LaMarcus Aldridge believes his Portland Trail Blazers side have learned from last season's NBA play-off heartbreak to become serious contenders for this year's Finals crown. Last season, Portland reached the Western Conference semi-finals for the first time since 2000 - before losing to eventual champions the San Antonio Spurs in five games. Fast-forward 12 months on and the Trail Blazers are set to qualify for the post-season play-offs once more. Portland Trail Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge believes his side can win the NBA title this term . Terry Stotts' side currently sit fourth in the Western Conference standings having won 44 and lost 25 matches this season. Despite a recent horrible run of form, that has seen Portland lose five on the bounce, power forward Aldridge believes his team are a force to be reckoned with. 'I think the team this year is really good. The team has had its ups and downs - winning streaks and losing streaks are just a part of the NBA season,' he said in a teleconference call with media from Asia on Tuesday night. 'But I think we’ve all grown from last year. I've got better, Dame [Damian Lillard] has got better, every player that was on the roster last year has got better. 'We have an opportunity to win this year, but we have to play a lot better and maximize our time out there. Aldridge (right) was part of the Portland team that lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the semi-finals last season . 'I think we learned a lot from our play-offs series versus San Antonio. We saw how well they executed, we saw how they never stopped playing, how dialed-in they were. They were very particular about the things they did and how hard they played. They were just locked in. 'I think we saw that they we weren't on that level last year but I think every player understands what it takes to win and we saw how they beat us up close and personal. 'So I think we get it. I think this team is probably a little bit better than last year as far as experience goes, from the guys we had being in those moments last year. Then Arron [Afflalo] came in and Steve Blake, they gave us more experience and they make us better, too.' Aldridge, a four-time NBA All-Star, is one reason why Portland have enjoyed a good season so far and are a dangerous opponent in the West. The 29-year-old (left) has helped the Trail Blazers to sit fourth in the Western Conference standings at present . The 29-year-old is enjoying a breakout season with career highs in points, free throws and free throw goal percentages - something the Dallas-born star attributes to maturing as a player and working hard in the off-season. 'It's just getting older. I’m more comfortable out there, I’m in my prime offensively so I think in the last three years I’ve just gotten better, I’ve just felt more comfortable every year,' he added. 'And with the three points,

Summary: Portland Trail Blazers currently sit fourth in the Western Conference . Portland reached the semi-finals for the first time since 2000, last season . LaMarcus Aldridge is enjoying a breakout term with a career high in points .


When it comes to relationships is honesty really the best policy? Some experts insist that baring all to your significant other can do wonders for improving intimacy and communication. But do you really want or need to know how many people the love of your life has had sex with? In a new video from Elite Daily the rather uncomfortable question is posed to couples on camera: 'Do you guys know many people each other has slept with?' Do you really need to know how many people the love of your life has had sex with? In a new video from Elite Daily couples were asked: 'Do you guys know many people each other has slept with?' 'When I was in college, those numbers got stupid!' Some of the men weren't afraid to share . The reactions are brilliantly awkward as the couples admit that they have never asked the question, and then um and ah as they decide whether to reveal their magic numbers to each other. One woman nervously twists her hands as she admits: 'I think I've been a little more on the sexually adventurous side throughout my youth,' while another puts her fingers in her ears to stop from hearing her boyfriend's number. The guys are a little more impressed with their hook-up history with one saying: 'When I was in college those numbers got stupid. I played football. Those numbers got out of hand.' Another reveals, laughing: 'A little over the 150 number. I'm not afraid to admit anything about my past because it's brought me to where I am today.' One women refused to reveal her number, only for her husband to declare: 'We might talk about this later.' 'We might talk about this later,' this man was bemused by his partners refusal to reveal all . 'I don't want to think about what you did with your ex-girlfriend,' this pair were happier not knowing .

Summary: Elite Daily asked real couples how many people they had slept with . Pairs of different ages and relationship lengths squirmed as they answered . Responses varied from '150' to 'We don't have to talk about it right?'


