Gurpreet Singh Sandhu became the first Indian to play for a top-tier European club after the goalkeeper made his debut for Sta-baek FC in a Norwegian Cup tie against Runar in midweek.

The 23-year-old joined the former Norwegian champions on a three-year contract last year and is second choice goalkeeper behind Ivory Coast international Sayouba Mande.

The debut could have not been more satisfying for the lanky Sandhu as he kept a clean slate in Stabaek’s 6-0 thrashing of Runar.

India rank a lowly 147 in the FIFA rankings, reflecting soccer’s struggle for growth in the cricket-obsessed nation.

Ban reversed

Inverness defender Josh Meekings is free to play in the Scottish Cup final after winning his appeal against a controversial one-match ban.

The 22-year-old Englishman was handed the suspension by the Scottish FA’s compliance officer, Tony McGlennan, after officials failed to see his handball in Sunday’s 3-2 semi-final win over Celtic at Hampden Park.

However, an independent judicial panel tribunal met at the national stadium and dismissed the charge – that the defender had denied Celtic an obvious goalscoring opportunity by deliberate handball – leaving Meekings available for the May 30 final against Falkirk.

Carver given no assurances over job

John Carver has insisted he has not been told he will be Newcastle head coach next season.

Rumours have spread around the city in the last week that the 50-year-old has already been told he will be appointed as Alan Pardew’s successor despite continuing speculation that Steve McClaren is leading the race for the St James’ Park hot-seat.

However, the man himself is adamant he has been given no indication that his reign will extend beyond the remaining five games of this season.

Asked if he had got the job, he replied: “Absolutely not. On the Gospel, I haven’t been told that.

“I have not been given any assurances or been told what my situation is next season.”

Wanyama scotches Arsenal rumours

Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama took to social media this week in a bid to quash rumours he was set to quit the south coast club for Arsenal.

“To cut the story short... have never spoken to Wenger,” Wan-yama wrote on Twitter, prompting an outpouring of praise from Southampton fans, and less enthusiastic responses from Gunners supporters.

Reports linked the 23-year-old with Arsenal, quoting Wanyama as saying Wenger had been discussing him and had “let it be known” he was interested in signing the former Celtic man.

Motta could head back to Inter

Veteran Italy midfielder Thiago Motto is being linked with a return to his former club Inter this summer.

Motta, 32, has one year remaining on his contract at French champions Paris SG but is believed to be keen on a return to Inter with whom he won the 2010 treble.

Reports said Inter coach Roberto Mancini is looking to improve the quality of his midfield by bringing in Motta and Yaya Toure, of Manchester City, in the off-season.

Motta played 83 times for Inter between 2009 and 2012. He donned the national team jersey on 23 occasions.

Villa warn Grealish over nitrous oxide

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has warned Jack Grealish about his future behaviour after the teenage midfielder was pictured allegedly taking nitrous oxide.

Year-old images published by The Sun appeared to show Grealish taking the substance that is described as a legal ‘high’.

“I spoke to Jack,” Sherwood was quoted as saying.

“I explained to him his behaviour can’t be tolerated. He is now in a responsible position as a professional. He’s got to make sure it won’t happen again, he’s assured me it won’t.”

Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling was at the centre of similar allegations earlier this month when The Sun’s website apparently showed the England forward taking nitrous oxide.

Klopp has no say in Dortmund future

Borussia Dortmund’s out-going coach Jurgen Klopp has revealed he is no longer involved in planning the club’s future.

Klopp announced earlier this month that he will be leaving the Westphalian club in the summer and he said he no longer has any input as club officials look ahead to next season.

“No, I’m no longer involved,” he said.

Klopp continues to be linked with a move to England, but said he did not understand where some of the speculation was coming from.

“Once the journalists there get to know me a bit better, I don’t think they’ll be licking their lips anymore,” he said.

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