Liverpool Echo

Latest Liverpool news and rumours as Tottenham are handed a injury blow ahead of Sunday's Premier League meeting at Anfield

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Tottenham will be without club captain Son Heung-min for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield.

Arne Slot’s side are now tantalisingly close to securing a 20th league title for the club, needing just a single point from their remaining fixtures to make a first-place finish mathematically certain.

Initially, they required all three points this weekend, but Arsenal’s surprise 2–2 draw with Crystal Palace in midweek has brought the title within touching distance.

Liverpool’s task this weekend - needing only a draw - could be made easier by the fact that Postecoglou is still managing injuries in his squad.

Spurs also face the small matter of the first leg of their Europa League semi-final in midweek, a tie in which their entire season rests on given their underwhelming league campaign.

Radu Dragusin remains a long-term absentee for Tottenham, but Postecoglou has now confirmed they will also be without their captain, Son.

The South Korea international has been sidelined for the last three matches across all competitions due to a foot injury, and he won’t be ready in time for Sunday’s meeting with Liverpool, with the priority to ensure he’s fit for their midweek game against FK Bodo/Glimt.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference later on Friday, Postecoglou told reporters: "We don't have injury problems, as such. The only one is Sonny, trying to work his way back.

"He's improving, which is positive for us, but not [fit] for Sunday. Everyone from the last game has come back well, so apart from the longer-term ones, the rest of the squad is fit and available.

"The foot element... it's weight bearing, so you need to give him some rest, some time off it, and get some treatment. The main thing was to get him off his feet for a week to allow it to settle, so he could start the process of getting back."

Liverpool, on the other hand, remain without long-term absentee Joe Gomez, though Slot confirmed on Friday that the defender could still feature before the end of the season.

Slot on Nunez clause reports

Do you always believe what journalists say? Not always? Me neither. Sometimes you should, sometimes you shouldn't believe what is written about players. It's completely new to me. Normally sporting director is judged on players come in, the last, last, last thing he would do is tell me if you play him it would cost us this much... he'd never, never do that. He never interferes with the line-up. It might be true, but if a journalist says it we have to balance it...

Slot on Bradley

He's getting closer to 90 minutes and it's normal if you play twice 70 mins the chance is getting closer. But we are taking very good care of him as he had two injuries very similar. Let's wait and see if he can play.

It's going to be important for him to play many games in a row if he wants to become a better player. But we have Trent here and that's the only reason he hasn't done so already. That might be his next step, but as long as Trent is here it might be a difficult step for him to make.

Slot on those who say PL isn't great this season

Everyone can have your opinion, and where we live it's a positive thing you can share it with everyone. As long as it comes from their own idea, that's the nice thing.

I can only tell you what I've experienced this season and can say it's never been as exciting for a top-five finish. In my opinion it's a really difficult league, there's not an easy game. But that tells you something about us. But we're not the only team to find it hard to win a game by two or three goals. Maybe Liverpool and City and Arsenals aren't as good, or the other teams have got better.

Trent Alexander-Arnold contract

After he marked his return to the Liverpool team with a match-winning goal at Leicester City last weekend, Trent Alexander-Arnold was inevitably asked about his future.

But once again, the right-back wasn't giving much away. "I've said all season, I am not going to speak on my situation, I am not going to go into details but these days like today are always special: scoring goals, winning games, being close to winning titles and being in title races, they are special moments that will live for me forever," said Alexander-Arnold.

While Real Madrid's desire to sign the England international on a free transfer when his Reds contract expires is well documented, there have been suggestions this week that he could have second thoughts on swapping Merseyside for the Spanish capital.

But when asked if Liverpool are still attempting to tie the Academy graduate down to a new deal, David Ornstein said in a Q&A for The Athletic: "As has been widely reported, Jack, he is expected to join Real Madrid as a free agent."

Liverpool fans have their say

"Wherever you’ll be following the game from, however long you’ve waited for such a day, whoever you’ll be with or you’ll be thinking of, have a brilliant time on Sunday. Let’s get Anfield bouncing and let’s win that 20th top-flight title."

So says James Noble is trhis week's edition of our Liverpool fans' jury.

