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South Africa manager Eddie Ntseki has confirmed the Bafana Bafana will be without Glasgow Rangers midfielder Bongani Zungu for their African Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan on Sunday.

Zungu unavailable

Zungu had already been ruled out of South Africa’s clash with Ghana in his homeland after Rangers refused to let him travel there, but it seemed he would be available for the Sudan match (Sowetan Live).

Now, though, Ntseki has revealed he will also be unavailable for that game too. He said (via The South African):

“We got an email from Zungu’s club to say they are no longer releasing him – whether it’s coming to South Africa or going to Sudan.

“I then spoke to him and explained the situation, and he said, ‘It’s a decision that will work against me if ever I force to come to Sudan.’

“We saw a new list of countries that are being referred to as ‘red zones’, and in this case we have Dubai and Ethiopia, which is where players were going to have to come via to get to Sudan.”

Disappointing

This is no doubt a huge disappointment for both Ntseki and Zungu – the former has already shared his frustration at not having Zungu for the Ghana fixture. In 2021, the 28-year-old has played just 112 minutes in the Premiership (Transfermarkt) and is clearly not a big part of Steven Gerrard’s plans. The international break should have given him an opportunity to get some much needed playing time, but that will now not be the case.

Unfortunately, this is becoming a more and more regular occurrence given the coronavirus pandemic we are currently living through. Zungu will just have to hope that, with the Premiership title already sewn up at Ibrox, he may now get more chances to play at club level.

In other news, Rangers fans are livid at an update on this 34-year-old.

After suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat in his first game in charge of Sheffield Wednesday against Rotherham, Darren Moore saw his side swept away 3-0 by Reading in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.

The Owls did themselves no favours when Julian Borner was sent off for a challenge as the last man, with Michael Olise stepping up to score the resulting spot kick.

Goals from Lucas Joao and Andy Yiadom in the second half compounded Wednesday’s misery, with the Yorkshire side now having lost six Championship games in a row.

However, while Borner will undoubtedly be the man to criticise after the game as the scores were level at 0-0 before his red card, Kadeem Harris produced a woeful display and badly let his manager down.

After being dropped to the bench for Moore’s first game in charge of the side against Rotherham, Harris was restored to the starting line-up for the clash at the Madejski Stadium.

The right-winger just couldn’t justify his manager’s faith in him, though,struggling to really pick out the right passes when in promising positions and getting muscled off it far too easily – as per Sofascore, he lost four out of his five duels on the day.

Harris attempted no shots on goal and failed to complete any of his three attempted dribbles, and that rather summed up his efforts in an attacking sense – even centre-back Tom Lees managed two efforts on goal, as per Sofascore.

Writing in his post-match player ratings, Dom Howson gave Harris a four, noting: “Moore restored the wide man to the starting XI but Harris was not at the races. Lost possession on multiple occasions and too often his decision making let him down in the final third.”

While Borner’s red card will take the headlines, Harris’ ineffective performance really cost his manager on Saturday against the Royals after being given the nod to start.

Since Victor Orta joined Leeds United he has got the vast majority of his recruitment spot on.

Under Marcelo Bielsa, you need a very particular type of player, someone who’s willing to work hard and press from the front. They have to withstand his meticulous training ideas and his intense murder ball sessions.

Fail that, and you’ll be out the door quicker than you can say Thorp Arch. Jean-Kevin Augustin found that out the hard way.

Signed on loan from RB Leipzig in January 2020, he played just 48 minutes before departing Yorkshire with not even much of a farewell.

However, as Orta will tell you himself, there are plenty in this Leeds squad that appear to be tailor-made in a lab for Bielsa. One of them has been Patrick Bamford.

The striker has attracted his fair share of criticism during his time at Elland Road but this term he’s been a revelation, scoring 13 Premier League goals. To emphasise that achievement, Bamford had netted just once at this level before promotion last year.

One of the players who helped him get to such a promising level at Leeds was Kemar Roofe. The duo played in tandem during the 2018/19 campaign and brought the best out of each other.

Bamford was the player to make things stick up top, acting as a support act for other players. Roofe, meanwhile, was the striker who’d get in behind and stretch the defence.

Indeed, since he departed for Anderlecht in the summer of 2019, Leeds haven’t really had a player capable of doing the same. They tried to replace him with Eddie Nketiah but he never got a chance to prove himself, being recalled to Arsenal after half a season.

Leeds have been a breath of fresh air to the top-flight this term but you can’t help but think they need just a little more pizzazz in the final third. One man who could give them that is Ivan Toney.

The Brentford sensation was linked with a move to the Whites last week and if he arrives, he could replicate what Roofe gave so willingly to Bielsa’s side.

