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Nathan Patterson looks ‘every inch ready for a regular starting place’ at Rangers, Keith Jackson says, but Michael Gannon has warned that it’s too soon to ‘write off’ captain James Tavernier. 

The lowdown

Patterson made his first Scottish Premiership start of the season in Sunday’s game against Hibernian, with Tavernier dropping to the bench following Rangers’ Thursday trip to Sparta Prague.

The 19-year-old earned a SofaScore rating of 7.6 for his performance at Ibrox, the third-highest in the Rangers team. He assisted Kemar Roofe’s equaliser, won six of his ten duels and completed four of his five attempted dribbles.

Tavernier, meanwhile, has been a key player for Steven Gerrard’s side, with 39 direct goal involvements under his belt since the start of last season.

The latest

Writing in the Daily Record’s Monday jury, Jackson acknowledged that Gerrard faces a ‘huge call’ at right-back.

But he thinks that Patterson, who displayed his ‘drive and energy’ against Hibs, is worthy of a starting role.

Gannon, for his part, accepts that Patterson has ‘bags of talent’ but stresses that Tavernier has been an ‘incredible servant’ and an ‘extremely effective’ option.

While ‘a break might do the captain a bit of good’, Gannon warns that he shouldn’t be underestimated.

The verdict

It really is a fascinating dilemma. Patterson is one of the most exciting prospects in Scottish football, but he’s up against a key figure with a pretty immense record.

Do Rangers have to play the long game? At the moment it seems inevitable that Patterson will move on from the Glasgow outfit at some point.

If he continues to play second-fiddle, then that departure could come this summer, probably for around £10million.

But if he establishes himself in the first-team, Rangers’ intake could be significantly higher. Should that inform their thinking?

In other news, this man came in for praise for his performance against Hibs.

The ECB have announced the draw for the quarter-finals of the Twenty20 Cup, to be played next month

Cricinfo staff30-Jun-2009The ECB have announced the draw for the quarter-finals of the Twenty20 Cup, to be played next month.On Monday July 27, Kent take on Durham in Canterbury at 5.30pm, where the club are expecting their biggest crowd in a decade, while Sussex face Warwickshire at Hove in a late start, at 7.10pm.The following day sees Lancashire and Somerset in action at Old Trafford, the match kicking off at 5.40pm. The final clash, on Wednesday, is between Northamptonshire and Hampshire, again at 5.40pm.

Midlands/Wales/West Division

Teams Mat Won Lost Tied N/R Pts Net RR For Against

Northamptonshire 10 7 2 01 15 +0.583 1363/177.0 1280/179.5 Warwickshire 10 7 3 00 14 +0.236 1550/190.4 1576/199.4 Somerset 10 6 3 01 13 +0.417 1440/172.2 1429/180.0 Worcestershire 10 5 5 00 10 +0.581 1619/200.0 1454/193.3 Gloucestershire 10 2 8 00 4 -0.663 1469/199.5 1544/192.4 Glamorgan 10 2 8 00 4 -1.031 1382/198.3 1540/192.4

North Division

Teams Mat Won Lost Tied N/R Pts Net RR For Against

Lancashire 10 8 1 0 1 17+1.112 1343/168.2 1236/180.0 Durham 105 4 0 1 11 +0.1571265/174.2 1272/179.1 Leicestershire 10 55 0 0 10 -0.041 1485/200.01390/186.1 Nottinghamshire 10 4 60 0 8 -0.008 1549/186.2 1631/196.0 Yorkshire 10 4 6 00 8 -0.475 1296/194.0 1393/194.4 Derbyshire 10 3 7 00 6 -0.611 1496/199.0 1512/186.0

South Division

Teams Mat Won Lost Tied N/R Pts Net RR For Against

Kent 10 7 2 0 1 15+0.639 1327/164.1 1273/171.0 Sussex 107 3 0 0 14 +0.3151276/178.5 1256/184.1 Hampshire 10 64 0 0 12 +0.853 1615/195.21446/195.0 Essex 10 5 40 1 11 +0.153 1445/178.5 1407/177.3 Surrey 10 2 8 00 4 -0.661 1556/200.0 1646/195.0 Middlesex 10 2 8 00 4 -1.186 1361/198.2 1552/192.5

After securing a famous 1-o win at the home of Manchester United last week, Aston Villa will be hoping to enjoy yet another big victory when they travel south to face Tottenham.

