Latest news with #NorthernIrishman
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Frimpong Impresses in Liverpool Pre-Season as Mac Allister Offers Praise
Frimpong's Arrival Adds New Energy as Liverpool Prepare for Title Defence Liverpool's preparations for their Premier League title defence are entering their final stages in Asia, with Arne Slot overseeing what has been a purposeful and strategic pre-season. The Reds are less than a month away from beginning the new campaign, and while physical sharpness remains the focus, so too does bedding in a number of new arrivals. Among those catching the eye is Jeremie Frimpong, the Dutch full-back brought in to strengthen a position once dominated by Trent Alexander-Arnold. His arrival was always going to bring scrutiny, but early signs suggest Frimpong is already making a quiet but important impact. Alexis Mac Allister, returning to training after injury, has taken particular note of the energy the 23-year-old is injecting into the squad. Mac Allister Praises New Arrivals Speaking to the Argentine midfielder shared his impressions of the new signings, highlighting Frimpong's positivity. 'It's amazing. I think we've made great additions to the team, they are showing in every single training [session] how good they are,' Mac Allister said. He continued: 'We are really happy with that. Now it's about knowing the characteristics of the new players, getting used to playing together. I'm pretty sure that this will be a very good season for us. 'They brought new energy, good energy, especially Jeremie! They are always smiling, you can see how happy they are to be here and hopefully they can help us to win more titles.' Photo IMAGO That energy has been noticed beyond the training ground too. While Frimpong has yet to start a match during the tour, his cameo against Milan, where he played in a more advanced right-wing role, earned plaudits from supporters eager to see what he can offer. Role Rotation at Right-Back For all the anticipation surrounding Frimpong's arrival, Slot's team selections suggest the battle for the right-back berth is very much ongoing. Conor Bradley has been given the nod more regularly during pre-season, a reminder that the Northern Irishman remains a key part of Slot's tactical plans. Frimpong may have been signed with Alexander-Arnold's succession in mind, but this transition will not be automatic. Bradley, despite his own struggles with injury, has the trust of the manager. Frimpong, then, is being integrated gradually, perhaps with an eye on rotation rather than outright replacement in the early stages. This isn't a demotion of Frimpong's abilities but rather a reflection of Slot's pragmatism. His pre-season usage as a winger offers a glimpse into how Liverpool might adapt their shape depending on the opposition. That kind of flexibility is a hallmark of a team prepared to defend its title intelligently. Photo: IMAGO Frimpong's Attributes Offer Tactical Variety What Frimpong provides is pace, intensity and a high press from wide areas, all of which fit seamlessly into Slot's blueprint. He thrives in open spaces, stretches opposition lines and is unafraid to overlap or cut inside. He is a defender by trade, but his attacking instincts mirror those of a winger, offering Liverpool a different dynamic from deep. Mac Allister's comments also reinforce the impact Frimpong has made off the pitch. Good energy, positivity and connection with team-mates are invaluable during the long months of a title race. In a dressing room that has experienced both triumph and transition over the last 18 months, fresh voices like Frimpong's help keep spirits sharp and focused. Liverpool are no longer chasing titles, they are defending one. And in that pursuit, every addition, every training session, and every positive influence counts. If Frimpong continues on this trajectory, he will play a vital role in keeping Liverpool on top.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
LIV Golf star who ignored Rory McIlroy banks nearly £250k after pal skipped £1.1m chance
