logo
NI confirm captain for Denmark friendly as Michael O'Neill continues to share armband

NI confirm captain for Denmark friendly as Michael O'Neill continues to share armband

Belfast Telegraph16 hours ago

The 23-year-old captained his country for the first time against Luxembourg and Bulgaria in the Nations League last September as part of a committee approach since the retirement of Jonny Evans.
O'Neill has also handed the armband to Conor Bradley, Shea Charles and Paddy McNair in recent windows, with Charles and now Hume the only two to have captained the side in multiple international windows.
It caps a remarkable few weeks for Hume, who recently helped Sunderland earn promotion to the Premier League by beating Sheffield United in the Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley.
The former Linfield and Ballymena United man has also been the subject of recent speculation over his future, with Everton and Wolves reportedly interested, as are several La Liga clubs.
The defender has also emerged as a vital cog in O'Neill's squad as they bid to try and return to a major tournament, Hume having made 20 appearances for his country despite his young age.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

16 Sky Sports stars who have left since 2020 as eight more departures confirmed
16 Sky Sports stars who have left since 2020 as eight more departures confirmed

Daily Mirror

time31 minutes ago

  • Daily Mirror

16 Sky Sports stars who have left since 2020 as eight more departures confirmed

Sky Sports has seen a bit of a shake-up over the last five years, with a number of presenters, pundits and journalists alike leaving the broadcaster - from household names to behind the scenes staff Sky Sports News has axed seven stars as part of a major shake-up, with a number of famous faces out of a job this summer. The reporters and presenters who faced a moving-on process were informed of the broadcaster's decision in May, with Sky Sports claiming that it came as a creative decision rather than a cost-cutting tactic. Originally launched in 1998, Sky Sports News has become synonymous with around-the-clock news coverage since its inception, but in a digital age, the organisation looks to enhance coverage across a number of platforms as it moves away from what was once strictly a product for television. ‌ Speaking to the Daily Mail, a spokesperson for Sky Sports News last month said: "We've shared proposals with the Sky Sports News team to change how we're structured, aimed at making us more agile and better equipped to serve audiences across TV, digital and social. A small number of roles are impacted, and we are now entering a period of consultation with those colleagues." ‌ On top of the seven fresh cuts, it is also said that a presenter of 16 years is set to walk away from Sky Sports News this summer, bringing the total number of those moving on to eight. But who are the eight stars who are set to leave the organisation? And who else has left the programme in the past five years? Here Mirror Football breaks it down... Eight familiar faces to leave in fresh wave Paul Gilmore announced last month that he is set to leave the broadcaster after a 16-year stint as a presenter, where he has been instrumental in Sky Sports' transfer coverage. Taking to social media to announce his exit, he wrote: "After 16 brilliant years in N Ireland/London with @SkySportsNews, it's time to leave. "Was proud & grateful to cover major finals, tournaments, 25 Deadline Days, domestic games & become a PL commentator. Thank you to everyone I've worked with over the years. It's been a pleasure." Unlike Gilmore, however, seven other names have been moved on as the broadcasters undergoes a major revamp. Presenter Rob Wotton gave his final farewell during a live appearance late last month, while Melissa Reddy - who has been at the heart of some of Sky's top Premier League stories since joining the team three years ago was also let go. Elsewhere, Teddy Draper and Jasper Taylor are also leaving the channel this summer, after 18 and 11-year stints with Sky, while Jeremy Langdon is also set to end a 20-year association with the organisation. Meanwhile, Senior reporter Fadumo Okow and a news editor will also leave their roles, it is understood. ‌ A Soccer Saturday shake-up Jeff Stelling made national headlines when his 29-year hosting duties at Soccer Saturday came to a close at the end of the 2022/23 Premier League season. The Hartlepool-born presenter had been part and parcel of the programme since 1994, the 70-year-old later revealed that his decision came due to the toll his role was taking on his health. Speaking to the Guardian about his exit, Stelling said: "Even though I'd been there a long time, I felt some of my views weren't considered at all. Every week I was fighting a battle. I got tired of fighting and it was making me ill. Eventually, I went to Sky's management and said, 'This is making me unwell. I've got to step away from it.'" ‌ He added: "I'm almost ashamed to say it because my dad worked in a steelworks and would come back from his shift covered in grime and muck and absolutely exhausted. He would never have allowed me to say I was shattered after a TV show. But I felt it was making me ill so I had to step away." And while Stelling's departure came as a huge surprise to Soccer Saturday fans up and down the country, it pales compared to the shock decision of Sky Sports axing Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas three years earlier. A statement from Sky Sports at the time said: "We are changing some parts of our football coverage. Matt, Charlie and Phil have done a great job for us over the years, and they will leave us with our sincere thanks and very best wishes." Elsewhere, pundit of 20 years, Tony Cottee was also let go by Sky Sports in 2021, adding to the Soccer Saturday shake-up. ‌ Other notable pundits who have come and gone Elsewhere, a whole host of presenters and pundits have left the programme over the past five years. Graeme Souness parted ways with the company back in 2023 after an incredible 15-year career as a pundit following his playing and managerial days, saying at the time: "I was given an opportunity to do this and it was magnificent. "It has just been the most fantastic time for me. I love football, l care about football and l worry about it going forward, but in Sky's hands it is in good hands, it is in safe hands." ‌ Bianca Westwood also left Sky Sports the same year, saying on social media: "I haven't quite made enough money to retire unfortunately, but I am retiring from Sky Sports & Soccer Saturday. It's been a phenomenal 22 & a half years & I've been a small part of building the channel into the giant of broadcasting it is today. What a ride! "Being the first female match reporter on Soccer Saturday is something I'm immensely proud of & that can never be taken away from me. I've covered hundreds & hundreds of games, I've interviewed hundreds of players & managers. I've watched hours & hours of football. Years of experience (I said what I said!) that will live with me forever. "For the most part, it's been a blast. I'm grateful to you the viewers for watching over the years & for all your support. To those I've worked with who've been a big part of my life at Sky, you know who you are, thanks for the memories. On to the next chapter. Buzzing for it." Meanwhile, Dickie Davis also left the broadcaster in 2023 after almost 30 years with the organisation. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Robertson responds to angry boos with honest verdict on Scotland humiliation
Robertson responds to angry boos with honest verdict on Scotland humiliation