Dean Smith’s side sealed all three points at Old Trafford thanks to a late Kortney Hause header and will no doubt be bouncing into today’s game against Spurs.

However, one man who has been on the fringes of things since his summer arrival from Norwich is Emi Buendia.

The Argentine started the first three of the games of the new Premier League season before the whole controversy of travelling away on international duty caused him to lose his place in Smith’s side.

He did come on for the final 12 minutes against United last week, but will surely be hoping that he can break into the Villa line-up today.

Max Aarons, his former teammate at the Canaries, has previously raved about Buendia’s abilities, saying: “He’s not really a player who will get on the ball and take you on as a full-back. His game is more about getting into pockets, playing neat passes and creating things.

“When you’ve got someone, who wants to run at you, then it’s easier to lock them down whereas someone like him is quite intricate so it’s hard to get near him. He’s tenacious and very strong. He’s got a lot of attributes.”

The 24-year-old was superb last season for Norwich, playing in between the lines to good effect and showing the kind of eye for a pass which saw him finish as the Championship’s leading assists provider with 16 last term.

While playing away at United might understandably have seen Smith opt to leave Buendia on the bench, a game against a struggling Spurs side who are faltering in the Premier League could give the Argentine the perfect chance to take the game to the north Londoners and cause havoc.

The £31.5m-rated playmaker has been dubbed a “revelation” by Chris Sutton, and he could well be Villa’s game-changer today against Spurs upon his hopeful return to the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, Gregg Evans has dropped an Aston Villa transfer update…

Speaking to Football Insider, BBC pundit Noel Whelan has heaped praise on West Ham United manager David Moyes after the 58-year-old revealed his transfer plan for the Hammers.

The Lowdown: Moyes outlines future plan…

Speaking to the press (via football.london), the Irons boss dropped a hint on his plans for the future of West Ham in a message.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-updates-2/” title=”West Ham updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Indeed, Moyes explained that he wants the club to be looking for ‘young British talented players’ as well as recruiting from outside of the UK.

“I’d like to have a bigger West Ham presence around the streets of London but probably around the whole country as well because I want us to be looking for young British talented players, as well as the work we need to do overseas,” he said.

“I can only look back at the years I had at Everton when I thought I had a really good recruitment team. But that took time as well, it didn’t happen over one or two windows and I’ve got to give Rob [Newman] time.”

The Latest: Whelan thrilled…

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan has praised Moyes for this mindset and backs him to follow it through.

“That that’s his blueprint already since he came into the club,” the pundit explained.

“It’s been really successful, we’ve seen how its worked, the core of the team is British. They know the Premier League, they know English football.

“They don’t need time to bed in, they don’t need any time to get used to the conditions and change of lifestyle. It’s right there.

“Every player that he’s got British-wise has been exceptional, they really have. You can see the mentality change and the culture change straight away at the football club.

“It’s been successful so that blueprint that he came into with West Ham, why change something that’s working? He’s still looking to get these young British players into the football club.

“They will be the core, they’ll be the future, they know their mentality, they can handle English football. I think he has done an amazing job. He really, really has.”

The Verdict: Promising message…

Already, we’ve seen reports linking West Ham with exciting homegrown talents like James McAtee as well as the work they done to bring in a plethora of promising players over the summer.

Going by this blueprint, Moyes could certainly have a promising plan on his hands as he thinks about the bigger picture.

In other news: West Ham now lining up sensational swoop to sign ‘extraordinary’ 151-goal striker, find out more here.