Ant Smith says telling the truth about the size of his manhood was 'liberating' New statistics reveal that the average sized penis is only 5.16 inches, smaller than originally thought, but what's it like if you don't measure up to the norm? One man with a with a small member (only four inches erect) recently blogged about the perils of having a tiny todger - and his post went viral. Here, writer Ant Smith, a 47-year-old engineering manager from London, explains why he decided to share his vital statistics and explains what it's like to be a few inches short. 'Last year I wrote a poem and blog post about penis size anxiety. It was painfully autobiographical, but the harder it was to write, the more important it seemed to be. 'I'm 48 now, and I've been struggling with this anxiety for decades, even though I'm very happily married. 'Men have a great capacity for emotional deniability. As long as we're not confronted with our vulnerabilities we can pretend they don't exist. 'It was a drunken evening talking to a new, but good friend, when somehow or other the question of size came up and I admitted I had such worries. 'I was very drunk, and just couldn't face lying once again. To my surprise, he said he did too. A comrade in arms I thought, as we sheepishly swapped statistics - he went first and admitted to only possessing 6". I told him I had 4, and his relief was palpable. 'Telling this truth was truly liberating, and being able to reassure my friend was rewarding. This is when I realised how pervasive, and pointless, size anxiety is. I realised my own perspective could help many others too. 'So I published the blog in the hope that if more smaller guys were open and honest we could establish a more realistic view of what average is - rather than only ever seeing the behemoths that porn and advertising presents to us. Ant says men should be more open and honest to establish a more realistic view of what average is . 'For the next few months I performed the poem at various venues around London. There was always at least one warm handshake afterwards from a guy who seemed particularly glad that I'd openly discussed the question of size, from my perspective. 'Then in September last year the world's media took notice and I found myself giving interviews around the globe. It seems like I'd found some kind of magic formula. A way of talking about the issue that was neither too puerile nor too painful. Suddenly everyone was talking about my small, but perfectly functioning, willy! 'And I was personally responding to thousands of men (by Twitter and e-mail). So much so that it became impossible to keep up. I felt tremendously proud to have achieved this through poetry, to be able to make poetry relevant in the mainstream. 'At this point RiotTV asked if I'd like to make a short documentary - and I thought if I can't reply

Summary: Ant Smith shares his vital statistics and speaks of penis size anxiety . Says more men should be open and honest about how big they are . Writes poetry on the topic and has arranged the Small Penis Party .


French culture minister Felur Pellerin, who has called fro the country to stop blockading English words from entering the French language . France should stop blocking English phrases from entering their language and embrace new words from other nations, the country's culture minister has said. Fleur Pellerin, who was born in South Korea and also speaks fluent English and German, says the French language is not frozen and that the country should be thankful for English words 'enriching' their lexicon. The government's stance marks a dramatic break from France's previous rigid defence of its language, especially from English words entering it. Miss Pellerin said: 'The French language is not frozen. A language is always evolving. 'Some languages - like English today, or Italian in the past - have been particularly generous in offering hundreds of new words to French. 'French is not in danger and my responsibility as minister is not to erect ineffective barriers against languages but to give all our citizens the means to make it live on.' Current French legislation states that all public advertising is in French or at least includes a translation of non-French terms. There was also a campaign to stop terms such as 'e-mail' 'challenge' and 'marketing' from creeping into the French language. But many French linguists have welcomed the minister's comments. Alain Rey, author of a dictionary on the history of French and a member of a Commission on French Terminology, said attempts to stop the adoption of some commonly used words were ridiculous. He pointed out that the word 'challenge', for instance, in fact originally came from Old French ('chalonge') before being taken up in English. 'Passing laws (against loan words) is to tilt at windmills,' Mr Rey said. A woman holds open a copy of the 2015 edition of the French 'Petit Larousse' dictionary. Current French legislation states that all public advertising is in French or at least includes a translation of non-French terms . Miss Pellerin's comments come just months after she admitted that she hasn't read a single book over the past two years, despite being appointed culture minister. To add to her embarrassment, she was also unable to say on a TV show which book by France's Nobel Literature Prize winner Patrick Modiano was her favourite, just minutes after having said she had lunched with the author. Only two weeks beforehand, she had hailed Modiano as representing the 'influence and vitality of French literature in the eyes of the world.'

Summary: Fleur Pellerin says French should stop trying to block English words . Adds that the country should embrace new words and be thankful for them . Stance marks a dramatic break from France's previous defence of language . Current legislation states that all public advertising must be in French .