Read what James and other Reds supporters are saying HERE as the Premier League title lies tantalisingly in reach.

So what's on the agenda?

Er... the Premier League title!

Arne Slot's mantra has always been one game at a time this season and no doubt he'll adopt a 'business as usual' tone at the AXA Training Centre this morning.

But even the cool-and-collected Dutchman will know just what an historic afternoon Sunday could prove to be.

Just what squad Slot has to choose from will no doubt be discussed.

And expect a question about the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who could be just five games away from leaving Liverpool. As a Premier League champion.

Good morning

And welcome to our live coverage of Arne Slot's press conference.

It could well be the Liverpool head coach's final one before his table-topping side are crowned Premier League champions!

A draw or a win at home to Tottenham Hotspur will seal the title and Slot will be with us at the AXA Training Centre from 9am to talk about that very possibility - and much more besides.

Son Heung-min is a big doubt for Spurs before the trip to Anfield on Sunday

In all likelihood, Tottenham Hotspur will be there to make up the numbers on Sunday at Anfield. The day will be about Liverpool and the Premier League title.

The Reds need just a draw to clinch the prize after Arsenal dropped points against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. It means supporters are primed for a day of celebration on the red half of Merseyside.

The confidence in the fanbase comes from Liverpool's efficiency under Arne Slot, although in terms of an opposition side Tottenham could be ideal too.

Spurs were hammered 4-0 in the semi-final of the League Cup on their last visit to Anfield and have struggled for form throughout the season.

While they have managed to scramble through into the semi-finals of the Europa League, domestically they've been well below par. Ange Postecoglou's side sit in 16th going into the weekend, having lost a whopping 18 of their 33 games so far.

Speaking after the latest defeat - 2-1 against Nottingham Forest on Monday night - Postecoglou hinted that he could rotate his side for the visit to Anfield. They will play Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their last-four tie in the Europa League on Thursday.

"It's a bit of a balancing act and we have to be smart about what we do," said the Tottenham boss. "We have to be ready for Thursday in a week, with our players healthy. Good test against Liverpool obviously. If we play like we did (against Forest) but keep our concentration level where we should be then we can give them a game."

The caution may also stem from the fact that injuries have been a crucial factor in Tottenham's season, with their entire defence decimated at times.

However, Postecoglou actually has a relatively fit squad to choose from going into the title showdown at Anfield.

The only major injury concern for him as things stand is captain Son Heung-min. The South Korean missed the loss to Forest with a foot issue and Postecoglou hinted that he would not be taking any risks with the injury.

"He's been dealing with a foot problem for a while, so now is as good a time as any to give him the right time to get over it," he said. "He'll definitely miss Monday [against Forest]. It's got to the point where not only was it not improving, but it was deteriorating."

The only other confirmed injury for Spurs is Radu Dragusin, who has been sidelined since February with an ACL injury.

Liverpool also have close to a full squad available, with Joe Gomez the only definite absentee.

Alan Shearer delivers vicious Tottenham verdict before Liverpool clash - 'pretty embarrassing'

The all-time Premier League top scorer has criticised Spurs' season ahead of their trip to Liverpool

It would be fair to say Alan Shearer does not think Tottenham Hotspur have much of a chance against Liverpool on Sunday. The all-time Premier League top scorer has delivered a scathing verdict on Spurs ahead of the clash at Anfield.

The home supporters will be turning up expecting to celebrate long into the night. They need just a point to be officially crowned as top-flight champions after Arsenal faltered to a draw against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

It would represent a remarkable achievement for the team and for manager Arne Slot, who only took over from Jurgen Klopp last summer.

While the Reds are riding high, Spurs are in a tough situation. While they have been able to make progress in the Europa League - they have a semi-final first leg to come against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday - they are down in 16th place in the Premier League table.

Ange Postecoglou's side have lost a whopping 18 games from their 33 top flight matches and there are serious doubts as to whether the club keep faith with him next season.

Speaking ahead of the game, the Tottenham boss hinted that he could rotate his squad for the Liverpool clash. With a trophy up for grabs in the Europa League - and subsequent qualification for the Champions League - the league is clearly no longer their priority.

Nevertheless, in his Betfair column Shearer has taken aim at he current state of Spurs and has backed Liverpool to pile on the misery this weekend.

