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Celtic currently have the biggest squad in the Scottish Premiership according to Transfermarkt with a total of 31 players in their senior ranks at Ange Postecoglou’s disposal.

Out of those current squad players, a handful of them made their way through the club’s youth academy to get where they are now.

One of which is right-back Anthony Ralston, who made ten appearances for the Hoops’ youth sides before eventually making his senior debut back in May 2016 in a 2-1 league defeat against St. Johnstone under former Celtic manager Ronny Deila.

Since then, the 23-year-old has gone on to make 59 appearances for Postecoglou’s side across all competitions, chipping in with seven goals and nine assists along the way.

The full-back has appeared in 21 of Celtic’s 30 league games in this campaign, scoring four goals and providing seven assists, showing just how much of an attacking threat he has been for the side from a defensive position.

As well as his incredibly useful attacking prowess, the Scotsman has not shirked away from his defensive duties either, having racked up an average of 1.6 tackles per game, leaving only Greg Taylor with a higher rate of tackles that has played more than two league games in this campaign.

In addition to this, Ralston, who is currently picking up a weekly wage of £7.5k-per-week according to Salary Sport, has made 1.7 clearances per game as well as 0.5 interceptions and 0.4 blocks.

His overall performances in the league have earned him a rating of 7.57, making him the second-highest rated player currently in Celtic’s squad according to WhoScored, as well as being the third-highest rated in the entire league.

Back in March 2018, Transfermarkt rated the defender’s market value at £450k, whereas it now stands at £1.62m, highlighting the significant increase it has taken as a result of his impressive efforts on the pitch for his side in recent weeks and months.

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Labelled as a “warrior” on the pitch for the Parkhead club as well as being a “huge” player for them according to his manager, Ralston has certainly been a success story for the club in terms of coming through their academy and becoming an important and impressive figure for them.

In other news: Ange drops behind the scenes Celtic update that will leave supporters devastated

Chelsea boss Andre Villas Boas has been assured by club owner Roman Abramovich that he will not be sacked, even if the English side are eliminated from the Champions League.

The Stamford Bridge side have had an inconsistent 2011-12, with their season hanging in the balance currently; they take on Napoli in Italy in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday night.

Despite the media speculation regarding the Portuguese manager’s future, Villas Boas has revealed that he has been backed by the club’s Russian owner.

“There is full belief from the owner in what we’re doing,” Villas Boas told Sky Sports.

“From the message received from the club recently there is a clear indication that there’s a change in the way we approach the projects of the future.

“There is a belief in what we are going to do next year, setting out a team to win the biggest amount of trophies we can.

“That doesn’t undermine the responsibilities that we have this year. So bearing in mind those responsibilities this year, and the results we’ve been having, speculation is normal based on the cultural past of this football club.

“But we’ve got to understand sometimes there is a different perspective and I think that time is now.

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“With full confidence from the owner I will continue to do my job and my job is this year and next year,” he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is surprised by Asamoah Gyan’s decision to leave Wearside to sign for United Arab Emirates club Al Ain, and has stated that the striker has no future at the club.

Speculation has shrouded the African frontman’s future over the last month despite The Black Cats’ lack of attacking options, and Bruce has revealed that Gyan went back on his word.

“I had a conversation with him 48 hours ago and he assured me, he shook my hand, that he wanted to be a Sunderland player, wanted to see the season, wanted to go the African Nations again in good form, wanted to work on his fitness levels then all of a sudden within a few hours it seems things have changed,” he told Sky Sports after his side’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.

Bruce was astonished by Gyan’s decision to leave, especially given his destination and has admitted the forward is not welcome back to the Stadium of Light.

“Other people can make their own conclusions. You leave the biggest and best league in the world to go play in the United Arab Emirates. I’m sorry but sometimes football, sometimes it’s baffling to say the least. Very disappointed in the timing of it, the whole thing has left a bad taste if I’m being honest.

