Caldwell: Gary Caldwell will lead Scotland out for the first time in today’s friendly against Slovenia. The Wigan defender has been named captain in the absence of Darren Fletcher.

Agger: Liverpool defender Daniel Agger has withdrawn from Den-mark’s squad to face Russia in a friendly today. The centre-back was forced off four minutes from the end of normal time with an injury in the Reds’ League Cup final victory over Cardiff at Wembley on Sunday.

Racist insults: Both Berlin’s Israeli Embassy and the DFB condemned the racist insults and Nazi salutes aimed at Kaiserslautern striker Itay Shechter on Sunday. The 24-year-old was subjected to the racist attack while training with his club, when a group of 10 in a crowd of at least 100 chanted anti-Semitic slogans.

Sterjovski: Former Australian international striker Mile Sterjovski is set to join Chinese Super League team Dalian Aerbin from Perth Glory. The A-League club said they would agree to terminate the final two months of Sterjovski’s contract if he passes a medical with Dalian.

Cech: Veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech was named Czech player of the year for a fifth time yesterday. The 29-year-old 88-times capped guardian – who also won the title in 2005/08/09 and 2010 – edged out midfield duo Wolfsburg’s Petr Jiracek and Tomas Rosicky of Arsenal. The award is voted for by players, coaches, officials and journalists.

Cisse: Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse has been withdrawn from the Senegal squad for today’s friendly against South Africa. The 26-year-old left the pitch with a groin injury during Saturday’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Wolves, and the club yesterday confirmed that after being assessed by medical staff, he will play no part in the game.

Dejagah: Wolfsburg midfielder Ashkan Dejagah looks set to make his debut for Iran in their home World Cup qualifier with Qatar today after playing all his junior international football for Germany. The 25-year-old was born in Tehran. He was a member of the German youth squad that won the Euro title in 2009 along-side players such as Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil.

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