"It could get messy," he said. "When you look at the two teams, how could you take any Spurs players and put them into a combined XI, with how Liverpool have been in the league? So if you're asking me what the combined XI is for Spurs and Liverpool, it's Liverpool 1-11.

"That will be pretty embarrassing for any Spurs fan to read but unfortunately, it's reality.

"If you've gone through that many managers with that amount of finance then you've got to question other things. Because, we've said it all before about Tottenham.

"When you look at Nuno Espirito Santo, you look at Jose Mourinho, when you look at Conte.

"All these managers that have been there and are now being successful elsewhere - you should start to think, maybe it's not the managers.

"Ange did tell us that he always wins a trophy in his second season and he's in a semi-final. So let's see.

"If he doesn't win, then I would fear for the club. It would be a remarkable situation with how bad they've been in the league that they could go on and actually win that competition."

Arne Slot is on the cusp of immortalising himself among the Liverpool greats on Sunday against Tottenham Hotspur - a club that he turned down

Liverpool could be crowned as Premier League champions on Saturday - should they avoid defeat against Tottenham Hotspur. Head coach Arne Slot is on the cusp of joining an elite group of managers as he looks set to lead the Reds to the English top-flight in his debut season.

Few envisaged that the Dutchman would take on the baton from Jurgen Klopp so seamlessly and the Reds were completely written off for competing for the biggest prize in domestic football.

The contrasting fortunes for both Liverpool and Spurs will be analysed ahead of the two clubs' meeting, this weekend. For the man at the helm at Anfield, it could have been a different story had he made the decision to leave Feyenoord when the call from North London came.

In May 2023, Slot became one of the contenders to succeed Antonio Conte following his sacking - two months earlier. Their interest came weeks after the Dutchman had guided Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title, just their second of the century.

The Premier League had previously come calling with Leeds United also expressing an interest in appointing Slot as their new manager after Jesse Marsch was dismissed.

Speaking at the time, the head coach dismissed reports of an exit - ruling himself out of the job in North London.

"I have been hearing a lot of rumours going around about other interest in me," he said.

"Although I am thankful, my wish is to stay at Feyenoord and continue working on what we created last year.

"There is not - and there has not been - transfer conversation and yesterday's meeting was exclusively for an extension.

"All talks with the club have always been only in that sense. Looking forward to next season with Feyenoord."

Nearly two years to the month later, Slot could become the first Dutch manager to win the Premier League, doing so alongside fellow countryman Virgil van Dijk - who can also become the first Dutchman to captain a side to the top-flight silverware.

The two clubs have locked horns three times already this season with Liverpool winning two, including the second-leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final where they bounced back from their narrow defeat in the reverse fixture.

Ange Postecoglou is at the helm at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and is facing increasing scrutiny with the club staring down the barrel of their worst-ever Premier League campaign, as they sit in 16th.

During the time when Slot was the subject of interest from Spurs, there had already been a string of hirings and firings in the dugout. Following Conte's exit, he was replaced by Cristian Stellini, who was named interim manager.

But his tenure came to an end after just four matches, leaving Ryan Mason to take over for a second caretaker spell.

Slot showed no hesitation to take over at Liverpool in the summer, despite the daunting prospect of replacing his predecessor, who emphatically restored the club to the world stage, ending their wait for Premier League success.

The 46-year-old discussed his near-appointment in North London in December, he said: "The problem is that the ones who know do not want to talk about it, and the ones who don’t know do want to talk about it.

"That sometimes happens in football. I’ve always preferred not to say anything about it. It might be true, it might not be true.

"I’ll leave it with what I said back then. I was really happy that I stayed at Feyenoord. That I can say."

For those representatives of Tottenham Hotspur, in hindsight, it's a case of what could have been. And although trepidation clouded Slot's appointment, he has sensationally silenced critics so far as the parallels between the Klopp transition mimics the successful handover between Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.

On Sunday, the Liverpool head coach can become just the second ever tactician to win the Premier League in the Reds dugout and immortalise himself among Shankly, Paisley and Sir Kenny Dalglish - against a club he rejected.