Speaking about the former Leeds man in February 2019, Eddie Gray typified the Rangers’ striker’s qualities expertly. This came after the forward suffered a cruel injury: “It’s a blow for a number of reasons (the injury), goalscoring obviously. He’s lead the line well, but he’s got that little bit of pace. It is something we [Leeds] have not got in abundance. Real pace. I’m talking about, like Norwich pace.”

Indeed, Leeds still lack a bit of speed. Raphinha has added to that but despite their free-flowing capabilities, few in the squad can blow a defender away.

Toney could do that, however. He has had a breathtaking season in the Championship, scoring a haul of 26 goals in 34 outings.

He has pace, and pivotally for Bielsa, can defend from the front. Peterborough owner Barry Fry said before he left for the Bees: “He’s turned into a tremendous all-round footballer. It’s important to remember Ivan is not just an exceptional goal-scoring forward, he’s also an outstanding defender.”

Indeed, those sentiments have also been delivered by Brentford boss Thomas Frank: “Ivan is a special, special player,” he began.

“He showed top positioning in the box, which is what we work with him on, but also he read cleverly (where to go) off the shoulder of the second central defender and showed perfect timing to get in front of him – and then a one-touch, perfect finish, just fantastic,” Frank added.

Playing off the shoulder and picking up little pockets of space is incredibly similar to Roofe. Put Toney’s clinical goal-scoring ability into the equation and you have a far more fearsome proposition.

Frank concluded: “But it is also his work ethic which is so important. Defending from the number nine backwards is key for me and there is so much more about him that he brings to the squad.”

With that in mind, the 24-year-old feels like the perfect man for Bielsa. If they can steal a march on other suitors for Toney’s signature, he would be a first-class signing.

AND in other news, Leeds have their perfect Pablo heir in rarely-seen 19 y/o, he’s a “great talent”…

Sheffield United midfielder John Lundstram has been heavily linked with a move to Glasgow Rangers in recent months and after his impressive display against Manchester United on Wednesday night, you could certainly make the case that he could make a fine addition to Steven Gerrard’s side.

Reports in recent weeks revealed that Lundstram found himself on Rangers’ radar after he rejected a new contract offer at Bramall Lane but, despite their purported interest, a move is yet to materialise.

The 26-year-old, who has been with the Blades since signing from Oxford United in 2017, is still available for selection, but Chris Wilder recently confirmed that the club expects to sell him in January, with Rangers reportedly among the interested parties.

After a mixed start to the season, Lundstram – who has spent most of his career in England’s lower leagues – delivered another reminder of his talent to Gerrard as he helped the Blades beat the Red Devils at Old Trafford.

Per SofaScore, the £7m-rated midfield ace earned a solid 6.7 rating for his efforts, which was better than both Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood.

During the 90′ minutes, Lundstram made one tackle, two clearances and two interceptions, a tally bettered by only four of his teammates.

Defensive duties aside, he also showed he is prepared to carry the ball forward, as evidenced by his two key passes, a total he shared with former Rangers prospect John Fleck.

Lundstram took 49 touches of the ball, the third-highest out of any Sheffield United player on the pitch, and one more than his midfield partner, whilst he provided the assist to put the Blades back in front after they had been pegged back.

The midfielder produced more passes than Fleck, with 24 of his 34 attempts (71%) finding a striped shirt, albeit both brought a slightly different dynamic to United’s engine room.

On top of this, he also attempted to loft long balls over the top on eight occasions, and although only one found their target, his vision for splitting the defence could make him the perfect fit for Rangers’ squad, as Steven Davis has become renowned for his long-range passing.

The two clearances and interceptions Lundstram made shows he raised his game against the Red Devils, perhaps with an eye on a possible move, when you consider the fact he currently averages 0.7 clearances and 0.5 interceptions respectively in the Premier League.

Indeed, it’s worth pointing out that this is nearly double the number of clearances and interceptions made by Davis in the Scottish Premiership so far this season, which suggests that he could be a like-for-like replacement for the veteran Northern Irishman if and when the time comes for him to depart Ibrox.

With Bongani Zungu struggling to make much of an impression, coupled with the fact that Davis isn’t getting any younger, Gerrard could be in dire need of some midfield reinforcements in the future, which is why Wilson should consider making a move for Lundstram before it’s too late.

AND in other news, Forget Kent: Rangers’ Glen Kamara was superb against Hibernian…

Steve Bruce may be left with only one option at left-back for when Newcastle United host Southampton on Saturday, with Jamal Lewis and Paul Dummett both doubts through injury.