A round-up of the matches on day five of the Emerging Players Tournament

Cricinfo staff26-Jul-2009
Scorecard
South Africa Emerging Players picked up their fifth win on the trot beating India Emerging Players at the Albury Oval in Brisbane. Ajinkya Rahane’s classy 92 for India went in vain as South Africa overhauled a stiff target with nine balls to spare. Stiaan van Zyl, Vaughn van Jaarsveld and Farhaan Behardien contributed vital half-centuries to ensure that South Africa’s unbeaten record stayed intact.After being put in, India were off to a solid start as Rahane and Naman Ojha put on a century stand. Captain S Badrinath chipped in with a useful 44, and allrounder Abhishek Nayar gave the innings some late impetus with a quickfire 42 from 27 balls. Medium-pacer Basheeru-Deen Walters picked up three crucial middle-order wickets for 50 runs to emerge as the most successful South African bowler.India were in with a shout after they had reduced South Africa to 2 for 56, but an 82-run third-wicket stand between van Zyl and captain van Jaarsveld turned the match South Africa’s way. The fifth-wicket partnership of 54 between van Zyl and Behardien then effectively shut the door on India. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the pick of Indian bowlers with 3 for 39.South Africa remain at the top of the points table with 10 points, while India are in third place with two victories in five matches. India lost out for a second time against the same opponents, following their 10-run defeat on the second day of the tournament.
Scorecard
Despite the presence of internationals such as Tim Southee, Peter Fulton and Martin Guptill, New Zealand Emerging Players slumped to their fifth consecutive defeat in Brisbane. Chasing 218, Australian Institute of Sports were heading for an overwhelming win, as they had when the teams met five days ago, but a middle-order collapse trimmed the margin of victory.After opting to field, AIS didn’t allow any New Zealand partnership to flourish; the highest stand of the innings was 37 for the third wicket between captain Peter Fulton and Kane Williamson. Fulton top scored with 60, wicketkeeper Reece Young posted 41 but none of the others crossed 25, which meant New Zealand finished with an insufficient 217.The AIS openers Matthew Wade and Tom Cooper gave the chase a cracking start, putting on 94 in 14 overs. They fell within 12 runs of each other but AIS, guided by Steven Smith, continued to score freely, reaching 3 for 155 in the 28th over. Three wickets went down for seven runs to give New Zealand a sniff but Smith remained unbeaten to shepherd the home side to a win with more than ten overs to spare.

Former Juventus, Chelsea and Inter manager Antonio Conte has been linked with replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Manchester United hot seat.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, United chiefs have started to hold Solskjaer’s future in doubt after a string of disappointing displays and poor results, with Conte the preferred option to take over the reins.

The report claims that the plan to bring the Italian tactician to Old Trafford is gathering pace amid growing discontent in the red half of Manchester and goes on to state that a deal could soon be done while the Red Devils remain in and around the top of the Premier League.

Some fans will be buzzing

Although Solskjaer has done a magnificent job during his time in charge of United, some of the club’s supporters will be buzzing at the prospect of Conte replacing the 48-year-old.

While the ex-Molde boss has overseen a successful squad rebuild, recorded consecutive top-four finishes for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired and brought through the likes of Mason Greenwood and Dean Henderson from United’s academy, he’s still failed to win any major silverware.

The 20-time English champions came close to ending their four-year wait for a major trophy last season before being defeated by Villarreal on penalties in the Europa League final, but a slow start to the current campaign has quickly changed the mood at the Theatre of Dreams.

A 4-2 defeat at the hands of Leicester City last time out condemned United to their fourth defeat of 2021/22 in all competitions, and with a tough run of fixtures ahead, things could get even worse for Solskjaer’s charges.

As a result, Conte has now entered the frame to replace the Scandinavian, and he could prove to be a controversial replacement if the club’s chiefs press ahead with his proposed appointment.

During his managerial career, the 52-year-old has won an abundance of major honours, including three Serie A titles with Juve, a Premier League and FA Cup crown with Chelsea and another Scudetto with Inter last season. With that in mind, some supporters would surely be elated at him joining the Red Devils.

However, he has never stayed in one job longer than three years, in part due to his fiery and confrontational character, something that may not be appealing to some United fans.

It remains to be seen whether Solskjaer can keep hold of his job over the coming weeks and months, but with tricky fixtures against Atalanta, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur up next, it could be a crucial period for the retired striker’s future prospects.

And, in other news…Report reveals concerning update over “quality” Man Utd maestro, Ole will be worried 

There is little riding on the outcome of two Twenty20 internationals except perhaps the chance to take an edge into the ensuing 50-over tri-series

