Sportsday - rolling sports news

1. Roy Hodgson & Wayne Rooney news conference from 16:30 BST
2. Mesut Ozil sidelined for up to 12 weeks
3. Premier League again considers overseas matches
4. Andy Murray marches on at Shanghai Masters
5. ECB deny leaked document is a Kevin Pietersen dossier
6. Get involved: Your thoughts on #the38thgame

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And just after Hodgson and Rooney disappear into the bowels of the England team hotel, it is also time for Sportsday to wave goodbye.

We will be back from 08:00 BST tomorrow for all the build-up, team news and statistics ahead of the Wembley match. Plus we will have the latest ahead of Wales v Bosnia on Friday, and Scotland v Georgia and Northern Ireland v the Faroe Islands on Saturday.

Catch you then!

Follow England v San Marino on the BBC

That's your lot from the Roy and Rooney show. Remember that you can follow Thursday's match against San Marino right here on the BBC Sport website with our live text commentary. And there will also be live audio commentary on BBC Radio 5 live. You won't miss a goal - no matter how many there are....

England news conference

Roy Hodgson on a potential selection dilemma of picking between Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck: "There's no point crossing bridges and thinking ahead to what will happen when they're all fit.

"We aren't blessed with an enormous amount of competition for front places and I think there's now competition with three very good strikers (Welbeck, Sturridge and Rooney) and that's as healthy a situation we've had for a long time.

"There's no pressure on me. If all three are playing well and all three are available well there's nothing stopping all three of them playing because they're complimentary players."

England news conference

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Wayne Rooney believes England fans can get used to seeing more of ex-Manchester United team-mate Welbeck's match-winning performance for his country against Switzerland.

"He's a fantastic footballer, I think sometimes he doesn't get enough praise for his footballing ability. The more he plays for Arsenal, he'll prove what a good footballer he is, and for England. For me, he's a top, top player."

England news conference

Striker Danny Welbeck's early scoring form for Arsenal is great news for Roy Hodgson, particularly as he's missing Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge for this week's qualifiers against San Marino and Estonia.

"I'm pleased for him, "says Hodgson. "He's been in my plans throughout the two years, he was with us in 2012.

"He's someone I follow very, very closely. He hasn't got an enormous amount of game time, and he's had to spend a lot of time waiting for his chance.

"Now it's great he's got his move and to be one of the first names on the team sheet."

England news conference

Hodgson on the Premier League considering playing a game overseas: "I don't think it necessarily should be a problem for me at all because the international break will always be the international break and I will have to live with that.

"This one is particularly short because we only met on Monday lunchtime. It will be up to the Premier League to sort their calendar out accordingly."

Rooney: "Footballers nowadays do a lot of travelling but this decision isn't with the players, it's with the Premier League, as a player you have to wait and see what happens."

England news conference

Hodgson plays down the idea that Thursday's game will be simply a case of "how many" goals England score against San Marino.

"We've played other teams like San Marino before and as the years go by they do get better and better in terms of getting some sort of results, in terms of not losing heavily.

"At no time in my talks with the players, not once have we mentioned goals and the number of goals scored. For us it's about performance and building on what's good.

"We're not trying to play anything down, but I must also say we're not trying to suggest this is going to be a goal feast."

England news conference

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Hodgson and Rooney laugh off suggestions that the England coach made disparaging comments about his Liverpool-born captain's accent.

"I have to be careful talking about accents. It took me years to realise that I have a speech defect so I'm the last person to discuss accents," jokes Hodgson.

"I'm disappointed with the headlines but fortunately I've got a guy alongside me who knows it was not about him or anyone from Liverpool. I have apologised to him for the headline but he was so gracious he did not want the apology."

England news conference

Skipper Wayne Rooney on overtaking Jimmy Greaves in the England goalscoring charts: "I haven't specifically gone out of my way to look at the record, but it's there and if I can overtake him this week, or in the coming weeks or months that would be great. I'm not going into the game thinking I've got to beat Jimmy Greaves' record."

Rooney is England's fourth all-time highest goalscorer having scored 41 times for his country. Greaves is three ahead of the Manchester United player, just behind Bobby Charlton (49) and Gary Lineker (48).

England news conference

Roy Hodgson says he is not unconcerned about England's football players falling out in the dressing room like their cricketing counterparts.

"I've been very lucky in the two years or so I've had the privilege of leading the team, I've never noticed any problems like that (dressing room discontent). These things do happen, dressing rooms can be difficult places. I remember when I went back to Inter it was a difficult dressing room so I have had experience of that.

"We're working very had not to have that problem, and we're working very hard that we're singing from the hymn sheet. We're getting now into a situation where the squad can come back to us and analyse the game alongside us and come, hopefully, the same conclusion that we come to."

England news conference

Hodgson is confident that his team can maintain the level of performance they produced against Switzerland last month.

"So far, certainly if I judge from what I've seen in training, I don't think we will have any fears that we won't live up to those standards (set in Basel). I'm confident that the players will go out and give a good performance tomorrow."

England news conference

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England captain Wayne Rooney on the senior players being appointed 'unit leaders': "It is just basically the players have a bit more impact in terms of how we are approaching the game alongside the coaches.

"We are analysing the game as well and trying to find the right solutions which work well for the players. All the players have embraced it.

"It has certainly been a good idea to do and has been a positive step for us."

England news conference

Hodgson says he's looking for continuity in England's line-up for Thursday's game, following the impressive win in Switzerland in September.

"There won't be wholesale changes. A lot of players are knocking on the door to play. I've got to weigh the two things up carefully.

"But it would be nice over the two games to see someone else play."

England news conference

Hodgson says he is not interested in the amount of goals that England score against San Marino. The minnows conceded 54 goals in their 10 qualification matches for the 2014 World Cup.

"I don't want to suggest it will be easy to score lots of goals. But I'm not going to bring out that old cliche that we need to score one more goal than the opposition.

"I don't think the qualification this time around is going to hang on goal difference anyway so the important thing for me is how we perform."

England news conference

Hodgson says he is "tempted" to continue the diamond formation which he implemented against Switzerland last month.