Daily Mirror

time41 minutes ago

  • Daily Mirror

Robertson responds to angry boos with honest verdict on Scotland humiliation

Scotland suffered more humiliation at home as Iceland secured a commanding victory with boos ringing out at Hampden Park as the players were left to face the music Andy Robertson admitted Scotland were "nowhere near good enough" as they were beaten 3-1 by Iceland in a friendly at Hampden Park. It continues their unwanted run of results which has seen pressure mount on manager Steve Clarke. Their last outing in March had seen them hammered at their Glasgow-base by Greece, who secured a 3-0 win in the Nations League. The Scots conceded after just eight minutes and, despite equalising, were unable to take control of the contest. ‌ By the hour mark they had conceded three as Iceland continued to have joy and Scotland can ill-afford another poor result when they take on Liechtenstein as their Liverpool left-back admitted they need to turn the tide as soon as possible after being subject to boos at full-time. ‌ He told BBC Scotland: "I think we all know that's nowhere near good enough. I don't want to say too much - we need to digest this and speak in the changing room before we start doing interviews. "But I think we were too easily played through - any chance they had, they scored. We weren't good enough on the ball. We created chances but didn't take them. We were just nowhere near good enough. I don't think you can put a finger on one thing but we need to get it right pretty quickly." Scotland had previously enjoyed some positive results, beating Croatia and Poland whilst holding Portugal towards the end of 2024. Since the turn of the year though they've been dealt some harsh lessons. Clarke struggled to identify where things went wrong for his side, whose poor form in friendlies continued, with the introduction of debutant goalkeeper Slicker after six minutes far from the ideal start. "The night didn't get off to a great start," he said. "But we just looked a little bit flat at times, even when we got back in the game. We made their goalkeeper work a few times - on another night maybe you get those finishes and it would be a different story. In two days time we're going to Liechtenstein so hopefully we'll get a performance." Frontman Lyndon Dykes added: " Football is a lot about momentum. You need to be winning games. When you don't, it's extra hurt and extra eyes looking in." Scotland have won just once of their last ten friendly outings but will need to find some kind of form before they resume their World Cup qualifying campaign in September. The next time international football rolls around the Scots will face Denmark and Belarus on the road.

Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool make £113m Wirtz offer, Inter inquire about Hojlund, Spurs target Frank as new manager
Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool make £113m Wirtz offer, Inter inquire about Hojlund, Spurs target Frank as new manager

Scottish Sun

timean hour ago

  • Scottish Sun

Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool make £113m Wirtz offer, Inter inquire about Hojlund, Spurs target Frank as new manager

Tottenham released a lengthy statement explaining their decision to dismiss manager Ange Postecoglou: FOLLOWING a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties. Ange joined us from Celtic in the summer of 2023 and oversaw a period of change on the pitch, returning us to the attacking brand of football that has traditionally been associated with the Club, while writing a new chapter in our history by leading us to UEFA Europa League glory in Bilbao last month - an achievement that will live with us all forever. We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club. Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw. However, the Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the Club for a change to take place. Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League (PL) season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games. This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season. At times there were extenuating circumstances - injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign. Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the Club's greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph. It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond. This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude. We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision. We have a talented, young squad and Ange has given us a great platform to build upon. We should like to express our gratitude to him. We wish him well for the future - he will always be welcome back at our home. News on the appointment of a new Head Coach will be announced in due course.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store