players from fellow Premier League clubs.

In recent years, the Reds have added faces such as Sadio Mane, Virgil van Dijk and James Milner among others to their ranks from numerous top-flight clubs.

One other player that the Merseyside club struck a deal for from another Premier League side is Diogo Jota.

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Back in the 2020 summer transfer window, the Reds bought the winger from Wolves for a reported fee of £41m.

Since then, the Portugal international has been a revelation for Jurgen Klopp’s side, scoring 34 goals in 82 appearances across all competitions.

Now that the next summer window is around the corner, it seems as though FSG could have the chance to replicate their Jota masterclass again with another Premier League talent.

Last week, it was reported that Liverpool are one of the clubs monitoring Eddie Nketiah’s situation at Arsenal, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season and a move away from the north London club looking likely.

This could then give the Reds the opportunity to once again make a swoop to sign another capable Premier League figure.

In 19 league appearances this season, the £9m-rated striker has found the net four times and provided one assist for Mikel Arteta’s side.

He’s also managed to score five goals in five Carabao Cup appearances in this campaign for the Gunners.

According to FBref, in a list of similar players to the Arsenal attacker, Liverpool’s Jota tops the list, which also includes the likes of Roberto Firmino, Kai Havertz, Lautaro Martinez and Christopher Nkunku among others. Fine company indeed for a player who is still relatively inexperienced.

Labelled as a “clinical” player by journalist Kweku Lawrence, Nketiah could give Klopp’s side an extra attacking dynamic to what is already a formidable team going forward.

Taking all of this into account, potentially signing the Arsenal striker on a free transfer this summer could be a great bit of business for FSG and the Reds if he can take his game to the next level and become a more consistent goalscoring threat.

With the chance of winning domestic and European trophies, this could make Anfield a very tempting next destination for the Englishman if he does end up leaving Arsenal in the coming months.

In other news: Liverpool eye bid for exciting wonderkid, he could become a “scary” £127m-rated talent