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Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side continued their incredibly impressive Premiership form on Saturday afternoon, with the Bhoys’ putting four past Ross County in a demolition job at Parkhead.

Indeed, a hat-trick from Giorgos Giakoumakis as well as a first-half Daizen Maeda strike sealed a comfortable win that once again piles the pressure on the Hoops’ Old Firm rivals ahead of their trip to Dundee FC on Sunday.

Speaking about his side’s performance, Postecoglou said: “We had a couple of really tough away games where we’ve done really well but the playing surfaces haven’t allowed us to play our football. Today allowed us to be really good and bright and we were well in control of the game.”

Aside from the positive result, the performance of first-half substitute Matt O’Riley will have also pleased the 56-year-old Bhoys boss immensely, as the midfielder was dominant in the middle of the park – outshining both Tom Rogic and Reo Hatate.

57 touches

Indeed, coming on for the injured Rogic in the 33rd minute of the match, the £1.5m January signing turned in a level of performance that he had struggled to reach in the last few weeks – enjoying 57 touches of the ball, completing 39 of his 47 attempted passes – two of which were key – found his man with three long balls and successfully completed two dribbles.

The 21-year-old also did his fair share of the dirty work in the Celtic midfield, making one interception, blocking one shot and winning four duels, as well as breaking up Ross County’s play by committing two fouls.

These returns saw the Denmark U21 international earn a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.5, ranking him as the fifth-best player to feature in the match – a quite remarkable feat considering he started the game on the bench.

Furthermore, The Athletic’s Kieran Devlin was also clearly impressed with O’Riley’s display on Saturday, stating of the midfielder: “[Reo] Hatate and O’Riley’s best performances in a month which is encouraging too. Very complete performance today, lots to be happy about.”

As such, with a potential title decider against Rangers up next for the Bhoys, the £405k-rated youngster’s display against County will have done him no harm in his bid to secure a starting spot in the Old Firm clash, something that could well present Postecoglou will a major headache ahead of the Glasgow derby.

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Indeed, after this performance, the 56-year-old will struggle to justify leaving the player who John McGinley dubbed a “Harlem Globetrotter” out of his starting XI on April 3.

AND in other news: Forget Doak: Ange can unearth his next prodigy in Celtic gem who’s “ready for it”

Ravindra Nath Sawani, the former Indian police officer who was in charge of the enquiry that blew the lid off match-fixing in India in 2000, has been appointed the general manager and chief investigator of the ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU).”I look upon my job as a great responsibility to protect the game of cricket through preventive vigilance,” Sawani said in a press conference called by the ICC in Mumbai on Thursday.Asked why an Indian was chosen for the role, and whether this was an indication of the prevalence of match-fixing in India, Malcolm Speed, the ICC chief executive said: “India has the biggest cricket-watching population and it’s the financial powerhouse. We are aware of how much money is bet on cricket matches in India. We understand it is to the tune of $500 million to one billion for every ODI.”In the history of match-fixing investigations, there has been involvement of bookies from India, and it will be good to have someone from India.”Sawani replaces Jeff Rees – who held the post since its inception until his retirement – and starts work in Dubai next week, reporting to Lord Condon, the chairman of the ACSU. Speed said he was happy with the partnership. “We have the best from England, which is the old power of cricket, and the best from India, the new power of cricket, and that’s a good synergy.”Having investigated match-fixing in 2000, we [the ICC] have come a long way in tackling these issues. It’s not merely match-fixing we look at; players’ behaviour, enforcing the code of conduct, the entire gamut of cricket runs under the ACSU.”Speed stressed the importance of the ACSU when asked about the investigation of the match-fixing allegations against Marlon Samuels, the West Indies batsman, which cropped up in January this year. “There has been a process in place since 2000 wherein when such an alleged offence comes up, it goes to goes to the ACSU”.The ACSU will then send a report to the ICC code of conduct commission, which is chaired by Michael Beloff QC. He will report to the ICC board, which will then advise the home board – in this case the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) – on what steps to take. Speed said “it’s a slow but rigorous process”, and WICB will then appoint a lawyer to conduct the hearing, if it is called for.Sawani, 57, has 30 years of experience with the Indian Police Service, including seven years with the Central Bureau of Investigation, where, as the joint director in charge of special crimes, he led the enquiry into match-fixing. He is also the recipient of the president of India’s Police Medal for Distinguished Services, the highest police medal in the country, in 2001.

