Ikeme: Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme was called up by Nigeria for the first time yesterday in an 18-man list of foreign-based players selected for next month’s African Nations Cup qualifier in Tanzania. English-born Ikeme, 29, is joined by fellow newcomers Russian-based Izunna Ernest Uzochukwu and strikers Emem Eduok and Sylvester Igboun as new coach Sunday Oliseh showed his hand ahead of his debut match.
Rangers: New Rangers captain Lee Wallace has thanked the Ibrox support after they pushed season-ticket sales beyond the 33,000 barrier. “To reach 33,000 season tickets after the problems supporters have had to endure in recent years is incredible and I can’t thank them enough for their backing,” Wallace said. “There is a long way to go but we have made a positive start to the season.”
Thauvin: Florian Thauvin is expected to undergo a medical on Tyneside today as he closes in on a big-money move to Newcastle. Reports yesterday said the 22-year-old Marseille winger is due to head for the north east with the two clubs in advanced negotiations over a transfer the Magpies have targeted for some time.
Irish FA: A top banker elected as the new chairman of the Irish FA is hoping his commercial experience can help deliver results on and off the pitch. Gerry Mallon, chief executive of Danske Bank UK, said he felt privileged to take on the role with the IFA. “As someone who is passionate about football, I feel very privileged to be taking on this position at such an exciting time in the IFA’s history, both on and off the pitch,” he said.
Schulz: Borussia Moenchen-gladbach have completed the signing of versatile midfielder Nico Schulz from Hertha Berlin. The 22-year-old has joined for a fee reportedly in the region of four million euros, signing a four-year deal. Schulz, a Germany Under-21 international, played 98 times for Hertha, scoring twice.
Football results
Championship: Blackburn vs Cardiff 1-1; Derby vs Middlesbrough 1-1; Huddersfield vs Brighton 1-1; Ipswich vs Burnley 2-0; MK Dons vs Bolton 1-0; N. Forest vs Charlton 0-0; Rotherham vs Preston 0-0.
League One: Peterborough vs Sheff. United 1-3; Blackpool vs Burton 1-2; Bradford vs Gillingham 1-2; Bury vs Fleetwood 3-4; Colchester vs Oldham 0-0; Coventry vs Crewe 3-2; Millwall vs Barnsley 2-3; Rochdale vs Walsall 1-2; Shrewsbury vs Chesterfield 1-2; Swindon vs Port Vale 2-2.
League Two: AFC Wimbledon vs Cambridge 1-2; Accrington vs Mansfield 1-0; Barnet vs Northampton 2-0; Crawley vs Portsmouth 0-0; Dagenham vs Exeter 1-2; Hartlepool vs Newport 1-0; Leyton Orient vs Stevenage 3-0; Luton vs Bristol Rovers 0-1; Morecambe vs Wycombe 0-1; Oxford vs Notts County 3-1; Plymouth vs Carlisle 4-1; York vs Yeovil 1-0.