Jamie Alter in Colombo01-Sep-2009Match factsWednesday September 2
Start time 19.00 (13.30 GMT)Shane Bond will play for New Zealand after a two-year absence•AFPBig PictureAfter a Test series in which they were run ragged by Sri Lanka, two Twenty20 internationals will probably be a welcome release for some of the New Zealand players. There is little riding on the outcome of two Twenty20 internationals except perhaps the chance to take an edge into the ensuing 50-over tri-series and New Zealand have been talking serious business in the build-up.On paper, a promising bat-versus-ball extravaganza is promised in either innings; Sanath Jayasuriya and Tillakaratne Dilshan against Shane Bond – set for an international return – and Daniel Vettori, and, as the teams change over, Brendon McCullum, Jesse Ryder and Ross Taylor against Ajantha Mendis and Lasith Malinga. New Zealand will take some confidence from the fact that Muttiah Muralitharan won’t be playing due to injury. Bond’s return adds depth with the ball, so although Sri Lanka have been comfortably superior in recent weeks New Zealand may hope that changes in the coming days.Failing to win the World Twenty20 in England this summer, having done so well to reach the final, frustrated Sri Lanka and being soundly beaten in the one-off against Pakistan at home was no balm. The last time these two met, during the World Twenty20, Sri Lanka came out with a 48-run win in a pressure situation at Trent Bridge. On that occasion New Zealand were bamboozled by a magical spell of 3 for 9 from Mendis and ousted from a tournament where their batting failed to fire. The way the batsmen have faced spin so far on tour, Vettori will hope history doesn’t repeat itself.Form guide (last five matches, most recent first)Sri Lanka LLWWW
New Zealand LLWLWWatch out for…The return of Shane Bond. A spate of persistent injuries had already forced Bond to retire from Tests but in a dramatic turnaround of events he quit the ICL and is now on the verge of an international return. Bond’s Twenty20 international record (12 wickets from nine games at 20.33) isn’t the best and he’ll be aiming to improve that rather than get overawed by the occasion. This is a crucial moment in New Zealand cricket.Sanath Jayasuriya has been overshadowed by Dilshan’s heroics in recent times but that doesn’t mean the swashbuckler has necessarily run out of gas. After three patchy one-day games and a Twenty20 against Pakistan Jayasuriya is under pressure to justify his place in Sri Lanka’s plans at the age of 40, so what better opportunity to remind everyone of his worth than against New Zealand? After all, he averages 56.00 with bat and 14.80 with ball against them, with two Man-of-the-Match awards.It’s been a low-key tour for Brendon McCullum and now is the time for New Zealand’s most explosive batsman to stand up. The owner of the most famous century in Twenty20 cricket has had his share of troubles in the Tests and will look at the arena where he has been so successful to revive his fortunes. McCullum has yet to cross 39 in four matches against Sri Lanka, a stat that may just be at the back of his mind. After a poor Test series, McCullum is back for this contest, and may just take out his ire at the criticism he’s attracted. Sufficed to say, this man is itching for another bout of big hitting.Team newsMurali has been ruled out with a groin injury that flared up on day five at the SSC and the legspinner Malinga Bandara has been drafted in in his place. Opener Upul Tharanga has been rested and he has been replaced by the allrounder Farveez Maharoof. The other spinning allrounder, Kaushal Lokuarachchi, may also slot in. Angelo Mathews will return and there may be a debut for the rookie batsman Gihan Rupasinghe. Sri Lanka’s fast bowling attack is boosted by Lasith Malinga.Sri Lanka: (probable) 1 Sanath Jayasuriya, 2 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (capt/wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Chamara Kapugedera, 6 Angelo Mathews, 7 Farveez Maharoof, 8 Thilan Thushara, 9 Nuwan Kulasekara, 10 Kaushal Lokuarachichi/Malinga Bandara, 11 Lasith Malinga.New Zealand are likely to draft in a number of players with Bond’s return topping the bill. Bond and Kyle Mills will likely step into the role Chris Martin and Iain O’Brien filled during the Tests. Vettori didn’t confirm Mills’ selection but added that there will be a toss-up between Ian Butler and Nathan McCullum, who bowls offspin. Peter McGlashan will keep wickets to allow Brendon McCullum to clear his shoulders at the top. McCullum’s opening partner is slotted to be Ryder, meaning a likely promotion to No. 5 for Jacob Oram. The other allrounder’s spot will be contested between Neil Broom and Grant Elliott.New Zealand: (probable) 1 Brendon McCullum (wk), 2 Jesse Ryder, 3 Martin Guptill, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Jacob Oram, 6 Neil Broom/Grant Elliott, 7 Peter McGlashan (wk), 8 Daniel Vettori (capt), 9 Kyle Mills, 10 Shane Bond, 11 Nathan McCullum/ Ian ButlerPitch and conditionsScattered thunderstorms are forecast for game day. Only two Twenty20s have been played here and one both occasions the reputation of the Premadasa forced the team winning the toss to bat. Chasing under lights has always been difficult at the venue but India’s Pathan brothers proved it could be done.Stats and TriviaMcCullum is the leading run-scorer in Twenty20 internationals, with 689 in 26 games at an average of 31.31 and a strike rate of 123.69. The leader for Sri Lanka, and second in the world, is Jayasuriya, with 541 runs at 30.05 and a strike rate of 138.36.Sri Lanka and New Zealand have met each other four times in Twenty20s, with Sri Lanka leading the head-to-head 3-1. New Zealand’s only victory came in Auckland in December 2006 to share the series.Sri Lanka have yet to win a Twenty20 at the Premadasa in two attempts.Quotes”He’s over 40 but doesn’t need any motivation. You look at him at practice, running around like a kid, full of enthusiasm and you realise just what a special player he is.”
“Well, it just gets better! That makes it easier because he’s a quality bowler so those are the differences between the last game.”
Vettori, when told during a press conference that Murali is not playing, points out a key difference from Trent Bridge.

