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The possible returns of Steven Smith and David Warner have also raised the Australia captain’s hopes

Daniel Brettig in Canberra04-Feb-2019Australia Test captain Tim Paine has revealed that he has been thinking about this year’s Ashes series for at least six months, and believes that the dominant 2-0 series win over a decidedly modest Sri Lanka side has helped the hosts crystallise a formula that can help them return to the pinnacle of world cricket.The two victories – by an innings in Brisbane and then by 366 runs in Canberra – were achieved against opponents who seemed completely unprepared for the challenge of Australian conditions in general and pace bowling in particular. Paine nonetheless was unequivocal in asserting that the unity central to those displays – bowlers hunting as a pack, batsmen building partnerships and, finally, centuries – provided the blueprint for success against stronger opponents on higher-profile days.ALSO READ: Starc clears his head and goes whang“Honestly, we were quite disappointed with the way we played against India,” Paine said. “I think the differences between the two series were that our ability to bowl as a group against India wasn’t quite there at times. Whether that’s because Virat (Kohli) and (Cheteshwar) Pujara were more patient than us and forced our bowlers out of their plans, but I thought we turned it around in this series with a real focus on bowling for each other and playing cricket as a team.”Obviously you need individual performances to win moments, but overall the stronger our team can be and the more that we play for each other – this series, or Sri Lanka and the way that we played in these last two Test matches – I think we can beat anyone in the world. The focus was on us playing as a team, so we’ve got to keep driving that home.”There will be no assignment of greater import than the Ashes in England later in 2019 where the Australians, bolstered by the possible returns of the banned Steven Smith and David Warner, will seek to become the first team clad in the baggy green to win the urn in the UK since 2001. Paine, who made his debut in England in 2010, albeit against Pakistan, admitted he had been thinking and dreaming of the series for quite some time, and also had a fair few names in mind for the likely 17-man squad.”About six months ago … I’ve been dreaming about it actually,” Paine said when asked when he would start thinking about the Ashes. “I’m happy now that we’ve got this out of the way, I can put everything into it because every Australian cricketer can’t wait to go and play an Ashes series and particularly in England.”It’s something that I’ve certainly dreamed of as a kid. I didn’t think I’d be going over as the captain, but in the back of my mind I’ve been thinking about it, I’ve been watching England, keeping a really close eye on them, I can’t wait to get over there.David Warner pulls as Steve Smith watches from the slips•Getty Images

“I’ve got a fair idea what it (the squad) might look like. But I’m not a selector, so I get asked my input. But I think they would have a pretty good picture of what it would look like. What we’ve seen over this summer is that we’ve now started to build a squad with plenty of depth. So there’s probably anywhere between 16 and 20 players now that we think are in the mix, a really good place to be.”First among these names will undoubtedly be paceman Pat Cummins, who reaped an eye-popping 14 wickets at 7.78 against Sri Lanka despite operating at first change behind Mitchell Starc and Jhye Richardson. “He’s got to be pretty close to it, isn’t he?” Paine said in response to whether Cummins was now among the world’s very best.”The difference with Pat and those guys is he doesn’t take the new ball. So he bowls at times when the ball’s not doing as much and the wicket’s a bit flatter. I think his ability to get it done in all conditions – whether it’s moving around or not – is second to none.”I felt as the summer went on he got better and better the more he bowled, it felt quicker and more accurate. He’d be the fastest Australian bowler to 90 wickets. That probably says he’s right up there.”Two other names clearly in Paine’s squad are Smith and Warner, who he identified as critical parts of an Ashes-winning team. The end of the Sri Lanka series marked the end of a stretch of nine Test matches that the former captain and vice-captain have missed through suspension, and there can be little doubt as to how warmly they will be received when they return to the fold.”I think everyone has to a degree got to earn their stripes, I think those two have plenty of runs in the bank,” Paine said. “I see us going to the Ashes and them having a huge part in us winning the series. That’s how I see how important they are to this team. We know how good they are. Hopefully once their bans are up they’ll be welcomed back and they’ll win Test matches like they did before.”