A family are furious after staff refused to allow their soya and dairy intolerant toddler to eat his special packed lunch in the restaurant. Alex and Coral Pouros had spent £30 on the day out to Wingham Wildlife Park with 20 month-old Elliot. They had prepared a special meal for the youngster who is restricted on what he can eat because of an intolerance to dairy and soya, and planned to buy food for themselves from the zoo restaurant. Alex and Coral Pouros (pictured with their son) had spent £30 on the day out to Wingham Wildlife Park with 20 month-old Elliot . But they were furious when park owner Tony Binskin insisted they could not eat in the restaurant and offered them a nearby empty room instead. The family refused and left the zoo near Canterbury, Kent after just two hours and vowed never to return. Osteopath Alex, 32, said: 'We explained the situation and as it was very cold outside I thought he would be understanding. 'I even said that if they had any dairy or soya-free food, we would buy that for Elliott. 'They didn't, but he still insisted he could not eat his lunch in the restaurant. The couple had prepared a special meal for the youngster who is restricted on what he can eat because of an intolerance to lactose and soya . The couple had planned to buy their own lunch at Wingham Wildlife Park's restaurant (pictured) 'To be honest, we were pretty upset because it seemed totally unreasonable. It's not as if the place was packed because there were plenty of places to sit. 'I wasn't prepared for Elliott to have to eat his lunch outside in the cold and told the owner that we had two choices - either we were allowed to sit indoors or we would have to leave. 'But he wouldn't budge so we left after spending £30 to get in and having a visit that lasted just a couple of hours.' Alex, of Broadstairs, Kent, added: 'It was actually Coral's 32nd birthday and we thought it would be a nice day out, but sadly it wasn't. 'We had been to the park before with a young niece and enjoyed the experience but this time we just felt angry and hurt and certainly won't be going back.' Markus Wilder, curator of the animal collection, disputed the family's claim there was no options for their son at the cafe. 'We have a menu of 55 items and there are only ten of them that contain soya or dairy,' he said. 'Any of our cooked meals he would have been fine to eat; we have jacket potatoes, burgers...' But the family were furious when park owner Tony Binskin insisted they could not eat in the restaurant and offered them a nearby empty room instead . The family left the zoo near Canterbury, Kent after just two hours and have since vowed never to return . Mr Wilder said the family had been asked to leave the restaurant due to the park's strict policy

Summary: Alex and Coral Pouros paid £30 to take son Elliot to Wingham Wildlife Park . Packed dairy and soya free lunch for him and planned to buy theirs at cafe . Staff refused to allow the toddler to sit in restaurant and eat his own food . The furious family left the zoo after just two hours vowing never to return .


Years ago, when our house was always full of small children, I staggered downstairs with a couple of fellow mothers after a chaotic communal bath-time and found the visiting Dads pouring well-earned drinks. We reported that, just before we battened down the hatches, all the three and four-year-old boys had been snapping at their pyjama elastic and comparing the size of their willies. The mothers all laughed. So did the fathers, for a brief moment, but then, in chorus, they ask™ed: ‘Um . . . and whose was the . . .?’ Civilized, cultured, happily married men, not a porn-hound or a libertine among them, but they couldn’t help it. Willy-worship, willy-pride, is hard-wired deep in the male brain. However much they deny it, men do seem to care. Actors Jonny Lee Miller (left) and Benedict Cumberbatch (right) were subject to much speculation and discussion after their stark-naked performances as Frankenstein a few years ago . Why else would King’s College London have bothered to trot around 15,000 men with a tape measure (one hopes not the hard, cold, sharp steel sort) and proudly report that the average length, unstimulated, is 3.6 in and 5.16 in erect. I do admire the chaps’ willingness to collaborate in that measurement in the presence of a researcher with a white coat and a ruler. Brrr. But the very fact that 15,000 men were happy to go through this bizarre academic exercise shows that they mind about their little friends. And that they all secretly, privately hoped that their willy would be bigger than average. The academics explain that it’s all about ‘using the graphs to examine the discrepancy between what a man believes to be their position on the graph and their actual position’, and that it will be very helpful to worried guys with body dysmorphic disorder, and to those prone to ordering the wrong size of prophylactic online. So, don’t tell me men don’t care. Further evidence was provided when some of us managed to see both versions of the astonishing Frankenstein play at the National Theatre a few years ago, in which on alternate nights the role of the Creature, stark-naked during a long opening scene, was taken by Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller. Conversations between the male viewers who saw both were predictable, centring on who won that particular contest, and including the immortal line in a theatre-bar argument. ‘Ah yes, I see what you mean, but is it a show-er or a grower?’ We women edged away, to continue our serious analysis of which of the buff actors made the most alluring and convincing monster and which was best at being Dr Frankenstein. Libby says she blames author, Jilly Cooper (pictured), for giving men the impression that women are worried about size . Though to be fair, some of the girls were admiring the surrounding abs, pecs, and glutes. We do like a man who looks healthy. It’s a primitive need in the female to bond with a man who is going to be able to take the bins