“I don’t believe he’s got a future here, I don’t think he can. You can’t leave this club and want to leave and want to go the United Arab Emirates and we’re going to welcome you back with open arms, I can’t see it but you never know,” he continued.

The news is a blow for Sunderland, especially after their defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, with Bruce not happy with his defence.

“They (Chelsea) were excellent in possession of the ball. We found it very difficult to get after them, which we did and we did valiantly to keep at it and stick at it, but when we got it we gave it away too cheaply.

“For all that good possession that they had, they haven’t really carved us open, they don’t have to do much for both goals really so that’s disappointing,” he concluded.

Sunderland’s next game is against Stoke at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, and with only two points from four games so far this term the home fans will be keen to see their side get a win.

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The John Terry race row shows no sign of ending anytime soon as the FA have demanded that SKY hand over unseen footage of the incident in last Sunday’s game. The FA has also called on both Anton Ferdinand and John Terry to reveal their version of events before delivering their verdict.

Elsewhere in the news Kenny Dalglish calls Luis Suarez a real ambassador for Liverpool; Emmanuel Adebayor reveals he has no regrets, while Mancini welcomes criticism from Mark Hughes.

Villas-Boas an unmovable rock for Terry –Guardian

Suárez an ambassador for club, says Dalglish – Guardian

Mancini welcomes Hughes criticism – Daily Telegraph

Emmanuel Adebayor: No Regrets – Independent

Sky hand unseen footage of Terry and Ferdinand clash to FA – Daily Mail

Chelsea ‘want Cavani as their new Drogba’ (with video) – Mirror

Heurelho tells ’Arry: Let me Go home! – Sun

Dzudovic urges Rooney leniency – Guardian

Bramble charged with sex assault – Daily Telegraph

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Warnock has talent to take on England job, says Redknapp – Independent

Arsenal ramp up interest in Fiorentina’s £20m Jovetic – Daily Mail

City can be the Invincibles II – Sun

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The Los Angeles Galaxy suffered just their third defeat of Major League Soccer season on Wednesday, losing 3-0 at the Portland Timbers.The Western Conference-leading Galaxy arrived at Jeld-Wen Field unbeaten in their last 14 MLS matches, a record stretching back to a 2-1 loss away to Dallas on May 2.

Aiming to tie the franchise record of 15 consecutive matches without defeat, the Galaxy were buoyed by the return of David Beckham from suspension.

By contrast, MLS debutants Portland had managed just one win in their last 10 matches.

They were without captain Jack Jewsbury to a strained hamstring, while centre-forward Eddie Johnson withdrew concussed after being struck in the head with a ball during the warm-up.

But despite the odds seemingly being stacked in the Galaxy’s favour, they could find no answer to a rampant Portland side.

The hosts took a deserved lead 24 minutes into the match through Mike Chabala.

The defender, who only joined from Houston on July 21, exchanged a one-two with Darlington Nagbe, finding space in the box before beating LA goalkeeper Josh Saunders with a crisp strike.

Colombian striker Jorge Perlazza made it 2-0 nine minutes later, sliding in ahead of Galaxy defender AJ DeLaGarza to convert Diego Chara’s cross.

And defender Eric Brunner headed home Salvatore Zizzo’s corner in the 67th minute to secure a memorable 3-0 victory for the Timbers.

Galaxy remain top of the Western Conference, but are only three points ahead of second-placed Dallas, who have a game in hand over the league leaders.

Portland are seventh, one point ahead of San Jose and 10 clear of last-placed Vancouver.

In other matches on Wednesday, the Philadelphia Union were held 1-1 in their match away to the Chicago Fire.

Visitors Union had led at half-time courtesy of Veljko Paunovic’s 34th-minute goal, but had to settle for a point following Pavel Pardo’s equaliser nine minutes into the second half.

Philadelphia, second in the Eastern Conference, are two points behind Columbus Crew, but have played one match fewer than the leaders.