Josh Hazlewood, the teenage fast bowler, has been catapulted into Australia’s one-day squad after Mitchell Johnson was ruled out of the series in England with an elbow infection

Cricinfo staff10-Jun-2010Josh Hazlewood, the teenage fast bowler, has been catapulted into Australia’s one-day squad after Mitchell Johnson was ruled out of the series in England with an elbow infection. Australia are hopeful Johnson will be fit for the two Tests against Pakistan that follow the limited-overs portion of the tour.”Mitchell had an infected right elbow during the ICC Twenty20 World Cup, which had resolved towards the end of the tournament,” Alex Kountouris, the team physio, said. “Since returning to Australia he has had a flare-up of the condition and is currently being treated for it.”As part of the treatment he requires specialist medical management over the coming weeks and as such he’s been ruled out of the six ODIs against Ireland and England. It is hoped that he will make a full recovery in time to join the tour and take part in the Twenty20 internationals and the Test series against Pakistan in England.”Johnson has had his right arm tattooed since the Australian summer, but it is unclear whether that had anything to do with the infection. His absence could open the door for Australia’s youngest ever one-day international debutant, as Hazlewood doesn’t turn 20 until next January.The only two men to have played ODIs for Australia at 19 are Ray Bright and Craig McDermott, but if Hazlewood debuts on this trip he will beat them by roughly three months. Although his one-day form for New South Wales has been solid rather than brilliant, Hazlewood was a standout in Australia’s Under-19 World Cup-winning side this year and has been marked down as a star of the future.”Josh Hazlewood has been identified as one of a crop of young fast bowlers who the national selection panel consider can impact for Australia at international level,” Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, said. “He will be well suited to English conditions and this provides a great opportunity for him to be part of the Australian setup on a tour of Ireland and England. We are sure if he gets an opportunity he will perform very well.”The Australians fly out on Friday for their tour of the British Isles, which begins with a one-day international against Ireland in Dublin next Thursday. That is followed by five ODIs against England, two Twenty20s with Pakistan and two Tests against Pakistan.

The story of Celtic starlet Adam Montgomery is an intriguing one. The talented Hoops prodigy came through the ranks as a striker and forward but he’s been reborn in a new position this term.

He is now a left-back and has gone from running rampant in forward positions to keeping players with similar qualities to his at bay.

Celtic are a club with plenty of pedigree in that position too. They let Andy Robertson go when he was in the U15s while they have recently housed the likes of Aaron Hickey and Kieran Tierney too.

None of them are at the club anymore but Montgomery is very much in the boat of trying to replicate the likes of Tierney.

He was a fan favourite at Paradise and won a multitude of honours before departing for Arsenal in a £25m move two years ago. Celtic have since struggled to replace him, however.

Diego Laxalt was brought in on loan from AC Milan but he is set to head back to Italy in the summer. Greg Taylor has developed nicely in recent months but they could save millions in the transfer window by forgetting about new recruits and bringing through Montgomery instead.

The 18-year-old is yet to make a first-team appearance but has been on the bench in recent weeks and is now training with the seniors.

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He has come a long way since being a plucky forward but he certainly deserves an opportunity to play. After all, the Bhoys are witnessing a number of young players heading for the exit door as a result of no senior opportunities.

Cameron Harper has already headed back to America while Karamoko Dembele’s future is uncertain too. He is out of contract and it doesn’t look as though he’ll pen new terms.

Montgomery’s rise, however, could make up for their exits. Whether it’s in Dembele’s position on the wing or further back in defence, there are a number of players he could succeed in the squad.

His sheer versatility would also be a huge option for John Kennedy or any new manager that arrives.

Speaking about his transition from attack to defence, the teenager said a few weeks ago: “When [changing position] was first to put me, I was a bit ‘ahh’. I am a tricky winger normally, I like beating players and getting at people.”

The youngster added: “The way Celtic play full-backs is very attacking so going back to full-back, it hasn’t been a massive difference for me. I’m really enjoying it.”

Montgomery’s mentality and attitude to the game certainly has to be admired. His maturity appears to be well beyond his age.

Based on that and his ability to play in various roles, he has to be handed a chance. He could save Celtic from making some costly blows in the transfer market.