Arsenal will learn whether they are still in the Premier League title race on Sunday when Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur after their 2-2 draw on Wednesday

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has voiced his frustration after the Gunners failed to make ground on Liverpool. The Reds now require just one point after the north London club twice relinquished their lead during Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.

Jakub Kiwior got the hosts off to the perfect start after heading home the opener inside three minutes before Leandro Trossard restored the lead on the stroke of half-time, following Eberechi Eze's equaliser.

However, Jean-Philippe Mateta pounced on a mistake from William Saliba to inflict a 13th draw of the season for Arsenal in the league, keeping them further off the pace-setters, Liverpool.

Arteta's frustration was clear after Arsenal suffered a ninth draw in a match where they were leading this season, two more than any other side and the most by a team since Tottenham Hotspur in 2007-08.

Wednesday's result was a third draw out of their last five to leave them 12 points behind Liverpool.

"I'm disappointed with the result and the performance," the Spaniard said.

"We never got the consistency in many areas to completely dominate the game.

"We always had the feeling that we had the ball, we had possession, we went in front twice, but we didn't grab the game and didn't dominate and control it in the way we normally do.

"We were below the standards in some areas.

"When you're not at your best but you are two times ahead, you have to be able to see the game off and we weren't able to do it, especially with the second goal.

"We haven't been able to see games off for many reasons, and the margins have been too small."

Liverpool welcome Arsenal's north London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, on Sunday as they look to be crowned Premier League champions in style.

With the Gunners avoiding defeat on Wednesday, it ensured that the Reds can wrap up the title on home soil, in front of a sold-out Anfield - five years after they were forced to celebrate returning to the summit of English football behind closed doors.

As it stands, Arsenal have played one game more, so Liverpool need to avoid defeat against an out-of-sorts Spurs side, who find themselves staring down an unwanted record.

If they fail to finish above 14th, they will be consigned to their worst-ever season in the Premier League and their lowest-ever league position since 1977.

Latest Liverpool injury news with updates ahead of a decisive few days in the Premier League title race against Arsenal

Perhaps the most important week in Liverpool's season is upon us as Arne Slot's side could be crowned Premier League champions in the coming days. The earliest they are able to achieve success is tonight, provided Arsenal fall to defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace.

That would mathematically ensure the Gunners are unable to match the Reds' points tally before the campaign draws to a close next month with some reports in the media suggesting that the team are gathering on Merseyside to watch along in case of that eventuality. If not, fate will be left to Liverpool to settle themselves on Sunday, April 27, when they host Tottenham Hotspur in front of an Anfield crowd.

When all is said and done, Slot's men have faired better than the rest without their full numbers because of injury. Recent weeks have seen some stars return to action, though the squad is not entirely whole yet.

Therefore the ECHO delves into the latest Liverpool injury news looking ahead to their critical days ahead.

Joe Gomez

Joe Gomez was sidelined for over a month when he suffered a hamstring injury at the end of December.

He did actually return in February's FA Cup embarrassment at Plymouth Argyle, though lasted only 11 minutes before being forced off again. The defender hasn't been seen since.

"Joe Gomez had surgery for his hamstring injury so he’s out for a long time," Slot commented in mid-February, also speculating: "He will be back maybe just before the end of the season."

The Reds have only five matches of the season remaining and could have the Premier League trophy in hand by end of play this coming weekend. On every Sunday in May they are scheduled to face Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton and Crystal Palace respectively.

So, it will be to the discretion of the coaches to decide it is worth risking the 27-year-old in any of those fixtures.

Potential return date: Late May.

Almost a clean bill of health

Other than Gomez, Slot's near-perfect injury record means the vast majority of his options have now returned for the most important part of the season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold of course emerged from the bench at Leicester City to score the all-important winning goal. He had been missing since mid-March when hurting his ankle against Paris Saint-Germain.

Darwin Nunez was also well enough to make the bench having missed West Ham's visit the previous week through illness.

And recent problems for Alisson and Conor Bradley have also cleared up with the title race soon to be decided.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has spoken about a number of concerns over player availability ahead of Liverpool Premier League showdown

Ange Postecoglou is confident Tottenham Hotspur can ruin Liverpool's Premier League title party on Sunday despite concentration on their imminent Europa League semi-final. Tottenham have will play Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their last-four tie in the competition on Thursday week, four days after their trip to Anfield.