The Toon boss has confirmed concerns over the full-backs’ fitness ahead of this weekend’s Premier League meeting, when he may also be without three centre-halves.

Federico Fernandez and skipper Jamaal Lascelles are both confirmed as being out for the Saints’ trip to St. James’ Park, while Ciaran Clark has left Bruce in the lurch after his wife went into labour.

Newcastle are without a win in five games at home but have beaten Southampton during the Saints’ last three trips to Tyneside, while scoring eight goals to just two conceded.

Bruce faces a fraught task to keep United’s run over the St. Mary’s natives going with a large group of key players potentially missing, and accepts the situation is alarming.

“Defensively, it’s a concern,” Bruce said. “Jamaal Lascelles and Federico Fernandez will not make it. Ciaran Clark’s partner has gone into labour, so we’re hoping he’ll still make it.

“We have a worry to Jamal Lewis, who has a hamstring problem, and Paul Dummett is still struggling. So that defensive part of the team is a bit depleted at the minute.”

Lewis has started 16 of his 19 Premier League appearances for Newcastle since a £15m transfer from Norwich City last summer, and achieved his first assist in black and white during the Magpies’ 2-0 win over Everton last month.

Lewis and Dummett both failing late fitness tests and being ruled out for the visit of Southampton to St. James’ Park on Saturday will likely leave Matt Ritchie as Bruce’s only option to solve his injury woes at left-back.

Ritchie remained in the North East after Monday’s Deadline Day after seeing Newcastle and AFC Bournemouth fail to agree on a fee for his return to the Vitality Stadium, after last-ditch efforts were made by the Championship side as they seek an immediate return to the Premier League.

The former Scotland international has been frozen out of the first-team picture at United in recent weeks, with Bruce omitting Ritchie from his last two top-flight matchday squads and leaving the 31-year-old as an unused substitute in the prior three fixtures.

Ritchie last opened a league game on January 3 in defeat to Leicester City but should not be disregarded as a threat ahead of the Saints clash, having offered close to twice as many key passes a game as Lewis when fielded at left-back this term.

While Lewis has contributed 0.8 key balls a game over his league outings, Ritchie offered 1.5 and delivered 2.0 accurate crosses from 6.5 attempts to his 23-year-old teammate’s 0.8 from 2.6, per WhoScored.

He further broke up opposition play with more interceptions (0.8 to 0.6), made vastly more clearances (3.5 to 1.6), took more shots (0.3 to 0.1) and was stronger at winning possession in the air with 1.8 aerial duels won to 0.6.

But where Lewis eclipses Ritchie is in bringing possession out form the back, with 0.6 successful dribbles from 1.3 attempts to his experienced teammate’s record of 0.5 failed runs from 0.5 attempts a game.

Bruce should not let that sway his view of Ritchie, though, as even if it is not through choice that the £8.5m-rated man is recalled, he should be able to do more than an adequate job for Newcastle against Southampton on Saturday.

AND in other news, Steve Bruce should make Joe Willock wait for his Newcastle debut and unleash a “bright spark” on Southampton…

Glasgow Rangers clinched all three points in a crunch Old Firm clash with Celtic to extend their lead in the Scottish Premiership title race.

An off the pace Rangers still managed to get the job done after Celtic skipper Callum McGregor’s own goal settled the contest.

The home side can consider themselves fortunate for a string of excellent saves from veteran goalkeeper Allan McGregor to keep them in the game in the first half.

However, they still spent most of the contest at an empty Ibrox Stadium on the back foot. Steven Gerrard can count himself lucky the game was played behind closed doors, that’s for sure.

This was largely thanks to McGregor, who kept the scoreline goalless and pulled off quite a remarkable save shortly before the half-time break.

But Gerrard may have been left to face some awkward questions had the game gone in the other direction, as his decision to start Alfredo Morelos nearly horrendously backfired on the Ibrox boss.

Morelos, who reportedly earns around £33,000-per-week, offered very little upfront going forwards against Celtic, as he failed to match his usual boisterous energy with any meaningful passage of play on the ball.

Admittedly, the Colombian striker was the centre of attention after a ridiculous challenge from Nir Bitton, who was subsequently sent off after some debate, but that remained his only real moment of note – he has still never scored against Celtic, and it never really looked like he was going to break the curse, either.

It seems crazy to say for someone who only just recently broke Ally McCoist’s European goals record but Morelos urgently needs to improve his ability to score from inside the box, as his powers as a potent finisher have somewhat waned as of late. He couldn’t stop himself from getting embroiled in a bit of fisticuffs in the second half after Shane Duffy chopped down Ryan Kent to sum up his frustrations.