Summary: It's the hot topic of the moment thanks to recent scientific research . King's College London's survey revealed the average length of a penis . Here, Libby Purves, offers the ladies' opinion on the matter .


Germaine Greer delivered an awkward moment on Q&A program on Monday night when she asked Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop if she would 'free the nipple' to save the lives of Bali Nine duo Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukuraman. The social media campaign, which gets its name from the 'free the nipple' hashtag it is associated with, aims to address the taboo surrounding women's nipples being exposed in film, television and photographs. It was raised by an audience member who was interested in learning the panel's view of how they felt about young women posing topless online. Scroll down for video . Feminist icon Germaine Greer asked Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop if she would consider posing topless to spare the Bali Nine duo . While Ms Bishop said it was not something she had ever had the desire to do and emojis were as 'radical' as she would get, the controversial feminist icon asked: 'What if it got you the commutation of two life sentences of two Australians?' In reply to this, Ms Bishop paused and shook her head in silence as the audience and panelists on the ABC program laughed. 'Please don't got there, Germaine,' the minister finally answered. This is Greer's second gaffe on the program. In 2012, the feminist icon said former prime minister Julia Gillard had a 'big arse'. Ms Bishop went on to say she was concerned about the concept of young women posting topless photos of themselves on the internet. Andrew Chan (left) and Myuran Sukuraman (right) were sentenced to death after they were caught trying to smuggle 8.3 kilograms of heroin in 2005 from Indonesia into Australia . Ms Bishop looked shocked when Greer quizzed her on the possibility and was speechless for a few moments . 'I just worry that the liberation of young women showing their nipple to the world leads to some perverted behaviour coming even more to the fore,' she said. Bali Nine duo Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukuraman were arrested in 2005 for attempting to smuggle 8.3 kilograms of heroin from Indonesia into Australia. Q&A viewers were as stunned as Julie Bishop when Ms Greer asked the question and took to Twitter to express their surprise. Some viewers joked that Ms Bishop should join the 'free the nipple' movement on the spot. The pair were sentenced to death and have spent the last 10 years in Bali's Kerobokan prison. Chan and Sukuraman are days away from being executed after they were moved to Indonesia's 'Death Island', Nusakambangan, on Wednesday. Ms Bishop has repeatedly asked the Indonesia government to spare the duo's lives. It was revealed last week that Ms Bishop tried to organise a prisoners swap in exchange for clemency. Annabel Crabb (left) hosted Monday's show in the place of Tony Jones, with writer Roxane Gay on the panel . Ms Bishop, along with Greer, was appearing on Q&A's first all-female panel to mark Sunday's International Women's Day. Other guests were writer Roxane Gay, Best & Less chief executive Holly Kramer and Youth Without Borders founder Yassmin Abdel-Magied. The

Summary: Germaine Greer ran the possibility past Julie Bishop on Monday's Q&A . The ABC show's panel were discussing the 'free the nipple' campaign . It aims to address the taboo surrounding the exposure of women's nipples . Greer asked Ms Bishop if she would go topless to spare Bali Nine duo . Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukuraman are just days away from execution .


