Advertisement
Pa
The Morning Score

The Morning Score: Thursday

One Irishman picks up another award in Britain, Newcastle prepare to name new boss and Paul O’Connell says patience is a virtue.

1. #CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Arsenal booked their place in the last 16 of Europe’s elite club competition – but not before some nervous moments.

The Gunners eventually beat Partizan Belgrade 3-1 to seal the vital three points at home.

They now have a one in four chance of meeting Barcelona. Here’s who could meet who when the draw is made tomorrow week.

2. #MAGPIES Newcastle will host a press conference this afternoon when Alan Pardew will be installed as the new manager.

The former Reading, West Ham and Southampton boss will not be a popular replacement for the sacked Chris Hughton. He is said to have started negotiations with owner Mike Ashley over a week ago. The pair became friendly in a London casino they both frequent.

Former Ireland boss Brian Kerr meanwhile backed his former assistant Hughton and dismissed the apparent reasons for his shock departure on Today FM yesterday evening.

3. #ASHES England’s second Test hero Kevin Pietersen has been fined for speeding after borrowing a Lamborghini from Shane Warne on his day off from England training.

The 30-year-old was fined AUS$239 for driving at more than 120kmh in a 100kmh zone.

4. #COMEBACK He was named in the extended 28-man squad ahead of the visit of Ospreys on Sunday, but Paul O’Connell says he’s ‘two or three games’ away from a full return.

The second row thinks he doesn’t deserve a place in the starting side, while manager Tony McGahan said yesterday he will not rush O’Connell’s return.

5. #BOXING Wladimir Klitschko last night sensationally withdrew from his world heavyweight title fight against Dereck Chisora, citing a torn abdominal muscle that will keep him out for up to six weeks.

The withdrawal may not set up a big pay day in a meeting with David Haye, the WBA champion.

6. #AWARD Champion jump jockey Tony McCoy was named Sportsman of the Year at the British Sports Awards last night.

The prize, voted for by members of the Sports Journalists’ Association, was given to the 36-year-old at a ceremony in London as he beat off competition from Ryder Cup hero Graeme McDowell in second and England spinner Graeme Swann.

Bookies have now cut the odds of the Irishman taking the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award.

7. #BANK ON IT A club in Fermanagh, Derrygonnelly Harps, is asking the GAA to set up a private bank in order to help its members launch new businesses, according to the Irish Daily Star.

8. #TROPHIES Pete Sampras lost almost all of his hard-won trophies as they were stolen from storage yesterday.

9. #NAUGHTY BOYS We’ll be compiling our weekly YouTube run-down this morning. Get in any suggestions.

This one will certainly be included: Leinster played out a 17-17 draw on Friday night at the Parc y Scarlets in what was an ill-tempered game.

In the first half referee Nigel Owens felt things were getting out of hand, so he took control – and told off 30 hairy, over-sized men.