AND in other news, Big update emerges in Celtic manager hunt, it could be great news for fans…

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Former striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed interim Manchester United manager as a replacement for the sacked Jose Mourinho, on December 19th. The club’s official statement was clear that Solskjaer would be in charge until the end of the current campaign.

However, Solskjaer’s fine start to life in charge at Old Trafford has led to speculation that he could, and perhaps should, be given the job permanently. 

Football FanCast’s Billy Meyers and Will Jones debate both sides of the argument in what is fast becoming the ultimate question for United – whether Solskjaer should be given the job on a full-time basis.

Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…

For – Billy Meyers

Eight wins from his first eight games followed by a draw against Burnley, star men performing to their maximum without the shackles of Mourinho’s football holding them back – it is hard to argue against Solskjaer being appointed as Manchester United manager on a permanent basis.

If The Telegraph’s report is to be believed, and Mauricio Pochettino is the only target in the Red Devils’ sights, then it is probably best that they do turn their attentions elsewhere anyway, as by my reckoning it is highly unlikely that the Argentine will leave Tottenham.

Even if he does become available, there is something about what Solskjaer has brought back to Old Trafford that resonates deeply with the fanbase; a focus on young players, playing attacking football, and believing that you can beat anyone and win anything.

It is an ethos that they have severely lacked since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, and by appointing Solskjaer, they would at least be putting the building blocks in place for that mentality to return.

Against – Will Jones

Solskjaer has undeniably impressed in his short time in the Old Trafford hot-seat. However, the club should not get carried away with themselves and begin planning to offer him the post on a permanent basis.

After all, taking a highly-talented but underperforming group and giving them confidence and instructions to play with freedom is one thing, but applying a long-term strategy to return United to the top of the English game is quite another.

So far, Solskjaer has done a good job in a relatively pressure-free environment, as he has not had to deal with the weight of any expectation. Once he has the job full-time, that will all change. His previous managerial record doesn’t suggest he’s up to the task of truly competing at that level.

So, which side of the debate do you stand on United fans? Let us know by commenting below…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Rob Lee, who scored 45 goals for Newcastle United, believes Eddie Howe becoming his former club’s manager wouldn’t make any sense.

As revealed by Frank McAvennie to Football Insider, Howe has held talks with Newcastle about potentially becoming their new manager, despite Steve Bruce seemingly turning the Magpies’ fortunes around of late.

Howe has been in discussions with Celtic for several weeks, however he has left them in the dark over a decision as the former Bournemouth continues to have doubts.

Speaking on why Howe wouldn’t become Newcastle’s manager and how going to Newcastle over Celtic makes no sense, Lee told FFC:

“My question for Eddie Howe would be, why is he taking that job? Surely he’s got to look at the managers Newcastle have had in the past and see and how they’ve all struggled with the same problems. Why would he want that job instead of the Celtic job?

Eddie Howe has been out of work since he stepped away from being Bounrmemouth’s manager following their relegation from the Premier League last year.

Bruce was expected to be sacked after Newcastle’s 3-0 defeat against Brighton before the international break, however since that game the Magpies are unbeaten having taken seven points from the previous nine available.

Callum McFadzean badly let down Lee Johnson as Sunderland had to share the spoils on Easter Monday.

The Black Cats rescued a late point against Peterborough United to stay within touching distance of the automatic promotion spots, thanks to a stunning late free-kick from Aiden McGeady.

Johnson’s men dominated the opening 45 minutes, recording 62% possession and four attempts at goal, but failed to find a way past Posh.

Just before the hour mark, the home side made a double change which included the introduction of Siriki Dembele, and that move paid off within ten minutes as Nathan Thompson beat McFadzean to find the wide-open substitute inside the area.

Had it not been for McGeady’s stroke of genius, then a play-off position would’ve been looking like a mere formality but at least this draw keeps the Wearsiders in the automatic promotion race heading into the final eight games of the season.

Indeed, McFadzean ranked amongst Sunderland’s worst performers on the day, being graded by SofaScore at 6.5 – no-one managed worse in the red and white stripes.

Sunderland Echo reporter Phil Smith was a little more scathing in his post-game column, ranking the 27-year-old wing-back as the Black Cats’ standout struggler with a 4/10 for his trouble.