"But I'm also tempted to do other things after watching the incredible performances in training. The players have looked very sharp, very focused. We haven't trained for a long period of time, but the training has been good.

"When I announce the team, there will be a lot of disappointed faces because everyone's been working so hard in training."

England news conference

England boss Roy Hodgson says he has not yet told his players what the starting XI against San Marino will be.

"We've been lucky with injuries. Fabian Delph, we spared from yesterday's training because he took a knock at the weekend but he trained fully today. It's important, we're taking the game very seriously, the training has been excellent. There's been no difference I've seen with regard for the preparation for this game as opposed to the last one. I've not told the team what my plans are yet."

England news conference

Better late than never. Roy Hodgson and Wayne Rooney have taken their seats in front of the waiting media. Game on....

Get involved #the38thgame

dean: we should take a look at making #the38thgame a whole weekend event, similar to the magic weekend in Rugby League.

David B: A game abroad is a great idea! Why should PL football only be accessible for local fans when there are fans all over the world?

Ben Jones: cannot think of a single good reason to play a league fixture away from the home teams' ground. Local firms? Public transport?

Keep your thoughts coming on the idea of Premier League teams playing competitive matches aborad. . Tweet #the38thgame, text 81111 or post on our Facebook page.

Wales' Chester out to impress

@FAWALES/TWITTER

Rookie Wales defender James Chester hopes he has won the respect of his new colleagues as he prepares to face Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday.

The 25-year-old Hull centre-back, who has won two caps, made his international debut in June and the Euro 2016 qualifier in Cardiff will be his first Wales appearance on home soil.

"Each camp I've been to I've looked forward to it more and more, especially this one with games on Friday and Monday and both at Cardiff," he says.

"I think it's taken a few games to earn the boys' respect. You have to do that at club or international level, you have to prove you're good enough to be here."

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker: The @premierleague have contacted me to say 'stories are premature and there's no plan currently for international games.' Great news!

Arsenal to assess injured Ozil

Arsenal say it is "too early to say" how long Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil will be sidelined with a knee injury.

Earlier today, a statement from the World Cup winners said the 25-year-old would be out for "10-12 weeks" after a MRI scan showed damage to the joint of his left knee.

He picked up the injury during Sunday's game at Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Football

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says midfielder Shinji Kagawa "gave up hope a bit" after David Moyes spent £37.1m on Juan Mata.

The Japanese forward returned to Borussia Dortmund in the summer, just two years after Ferguson had brought him to England.

"Every manager has his own philosophy. When Moyes signed the Spanish superstar Mata, Kagawa felt that he no longer was the first choice, and gave up a hope a bit," he told German daily Bild.

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Stat attack

England have not lost a qualifier since a 1-0 defeat in Ukraine in 2009, winning 13 and drawing seven of their 20 games since then.

That run surely can't be ended by San Marino. Can it?

The tiny republic, which has a population of just 30,000, is ranked 208th in the world. And they have lost their last 59 (fifty-nine) matches, stretching back to April 2004 when they beat Liechtenstein 1-0.

England news conference - coming up

We are expecting to hear from England boss Roy Hodgson and captain Wayne Rooney very shortly. The pair are talking ahead of Thursday's Euro 2016 qualifier against minnows San Marino at Wembley - a match which sees England protecting a proud record...

St Helens great flies in for Grand Final

St Helens great Tom Van Vollenhoven has flown over from his home in South Africa to be the special guest of his old club at Saturday's Grand Final at Old Trafford.

Van Vollenhoven, who scored 392 tries in 408 appearances for Saints in 11 seasons from 1957, will present the players with their Grand Final shirt at a private ceremony on Friday.

Ozil out for 10-12 weeks

Arsenal and Germany forward Lukas Podolski: Get well soon Bro! Hope that you are back quickly!!!

From cheating death to facing Rooney

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How do you keep perspective when you're San Marino's goalkeeper?

In 39 appearances for the national team, Aldo Simoncini has conceded 171 goals, while his team-mates have scored just six at the other end.

But when he was 19 the 28-year-old cheated death and, against the odds, was able to return to playing nearly two years later.

"Even though I had to pick the ball out of the net 13 times, it was one of the happiest moments of my life," Simoncini says. "I put behind me 18 months of agony. After being told I might not play again, to be part of such a game was simply unforgettable."

England news conference - coming up

The clock might be ticking towards the end of your working day, but the Sportsday fun is nowhere near over. Oh no.

That's because we are going to hear from England boss Roy Hodgson and his captain Wayne Rooney at about 16:30 BST.

They will be talking about tomorrow's Euro 2016 qualifier against San Marino and, more than likely, be asked about the Premier League's plan to take a match overseas. Consider this to be your 30-minute warning...

Indian Super League set to explode - Garcia

Former Liverpool forward Luis Garcia says the Indian Super League is set to "explode". The 36-year-old has joined Atletico Kolkata in the newly-formed Indian Super League.

The league, which starts on 12 October, features David James, Robert Pires, Alessandro Del Piero, Freddie Ljungberg, Nicolas Anelka and David Trezeguet.

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Get involved

Nick Jackson: I'd have no issue with Aston Villa playing a game overseas, especially if it was a home game, as our recent record at home is awful.

Gregory P: It seems only people who aren't living in England like it. All the local fans of course think it is a ludicrous idea.

David Forbes: Other ways to promote English football without #the38thgame - FA Cup might be more practical and needs it more. USA prefers knockout games.

Bassong joins Watford

Norwich City defender Sebastien Bassong has joined Watford on a 93-day loan. City boss Neil Adams said: "It's important for Seb to get some first-team football and keep himself fit and involved, so this is a good short-term loan move for all parties involved."

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World Club Series

The six teams who will contest the newly-expanded World Club Series next year have been confirmed.

Super League grand finalists St Helens and Wigan Warriors, who meet in the showpiece on Saturday, will be joined by Warrington Wolves to play three matches against NRL champions South Sydney Rabbitohs, Brisbane Broncos and St George-Illawarra.

The fixtures will be played in the UK across the weekend of 20-22 February.

