New date: A World Cup quali-fier between Northern Ireland and Russia, which was postponed following a heavy snowstorm in Belfast last month, has been rescheduled for August. The two sides agreed to play the Group F match on Aug. 14. The decision means Russia will have to cancel their high-profile friendly against Argentina in Moscow to make room for the Belfast game.
Silva: Manchester City playmaker David Silva will undergo a late fitness test for tomorrow’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea after injuring his hamstring in this week’s Manchester derby. “We don’t know if it’s possible for him to play or whether it might be a risk if he does. He has a chance, but I don’t think he can recover fully,” manager Roberto Mancini said.
Leeds: Former Reading boss Brian McDermott, who was sacked by the Premier League’s bottom club last month, was appointed manager of Leeds United yesterday. The 52-year-old has signed a three-year deal with Leeds who will be hoping he can take them back to the top flight for the first time since they were relegated in 2004.
Young: Manchester United winger Ashley Young has been ruled out for a fortnight with an ankle injury. Young suffered the problem during Monday’s derby clash with Manchester City. The injury rules Young out of tomorrow’s match at Stoke, plus the encounters against West Ham and Aston Villa.
Verratti: Young PSG midfielder Marco Verratti quashed speculation that he would be returning to Italy in summer by saying he does not intend to leave the Ligue 1 leaders. Reports said Juve are trying to sign him in a deal that sees Arturo Vidal head in the other direction. Verratti said: “I have no intention of changing. Obviously, if I was to leave then I’d like a return to Italy. I’m still a Pescara fan... but I did like Juventus as a child.”
A-League: Western Sydney Wanderers stormed into the A-League final in their dream debut season with a 2-0 victory over defending champions Brisbane Roar in the first semi-final yesterday. Their Croatian striker Dino Kresinger and marquee signing Shinji Ono of Japan scored either side of the break to put them in the April 21 final.
MFA Division Two: San Ġwann vs Mġarr United 1-0.