England are on the brink of an unwanted piece of history. No team has ever been whitewashed in a seven-match series and the fragile team faces a huge challenge to stave of Australia at Chester-le-Street

The Preview by Andrew McGlashan19-Sep-2009Match factsSunday, September 20, 2009
Start time 10.15 (9.15 GMT)Ricky Ponting has had plenty to smile about since returning to the team and can secure a 7-0 whitewash on Sunday•Getty ImagesBig pictureEngland are on the brink of an unwanted piece of history. No team has ever been whitewashed in a seven-match series and the fragile team faces a huge challenge to stave off Australia at Chester-le-Street. The margins have grown bigger throughout the series, reaching embarrassing levels at Trent Bridge when they were hammered by 111 runs on Thursday. Only the greatest optimist would give them a chance of claiming the final game.Australia have moved though the gears impressively during the series with different players performing key roles in each game. Three days ago it was the turn of Tim Paine to make his mark with a maiden international hundred as he proves a more-than-able deputy for Brad Haddin. However, the difference between the sides was highlighted by Ricky Ponting’s fielding, as the Australian captain twice pulling off stunning direct hits to remove Matt Prior and Ravi Bopara.This match marks the end of England’s longest home international season, which started way back on May 6 against West Indies. There has been the one major success in the summer of regaining the Ashes, but more than a fair share of shockers as well, including a Twenty20 defeat to Netherlands, the two-and-a-half day thrashing at Headingley and now these one-dayers. Victory here would only be the smallest crumb of comfort, but the beleaguered Andrew Strauss would accept anything right now.And the day after this game is finished, both sides fly to South Africa for the Champions Trophy. The season is drawing to a close, but cricket doesn’t stop.Form guide (last five matches, most recent first)England – LLLLL
Australia – WWWWW
Watch out for…Andrew Strauss has been angry after England’s last two defeats, first seething about poor fielding and then a horrendous batting performance. He was booed at the post-match presentation, which was harsh on the captain but a reflection of the public’s view of how the team has played. Strauss, though, has shown his resilience many times over the last 12 months. If anyone has the mental strength to pull out one performance, Strauss does.Brett Lee has been the bowler of the series, striking with the new and old ball to put major dents in England’s nervous batting order. There is always something happening when Lee bowls, ranging from flying stumps, boundaries and the occasional free hit. He is a great weapon for a captain to have and has the luxury of being an out-and-out strike bowler, something England have severely lacked during this series. He missed one game when he rested under Australia’s rotation policy, but has shown outstanding form ahead of the Champions Trophy.Team newsIt’s hard to know what England can do. They are tied to this squad because these are the players selected for the Champions Trophy, but one by one they are all losing confidence. Bopara looks shot at No. 3 while Owais Shah continues to frustrate. Paul Collingwood is back after his break so he could replace one of those in the middle order, while Graham Onions is surely due his ODI debut. He can’t exactly do much worse than what has gone before him.England (possible) 1 Andrew Strauss (capt), 2 Joe Denly, 3 Matt Prior (wk), 4 Owais Shah, 5 Paul Collingwood, 6 Eoin Morgan, 7 Dimitri Mascarenhas, 8 Graeme Swann, 9 Tim Bresnan, 10 James Anderson, 11 Graham Onions.Ponting has said that Australia are likely to field their strongest side for this final match after resting players under the rotation system. Therefore Michael Clarke should return along with Mitchell Johnson, which means James Hopes could miss out despite his 38 off 22 balls and three wickets at Trent Bridge.Australia (probable) 1 Shane Watson, 2 Tim Paine (wk), 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Michael Clarke, 5 Callum Ferguson, 6 Michael Hussey, 7 Cameron White, 8 Mitchell Johnson, 9 Brett Lee, 10 Nathan Hauritz, 11 Nathan Bracken. Pitch and conditionsThe series finishes at the northern-most first-class ground in England, which is a risk in mid-September but the forecast suggests a fine day. The Chester-le-Street pitch has produced some high-scoring one-day games this season and batsman can score quickly once they get set.Stats and triviaThese two teams have met in one previous ODI at Chester-le-Street, in 2005, when Australia won by 57 runs. Shane Watson was spooked by the ghosts of Lumley Castle, and Darren Gough didn’t let him forget.The top five wicket-takers in the series are Australian, before James Anderson sneaks in at No. 6 with six wickets. Ponting requires 37 runs to usurp Inzamam-ul-Haq as the third highest all-time run-scorer in ODIs. Quotes”Obviously we don’t want to lose 7-0. There’ll be a lot of pride to play for on Sunday. We’re very disappointed with the way we’ve played in this series, we’ve never really clicked as a team.”
“It’s been great to be spending a bit more time at this level and getting comfortable with big crowds and all that sort of stuff. I haven’t thought too much of what will happen when Brad returns, but for now I’m just concentrating on enjoying playing for my country.”