Chicago are down in eighth, level on points with bottom side Toronto.

Finally, first-half goals from Roger Espinoza and Teal Bunbury helped Sporting Kansas City see off Real Salt Lake 2-0.

Kansas held out to record a clean sheet and the win, despite losing goal-scorer Espinoza to a straight red card with 33 minutes still to play.

The defeat leaves Salt Lake fifth in the Western Conference, while Kansas are fourth in the East, four points off the Crew.

Kenny Dalglish may have to sell before he can buy if he wishes to make further additions to the squad this summer. Damien Comolli hinted that further funds need to be generated by clearing some of the dead wood at Anfield.

At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of blogs that include great expectations at Anfield; Kenny missing a transfer trick, while Liverpool pay the price for their past failings.

We also look at the best Liverpool articles around the web this week.

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VIDEO – The ‘Greatest’ Premier League Goals Ever?

Liverpool and Tottenham paying high price for transfer failings

Is the financial burden worth the risk?

Great Expectations at Liverpool?

Do local councils do enough for their football clubs?

Are Liverpool missing a transfer trick here?

Liverpool weighing up £5m bid for Spaniard

Liverpool should no longer fear his absence

One of Liverpool’s strangest pre-seasons in years

*Best of Web*

LFC Season Preview 2011/12 – This is Anfield

It’s too early to judge if Liverpool have overspent on their summer signings – Anfield Opinion

How To Survive Preseason Friendlies – Tomkins Times

The Lyon Duo I would like to see at Anfield – Live4Liverpool

Liverpool are building a better future – BBC

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Click on Miss Suric below to see her in all here glory

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Tottenham are still interested in signing Brazilian striker Leandro Damiao after failing to prise him away from Internacional in the summer, the Metro understands.

Boss Harry Redknapp was keen to bring the 22-year-old to White Hart Lane during the transfer window as he sought to strengthen his attacking options.

He has since signed Emmanuel Adebayor on loan from Manchester City but still has a spot open in his squad for a striker after letting Peter Crouch move to Stoke and Robbie Keane leave for LA Galaxy of the MLS.

Damiao was the subject of a £15 million move by Spurs during the summer, but the North London side aren’t prepared to pay anywhere near that amount when the window re-opens at the start of 2012.

They hope that a package made up of a significantly lower fee and a number of incentive-based payments will be enough to tempt Internacional into selling the striker.

However, their has also been protracted interest from Barcelona and Spurs could have a huge battle on their hands if the La Liga giants decide to enter the race for Damiao’s signature.

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Bids from both clubs will hinge on whether the South American club lower their demands for Damiao, with their current price tag considered too steep by both Redknapp and Nou Camp boss Pep Guardiola.

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A Demba Ba hat-trick at the Britannia Stadium on Monday night gave Newcastle a deserved 3-1 win over Stoke.

The result lifts Newcastle up into third place in the Premier League standings, and continues the Tyneside club’s unbeaten start to the season.

The Senegal international scored a brace in the first half, before Jonathan Walters converted a penalty in the second period to bring Tony Pulis’ men back into the tie.

However, Ba completed his hat-trick on 81 minutes with a penalty of his own, and made it six wins and four draws from Newcastle’s first ten games of the season.

Magpies boss Alan Pardew was understandably delighted with his team after winning the tricky fixture.

“We spoke before the game that on a pitch like this you’re going to get a lot of balls in your box and you have to defend them and we did as a team tonight, tremendous spirit,” Pardew told Sky Sports.

“I thought both penalties were a bit soft actually, but when it keeps going in there it’s a tough decision for the referee. Everyone is pushing and barging.

“I was a little bit disappointed in the second half that we didn’t control the game in the way that we should have. But you know the resilience of the team showed another side to us. We don’t get 22 points without having different sides to our game.

