USA: The United States have recalled veterans Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard and Geoff Cameron for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Honduras and Panama, coach Bruce Arena announced yesterday. Striker Dempsey returns after being sidelined since last year’s Copa America with an irregular heartbeat, while goalkeeper Howard has recovered from an adductor fracture sustained in November’s 2-1 qualifying loss to Mexico.

McGhee: Former Motherwell manager Mark McGhee has been handed a six-match touchline ban, Press Association Sport understands. The Scotland assistant manager was the subject of a Scottish Football Association disciplinary hearing following his dismissal in a 7-2 defeat by former club Aberdeen at Pittodrie last month. McGhee, who was sacked less than two weeks later, has been given a five-match ban, while a suspended one-match ban from earlier in the season was also triggered.

Llorente: Top scorer Fernando Llorente has boosted Swansea as boss Paul Clement insists there is no need to panic following their Premier League setback at Hull. Swansea’s six-point buffer at the bottom was cut in half by their 2-1 defeat to relegation rivals Hull last weekend, a game in which 11-goal Llorente was forced off before half-time with a dead leg. But Spain striker Llorente has been declared fit to take on another relegation rival Bournemouth this Saturday.

Woodburn: Liverpool midfielder Ben Woodburn has been named in Wales’ squad for the first time ahead of their World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on March 24. The 17-year-old Woodburn, who has made seven appearances for the Merseyside club this season, became Liverpool’s youngest scorer when he scored against Leeds United in the League Cup in November.

Thompson: Rochdale’s Joe Thompson has revealed he has been diagnosed with cancer for the second time. The 28-year-old discovered he had tumours in his neck in October 2013 but fought the disease to return to football in August the following year. However, the former Bury and Tranmere midfielder has issued a statement revealing the cancer has returned. “I will fight this life hurdle with the same belief, courage and desire as my previous battle,” he said.

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