With the support of the Asian boards, Sharad Pawar has a good chance of presiding over the ICC in 2008 © AFP

Sharad Pawar, the president of the Indian board (BCCI), has filed his nomination for the post of ICC president as the ‘common representative of the Asian bloc’ after the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) met in Singapore and agreed on his nomination.”All the Test playing nations in Asia – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh – have decided on the nomination of Mr. Pawar and it has been sent to the ICC,” Ratnakar Shetty, the chief administrative officer of the BCCI, told PTI. Niranjan Shah, the BCCI secretary, said that the BCCI also hoped to rope in the West Indies board to back Pawar.Earlier Syed Ashraful Huq, the ACC chief executive officer, said that the ACC wanted Pawar to be the ICC president. “The ACC cannot nominate”, Huq told . “So it is likely that India will nominate and we will support it.”Mahmud-ur-Rehman, the Bangladesh board chief executive, also confirmed his board’s support to Pawar. “We are for it and have informed the BCCI too,” said Rehman.The last date for filing of nominations is January 1. The ICC will vote in its new president in its annual meeting in London in July next year for a term of two years beginning 2008 . The nominations committee is headed by AC Muttiah, the former president of the BCCI.

Despite the on-going dispute between the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Umpires and Scorers Council (T&TCUSC) and the Association of Cricket Umpires of Trinidad and Tobago (ACUTT), the Carib Sunday and Super leagues are scheduled to get off this weekend, with the TTCUSC promising to field enough umpires to officiate the entire season.However, the ACUTT, who say they have the support of 70% of the umpires in the country and are lobbying to replace the TTCUSC as the representative body for umpires to the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), are claiming that the percentage is incorrect and that the TTCUSC do not have sufficient qualified personnel to carry out the job.Last week, as part of a process to arrive at a resolution to the impasse, representatives of both entities met with Ronald Ramcharan, the Chamber of Commerce mediator.The TTCB are reportedly awaiting the report of that mediation effort. But Parasram Ramsubar, a TTCUSC representative, said yesterday that no matter what the outcome of the mediation, there will be officials to ensure the smooth sailing of the 2006 Carib sponsored competitions. “We have already appointed the umpires that have said they will be available,” Ramsubar stated. “We have more than 20 qualified umpires and that will be sufficient to run the (Carib Sunday) League.” Ramsubar added that those figures were based on the responses to a request from the TTCUSC seeking the availability of umpires from the five zones last December.And while there were no replies from the North and North East Zones, acceptances were forthcoming from umpires in the Central, South and South East Zones. Ramsubar indicated that they would need a minimum of 16 umpires to officiate the league competently.However, Harry Mahabal, the ACUTT chairman, suggested that cannot be the case. “Let’s put it this way,” he emphasised, “when the season starts you will see what will happen with the clubs. But according to our record, I don’t think they can have as many as 20 qualified [umpires]. We also understand they have recalled several umpires who have stopped umpiring for the last 15 years back to the fold. Most of these people have not even seen the cover of a new rule book.”Regarding the mediation, Mahabal stated that Ramcharan was now seeking a legal opinion after the ACUTT presented two legal opinions of their own. Forbes Persaud, TTCB general secretary, said the local governing body would recognise the TTCUSC as the official body of the umpires as they had done so for the last 49 years. But Mahabal stated that the TTCB would determine the representative body at a meeting later this month.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India concluded its controversial annual general meeting yesterday, following which the new elected representatives took office. However, Ranbir Singh Mahendra, the new president, was absent, campaigning in Haryana for the upcoming assembly elections. reported that the meeting lasted all of 30 seconds.The AGM was held after a gap of four months, after the BCCI was taken to court in September by cricket clubs which opposed the elected representatives as well as Jagmohan Dalmiya’s new designation as patron-in-chief. While the stay order on Dalmiya remained, the Supreme Court recently declared that the remaining office-bearers could begin their duties.Dalmiya had also sought to represent India at the ICC – another move which was challenged in court. But before this could come up for discussion at the meeting, Dalmiya declared it over, in effect leaving India without a representative at the ICC.The decision provoked angry reactions, one of which came from IS Bindra, a former president of the board. “Just because one man does not want it, the BCCI should not go unrepresented at ICC meetings. We would support the move if both Ranbir Singh Mahendra and SK Nair go as that would be in keeping with the convention.”Dalmiya faced more opposition from Raj Singh Dungarpur. “I was the board president,” he said to . “So was IS Bindra, and we represented the BCCI. The same thing should be done by Ranbir Singh Mahendra. Why is he [Dalmiya] not allowing others to go?” Before the meeting began, he called for Dalmiya to retire, and said that if he stayed on, it would hurt the BCCI’s image.