Steven Gerrard's sending-off was so quick that the clock on the Anfield scoreboard was stuck on 00.00 when he was given his marching orders at the start of the second half. The official time referee Martin Atkinson produced the red card was after just 38 seconds. The sending off was so quick that Gerrard became the subject of jokes and virals on social media, including a mock heat map of his brief time on the pitch. Steven Gerrard's red card was mocked on social media with a pitch map showing him going on and off . Gerrard was also mocked up on a film poster for the movie Gone in 60 Seconds . Steven Gerrard is shown a red card early in the second half for a foul on Juan Mata . Pele gets red carpet treatment . Very little unites these two bitter rivals but Brazil legend Pele got a standing ovation from both sets of fans when he appeared on the pitch at half-time, posing for photos with Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre and club ambassador Kenny Dalglish. The great man was on the pitch longer than Steven Gerrard! Pele was cheered by the crowd as he went out onto the Anfield pitch ahead of kick off . Pele poses with Manchester United greats Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex Ferguson . Louis van Gaal revealed that he offered his team the chance to revert to the three-man defence they have used on previous occasions in order to match Liverpool’s 3-4-3 formation. ‘I said that we can play with three defenders or shall we continue with 4-3-3?’ he said. It appears they chose the latter. Louis van Gaal says he offered his team the chance to revert to a three man defence . Fans rescue Super Mario . Mario Balotelli threatened to add to the heated atmosphere at Anfield after he was tackled into the advertising boards by Chris Smalling. But before he could square up to the defender, Balotelli was helpfully restrained by two Liverpool fans. Mario Balotelli was held back by fans as he tried to confront Chris Smalling . Wayne Rooney expressed his regret at not handing Juan Mata the chance of a hat-trick when United won a penalty. The striker said on Twitter: ‘Very happy tonight. Fans were amazing. @juanmata8 great goals. Should have let him take penalty.’ Rooney’s miss saw his Anfield goal drought stretch to more than 10 years. The last time he found the net there was in January 2005. Wayne Rooney saw his stoppage time penalty saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet .

Summary: Steven Gerrard was sent off after just 38 second in defeat by Man United . Brazil legend Pele gets the Anfield red carpet treatment . Liverpool fans stop Mario Balotelli from confronting Chris Smalling . Gerrard red cards: Dismissal against Manchester United was his EIGHTH . Jamie Carragher: Gerrard had a 'moment of madness' from frustration . Graham Poll: Martin Atkinson was right to send off Liverpool captain . READ: The most shocking moments in Premier League history (50-41)


Boca Juniors striker Dani Osvaldo took team celebrations to a whole new level on Wednesday night. After scoring his side's fourth goal in a 5-0 routing of Venezuelan club Zamora in the Copa Libertadores, the Argentina-born Italy international ushered his team-mates into an elaborate group 'selfie', taken by a Boca coach. The man on loan from Southampton then added a second goal to his tally to complete an emphatic win for Boca, who have won all three of their group stage games in the competition so far. Boca Juniors striker Pablo Osvaldo (centre) leads his team's celebrations during the 5-0 win over Zamora . Osvaldo organised an impromptu team photo after scoring the fourth goal in the 5-0 rout . The Boca players strike a pose as a coach takes the photograph on the sidelines . Boca Juniors have won all three of their group stage games in the Copa Libertadores this year . Osvaldo joined Southampton from Roma in August 2013 for a club-record £15million fee. However, after a string of disciplinary problems and a struggle to adapt to the English game, he was loaned out to Juventus during the following January transfer window. For the 2014-15 season, Osvaldo was loaned to Inter Milan as part of an exchange deal for Saphir Taider. At Inter, Osvaldo's form improved and he scored seven goals in 18 appearances, but his poor disciplinary record persisted, as the striker was suspended for failing to turn up to training two days in a row. This led to the early termination of his contract with the club. Osvaldo joined current club Boca in February this year and so far has three goals in four appearances. The Italian striker is currently on loan from Southampton and has scored three goals in four games . Osvaldo scores against Manchester City during the Premier League game back in December 2013 .

Summary: Boca Juniors striker Dani Osvaldo scored twice against Zamora . He celebrated his first goal by organising an impromptu team photo . Boca beat Zamora 5-0 in the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday . Osvaldo is currently on loan at Boca from Southampton .