Words of wisdom from a tireless Bolt

Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt was troubled by injury last season but the six-time Olympic champion is back in training and is already putting in the heavy-duty work ahead of next year's World Championships. The Jamaican wrote on Instagram: "The secret to getting ahead is getting started".

Football

Gary Lineker

BBC Sport

Reemergence of plans to play PL games overseas is a rotten one. Need to make game more affordable for fans not less. Disrespectful avarice!

Adam Jones wants Wales jersey back

Adam Jones says he is determined to win back his Wales place after being left out of the 31-30 second Test defeat in South Africa last June.

The British and Irish Lions tight-head, 33, was subbed in the first half of the first Test by Wales coach Warren Gatland and assistant Robin McBryde.

"I want to prove them both wrong but I understand why they did it," he said. "I'm working hard to do this, obviously Samson Lee is the number one now but I'd like my jersey back."

Huw Evans picture agency

Adam Jones had to watch from the bench during Wales' 2014 tour to South Africa

Get involved

Steve Howes: Ozil out, big deal. If only Arsene could buy as well as he sells. Big names move out, big money spent out. Arsenal fans lose!

James Pascoe: Ozil out for 10-12 weeks - blessing in disguise for Arsenal, give the Ox a run in the side. Plus Walcott to return soon.

RightJudgeIam: Ozil won't be missed much, has been shockingly bad given the fee paid, should be sold.

Ozil out for 10-12 weeks

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3 December: Southampton (H) - Premier League

6 December: Stoke (A) - Premier League

9 December: Galatasaray (A) - Champions League

13 December: Newcastle (H) - Premier League

21 December: Liverpool (A) - Premier League

26 December: QPR (H) - Premier League

28 December: West Ham (A) - Premier League

Ozil out for 10-12 weeks

18 October: Hull (H) - Premier League

22 October: Anderlecht (A) - Champions League

25 October: Sunderland (A) - Premier League

1 November: Burnley (H) - Premier League

4 November: Anderlecht (H) - Champions League

9 November: Swansea (A) - Premier League

22 November: Man Utd (H) - Premier League

26 November: Borussia Dortmund (H) - Champions League

29 November: West Brom (A) - Premier League

Ozil out for 10-12 weeks

Arsenal will hoping Mesut Ozil returns before the end of the year with Germany's initial estimate indicating the 25-year-old will be missing until at least mid-December.

That looks set to rule him out of several important fixtures and the rest of their Champions League group stage ties. Here are Arsenal's upcoming fixtures...

Get involved #the38thgame

David Forbes: Other ways to promote English football without #the38thgame - FA Cup might be more practical & needs it more. USA prefers knockout games

Opoku-Appiah Manu: British people need to know that without the rest of the world the PL wouldn't be such a success. #the38thgame bring it on!

ewan gillies: USA/S.E.Asia are going to want only top teams. Would Utd play Liverpool at a neutral overseas venue? NO

Keep your thoughts coming on the idea of Premier League teams playing competitive matches aborad. . Tweet #the38thgame, text 81111 or post on our Facebook page.

Ozil out for 10-12 weeks

BBC

Ozil out for 10-12 weeks

So what exactly will Arsenal miss from Ozil? Here's his 2014-15 campaign in numbers....

Ozil out for 10-12 weeks

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More on that bitter blow for Arsenal and Germany. The extent of the damage to 25-year-old Ozil's knee has been revealed following an MRI examination in Munich earlier today.

The ex-Real Madrid midfielder played in Arsenal's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Sunday, but reported for international duty with the problem.

Ozil out for 10-12 weeks

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil will be out for 10 to 12 weeks with a partial ligament tear in his left knee, says the German national team.

Get involved

Jake, London, via text: Many small businesses in the UK rely on match days for a welcome bump in revenue. Taking a game abroad would be a slap in the face of these businesses as well as average UK fans.

Time out for Burgess

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Bath boss Mike Ford tells cross-code convert Sam Burgess to stay in Sydney "as long as he needs" as he recovers from facial surgery.

Yorkshireman Burgess, who was supposed to join the Premiership side next week, helped South Sydney Rabbitohs win the NRL Grand Final last weekend - after playing throughout with a fractured cheekbone and eye socket.

"We don't have a new date for his arrival yet," says Ford. "There's no date yet but that's not a problem at all."

The £1m euro cycle

Oleg Tinkov, the Russian multimillionaire owner of the Tinkoff-Saxo team, has challenged the four best riders in the world to contest all three Grand Tours in 2015 for one million euros.

The Russian would like to see Alberto Contador, who rides for his Tinkoff-Saxo squad, Team Sky's Chris Froome, Astana's Vincenzo Nibali and Nairo Quintana of Movistar race in the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana in the same year.

The 1m euros purse could be divided equally, or be awarded as a prize to the rider who places best at the Tours of Italy, France and Spain.

London Welsh have 'fight' - Ferguson

London Welsh assistant coach Matthew Ferguson says they still have plenty of fight despite their torrid start to the Premiership season.

Welsh have lost all five of their games, are bottom of the table, and have already conceded 249 points.

"We are still fully up for this fight and I sincerely believe that we have the ability to see this job through," Ferguson told BBC Radio Oxford.

"You want your players to believe and, as management, when you lose your fight you are in trouble."

Get involved

The Premier League is once again considering the idea of playing competitive matches abroad - and it's fair to say that it has not gone down well with many of you.

James Lee: Clubs and players already get obscene amounts of cash. Premier League focus should be on helping national side instead of their bank balance.

Robert Cusack: #the38thgame is such a stupid idea. What will this actually achieve, apart from alienating a lot of fans?

Glenn: What if a team narrowly loses title/ gets relegated having played one less home game than their rival? The league table never lies???

Keep your thoughts coming. Tweet #the38thgame, text 81111 or post on our Facebook page.

Nadal beaten by Lopez

Feliciano Lopez saves set point with a sumptuous volley at the net and earns a match point with another exquisite volley. Will the Spaniard knockout Rafael Nadal? Yes! A 6-3 7-6 (7-6) victory for Lopez at the Shanghai Masters against an out of sorts Nadal, who can now get treatment on his appendicitis.