On behalf of the CCA and the entire Cricketing community, we wish to extend our condolences to Dr. and Mrs. Barry Mills of Winnipeg, Manitoba on the sudden loss of their beloved son, Damian At 24, he passed away in his sleep last evening.We are shocked to learn of the untimely death of Damian Mills, one of the members of the Canadian HP players, who was actively training for CCA High Performance Events in 2004.Karran Bayney, CCA 2nd Vice President, knew Damian well and expresses the horror felt by all who have known Damian. Damian was the Captain and opening batsman of the Winnipeg Juniors cricket team of Manitoba.He was a pleasant outgoing chap who loved the game of cricket more than life. He was often seen at the park earlier than most and stayed longer than the rest. He was the most exciting player that Manitoba has seen for a long time. He was their best player in 2003, scoring over 1100 runs and winning batting honours in several provinces this year. He even travelled to Ontario to play with the CCA U23 and Overseas teams when he could find time in his busy schedule.He always encouraged less gifted players and always generous with his advice. He was an ardent student of the game. He was always modest despite huge accomplishments and positive about any perceived shortcomings. He trained constantly and was a willing student of the gamein fact a coach’s dream.Damian, Canadian born, learned the game of Cricket in Manitoba. He has represented Canada both at the junior and senior team levels. As a junior, he shares a record opening pair stand.Damian worked for the Manitoba Telecomm System when he was not attending university. He was scheduled to graduate from the University of Manitoba Faculty of Management with a Major in Marketing in the spring of 2004.The Manitoba and Canadian Cricket Associations and the entire cricketing community will miss this very talented and generous young man. He offered so much and asked for so little. Cricket in Manitoba and in Canada will search long and hard to find another Damien.”In the midst of life, we are in death.””Those whom the Gods love, die young.”Rest in peace Damian!