He’s scored just eight goals and supplied four assists in 25 appearances across all competitions, which simply isn’t good enough for a player of his standards.

As per SofaScore, he was given a miserable rating of 6.5/10 – the joint-lowest out of all of his teammates – as he lost possession 13 times, committed two fouls, and couldn’t complete a single dribble from two attempts. He also failed to win any of his aerial duels from four attempts, which is two fewer than Kemar Roofe, who was also far from his very best.

Gerrard will have no doubt wanted to see more from Morelos, which is why it’s a bit surprising he stayed on the pitch for as long as he did.

AND in other news, Forget McGregor: Rangers beast spared Gerrard’s blushes against Celtic…

Celtic are in a disastrous position right now. 21 points behind their fierce rivals and out of Europe, Neil Lennon and the club’s hierarchy are in a perilous place with their jobs on the line.

Despite having watched their team win nine titles in a row, Hoops supporters are ruthless and will only ever settle for top spot.

With the transfer window now in full swing, signing a few players could certainly help with matters. That being said, making up such a large gap is now virtually impossible.

Though, one player who could perhaps lend more assistance heading into next season is Joel Randall.

The Exeter City winger was linked with a move to Parkhead last week and although he probably wouldn’t be what we’d call a marquee addition, there is a sense that he’d showcase plenty of talent in Scotland.

So far this season, the 21-year-old has scored eight goals and registered a further four assists in what has been a breakthrough campaign for the Grecians.

He currently plays in League Two, so there is understandable scepticism about whether he could make the jump to the SPFL but his performance in the FA Cup last weekend showcased the he can shine against a higher level of opposition.

Although Exeter lost to Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, Randall stood out and he certainly didn’t shy out of a challenge, winning 75% of his duels. For context, no Exeter player won more ground duels for his side than Randall last Saturday.

He was also good going forward, however, succeeding with a joint team-high number of two dribbles. Randall did lose possession 20 times but that was just a marker of how regularly he either tried to deliver the ball into the box or how often he tried to beat a man.

The fact he was top of his team’s statistics just go to show the talent he possesses ass he put in a performance that was full of energy. That will come as no surprise to many, though.

Speaking about the youngster previously, his manager Matt Taylor once said: “His running stats are phenomenal but he’s added an extra dimension to his game in terms of the end product.”

Randall got up and down the left-hand channel like a whippet, putting in plenty of hard yards which no doubt would have pleased Celtic scouts. Unfortunately, his endeavour wasn’t enough to earn Exeter the win but Lennon, if he had any doubt about how the Exeter star would cope playing against better opposition, will now surely be convinced.

Six goals in League Two isn’t the most impressive achievement but standing out against Championship opposition is no mean feat. He’d be a solid pick up for the Hoops, especially with Mo Elyounoussi only on loan in Glasgow for the time being. A replacement, therefore, will need to be found from somewhere and Randall could well be that man.

AND in other news, “Huge disappointment” – Exclusive: Pundit reacts to massive Celtic injury blow for Neil Lennon…

Carlo Ancelotti has been dealt a nightmare by James Rodriguez, after the Everton midfielder endured “by far” the “worst match” of his international career as Colombia were humiliated 6-1 by Ecuador on Tuesday night.

Rodriguez featured for the full 90 minutes at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado to earn his 80th senior cap, but again failed to impress after lacking his usual magic in Friday’s defeat at home to Uruguay.

Yet his performance against Uruguay paled into insignificance compared to his efforts against Ecuador, with Colombian outlet El Tiempo describing the 29-year-old’s display as “by far” the poorest he has ever produced on the international stage, leading to questions over what the former Real Madrid maestro actually brought to the side.

“He had already come from not weighing in the match against Uruguay, but this may be his worst match with the Colombian National Team by far,” they claim. “He only appeared to collect the penalty that meant the partial 4-1.

“What is James’ problem? He does not adapt to the system, he does not weigh, he does not feel.”

El Tiempo thought so poorly of Rodriguez’s performance that he was only awarded a three out of 10 rating, despite ending a 12-game goal drought with his side’s late first-half penalty that offered Colombia hope of a second-half comeback.

Ancelotti would have been hopeful of seeing an individual comeback from Rodriguez after his torrid performance against Uruguay, with the £90,000-per-week midfielder entering the international break on the wrong foot after asking to be substituted in defeat to Manchester United.

“He was OK, he was tired,” the Italian said following the 3-1 loss, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo. “This week he did 80-minutes and he asked me to change it because he was tired but no physical problem.”