Reuters

Ardley dedicates win over Dons to fans

AFC Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley has dedicated their first victory over MK Dons to the club's supporters.

AFC, formed when the old Wimbledon were given permission to relocate to Milton Keynes in 2002, beat the Dons 3-2 in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

"I know what the fans have been through and the pain they have had. The main thing is we have made a lot of people happy and that makes me happy," Ardley told BBC London 94.9.

Nadal putting up a fight

Rafael Nadal is in trouble at the Shanghai Masters. Feliciano Lopez is a set up and the pair are currently battling it out in a tie-break, with the world number two - who is suffering with appendicitis - leading 4-2 at the changeover. Nervous times ahead.

Reuters

Britain's women sixth

Britain's women's gymnastics team finishes sixth in the team final at the World Championship in Nanning. US took gold, with China in second and Russia third.

EPA

Ozil set for scan on injured knee

Arsenal are waiting to discover the extent of a knee injury sustained by midfielder

The German, 25, played in Arsenal's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Sunday, but reported for international duty with a problem in his left knee.

"Ozil has travelled to Munich to undergo an MRI examination," a German Football Association statement said.

AFP

Mesut Ozil joins Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta on the Arsenal midfield injury list

Wasps had 'no choice' over move - Haskell

Wasps captain James Haskell says the club had "no other choice" than to find a new home outside London, following confirmation that the club are to play matches at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry from December onwards.

"You can't sustain a business on gates of 5,000. You can't lose £3m a year in any walk of life. This was about survival," he told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire.

"I have an intimate knowledge of what's been happening with London Wasps over the last 11 years in our hunt for a new ground, having a multitude of different owners who weren't able to do that as projects fell through.

"But, as is often the case, a lot of the fans have been shielded from the true reality, that we were an hour away from going bankrupt, that for every pound spent at Adams Park, we get 50 per cent of it."

Unsung Hero Award

Do you know an unsung hero? The deadline is fast approaching to nominate your BBC Get Inspired Unsung Hero. To put someone forward for the award, you need to complete the form by Monday 20 October so get thinking and get nominating. Thanks.

BBC Sport

Leaders in Sport conference

Ben Smith

BBC Sport at Stamford Bridge

"The Leaders in Sport conference pauses for lunch and many of football's power brokers pause for breath.

"I have just had a quick buzz around the main floor and bumped into former England rugby World Cup winger Josh Lewsey, a number of Premier League football chief executives and more agents than you can shake a stick at.

"This afternoon's big attraction is cycling guru Sir Dave Brailsford, but I have spent some time with Roma's American owner James Pallotta and we discussed his plans to make the Italian giants a global football superpower, Ashley Cole's Italian lessons and Manchester United's attempts to sign the Dutchman Kevin Strootman.

"You can hear more from that interview on the website later and on BBC Radio 5 Live's special programme from here at 19:00 BST."

Get involved

Martin Jones: #the38thgame is not such a bad idea when you consider the massive overseas support our Premier League teams have. One game a year? How can that hurt?

Ben Lloyd: It doesn't make sense to take away a PL home game. Teams travel in the summer which kills the 'foreign fan access' argument.

Paul Roseveare: Anyone that has been to US/Asia can see what the Premier League means to fans there and how they would receive a game. No isolationism. I'm for #the38thgame.

Chapple loses Lancashire captaincy

All-rounder Glen Chapple has stepped down from the Lancashire captaincy for a player-coach role in new cricket director Ashley Giles' backroom team.

The 40-year-old, who has taken 975 first-class wickets, had been skipper since 2009 and led the team to the title in 2011.

Get involved

Chris Evans: #the38thgame shows how out of touch the Premier League are with match going fans, and what little respect they have for fans.

Matt Penfold: Use the FA Cup for the overseas games? Teams may start taking it seriously due to the exposure to foreign markets (£)

Paddy Emmerson: Wonder how many of the few supporting playing PL matches abroad actually go to matches? Probably none. Awful idea.

Bannan eyes Scotland spot

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Out-of-favour Crystal Palace midfielder Barry Bannan remains hopeful that he can retain his place in the Scotland team for Saturday's home Euro 2016 qualifier against Georgia.

Bannan has played just three times for the Eagles since new boss Neil Warnock took over last month, but impressed in Scotland's narrow 2-1 defeat at world champions Germany.

"You've got to look at guys like Alan Hutton; in the past he wasn't playing for his club and was coming away and playing really well for Scotland," says Bannan. "The only thing I can do, when I come here, is do my all in training to get into the team."

Get involved

Among all the negativity, here are a couple of positive comments about the Premier League considering taking a round of fixtures abroad...

Stephen Snowy Jones: Don't see the problem if it's only a couple of games, doesn't do the NFL any harm playing games at Wembley.

Joshua Mutama: English fans being a bit too selfish here. The Premier League is watched all over the world. For us fans not in England, it would be a very nice opportunity to watch players. Of course they are thinking about the money, only a fool wouldn't.

Pick this one out...

Earlier we saw Joe Hart's reactions being tested in training (see 11:28), but that drill could not help the England keeper stop this thronker from team-mate Jordan Henderson.

And if you think that being an international keeper is easier than it looks then the behind-the-goal camera angle might make you think again.

NI could look to McCourt

Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill admits he may look to the "unique" Paddy McCourt to unlock the Faroe Islands defence in Saturday's Euro 2016 home qualifier.

Brighton winger McCourt has not played a competitive fixture for his country since a cameo from the bench against Israel last March and has only made one friendly appearance since then.

But his standout performance in a Northern Ireland shirt came when he scored twice and set up another in a 4-0 Euro 2012 qualifying win against the Faroes.

"Paddy's previous against them has to come into the thinking given the nature of the game we're expecting," says O'Neill. "Paddy has the ability to unlock the door and he gives us different options."

Get involved

The Premier League is once again considering the idea of playing competitive matches abroad - sparking plenty of fierce debate among you football fans. Our Twitter accounts, text console and Facebook page are almost creaking under the sheer weight of your response. Here's a selection of your Tweets...