Liverpool will be confirmed champions with victory over Spurs at the weekend regardless of Arsenal's result at home to Crystal Palace on Wednesday. A defeat for the Gunners will hand the Reds the title, while a draw would leave Arne Slot's needing only one more point to win a record-equalling 20th championship.

Tottenham made a number of changes for their 2-1 Premier League defeat at home to Nottingham Forest on Monday night, and removed centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven at half-time despite having fallen two goals behind.

But Postecoglou has insisted he is just being careful over the fitness of his players rather than there being any major issues ahead of the trip to Anfield.

“It’s a bit of a balancing act and we have to be smart about what we do," said the Tottenham boss. "We have to be ready for Thursday in a week, with our players healthy. Good test against Liverpool obviously. If we play like we did (against Forest) but keep our concentration level where we should be then we can give them a game.”

Of the decision to replace Romero and Van de Ven at the break on Monday, Postecoglou said: "That was pre-planned. I thought they needed to play some minutes tonight because it becomes 10 days leading into Liverpool.

"With both of them we've got them in a really good place physically now and I just want to keep them ticking over. I felt that there was no need to play more than 45 minutes and we needed to get a couple of others game time."

James Maddison, who suffered an injury in Tottenham's quarter-final second leg win at Eintracht Frankfurt last week. was an unused substitute against Forest while full-back Destiny Udogie missed out altogether. Both, though, are expected to be available against Liverpool.

"They're okay," added Postecoglou. "Destiny was fine. He put in a big physical shift on Thursday and the idea was always to rest him. I wasn't going to put him on so there was no point in putting him on the bench.

"Madders was pretty sore but in the last 24 hours he recovered and was keen to be on the bench. They're both fine."

Venues across the city are gearing up for a victory weekend

Liverpool could be crowned Premier League champions this week. Should Arsenal suffer defeat to Crystal Palace on Wednesday, April 23, then the Reds will be crowned champions. But even if the Gunners overcome Oliver Glasner’s side, then Arne Slot’s men know a victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday, April 27 will see them secure the title.

Victory is within reach and venues across the city will be broadcasting the game live on Sunday. From pubs and sports bars to dedicated Liverpool FC gathering spots, Reds fans will be out in masses.

Liverpool versus Tottenham kicks of on Sunday, April 27, at 4:30pm. Check out some places to watch the match below. We will update this list as more venues are confirmed.

The Long Shot

With 12 screens, two floors, and a large projector, you won't miss a single moment of the action. The Royal Albert Dock sports bar offers everything from cocktails and pints to "monster sandwiches".

Address: The Long Shot, Unit 3, Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool, L3 4AD

Hotel Tia

Enjoy a pre-match experience with Liverpool legend John Aldridge only 200 meters from Anfield Stadium. The event includes a meet and greet with John who will talk about the upcoming match, the current team and stories from his past playing in the famous Liverpool shirt.

Address: 21 Anfield Rd, Anfield, Liverpool L4 0TE

Tickets: Here

BOXPARK

The entertainment facility has you covered when it comes to drinks, food and atmosphere. The 1,500 capacity venue fills up quickly for big games so be sure to grab a free ticket early.

Address: BOXPARK Liverpool, Cains Brewery Village, Beaufort Street, Liverpool, L8 5XJ

Tickets: Here

Legends

Renowned for its live music and sport, Legends bar broadcasts all of the big matches as they unfold in its cosy quarters.

Address: 20-24 Mathew Street, L2 6RE

Einstein

Einstein is a popular place to watch live football thanks to its large central screen and smaller TVs dotted around the two-floor bar. Bookings are available for parties of six or more people.

Address: Concert Square, 26 Fleet Street, L1 4AN.

Punch Tarmeys

Punch Tarmeys is described as “Liverpool’s largest Irish pub” with 18 screens and will be raring to go for Sunday's kick off.

Address: 31 Grafton Street, Cains Brewery Village, Baltic Triangle, L8 5SD

Fletcher’s Sports Bar

Fletcher's, located within the grounds of Allerton Manor Golf Club, typically broadcasts matches on a huge screen in its outdoor beer garden, which has marquees in places in case of bad weather.