He wrote: ‘Struggled defensively early on and was lucky that lapses in the first half didn’t cost his side a goal. Peterborough targeted the left flank through the second half and got their opening goal down that side.’

The former Sheffield United graduate had a torrid time up against Posh’s tricky wide options, resulting in him being dribbled past twice, as well as losing 50% of his battles – both on the ground and aerially.

McFadzean was also pretty wasteful with the ball, suggesting that he simply couldn’t cope with the pressure from the opposition as from his 51 touches, the Sunderland defender lost possession 13 times, and could only make 75% of his 32 passing attempts, via SofaScore.

It’s no wonder that he was hauled off within five minutes of the goal going in – a frustrated Johnson had clearly seen enough.

In terms of attacking output, he also struggled, failing to register a single shot or successful dribble, whilst he only found a team-mate with 50% of his crosses, leaving Charlie Wyke with scraps to feed off.

As a wing-back, he should be contributing at both ends of the pitch, so evidently McFadzean has badly let Johnson and the side down here.

The Peterborough goal came from his flank, where he should’ve defended better. Johnson may want to think twice before trusting the 27-year-old again.

AND in other news, SAFC graduate has seen his value rise by £9m since leaving, he’s a “rock-solid” gem…

Leeds could well sign a Mark Viduka-like player in Barnsley striker Daryl Dike.

According to TEAMtalk, Marcelo Bielsa’s side are among a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing the 20-year-old this summer, with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea also said to have been impressed.

The 6 foot 2 powerhouse has been tearing up the Championship since joining from MLS side Orlando City on a loan deal back in the January transfer window, smashing in five goals in just 11 league games – his goal-scoring form has fired Barnsley into the play-off spots, just five points off third-place Swansea.

In a player profile piece done by SBNation, it noted: “A physical striker, Dike is more than a bruising finisher. His ‘delicate touch’ and high level of technical ability belie his size, enabling a confidence in possession with both passing and dribbling. That said, he scores a lot of goals in a variety of ways. Headed finishes, short-range placement, and long-range bombs, the 6’2” attacker can do it all.”

That combination of power and skill is very much reminiscent of Viduka in his prime.

Indeed, in a piece for Leeds Live, Jon Howe wrote about the Australian forward: “He was an ominous physical specimen, an old-fashioned centre forward in many respects, but mixed a formidable presence with a delicate technique that made him the purest example of a ‘good touch for a big fella’ player you are ever likely to see.”

Dike’s former coach at Virginia, George Gelnovatch, meanwhile was quick to insist that his game was far more than just what he could do with the ball, saying: “But one of the things about him that nobody ever talks about is relentlessness. He is a relentless competitor, a ruthless guy on the field. You put that inside a body like his, and it’s pretty impressive.”

That mentality and competitive spirit will surely go down a treat with Bielsa, with the Argentine known for trying to squeeze every last ounce of blood, sweat and tears from his players, game-in and game-out.

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Dike would fit in perfectly at Elland Road, and given his similarities to Viduka, he is surely someone Victor Orta should be all over when the summer transfer window opens.

Meanwhile, Leeds must keep this man at all costs this summer…

With Newcastle eyeing up a summer move for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, this could be the perfect time for Steve Bruce to wave goodbye to Joelinton.

Reports in recent days have suggested that the Magpies are one of the sides interested in signing Abraham, and a move for the centre-forward would push Joelinton even further to the sidelines amid a really disappointing career at St James’ Park.

While his performances have slightly gone up a notch in recent games, with two goals in his last five, it doesn’t mask the fact that the Brazilian has been terrible value for money – with 76 games played for the Tyneside club, he has a measly nine goals and seven assists.

To put that into context, Joelinton has actually earned more yellow cards for Newcastle than he’s scored (10 to 9).

It’s no surprise then that former Magpie Rob Lee has been very vocal in his criticism of the forward, and speaking exclusively to FFC on a couple of occasions, he let his feelings be known.

He said: “If he came for £5-10 million you’d probably think ‘yeah that’s not bad’, but when you arrive for £40 million and you wear the number nine shirt then the pressure is massively on you and I don’t understand why they paid that amount of money for him.