Tom McKibbin has enjoyed a fruitful few months since ignoring Rory McIlroy and joining LIV Golf earlier this year, with the Northern Irishman closing in on £4million in earnings Tom McKibbin pocketed a £239,000 windfall during the same week Rory McIlroy chose to reject the chance of earning a potential £1.1million. The LIV Golf competitor took part in the Saudi-backed circuit's UK tournament this past weekend at the JCB Golf and Country Club. Ultimately won by Joaquin Niemann, marking the Chilean's fifth LIV victory of the campaign and seventh overall, the Northern Irishman secured joint-11th place and collected the substantial prize money for his efforts. Following his switch to the breakaway league in January, which cost him his recently-earned PGA Tour membership, he's already accumulated over £3.6m from LIV competitions in just seven months. His choice to depart the Tour meant disregarding McIlroy's counsel, who maintained that signing up to the breakaway circuit was "not worth the sacrifice." Regardless of the backlash LIV has faced, it's proved a lucrative career move for McKibbin. The 22-year-old is quickly approaching £4m in earnings and could well hit that milestone with three tournaments remaining in the 2025 season, reports Belfast Live. As for McIlroy, at this point in the 36-year-old's career, he pursues legacy above all else and certainly achieved it when claiming the Masters in April. The triumph made the golfer just the sixth player in history to secure the Career Grand Slam. He's struggled to find victories since his Augusta success but did record a 10-under score at The Open Championship, which was claimed by Scottie Scheffler for his second major triumph of the year. With the PGA Tour approaching its conclusion and just two tournaments left before the FedExCup Playoffs commence, both McIlroy and Scheffler chose to skip the 3M Open. American player Kurt Kitayama secured the title along with the £1.1m winner's cheque at TPC Twin Cities in Minnesota. Following The Open, McIlroy hinted he would be stepping away from competitive golf after his homecoming in Northern Ireland to refresh himself for the remainder of the Tour season and the Ryder Cup. "I feel like being back in Europe for a bit was a nice reset," McIlroy explained. "I feel like I'm getting back to where I want to be, and we've still got a lot of golf left this year with obviously Ryder Cup being the big one in there in September. "And just make sure I'm – I don't want to play too much leading up to that because I want to be fresh. So I'm looking forward to a few weeks off here." While McIlroy was unable to earn victory at his home course, the crowd support for him was at a staggering level. McKibbin - who missed the cut - witnessed the crowd response McIlroy received in the opening days of the event, admitting it was "incredible" to see. "Yeah, no, I didn't see the stuff on Sunday. I obviously seen it the first couple days, on the Friday," the Belfast-born golfer said when asked about the fan support for his fellow countryman and friend. "I think he was finishing up when we were on the 12th or 13th. "So you could obviously see them from very far away, and the crowds were incredible last week. It was something I hadn't seen before, and it was really good, the support that they showed everyone."
Metro
2 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
2025 Shanghai Masters Snooker schedule, how to watch, prize money and odds
The Shanghai Masters gets underway on Monday at the Luwan Gymnasium, with the world's best snooker players battling it out for the prestigious title. The top 16 in the world make it into the Shanghai Masters and they are joined by the four highest ranked Chinese players outside that elite group, plus four local wildcards. Judd Trump lifted the trophy last season, beating Shaun Murphy in the final and the world number one will be looking to claim back-to-back titles. Ronnie O'Sullivan had made the event his own before Trump's victory last year, winning four editions of the Shanghai Masters on the spin. There is no shortage of contenders for the silverware, including new world champion Zhao Xintong, who will be playing for the first time since his Crucible triumph. The likes of Kyren Wilson, Mark Selby, John Higgins and Ding Junhui have all tasted success in Shanghai before and would love to replicate that on Sunday. One change to the draw since it was made saw Ali Carter replace Mark Allen as the Northern Irishman withdrew due to personal reasons. The tournament runs from July 28 – August 3. Monday July 28 (UK times) Round One02.30: Si Jiahui vs Wang Xinbo02.30: Barry Hawkins vs Wu Yize07.00: Zhang Anda vs Yuan Sijun07.00: Chris Wakelin vs Zhou Jinhao12.30: Neil Robertson vs Pang Junxu 12.30: Shaun Murphy vs Han Fuyuan Tuesday July 29 02.30: Xiao Guodong vs Lei Peifan 02.30: Ali Carter vs Qiu Lei Round Two07.00: Mark