Rodriguez has been struggling for form in recent weeks following the testicular injury sustained in contact with Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk during October’s Merseyside Derby, which ruled the two-time Champions League winner out of Everton’s 2-1 defeat at Newcastle after passing a late fitness test to face Southampton.

He returned to the starting line-up against Manchester United, but again failed to register a goal or an assist to extend his run without scoring to three Premier League appearances and two without creating a goal, having struck thrice and assisted thrice in his first five outings.

Rodriguez finally scored again for Colombia in their brutal drubbing by Ecuador when he converted the 45th-minute penalty, while registering three key balls without creating a big chance, misplacing five of his seven crosses, eight of his 29 total passes and only attempting one dribble, per SofaScore.

While the talented 29-year-old beat his marker with his only dribble of the game, Rodriguez further lost four of his six ground duels and did not contend any aerial battles, lost possession 16 times, committed one foul and was dribbled past twice without offering any tackles, interceptions or clearances.

Ancelotti’s major concern will be to what extent playing 180-minutes in four days will have on Rodriguez, given his state when leaving Everton for international duty in south America, but also the level he was able to bring to the field once again.

AND in other news, Carlo Ancelotti appears set for disappointment with a “great striker” overlooking Everton’s interest.

Former West Brom loanee Dwight Gayle piled on the misery and indeed the pressure of under-fire Baggies boss Slaven Bilic as Newcastle United came out victorious at St James’ Park.

The home side took the lead within 20 seconds after Joelinton found Miguel Almiron free inside Albion’s penalty box before Darnell Furlong’s half-volley five minutes after the break put things back at all-square.

But it wasn’t to be as Gayle came off the bench to head home the winner for the Magpies eight minutes from time.

In the lead-up to the crunch match, reports suggested that Bilic’s job was under the spotlight after last weekend’s embarrassment and his players did him no favours this afternoon.

Many supporters were quick to lay blame at the feet of Romaine Sawyers for his anonymous and lightweight showing, but there was another player who far worse and arguably deserves every bit of the criticism.

Premier League veteran and skipper for the day, Branislav Ivanovic was found wanting for United’s opener and he was beaten by all 5 foot 9 of the ex-Baggies sensation for the winner.

The 36-year-old showed signs of his age, winning just one of six duels (16%) whilst he also committed two fouls, was dribbled past once and managed only one tackle all game, via SofaScore.

BirminghamLive reporter Joseph Chapman was particularly scathing in his post-match ratings, handing the Serbian a paltry four out of ten.

He said:

“A dreadful start when he was caught out by Wilson – he could’ve cut the danger out way before the goal was scored. There were other moments in the first half where Ivanovic found Newcastle’s front-line more than a handful, and then the diminutive Gayle escaped his and the Albion defence’s attentions.”

Indeed it was an absolutely pathetic showing from a two-time winner of this division. In a game which he should have been someone to rely on, he was merely the opposite.

On the other hand, Sawyers did his job well, managing to make 90% of his passes, winning five of six ground duels and recording three tackles, also per SofaScore.

If Bilic receives his P45 tomorrow, then Ivanovic should hang his head in shame.

AND in other news, Dowling should’ve signed £27m-rated “constant nuisance” over Grant…

Former Tottenham Hotspur prodigy Luke Amos, as confirmed, has suffered yet another ACL injury whilst plying his trade at QPR. This has prompted reliable Spurs journalist Alasdair Gold to react as the ‘poor guy’ picked up an injury similar to the one he suffered in north London.Â

Amos, who has suffered his fair share of injury problems, was offloaded in the summer by chairman Daniel Levy and the west Londoners snapped him up in an effort to get the best out of a player wgo Mauricio Pochettino once described as ‘amazing’, but now, Amos faces even more time on the treatment table with another ACL injury.

The 23-year-old was once billed as a real prodigy for Spurs, but as Gold explains, his luck with knocks and serious injuries has been unfortunate – with Amos potentially facing an uncertain future and the journalist simply exclaiming ‘not again’.

Amos will now miss the remainder of the Championship season, with his previously injured anterior cruciate ligament not being the issue this time.

Indeed, as confirmed by Gold, it is the other knee that has been hurt – leaving Spurs supporters to potentially wonder what might have been with Amos if it wasn’t for his bad luck with recent injuries.

The starlet impressed under Pochettino at the start of the 2018/2019 season before picking up his first serious knock which ruled him out of the whole campaign, halting the momentum of a promising start.

Levy then opted to offload the player to QPR after he impressed there on loan, getting regular game time after his recovery from the serious knee issue.

However, after this latest injury, he is set to miss another campaign – with Amos now working to get back to full fitness ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

In other news: Hugo Lloris looks set to be offered a new deal after Spurs star signs his!