Northern Districts beat Auckland by five wickets with 13 balls to spare at WestpacTrust Park in Hamilton.An innings of 105 from opener James Marshall took ND most of the way to victory, but there were some nervous moments before an unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 53 between Marshall’s twin brother Hamish and Grant Bradburn saw them home.At the end of the third day’s play ND coach Bruce Blair told CricInfo that he felt confident about chasing 200 or less. That being so, a target of 248 looked uncomfortably challenging.Setting such a target was towards the outer limit of Auckland’s ambitions at the start of play. A blistering innings by Andre Adams made it possible. He scored 60 from 76 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes.His method was simple. If the ball was pitched up he aimed straight, short and it went square, both achieved with a minimum of footwork. As well as giving his team a chance to win the game it pushed Adams’ claims for selection in the CLEAR Black Caps one-day squad, following his 5-70 in ND’s first innings.Brooke Walker contributed three to the eighth-wicket partnership of 67 with Adams, but his contribution was far from negligible in other respects. He batted through the morning, taking over the attacking role after Adams departed and fell one short of a deserved half century. Auckland finished on 307.Joseph Yovich took 6/102 in the second innings, completing his first 10-wicket match haul in first-class cricket.James Marshall had not fielded in Auckland’s second innings because of a hand injury sustained batting in the first innings. The rest seemed to do him good, because from the start of his innings he batted with a level of rhythm, timing and confidence that he has not shown for two years.Marshall’s 105 came in 147 balls with eleven fours and two sixes, both lifted effortlessly over midwicket. He played confidently all around the wicket, but the timing and placement of his offside drives was particularly memorable.The ND management will be pleased that there were four half-century stands in the innings, as building partnerships had been identified as a priority.Speaking to CricInfo at the end of the match, ND captain Robbie Hart praised the contributions of Marshall and Bradburn, while emphasising that victory was achieved through an all-round team performance.”We needed Bradburn’s experience when it was tight at the end,” he said.ND are in second place on the State Championship table, one point above Auckland and four behind new leaders Canterbury. The State Championship now takes a break of five weeks while the one-day State Shield is played.Players and officials of both sides were full of praise for the job done by turf manager Doug Strachan and his team. They produced a surface that offered pace, consistent bounce, something for all the bowlers, but one that the batsmen always had confidence in.Even in ordinary conditions this would be an achievement, but in the primeval swamp that has been Hamilton for the past two weeks it is little short of a miracle. Strachan has had nine hours sleep in the last three nights as he has battled against the elements in the name of cricket.How will he celebrate New Year’s Eve?”I’m going to buy a curry, go home and fall asleep by eight o’clock,” he said.

Karachi, July 25: Sri Lanka, displaying brilliant all-roundperformance, outplayed Pakistan by 57 runs to clinch the inauguralUnder-17 Asia Cup Cricket Tournament at the National Stadium here onTuesday.The islanders, after winning the toss and electing to bat first on aplacid pitch, rattled up 230 in 44.3 overs.The hosts, in reply, were bowled out for a disappointing 173 in 40overs.Sri Lankan captain Jehan Jayasuriya received the glittering winnerstrophy from the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Lt Gen TauqirZia, who was the chief guest at the final. The visiting team were alsoawarded a cash award of Rs25,000, put up by Habib Oil Mills, who werepart sponsors of the 11-day tournament.Pakistan skipper Salman Butt had to be content with the runners-uptrophy and received a cash prize of Rs15,000.Openers Haresh Ratnayake and wicket-keeper Ishan Mutalip laid thefoundation with a magnificent partnership of 149 in 29 overs.Both batsmen capitalized on shoddy Pakistan fielding. The left-handedRatnayake was given two `lives’ on 36 and 51 as Suleman Qadir (caughtand bowled) and substitute Mian Adnan (at square-leg) floored simplecatches.Mutalip, the right-hander, was let off when he had made just eight inthe fourth over of the innings. Munir Ansari was the culprit atsquare-leg as Mutalip spooned the ball high while attempting to pullleft-arm pacer Najaf Shah.To add to the woes, Pakistani fielders missed several run outopportunities as time and again they either fumbled or over ran theball.However, despite their shortcomings in the field, Pakistan staged adramatic but belated fight back with all Sri Lankan wickets going downfor 81 runs once the opening stand was broken at the start of the 30thover.Mutalip was the first to go for a 97-ball 72 which was studded withsix fours and a six when he charged at part-time off-spinner FaisalKhan and was stumped by Adnan Akmal.Ratnayake followed shortly afterwards for making 80 off 102deliveries. His sparkling knock was laced with six fours and a six.Off-spinner Munir Ansari, who has modelled his action on Sri Lankanspin maestro Muttiah Muralitharan, claimed four wickets for 54 runs totake his tally to 19 in the tournament – a feat which earned him thebest bowler award.But the pick of the bowlers were Faisal Khan, who took three for 33 in8.3 overs and off-spinner Suleman Qadir, son of former leg-spin Testgreat Abdul Qadir. Suleman, though failed to take a wicket, concededonly 27 runs in his quota of nine overs.Pakistan emulated the Sri Lankan openers as Salman Butt and KhalidLatif played some lovely drives and cuts during their partnership of86 in 17 overs.Ratnayake took a fine, well-judged catch on the deep square-leg fencewhen Khalid mistimed a pull off off-spinner Jayasuriya. The openerscored 39 off 48 balls with four fours and a six.Wickets then fell at regular intervals as the Sri Lankan spinnersbowled to a tight line and length. Slow left-armer Ishara Dilshan, whowas later adjudged Man-of-the-Match, claimed three for 25.Salman Butt played a lone hand for a gallant 73 off 101 balls beforehe was run out by a superb direct hit by a a diving Jeewan Mendis,racing in from short cover.Salman, who was fifth out, stroked nine boundaries.Jayasuriya, leading with example, took two excellent catches but hewas upstaged by Eashan Abeysinghe’s stunning effort at mid-wicket toget rid of Adnan Akmal.Jeewan Mendis was declared the Player-of-the-Tournament whileBangladesh’s Mohammad Ashraful was named the best batsman for scoringthe competition’s only century.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has been dealt a setback ahead of tonight’s crunch Premier League clash with Newcastle United as an injury update emerges.

