Australia have appointed former Belgium youth coach Eric Abrams, who helped bring through the European country’s latest golden crop of talent, as their new technical director responsible for youth development.

Abrams spent over a decade in charge of the Belgium under-15 and under-17 teams, aiding the development of current internationals like Vincent Kompany, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois and Jan Verthongen.

“I’m excited to be starting work with the youth structures in Australia,” Abrams said.

“I look forward to working with the players and coaches to help develop young players for the local leagues and national teams.”

Samp sign Croatian starlet Lulic

Sampdoria have announced the signing of Croatian starlet Karlo Lulic. The 18-year-old versatile midfielder joins the Serie A club from Croatian outfit NK Osijek on undisclosed terms.

A statement from Samp read: “Sampdoria can announce they have acquired the sporting rights of Karlo Lulic.

“Lulic is a Croatian talent for Samp’s future. The player has decided to complete his already-important sports development with the Blucerchiati colours.”

Lulic, who was a target of Roma, made his Croatian league debut last season at the age of 17.

Matrix relishing SLeague chance

Italy’s World Cup-winning defen-der Marco Materazzi is about to start a new chapter in his life by working in the inaugural Indian Super League.

The former Inter star joined Indian club Chennaiyin FC earlier this month as a player-manager but his primary aim is to coach.

“If necessary I’m ready to play but I would like to concentrate on my role as coach,” Materazzi told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“We have many good players and I’m not the best. We have to do our best and try to win.”

Magath open to offers in England

Ex-Fulham manager Felix Magath plans to stay in England and wait for the right offer to come along.

Magath’s reputation took a knock during a troubled seven-month stint in the Cottagers’ hotseat, but he insists he still has something to give – and that his future lies in England.

“I’m going to stay in England and I will see what comes,” said the 61-year-old, who left Craven Cottage a week ago, with the team at the foot of the Championship.

“I still believe my methods can still help at some clubs.

“I certainly don’t doubt myself.”

Magath previously led Bayern Munich to back-to-back Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal doubles, before arguably topping both by guiding Wolfsburg to their first ever Bundesliga title in 2009.

Milanic dreaming of Premier League

New Leeds head coach Darko Milanic wants to fulfil the fans’ dreams of taking the club back to the Premier League, and insists he does not fear the chop from owner Massimo Cellino.

Milanic has been brought in to replace Dave Hockaday, who was sacked after just six games.

He said: “It is a dream for everyone, for the fans, that we make it to the Premier League but we know that it will be very difficult.

“When we talked (to Cellino) he told me my job is to make the squad better, play better on the field and be prepared to play in the Premier League but not that we are going in Premier League.

“For me I am concentrating on the extremely important first game and then the next game.

“I don’t look to 2016 – I live now in this moment.”

Rooney believes in brighter future

Wayne Rooney insists the future is bright for Manchester United despite their inconsistent form under manager Louis van Gaal.

Striker Rooney could not prevent Leicester turning over the Red Devils on Sunday. A 3-1 lead for United slipped away as Leicester claimed a stunning 5-3 victory at the King Power Stadium.

Rooney wrote on his Facebook page: “There seems to be a lot of people who have written us off because of Sunday’s result but I don’t see it that way.

“When I look around our dressing room and see the quality we have and the manager’s attention to detail I have no doubts this team will be successful.”

Montero eyes cup success with Swans

Ecuador winger Jefferson Montero aims to repeat his Mexican Cup success at Swansea after helping guide the Welsh club into the last 16 of the League Cup.

Montero played a starring role on Tuesday night as Swansea overcame Everton for the first time in their history at the 21st attempt, setting up the first goal in a 3-0 Liberty Stadium victory and causing huge problems for the Toffees’ defence all evening.

“I won the cup in Mexico,” Montero said.

“I know this club won the trophy two years ago and I hope to repeat this Capital One Cup win.

“I’m very happy because we won and we have progressed to the next round.”

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