A number of Liverpool fans have hit out at the performance of James Milner on social media during Sunday’s meeting with Manchester United at Old Trafford. 

Jurgen Klopp made two changes from the 3-2 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid in the week, with Ibrahima Konate and Diogo Jota coming in for Joel Matip and Sadio Mane. However, it was Milner’s display which had a number of supporters talking, and not for the right reasons.

The 35-year-old was making his eighth appearance of the campaign, playing in a midfield three alongside Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita.

It was the Guinean who opened the scoring early on before Jota doubled the lead, but Milner’s display prior to the early goals didn’t impress a number of supporters.

As per SofaScore, the experienced ace was the Reds’ worst-rated performer before going off with an injury after 27 minutes, recording a rating of just 6.4/10. He lost the ball on four occasions during his time on the pitch, was dribbled past once, made just 13 touches and lost his only duel.

Indeed, the injury seemed to come as a result of a worrying slip that created an opening for Cristiano Ronaldo, only for Konate to eventually snuff out the danger.

Liverpool fans react

Here is what these Liverpool supporters had to say about the versatile midfielder on Twitter, with one labelling his display as ‘shocking’.

“Milner’s like having 10 men out there and Keita took the bullet for it last week”

Credit: @3Kashaveli

“Milner shocking in this first 5 minutes.”

Credit: @AnfieldEffect

“Still absolutely criminal Milner has #7”

Credit: @Guineastaa

“We are dropping like flies once again… #Milner injured subbed off. Come on #Jones”

Credit: @TheLFCNinja

“Milner is so bad”

Credit: @lfcfront3

“Milner should never be starting 3 games in a row”

Credit: @TalkingRed23

“Get Milner off”

Credit: @ZAK_LFC10

In other news: ‘Make it happen’, ‘I’d love to see this’ – Many Liverpool fans excited as fresh rumour emerges. 

A number of Manchester City fans were left shocked with a question asked by a journalist to Kyle Walker during the club’s pre-match press conference.

The Citizens are in action against Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday night as they look to progress to the next round of the competition. It is an important match for Pep Guardiola and co – with games against RB Leipzig and PSG to come after that, they cannot afford to leave with anything other than a win against the Belgian side.

Walker was questioned by the press ahead of the clash and was asked a bizarre question by a reporter. The latter appeared to think that Ferland Mendy, a left-back who plays for Real Madrid, was on the books at Man City, and he asked the England right-back what it is like to compete with the 26-year-old. Walker understandably looked utterly perplexed.

The comments were shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from City supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the surreal press conference moment.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the question to Walker

“man what”

Credit: @RazWRLDD

“I need that clip”

Credit: @Alleyezon_AB

“Sorry what”

Credit: @ashley___04

“tears”

Credit: @ManCitehzen

“Ummm ummm ummm Am I drunk or am I reading it right ???”

Credit: @maitypulation

“Wait what?”

Credit: @JMC_Official

In other news, a number of City fans want the club to sign this midfielder