Russell Luke Parsons: As a League 2 club fan I think the 38th game is a good thing as local fans might have to go and support their local team for once.

Robert McCorquodale: Will clubs be keen when crucial matches aren't at home, and they get relegated/miss out on titles and lose the money anyway?

Simon MacRae: It's an insane idea it already costs me four arms and four legs to get to London to see Arsenal!

Giles grilled on KP

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Ex-England spinner and coach Ashley Giles is meeting the media for the first time since being named as Lancashire coach. But inevitably talk quickly turns to a Mr K. Pietersen and that book....

"I don't want to get sucked into it, I don't think this is the day to talk about Kev's book," says Giles.

"I played in a dressing room with Kevin and got on very well with Kev, but similarly with those other guys as well. When I coached them I never had any major issues with any of them."

Giles, not known for his batting prowess in his playing days, plays that one very straight...

Get involved

Steve Moate London, via text: This 38th game abroad is an excellent idea if the fans of the club in the UK are the ones who benefit. What if each season ticket gets reduced by £100? If the club's compensate the fans then what's the problem? Could lead to more TV money for the club, better facilities, cheaper tickets?

Spain needs Costa goals

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque feels it is time for Chelsea striker Diego Costa to prove himself on the international stage.

Costa scored 36 goals for Spanish champions Atletico Madrid last season and has bagged nine in nine matches since moving to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

But the Brazil-born forward, who opted to play for Spain earlier this year, has failed to score in five games for his adopted country.

"Diego has in front of him the challenge to show everyone that we have taken the right decision," says Del Bosque. "Maybe we are wrong, and it does happen in football, but I have a lot of confidence in him that he is going to do very well."

Farrell boost for England

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Finally some positive injury news for England coach Stuart Lancaster. Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell, who picked up a quad strain in last month's Premiership win against London Irish, is close to returning to action.

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall says the 23-year-old is "touch and go" for Saturday's Premiership match against Gloucester, but will be fit for the European Champions Cup game against Clermont Auvergne a week later.

England's first game of the autumn internationals is against New Zealand at Twickenham on 8 November.

Get involved

Tom Ibbotson: As someone who lies outside the UK I think it is a fantastic idea! Would make a change from waking up in the middle of the night to watch games!

Fans' group against overseas game

More from the Football Supporters' Federation on the Premier League reviving the idea of playing a round of fixtures overseas.

"The potential impact on the value of season tickets, which would see fans of half the Premier League clubs missing out a home match, could be enormous," says the fans' group. "Inevitably some of the fixtures to be moved will be either local derbies or other high-profile fixtures.

"The FSF is against the proposals as they have been reported, and will be consulting with Premier League fans' groups and individuals to formulate an appropriate response."

Get involved #the38thgame

PSE: Proposal is ridiculous. It is already too expensive for the average fan to get to a game.

Toddy: There would be uproar from the fans if the big derbies were moved aboard as I only see those games making the most money

Paul gibbons: Greed is destroying the game It's no longer what's best for the fans it's about how much MORE money than can make.

Fans' group against overseas game

The Premier League is once again considering the idea of playing competitive matches abroad - news which has drawn a negative response from the Football Supporters' Federation.

"Once again the idea of potentially huge changes to the game has arisen without consultation with one of the groups who matters most - the fans," says a statement from the national fans' group.

"If the reaction to previous incarnations of 'Game 39' and the idea of matches abroad is anything to go by, we expect this proposal to be met with the strongest possible opposition from supporters."

Game, set and match

Novak Djokovic scribbles his name in Chinese on the camera lens (classy) after a straightforward 6-3 6-4 second-round win over Dominic Thiem at the Shanghai Masters. The world number one will play Mikhail Kukushkin in the third round.

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Pietersen row rumbles on

It is a parody Twitter account which Kevin Pietersen says left him "ruined".

But the man behind "@KPgenius", which Pietersen believes was created by his England team-mates, insists no professional cricketers were involved in running the account.

The Guardian reports that Richard Bailey, who is friends with a number of Nottinghamshire cricketers but not involved in the professional game, strongly denies Pietersen's claims.

On this day

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Cast your mind back to 8 October 2005. Eastenders hard-man Grant Mitchell was about to return to Albert Square, Sugababes were top of the UK charts with 'Push The Button' and England qualified for the 2006 World Cup finals.

Sven-Goran Eriksson's side beat Austria 1-0 through Frank Lampard's penalty, despite captain David Beckham becoming the first player in history to be sent off twice for the national team.

Giles faces the media

Sam Sheringham

BBC Sport

BBC Sport

"Ashley Giles is about to face the media for the first time as Lancashire head coach. But, as a former team-mate and coach of Kevin Pietersen, will he be drawn on this week's revelations?

'Look into my eyes'

disney.wikia.com

When you're facing relegation and tried nearly every trick in the book, what is there left to do? Well, Brazilian club Portuguesa have hired a hypnotist, whose methods include having players walk over broken glass.

Coach Vagner Benazzi, whose team have collected 21 points from 27 games, said: "I don't like to miss out on a good opportunity. I know what he has done elsewhere and I want him to work with my players before games.

"There will be limits - I am the boss - and he will not disrupt the technical or physical side. But I accept his role due to the situation the club finds itself in. It's a desperate situation."

Who is the greatest Yorkshireman?

PA

The Pythonesque debate over who is the greatest Yorkshireman rubbles on.

It has emerged that Prime Minister David Cameron has written to former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott to explain why he overlooked him when choosing his "greatest living Yorkshireman".

Boycott tweeted: "Lovely letter arrived this morning from the Prime Minister regards Greatest Living Yorkshireman debate - he has a great sense of humour!"

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Get involved

Aaron: As long as it is done like how the NFL does it when they visit London! It might even help smaller clubs get more fans abroad!

Jon Evans: Maybe the FA should take the Community Shield match abroad. Certainly not a Premier League game. Not fair on the fans.

Dan Hooper: For the average fan this is a joke. Try reducing ticket prices to get these fans to games instead.