“No one’s won here. All the big teams have come and no one has won. It goes to show how good they are at what they do. Stoke had a strong wind behind them in the second half which helped them.

“They are a very, very good side and a side that we’ve got to beat at home if we can. They are a top team and will finish in the top ten.

“The disciplines we have in the team came through. We got a break here and there and we’ve ended up winning. We’re coming into a tough run of games, but we’re in a good position,” he concluded.

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Newcastle now take on Everton at St James’ Park on Saturday, and will hope to build on this excellent result.

By Gareth McKnight

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The narrow minded attitude of the BBC has sparked plenty of criticism over the past month or so as two Football League Shows over the Christmas period were cancelled, suggesting that the show could be scrapped altogether. Rumours were flying about on social networking sites but it is still unclear whether the 72 football league clubs’ supporters will be able to watch action from their teams.

The BBC claim it is in negotiations over whether to recommission the Football League Show, which is in the final year of a three-year contract, but whether they are successful is still to be seen as the Premier League is once again showing its distance between the rest.

A BBC spokeswoman made a statement on the recent cancellations: “The Boxing Day and 2nd January fixtures are outside our contractual obligations,” she said. “Many factors come into play when planning the busy Christmas schedules and we were unable to schedule a programme for New Year’s Eve. To address the shortfall, we will be doing an additional programme later in the season.”

Football League Show host Manish Bhasin attempted to squash any rumours that his show will be no longer after this season is finished.

“Budget decision I’m afraid … but all the goals will be online on the BBC Football website,” he said on Twitter “The FLS has NOT been scrapped! It’s on till May and who knows maybe even longer … but …”

Whatever the decision come May, the nonchalant decision to not show crucial fixtures for waiting fans is a clear sign that the BBC have more interest in the Premier League than ever. The gap between the top two divisions in England is widely thought not to be a great deal in footballing terms, but financially and in people’s priorities it is now huge.

The funding for the Championship sides is decreasing consistently and clubs falling from the top division are finding it harder and harder to compete at the lower level due to financial restrictions and a shock to the system.

It is staggering to think that the Championship, League One and League Two clubs get so little TV time but yet I am confident that West Ham, Birmingham City, Southampton and possibly Cardiff City would not look out of place in the declining Premier League this season. The parachute payments are a ticking time bomb for clubs such as Blackpool who will take a long time to match the heights of Premier League football last season and without excellent owners will have that debt for a long time.

The Football League Show will return this weekend even though the BBC claim that this weeks’ Carling Cup games were more important than the Football League in recent weeks, but the timing of the show usually passes midnight and not all supporters will be able to watch it which once again shows priorities that are not welcomed in modern day football. I am interested in all levels of English football, not just the top 20 teams so why should I not be able to watch the rest because the BBC feel it is less important.

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Do you think the Football League Show is worth keeping on? Let me know on Twitter: @Brad_Pinard

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Arsenal have drawn 0-0 with Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday night, as Arsene Wenger’s side lacked the necessary guile to break down a stubborn French defence.

The Emirates outfit rested star striker Robin van Persie for the fixture, with South Korean forward Park Chu-Young partnering Gervinho in attack.

Despite not getting maximum points, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was generally pleased with the performances in the two games against Didier Deschamps’ team.

“Overall, I must say, we took four points from Marseille in the two games. So now we want to win the Dortmund game at home and then we are in a strong position,” he told Sky Sports.

“But, of course, it is good that we didn’t concede tonight because it was difficult to score in the second half.”

On the plus side, Thomas Vermaelen returned to the starting line-up for the North London team, and managed to play the 90 minutes after returning from injury.

In the other Group F game Borussia Dortmund beat Olympiacos 1-0 at Signal Iduna Park, with an early strike by Kevin Grosskreutz proving the difference between the sides.

Arsenal still sit on top of the group, a point ahead of Marseille, with a trip to face Olympiakos and a home game against Dortmund still to be played.

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By Gareth McKnight

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