Nunez returns to squad for Stoke match
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BBC News
23 minutes ago
- BBC News
Price earns call-up for World Cup qualifier
West Bromwich Albion midfielder Isaac Price has been called up to the Northern Ireland squad for their opening 2026 World Cup 21-year-old is currently the Championship's top goal scorer, having netted three times in two games and helping to secure Ryan Mason's side maximum points so has made 18 appearances for Northern Ireland and scored six goals since national team boss Michael O'Neill handed him his debut aged Ireland open their World Cup qualifying campaign when they visit Luxembourg on 4 September.
The Courier
44 minutes ago
- The Courier
St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari assures Sam Stanton
Simo Valakari is in no doubt that the time will come when Sam Stanton establishes himself as a key man for St Johnstone. The working week of the former Raith Rovers star has looked a bit different this month in the wake of the arrival of a baby girl into his family. While Stanton has had 'a lot going on' away from McDiarmid Park, other Saints central midfielders have excelled in the Perth club's first two Championship matches. But the league season is only in its infancy and Valakari has assured the 31-year-old that he remains a big part of his plans. 'Sam welcomed a beautiful little daughter into the world a couple of weeks ago,' said the Finn. 'There's obviously been a lot going on for him around that. 'It's been a busy time and he missed a couple of training sessions because of different things. 'I've been talking with him. 'He came here as a new player and he obviously wanted to make a big impact straight away. 'But I've been telling him it's a long season and he shouldn't get frustrated. 'He will get the chance to show the qualities he definitely has.' Stanton, who came off the bench in Saturday's extra-time cup defeat to Motherwell, often operated in a deep-lying position for Saturday's opponents, Arbroath, when he was on loan at Gayfield. But Valakari is likelier to use him in the advanced role he filled to such good effect in Kirkcaldy. 'I like the technique Sam has and his ability to get up and down,' said the McDiarmid Park head coach. 'We saw a couple of examples in the Motherwell game of how he can run beyond defenders. 'I want midfielders doing that and getting to the back post to score with headers. 'Sam is very versatile. 'He can player deeper, but I still think that his best position is one which gives him the opportunity to time his runs behind the defensive line. 'That's what we need to stretch our opponent and create space for others. 'I keep saying that we need midfielders scoring goals. 'You can't do that if you're not getting into the box and in behind defenders. 'It's the hardest thing in football. 'A lot of the time you are making runs and not getting the ball, but you just need to go again and again. 'That's when you get your rewards.'
Glasgow Times
an hour ago
- Glasgow Times
Ethan Ampadu injury blow for Leeds
Head coach Daniel Farke confirmed Ampadu has damaged a medial collateral ligament in a knee and will miss Saturday's Premier League game at Arsenal and the following two matches. Ampadu was outstanding in Leeds' opening win against Everton at Elland Road on Monday before being hurt in a second-half challenge from Tim Iroegbunam, which later forced the Wales midfielder off. Leeds skipper Ethan Ampadu sustained a knee injury in Monday's home Premier League win against Everton (Danny Lawson/PA) Farke said: 'It's bad news with him sadly. The next (few) games we have to play without him. 'MCL injury, he will definitely be out until at least the international break. I hope to have him back the other side of the international break. He's pretty quick after injury back on the training pitch. 'He's a tough boy. It's a blow for us, we will miss him in the upcoming games at least and the two upcoming Premier League games and the cup game.' After this weekend's trip to the capital, Leeds play at Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday and then face Newcastle at Elland Road a week on Saturday. 🔥 Noah Okafor is Leeds! — Leeds United (@LUFC) August 21, 2025 Farke said Switzerland winger Noah Okafor is in contention for his Leeds debut at the Emirates Stadium after completing his move from AC Milan earlier on Thursday for a fee which could rise to £18million. Okafor, who spent the latter part of last season on loan at Serie A champions Napoli, is Leeds' ninth summer signing following promotion to the Premier League. Farke added: 'He has really good pace, he's a really good dribbler, really good on the offensive one-on-one. 'A strong player as well. I don't want to pressure him too much because he's not played one game, so I'll let him deliver before, but from his skills, he has more or less everything to impress, and it's up to him.' Former Salzburg forward Okafor, right, has 24 caps for Switzerland John Walton/PA) Okafor's arrival is expected to end Leeds' interest in Tottenham winger Manor Solomon, who played a starring role for Daniel Farke's Championship-winning side on loan last season. Leeds have now spent around £92million in total on new players since ending their two-year top-flight absence. Farke, who also wants to add a full-back to his squad, said he was still hoping to further boost his attacking options before the transfer window closes on September 1. Okafor, who began his professional career at Basel, scored 34 goals and made 23 assists in 110 appearances for Salzburg before joining AC Milan in a £13.4m deal in July 2023. He scored seven goals and made five assists in two seasons at the Serie A club, which included his four-month loan spell at Napoli, and has 24 caps for Switzerland.
