Kenny Dalglish hopes Gordon Strachan is rewarded for the “guts” and “heart” he showed in continuing as Scotland boss.
Strachan’s future came under scrutiny after consecutive 3-0 defeats left Scotland in fifth place in the World Cup group qualifiers, but decided to carry on into today’s visit of Slovenia.
Dalglish said: “I don’t think anybody could have done a better job than what Gordon has done so far.
“Whether he wants to maintain the role was put in question and he certainly poured cold water over the fire for that one.
“There are a lot of people with less guts and less heart that would have maybe walked away.”
England supporters warned of ban
England fans involved in anti-social or disrespectful behaviour during the friendly with Germany have been warned they will have their England Supporters Travel Club membership withdrawn.
The 1-0 defeat was tarnished somewhat by fan behaviour in the away end in Dortmund, where some booed the German national anthem and sung distasteful songs.
FA chairman Greg Clarke warned: “The England Supporters Travel Club membership want to stress that any member identified as being involved in anti-social, xenophobic or disrespectful behaviour will be banned from the membership with immediate effect.”
Barcelona deny Valverde approach
Barcelona have denied seeking permission to speak to Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde over their summer managerial vacancy.
Valverde, enjoying an impressive campaign with Athletic, is one of a number of names linked with replacing Luis Enrique, who announced earlier this month that he will not be Barca’s head coach next season.
But a statement from the Catalan club read: “FC Barcelona emphatically denies having asked permission from Athletic Club to negotiate the hiring of coach Ernesto Valverde.”
Dempsey hat-trick
Clint Dempsey scored a hat-trick as the US hammered Honduras 6-0 in California yesterday to get their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign back on track.
The United States replaced coach Juergen Klinsmann with Bruce Arena in November after losing their last two qualifiers.
Dempsey got his hat-trick and his side’s sixth goal on 54 minutes when he curled a spectacular free-kick into the far corner of the net.
The result takes the United States onto three points, equal with Trinidad and Tobago and Honduras. Mexico lead the table with seven points, one ahead of Costa Rica and three more than Panama.
Everton lose Irish duo ahead of derby
Everton suffered a double blow ahead of next weekend’s Liverpool derby with two players injured on duty for Ireland against Wales on Friday.
Full-back Seamus Coleman (picture) faces a long spell on the sidelines after breaking his leg following a horror challenge from Wales defender Neil Taylor while midfielder James McCarthy pulled out of Friday’s game moments before the start with a recurring hamstring injury.
The same injury has restricted McCarthy’s recent club appearances and news of his latest setback is likely to strain the relationship between Everton manager Ronald Koeman and Ireland boss Martin O’Neill, who ignored the Dutchman’s plea not to play McCarthy in another tie last year, dismissing his unhappiness as “nonsense.”
Lippi praised
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has heaped praise on China counterpart Marcello Lippi ahead of their vital World Cup qualifier.
Lippi took over as China coach to revive their flagging fortunes last October and after drawing his first game in charge, the Italian led his side to a 1-0 home win over South Korea on Thursday to keep the side’s hopes alive.
“Lippi has been everywhere in football and he will make China a stronger and more intelligent team,” Queiroz, whose side top the standings on 14 points, said.
“It is good for Asian football that Lippi is here. It is difficult for Asian teams to compete with the traditional strong nations but it helps to have some of the best coaches working here.”
Training venue to be named after Cruyff
Barcelona’s future stadium at their training complex will be named in honour of Johan Cruyff, the club have announced.
The Dutch great, who played for and managed the Catalan club, died a year ago from lung cancer.
A Barca statement said: “First of all, the future stadium in the Ciutat Esportiva training complex is to be named the ‘Estadi Johan Cruyff’. Therefore, the most emblematic building in the facility where future Barca players are coached is to be named after somebody who played such a central role in fostering youth talent at the club.”
A statue of Cruyff will also be located in the new Nou Camp.