The Lowdown: Saints in 2022 form…

Hasenhuttl’s men have started 2022 in fine fashion, losing just two matches out of 11 in all competitions, including impressive results against the likes of Man City, Tottenham and Man United in the Premier League and West Ham in the FA Cup (Transfermarkt).

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However, after their most recent result, a dismal 4-0 defeat away to Aston Villa, the Saints will be looking to immediately get back on track with a solid result against the resurgent Newcastle United.

Southampton could be boosted by the potential return of defender Mohammed Salisu who is back in contention after missing the last two games with a hamstring problem.

Although, it appears Hasenhuttl must do without one bright attacking option in Nathan Tella alongside defender Lyanco who is also still unavailable.

The Latest: Tella still absent…

Indeed, Tella won’t feature in Southampton’s clash at St. Mary’s this evening despite his appearances in training recently.

In a setback for Hasenhuttl, as relayed by the BBC, the 22-year-old is still not ready regardless of his return to the grass.

Tella, as a result, will miss the Newcastle game alongside Lyanco.

The Verdict: Setback for Ralph…

As the Magpies travel south on a hot streak of form, Southampton’s efforts to halt their momentum tonight would have been boosted by having Tella as an option.

Alas, with the starlet still unavailable, Hasenhuttl won’t be able to count on his dynamism or bright attacking play off the bench.

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According to WhoScored, the Englishman has attracted more fouls per 90 than any Saints player in the Premier League on average whilst also completing more dribbles per 90 than regulars like Nathan Redmond or Che Adams.

Often proving a challenge for defenders when given the opportunity, Hasenhuttl previously lauded Tella as a ‘big threat’, but Southampton don’t stand to benefit from it today.

In other news: ‘It is true’…Southampton tipped to target 39-assist ‘star’ by close source! Find out more here.

Points table

Amit Bhandari took 3 for 17 © Cricinfo Ltd

ScorecardDelhi duly completed victory over Rajasthan on the fourth day at the Feroz Shah Kotla, taking the last three wickets in 21.1 overs. Mithun Manhas, the captain, brought himself on and quickly took two wickets and Amit Bhandari dismissed overnight batsman Robin Bist for 69 to signal the end.Medium-pace bowler Shailender Gehlot delayed the inevitable with 47 from 85 but with over two sessions left it was just a matter of time for Delhi to complete victory.The hosts took five points from an outright win to move to the top of Group A.
ScorecardAnoop Pai’s unbeaten 119, his maiden first-class hundred in just third third appearance for Hyderabad, ensured a draw against Bengal at Eden Gardens. Hyderabad recovered from an overnight 86 for 3 to finish 302 for 6, with Pai and Arjun Yadav (53) getting among the runs. Left-arm spinner Murtaza Lodhgar added two wickets on the fourth day to finish with 5 for 68. Bengal took three points to Hyderabad’s one.