Djokovic on easy street

World number one Novak Djokovic is unbeatable these days, as Austria's Dominic Thiem is finding out. The Serb, fresh from winning the China Open in 66 minutes, has clinched the first set 6-3 in the second round of the Shanghai Masters.

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Get involved

The Premier League is once again considering the idea of playing competitive matches abroad - sparking plenty of fierce debate among you football fans.

Dave from Midlands, via text: Why don't we bring in a mid-winter break and then Premier League can organise three or four mini tournaments for overseas fans. Players stay fit and winter break is filled with games in warmer climates.

Ponting backs Pietersen claims

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting admits he is not surprised by Kevin Pietersen's claims of bullying in the England dressing room.

Ponting, who captained Australia between 2004 and 2011, says his batsmen saw England's most experienced bowlers sledging their own fielders.

"We saw them doing it, [James] Anderson was always the same, and [Graeme] Swann," Ponting tells Australia's Daily Telegraph newspaper. "The pointing of fingers and you'd hear a few expletives if there was a misfield or a dropped catch.

"The guys who were doing it were the so-called leaders. That's where the captain has got to come in, not wait and let little things turn into big things. That's what it sounds like has happened in this England team."

#ForzaJules

As the world of Formula 1 prepares for the Russian Grand Prix, the thoughts of those at Ferrari are with Jules Bianchi and Michael Schumacher.

The Italian team tweeted: The team is in Sochi, all our thoughts remain in Suzuka. Hopes for Michael as well.

Ferrari

Marussia driver Jules Bianchi suffered a diffuse axonal injury and is regarded as "critical but stable" after his car hit a recovery vehicle at the Japanese Grand Prix. Former Ferrari driver Schumacher is recovering from life-threatening head injuries suffered in a skiing accident in December.

Get involved

John O'Neill: Will my season ticket be cheaper as a result of not being able to attend one of the games? Against modern football.

Chris Richards: Surely this means half the teams in Premier League would lose one home game, how could that possibly work?

Peter Elliott: True fans should turn their back on the Premier League if the 38th game happens. Utter nonsense.

England keepers warm up for San Marino

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Want to see Joe Hart put through his paces in training? Now you can. England's official Twitter account has posted a behind-the-scenes video of Hart, Ben Foster and Fraser Forster training at St Georges Park this morning.

The trio were taking part in a reaction session, which sees them running between cones and flinging themselves at shots being pinged by coach Dave Watson. Interesting stuff.

Right decision to make - Wilson

GB's Nile Wilson after missing out on performing in the all-around final: "I'm obviously very disappointed, as I'm feeling great otherwise and have been really enjoying my first World Championships but my wrist was pretty sore today so I made the decision to pull out and save myself for the high bar final.

"The medical staff and coaches are unanimous that this is the right decision to make. I'll be right behind Max and Dan Purvis in the all-around and can't wait for the high bar on Sunday."

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Get involved

Edmund Bannister: Having just been to the NFL game at Wembley I would be all for it - but not as a 39th fixture.

Johan Jacobs: I would love that other sports are doing the same and it could be a great revenue generator.

Matt Flecknoe: We have NFL games at Wembley so why not have three or four Premier league games abroad!

Wasps star buzzing about move

Fans aren't happy about Wasps playing matches in Coventry, but what do the players think? Centre Chris Bell tells BBC Sport that he is fully behind the move.

"It's hugely positive I think for the club. I understand it is going to be a little bit of upheaval for fans and players as well, but it has to happen for the club," says the former skipper.

"We don't generate enough income at Wycombe to sustain a business that we want, and to sustain a playing squad we need to have to compete in this league.

"The players have been kept informed relatively well. We are really excited as a group."

Whitlock replaces Wilson

Nick Hope

BBC Olympic sports reporter in Nanning

Commonwealth all-around champion Max Whitlock will replace team-mate Nile Wilson in the World Championship all-around final after Wilson withdrew with a wrist injury.

Whitlock, 21, achieved the top-24 position needed to reach the all-around final despite a 'tough' qualifying display on Friday.

However, with each nation only permitted to enter two athletes, his third highest score - behind Dan Purvis and Wilson - meant he was due to miss out.

Get involved

The Premier League is once again considering the idea of playing competitive matches abroad - sparking plenty of fierce debate among you football fans. Here are a selection of your Tweets. Positive views are few and far between....

Mark Hampson: The greedy FA should regulate cheaper ticket prices for UK fans, not showcase the PL for the highest bidder overseas. Disgrace.

Ross Hammerton: The 38th game = further evidence the Premier League is about greed and business, not sport, fans or ordinary people. Just a TV show now.

Alexander Dickins: It would only be beneficial to the teams in the top six which have large fan bases abroad.

Wasps to move to Coventry in December

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Wasps will stage their first game at their new home in Coventry against Castres or London Irish in December, the club announces.

The two-times European champions have acquired a 50% interest in the Ricoh Arena after Coventry City Council voted in favour of selling their controlling interest in Arena Coventry Limited (ACL).

Wasps will continue to play at their existing ground at Adams Park, which is shared with Wycombe Wanderers, until December.

Thurston ruled out of Four Nations

Good news for England and their hopes of 2014 Four Nations success. Australia's joint NRL player of the year Johnathan Thurston has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering a shoulder injury.

Stand-off Thurston, 31, was a World Cup winner with the Kangaroos in 2013.

"You never want to miss playing rep footy, and I'm very proud of my record in that area, but this time there's no other option," he said.

The Four Nations, which also involves New Zealand and Samoa, begins on 25 October in Brisbane.

Get involved

Simon Hodgkinson: Ridiculous. Another fine example of the contempt with which football authorities treat supporters.

John Fleming: Absolute rubbish. 10 teams miss out on a home fixture. Ridiculous suggestion.

Mark Wing: Great idea - if their intention is to destroy the integrity of the game and alienate the fans.

Murray sets up Ferrer clash

Andy Murray has match point. And he wastes it. The British number one grabs a second. And he wastes it. A third match point... and a double fault by the lame Jerzy Janowicz ends the match. The 11th seed progresses to the third round after a routine 7-5 6-2 victory and will next face David Ferrer.

