Sporting briefs

Rangers out: A late goal from Mark Millar helped Falkirk pull off a shock 3-2 defeat of Rangers to dump the holders out of the Scottish League Cup. The game seemed destined for extra time when goals from Dorin Goian and Nikica Jelavic cancelled out Falkirk’s 2-0 lead. However, in stoppage time keeper Neil Alexander fumbled Millar’s free-kick into the net to send the First Division side in the last eight.

Hargreaves: Owen Hargreaves made a dream debut for Man. City as the injury-plagued midfielder scored the opening goal in his side’s 2-0 win over holders Birmingham in the League Cup third round last night. He eventually completed 57 minutes before departing to a standing ovation after being substituted to avoid provoking any muscle problems.

Babel: Ryan Babel has been rewarded for his good form with Hoffenheim with a recall to the Holland squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Moldova and Sweden next month.

Gomez: Striker Mario Gomez is hoping for a contract extension with Bayern Munich beyond June 2013. “I can well imagine myself staying beyond 2013. I feel good here and, in the sporting sense, things are going well,” said Gomez, 26.

Hildebrand: Former Germany keeper Timo Hildebrand is hoping to revive his career after being invited to keep himself fit with Eintracht Frankfurt. The 32-year-old has been unemployed since being released by Sporting Lisbon at the end of last season.