Selby vs Murphy/Han07.00: Kyren Wilson vs Si/Wang12.30: Judd Trump vs Robertson/Pang 12.30: Ding Junhui vs Zhang/Yuan Wednesday July 3007.00: John Higgins vs Xiao/Lei07.00: Mark Williams vs Carter/Qiu12.30: Ronnie O'Sullivan vs Hawkins/Wu 12.30: Zhao Xintong vs Wakelin/Zhou The tournament is being shown on TNT Sports and discovery+ in the UK. Winner £210,000Runner-up £105,000Semi-finals £70,000Quarter-finals £35,000Last 16 £17,500Last 24 £10,000 High break £10,000 Judd Trump 16/5Zhao Xintong 9/2Kyren Wilson 6/1Ronnie O'Sullivan 6/1Mark Selby 8/1John Higgins 10/1Ding Junhui 11/1Mark Williams 12/1Neil Robertson 14/1Shaun Murphy 16/1Ali Carter 22/1Si Jiahui 25/1Xiao Guodong 25/1Chris Wakelin 25/1Barry Hawkins 25/1Zhang Anda 40/1Wu Yize 40/1Yuan Sijun 50/1Pang Junxu 125/1Lei Peifan 125/1Zhou Jinhao 500/1Qiu Lei 500/1 Wang Xinbo500/1 Odds courtesy of Betfair 'I started off firing against Mark Williams and I got better as the tournament went on,' the defending champion told WST. 'It was probably one of the best performances I've ever produced in a whole event. Nobody really got close to me that week. 'It sets you up for the whole season. When you get off to a quick start it puts you in a good position. I then won in Saudi straight away after. You are so relaxed after getting the first win. This is important for everyone. It is the first event that all of the top players enter. You don't know what to expect as you aren't match sharp. But it is important to put the work in so you come out strongly.' Non-ranking event 2024 Judd Trump2023 Ronnie O'Sullivan2019 Ronnie O'Sullivan 2018 Ronnie O'Sullivan Ranking event 2017 Ronnie O'Sullivan2016 Ding Junhui2015 Kyren Wilson2014 Stuart Bingham2013 Ding Junhui2012 John Higgins2011 Mark Selby2010 Ali Carter2009 Ronnie O'Sullivan2008 Ricky Walden 2007 Dominic Dale MORE: Championship League Snooker: 10 things we learned from a month at the Mattioli MORE: Resurgent Stephen Maguire tinkers his way to first title in five years MORE: Stephen Hendry challenges snooker star to bounce back from 'disappointing' season
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Rangers keeper to play under Celtic hero after loan move
Mason Munn, 19, joined the Ibrox club from Glentoran in 2022. He has only made one first-team appearance for the team from Govan and kept a clean sheet in a 5-0 win over Fraserburgh in the Scottish Cup last season. The Northern Irishman will now join up with Celtic hero Neil Lennon's squad at East End Park for the 2025/26 campaign. He will hope to gain more first-team experience in the Championship. Read more: He is contracted at Rangers until 2028. Meanwhile, Rangers announced earlier this month that Kieran Wright had signed a contract extension. He will remain as the third choice at Ibrox while Russell Martin considers his options for the number-one gloves. Martin was interested in a move for Brighton and Hove Albion shot-stopper Carl Rushworth and has also been linked with Pierce Charles of Sheffield Wednesday. Speaking at a training camp at St George's Park a few weeks ago, the Rangers head coach refused to rule out adding in the goalkeeping department after inheriting Jack Butland and Liam Kelly upon his appointment.
The National
3 days ago
- Sport
- The National
Mason Munn seals Rangers loan exit to Championship outfit
The Northern Irishman joined the Ibrox club in 2022 at just 16 years of age from Glentoran in his homeland. Munn has featured once for [[Rangers]]' first team in his time in Glasgow thus far, keeping a clean sheet in a 5-0 victory over Highland League side Fraserburgh in the Scottish Cup last season. Read more: He will now look to get more senior minutes under his belt, having made the move to East End Park for the 2025/26 campaign. Munn will play under Neil Lennon at Dunfermline in the Scottish Championship. The 19-year-old is contracted at Ibrox until the summer of 2028. [[Rangers]] announced earlier this month that Kieran Wright had signed an extension to his contract. He will remain as the third choice at [[Ibrox]] while Russell Martin considers his options for the number one gloves. Martin was interested in a move for Brighton and Hove Albion shot-stopper Carl Rushworth and has also been linked with Pierce Charles of Sheffield Wednesday. Speaking at a training camp at St George's Park a few weeks ago, the [[Rangers]] head coach refused to rule out adding to the goalkeeping department after inheriting Jack Butland and Liam Kelly upon his appointment.