AFP

Were Arsenal gunning for Casillas?

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Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas says he considered leaving Real Madrid last season - and believes Arsenal wanted to sign him.

Casillas, 33, was second-choice keeper behind Diego Lopez at the Bernabeu but has fought back to regain the number one shirt this season.

"I thought about going," he tells Spanish television station Canal Plus. "But in the end, at 33 years of age, you think, why should I go?

"There was a lot of talk about an offer from Arsenal, but there was nothing concrete. I want to stay at Real Madrid, keep fighting here and finish my career here."

Murray closing in on victory

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We're at the second round of the Shanghai Masters and Jerzy Janowicz has returned to action after needing treatment on his injured right calf. The Pole looks like a beaten man, though, with Andy Murray serving for a 5-2 lead in the second (and probably last) set.

Ferdinand wants top managerial job

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says he wants to manage the club one day.

Ferdinand won six Premier League titles during his 12-year career at Old Trafford.

And the 35-year-old told the Manchester Evening News: "I am not stupid enough to think that I will pass all my badges and then Manchester United will come asking me to become their manager.

"But I want to be the best in whatever field I go into and that means managing a big club like United or your country."

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Get involved

The Premier League is once again considering the idea of playing competitive matches abroad - and that has got you lot talking. Here's a selection of your comments on the BBC Sport Facebook page...

Ben Leonard: The Premier League is already a global brand, most Premier League teams give their fans abroad a chance to see them play in pre-season tours, this idea wouldn't take into account the regular fans that pay their hard earned money to watch their team every week, the money men rule all now.

Alex Hendy: The big games will do well but the rest may well struggle, can't see a Stoke vs West Brom game being too popular anywhere. Regardless of whether it's good for the game or otherwise.

Schurrle & Ozil miss Germany training

@DFB-Team/Twitter

World champions Germany pop over their eastern border this weekend to face neighbours Poland in their latest Euro 2016 qualifier.

But boss Joachim Low has injury concerns over a couple of Premier League-based players, who missed today's training session.

Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle took part in an individual session at the team hotel, while Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil is having an MRI scan in Munich on his injured knee.

You moustache be joking?

Jose Enrique

Liverpool defender Jose Enrique woke up this morning and decided he wanted to look like Charlie Chaplin. The Spaniard tweeted: Surprised my girlfriend with a new style of beard this morning, She didn't like it very much.. hahahahaha

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Get involved

Stop the press! We've got a positive comment about the Premier League once again considering the idea of playing competitive matches abroad.

Jamie: Be great see Man Utd vs Liverpool in Dublin. Create atmosphere and profit going back into local grassroots.

Scunthorpe sack record-breaking boss

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Six months ago Russ Wilcox was a Football League record breaker. Now he is out of a job.

League One strugglers Scunthorpe United sack their 50-year-old manager, who broke a 125-year-old record by leading the Iron to a 28-match unbeaten run, after a disappointing start to the new season.

After winning promotion last season, they have taken seven points from their opening 11 matches.

Murray wins first set

A fist pump from Andy Murray as he wins the first set 7-5 in his second-round match against Jerzy Janowicz at the Shanghai Masters.

"He played a great set of tennis," says Mark Petchey of Murray on Sky Sports and who are we to argue with that. The Briton hit 12 winners and five aces.

Elsewhere, there's been a bit of a shock as Julien Benneteau has beaten 10th seed Grigor Dimitrov 7-5 6-3.

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Get involved

The Premier League is considering the idea of playing competitive matches abroad is not going down well - judging by your early responses anyway....

George Wood: I pay for my season ticket so I can go to all games, not all apart from one.

Matt Eagles: Terrible idea ! What do we have satellite tv for so we can share quality football with the world!!

George Weave: Ridiculous idea, would serve only to alienate core fanbase more than the ridiculous ticket prices.

Watson loses at Japan Open

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Heather Watson's form continues to stutter as the British number one loses in straight sets to world number 122 Yulia Putintseva in the second round of the Japan Women's Open.

Watson, ranked 46, was beaten 6-4 7-5 in one hour and 51 minutes by the 19-year-old from Kazakhstan.

The Briton had halted a run of first round defeats at her last four tournaments by beating Serbia's Jovana Jaksic in the opening round.

Marussia withdraw from GP3 event

Marussia Manor Racing will not participate in this weekend's GP3 Series after being "forced to withdraw from the event for commercial reasons".

The team say the withdrawal has not been influenced "in any way" by Marussia driver Jules Bianchi suffering severe head injuries at last weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old from France is "critical but stable" in hospital.

How would Cloughie deal with bright boots?

You sports fans will have a lot of reading to do in the next few days because QPR manager Harry Redknapp is also set to release an autobiography.

"I do wonder how managers like Brian Clough and Bill Shankly would cope. How would Cloughie deal with players taking five pairs of different colour boots to a game? We used to squeeze into a mini bus with two skips. Now you take a small army to an away game," says Redknapp of the game today.

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Get involved

The Premier League is once again considering the idea of playing competitive matches abroad - and that has got you lot talking.

Martin McHugh: You should NEVER need a passport to watch PL unless you live outside the UK. Ridiculous.

Agree with Martin? Tweet using #the38thgame, text 81111 or post on Facebook page. Come on, let's be hearing from you.

Pietersen speaks...

However, in a week where Pietersen has had plenty to say, it is inevitable that he offers his opinion on Giles' appointment...

"What a brilliant day for one of my good buddies, Gilo! Sooooo happy he's got the chance to coach a great club! Can't keep great men down," he tweets.

Lancashire appoint 'King of Spain'

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One other interesting, non-Pietersen piece of cricket news to tell you about.

Lancashire have appointed ex-England one-day coach Ashley Giles as their new cricket director and head coach.

The 41-year-old 'King of Spain' replaces Mike Watkinson, who stepped down as cricket director on Monday. Earlier this year, Giles was overlooked in favour of Peter Moores as the national team's head coach.

Pietersen in the past - Gatting

The world of cricket is still talking about Kevin Pietersen, but former England captain Mike Gatting believes the time has come to consign the Pietersen chapter to the past once and for all.