“He was immense against Aston Villa, probably our best player until he got to the box, and then when he’s in the box, he always makes the wrong decision. When you want him to shoot he passes and when you want him to pass, he shoots, it’s just a conundrum of how you play him.”

He added: “First of all, I want to know who spent £40 million on Joelinton. If it was Steve Nickson, then come out and hold your hands up and say ‘yeah, I sanctioned and put forward that deal’, but I’m sure he won’t.

“Secondly, the club should have made it clear from the beginning that he’s not a centre forward and they could’ve done that by not giving him the number nine shirt.

“The minute he was given the number nine shirt he’s a centre forward. He’s the club’s most expensive signing and with him being a forward player as well as the number nine, people instantly expect him to score 20-25 goals a season.”

In bringing in the £40m-valued Abraham – dubbed a “hell of a talent” by Aston Villa boss Dean Smith – Bruce would have the perfect chance to finally axe Joelinton from his starting line-up, or even just cash in on him completely.

Either way, Joelinton’s days at St James’ Park could well be numbered if Abraham arrives this summer.

Meanwhile, Newcastle could sign Joe Willock’s perfect midfield partner in this Premier League star…

Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in making Sheffield Wednesday defender Osaze Urhoghide one of their summer additions.

According to The Sheffield Star, the Eagles admire the 20-year-old alongside the likes of Leeds United and Watford – and Urhoghide would be a perfect summer signing for Steve Parish in the summer.

Despite having only broken through at Hillsborough midway through the current campaign, the youngster is earning plenty of plaudits for his performances.

The defender has made 12 appearances so far throughout the season, ten of those being starts. In that time, Sheffield Wednesday have only claimed two clean sheets and lost seven matches in all, but Urhoghide has nonetheless been labelled “immense” by Owls manager Darren Moore.

He will certainly be aiming to continue that excellent form for the remainder of the campaign and into 2021/22 for whoever are his next employers.

Capable of playing in a number of positions including centre-back, right-back and left-back, he would seem to be the perfect addition for Palace.

The Eagles currently have a handful of defenders set to leave the club come the end of the campaign. Centre-backs Gary Cahill, Scott Dann and Mamadou Sakho are all out of contract, whilst right-backs Martin Kelly, Nathaniel Clyne and Joel Ward are also seeing their deals ticking down.

Elsewhere, left-backs Jeffrey Schlupp, Patrick van Aanholt and Tyrick Mitchell could also all potentially leave come the end of the season.

This means that they will certainly need recruits for all three of the positions, with Urhoghide’s versatility potentially coming in hugely useful.

Meanwhile, his age could present another convincing argument in his arrival at Selhurst Park. At the current time, Palace have on average the oldest squad in the Premier League, so younger arrivals would be welcome as the Eagles set their sights on 2021/22.

Available on a free transfer once his own contract runs out in three months’ time, there really is not a negative to Palace potentially signing Urhoghide.

AND in more news, take a look at another young defender would also be a brilliant signing for the Eagles…

An Aston Villa source has revealed what the club’s plans are for the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

Dean Smith’s side have enjoyed a fine second season back in the Premier League, remaining in the mix for a shock European place for the 2021/22 campaign.

A club source has now revealed to Football Insider that a “key area identified for reinforcements is in attack and the recruitment team are working on identifying potential targets”.

It is added that “the plan is to sign two senior forwards who can play out wide, either side of the main striker, in Dean Smith’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation. Villa are prepared to spend big for the players, just as they did when recruiting Ollie Watkins and Bertrand Traore last summer.”

Exciting news for the fans

Make no mistake about it, that NSWE are ready to back Smith in the transfer market once again is exciting news for the club’s fans.

The likes of Watkins and Emiliano Martinez have proven over the course of the season that spending big money on top players can really elevate a side – after all, this was a Villa team who, less than 12 months ago, needed a result on the final day of the campaign to beat the drop.

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Smith himself will surely be buzzing at the news that the club’s owners are keen to take Villa to the next level, and the addition of more attackers would be a welcome boost given the huge reliance he’s placed upon Watkins this season – the former Brentford man has played every minute in the Premier League in 2020/21.

This fresh report is great news for both Smith and Aston Villa fans.

Meanwhile, Villa should give this academy starlet a chance…