Address: Allerton Road, L18 3JT

Hotel Anfield

Hotel Anfield is the placed to be for a Liverpool game. You can even grab some LFC fan merchandise.

Some 30 years ago today, Tottenham Hotspur were thrashed 4-1 in an FA Cup semi-final at Elland Road with a stunning display that Joe Royle insists: “is still one of the best performances I’ve seen from an Everton side.” That stellar showing, that was the high-point on the Blues’ road to Wembley glory with the 1-0 victory over Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United for what remains their last major honour to date, also represented one of the most-enjoyable trips for Evertonians at a ground where they had long suffered against home side Leeds United.

On April 9, 1995, though, the construction that season of a new 17,000 capacity East Stand – the biggest cantilever stand in the world at the time – saw fans from north London housed there, while the other three sides of the ground were filled by Blues supporters, ensuring Everton dominated proceedings both on and off the pitch. Speaking on his episode of Goodison Park: My Home, Royle, who celebrated his 76th birthday yesterday, told the ECHO: “The game against Spurs at Leeds, is still one of the best performances I’ve seen from an Everton side. I say that with no bias at all.

“We were terrific that day. From the first minute, we were up and at them.

“It wasn’t a fluke, it wasn’t a one-day wonder, it wasn’t that Tottenham were awful on the day. We were terrific.”

Everton went ahead on 35 minutes with a header off a corner kick from right-back Matt Jackson – who had netted the winner at Bristol City in the fourth round – while Graham Stuart doubled their advantage 10 minutes into the second half after Ian Walker could only parry a shot from Paul Rideout into his path. Also speaking on Goodison Park: My Home, Stuart told the ECHO: “It’s still, to this day, my favourite game I’ve ever played in.

“The occasion, it was brilliant. We turned towards Elland Road, and it was just a sea of Everton.

“You couldn’t see any Tottenham fans. The fans absolutely played their part, they bossed it off the pitch.

“Then, when it came to the game, we bossed it on the pitch. I’ll never forget running out, we had three sides of the ground, and as you ran out of the tunnel, Tottenham had the brand-new stand.

“We had the real atmosphere. It felt like a home game.

“From minute one, we just dominated the game. It was an unbelievable start for us, with Jacko, near post, a flicking header to put us one nil up.

“We came in at half-time and it was ‘come on lads, you’re 45 minutes from an FA Cup final, let’s dig in, don’t give anything away.’ We hadn’t conceded a goal in the cup run, all the way through.

“Ian Walker scuffed his kicks to Ridders (Paul Rideout), who ran through and I just followed it up. Walker saved it but it was an open goal and I couldn’t miss.

“I tapped it in and off we go, two nil. We knew then, the likelihood was that we were going to win the game.

“Then we got the dodgy penalty (Teddy Sheringham fell over when Dave Watson beat him to an aerial challenge) given against us and Jurgen Klinsmann stepped up and scored it. They had a two-minute spell when they came at us and Nev made a great save, Stuart Nethercott struck it and Neville saved it with his legs I think, but then we literally went up the other end, broke away and scored.”

Everton’s last two goals, in the 82nd and 90th minutes, came from Nigerian international Daniel Amokachi who had taken it upon himself to enter the action when Rideout was down receiving treatment in what Royle quipped was “the best substitution I never made.”

Recalling his proactive way of entering the fray in 2021, Amokachi told the ECHO: “I was pumped up and I knew before the game if I had the opportunity I would take it because the last few weeks before we played Tottenham I’d really been on fire in the reserves. The captain Dave Watson, Neville Southall, Joe Parkinson, they all saw it.

“But when the gaffer had said to give Rideout ‘five more minutes’ I felt that inside he still didn’t have that confidence in me yet. I gave the substitution slip to the fourth official, the ball went out of play and I get jumped into the team.

“Joe came running towards the touchline saying: ‘What are you guys doing?’ I looked at him, fixed my collar, and ran on to the pitch.

“Minutes later I was on the scoresheet, then again soon after. I didn’t break the news of what happened to the world, the gaffer did in press conference.

“He came into the locker room and told me: ‘Well done – and never try that s**t again!’”