"I just hope we look forward and not back," he said. "I'm more concerned that we look at the players we've got - Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Gary Ballance, (Jos) Buttler.

"All these guys are who we want to see now because that's where they are now. They're in the team and we'd like to see them go forward. History is the past and we're looking to the present."

Murray in action

Andy Murray is on court and about to start his second-round match against Jerzy Janowicz at the Shanghai Masters. Murray, still chasing a spot at the ATP World Tour finals, is the favourite against the big-hitting world number 37. Plenty of empty seats on Grandstand.

US Open runner-up Kei Nishikori is also action, playing Jack Sock in the second round and the pair are level at 1-1.

Ashley bids to oust Rangers chieft

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is in the headlines almost as often as Kevin Pietersen. Ashley has called for an extraordinary meeting of Rangers shareholders to remove chief executive Graham Wallace.

Ashley, who increased his stake in Rangers International Football Club (RIFC) plc to 9% this month, also wants the removal of director Philip Nash. The board is currently "verifying that the notice is properly constituted".

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Get involved #bbcsportsday

Lemonwilly: Italian clubs didn't play abroad when Serie A was the top league in the 90s, it's stupid & disrespectful to fans

Vincenzo Re: Taking PL games abroad is all about the money and puts the loyal fans bottom of their priority. What value a season ticket?

What are your thoughts on proposals to play a Premier League fixture overseas? Would you travel to watch your team if it required a passport? And in what country would you like the fixtures to be played? Tweet us your thoughts using the hashtag #bbcsportsday.

McIlroy opens centre for children with cancer

The world of sport is not all about spats and behind-closed-doors revelations, because there are heart-warming tales to tell, too. The Independent reports that Rory McIlroy has donated £1m from his charitable foundation to open a new support centre for children with cancer.

The world number one returned to Northern Ireland to open Daisy Lodge in Newcastle, County Down, a therapeutic short-break centre.

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Key statements in the leaked document

- KP (Kevin Pietersen) stated that AC (captain Alastair Cook) was weak, tactically inept and that his latest effort to galvanise the team was "pathetic".

- In Adelaide for the second Test, AF (coach Andy Flower) told players not to stay out late, which KP disobeyed by taking out two young players drinking with him until late (an incident which was front page news in the Adelaide press the following day).

- Prior to the Perth Test, an England team physiotherapist approached AF (Andy Flower) to inform AF that KP had told him that KP was looking to do anything to go home after the Perth Test if England lost the match to go 3‐0 down. KP allegedly told the physio that if England lost the match, his knee was "going to be really playing up"

- After playing a terrible shot to get out in one of his innings in the Fourth Test, KP returned to the England dressing room and in front the younger England players, shouted "you lot are useless".

'Leaked document not a dossier'

It didn't take us long to mention Kevin Pietersen. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) denies that a leaked document is a dossier on Pietersen's behaviour during last winter's Ashes.

A five-page ECB list of misdemeanours supposedly committed by the 34-year-old on the tour was published by Cricinfo.

The ECB has since issued a statement which claimed it is a "private email" relating to "due diligence" by lawyers concerning Pietersen's autobiography.

Robbie Savage: Whether or not Roy did try and sign me I chose derby over Sunderland as they offered me more and I didn't want to move house. But it's great to know Roy keane obviously liked me as a player as he was one of best midfielders ever!

Savage voicemail annoys Keane

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Be careful of what you say on voicemail. Although, it's probably quite easy to annoy Roy Keane no matter what is said. The former Manchester United captain has said he pulled out of buying Robbie Savage while Sunderland manager because of the midfielder's voicemail message.

In his book, Keane says: "I rang Mark Hughes about Robbie Savage. Robbie wasn't in the Blackburn team and I asked Mark if we could try to do a deal, a permanent or loan deal.

"Sparky gave me permission to give him a call. So I got Robbie's mobile number and rang him. It went to his voicemail: 'Hi, it's Robbie - whazzup!' - like the Budwesier ad. I never called him back."

Latest gossip

Every day in the world of football is filled with rumour and gossip and goalkeepers in particular are causing a stir. Here's a selection from our gossip page.

Liverpool and Arsenal are monitoring Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas after the 33-year-old hinted he wants to play in England.(Daily Star)

However, reports claim Liverpool are closing in on a deal for former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes, 32, who is set to undergo a medical this month. (Goal.com)

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, 32, will look to quit Stamford Bridge in the near future if he remains second choice to 22-year-old Thibaut Courtois.(Sky Sports)

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Get involved #bbcsportsday

What are your thoughts on proposals to play a Premier League fixture overseas? Would you travel to watch your team if it required a passport? And in what country would you like the fixtures to be played? Tweet us your thoughts using the hashtag #bbcsportsday.

Premier League look abroad

Dan Roan

BBC Sport

"Talks appear to be a very early stage, are not yet at a formal proposal stage, and according to one source at Gloucester Place, may yet ultimately result in no changes.

"England's top clubs want to build on the popularity of the league abroad, record attendances at pre-season friendlies in the US this summer, and have also been influenced by regular NBA and NFL matches in London in recent seasons."

Premier League could be played overseas

Could the Premier League be heading Stateside? Premier League clubs are once again considering the idea of playing competitive matches abroad.

The concept of a '39th game' was aborted back in 2008 amid controversy and criticism.

But the league is now understood to be considering playing an existing - rather than additional - round of matches overseas by the end of the decade.

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Topics for discussion today

- The ECB deny that a leaked document is a dossier on Kevin Pietersen's behaviour during last winter's Ashes.

- Former England captain Mike Gatting believes the time has come to consign the Kevin Pietersen chapter to the past once and for all.

- The World Anti-Doping Agency may consider longer bans for athletes who have used banned substances if research on steroid longevity proves valid.

Hello and welcome to Wednesday's edition of Sportsday. There are plenty of Euro 2016 qualifying matches to talk about, with England the first of the home nations in action when they host San Marino on Thursday. Kevin Pietersen? There's all the latest on the furore he has caused, too. Let's get to it.