The Director-General of the BBC is being protected by an elite squad of bodyguards after receiving a chilling death threat over the sacking of Jeremy Clarkson. Tony Hall and his wife Cynthia have been guarded round the clock at their home since a terrifying email was sent to the BBC just hours after he took the dramatic decision to drop the controversial Top Gear star. Last night Scotland Yard confirmed officers were investigating the 'threat to kill' made on Wednesday, after the BBC decided it was 'credible' and alerted police. Scroll down for video . Tony Hall, the Director General of the BBC, leaves his home escorted by security officers . Lord Hall was placed under protection immediately after the BBC received the death threat . Lord Hall leaves his Oxfordshire home as a personal protection security van remains parked outside . The Mail on Sunday has learned that the BBC's head of security put out an urgent appeal for ex-Special Forces personnel to take part in the top-secret operation to protect Lord Hall, at a cost to licence payers estimated at more than £1,000 a day. A security source told this newspaper: 'There was a sudden urgency on Wednesday to find an eight-man security team to protect the Director-General of the BBC. 'A select group of close protection officers were approached and told that, as a direct result of the Top Gear punch-up and Jeremy Clarkson being sacked by the BBC, the DG had received a death threat. 'Some of the operation was visible, as a deterrent, while other bodyguards would have kept a very low profile.' Closely guarded: Lord Hall arrives back at his home in with security minders standing by . Under protection: Last night Scotland Yard confirmed officers were investigating the 'threat to kill' made on Wednesday, after the BBC decided it was 'credible' and alerted police . On alert: The Director-General of the BBC is being protected by an elite squad of bodyguards . Our exclusive pictures show that within hours of the death threat being made, Lord Hall and his wife were under close guard at their £1.5 million Oxfordshire home. At 10.30am on Thursday, two men sat in unmarked Mercedes cars parked on double yellow lines outside Lord Hall's 18th Century townhouse, occasionally mounting patrols around the nearby streets. At 4.40pm one of the cars, a saloon, pulled up outside the front door and the driver waved to the driver of the other car, an estate. Lady Hall emerged from their house and was escorted to the saloon and driven off, before the car returned without her. At 9pm that evening the two men in the Mercedes cars were relieved by a team from a leading provider of security services. A Ford Transit Connect van marked London Protection Services Ltd drew up outside the house and two black-clad men sat outside the property overnight. Security team members keep a close eye on Lord Hall's wife Cynthia as she escorted from the property . The firm, which has 1,000 operatives from military, Special Forces and police

Summary: BBC boss Tony Hall has been placed under protection of elite bodyguards . The Director General received a death threat in wake of Clarkson sacking . Deemed 'credible', it required an immediate response from Scotland Yard . The Mail on Sunday's exclusive pictures show him under close protection . He and his wife were placed under guard at their £1.5m Oxfordshire home .


In a cryptic tweet, Elon Musk has announced the launch of a 'major' new line of products. Tesla's billionaire founder today fuelled speculation by saying it 'not a car' and added the product will be revealed at the company's California, Design Studio on April 30 at 8 p.m. PT. The announcement has triggered the hashtag #TeslaNewProductGuesses, with Musk fans making lighthearted guesses ranging from an Iron Man suit to an inflatable helicopter. Scroll down for video . In a cryptic tweet, Elon Musk has announced the launch of a 'major' new line of products. The launch date coincides with the arrival of the stationary battery pack designed to power an entire home . The launch date coincides with the arrival of the stationary battery pack designed to power an entire home, according to The Verge. Last month, Musk said the unit would be ready for a public debut within months and that it should start going into production by the summer. It is likely to build on the power packs used in Tesla’s range of electric cars such as the Model S. ‘We are going to unveil the Tesla home battery, the consumer battery that would be for use in people’s houses or businesses fairly soon,’ Mr Musk told analysts. Tesla's billionaire founder today fuelled speculation by saying it 'not a car' and added the product will be revealed at the company's California, Design Studio on April 30 at 8 p.m. PT . ‘We have the design done, and it should start going into production in about six months or so.’ The Mirai features the Toyota Fuel Cell System, which combines fuel cell technology with hybrid technology. The firm said it can serve as a 'high capacity power supply during emergencies'. The Mirai converts the DC power from the CHAdeMO power socket in the boot to AC power, using an attachment. Toyota calls it a vehicle-to-home system. Tesla's home battery could work in a similar way, or be a standalone battery. He didn’t reveal what a home battery would be used for, but it could act as a generator during a power cut, for example. Rival car manufacturer Toyota already uses a hydrogen fuel cell in its Mirai car that can be removed and used to power a home. According to the Japanese car maker, the battery can supply electric power to an average home for a week. Last year, Tesla Motors unveiled plans for a $5billion ‘Gigafactory’ designed to help the firm ramp up production of batteries for its electric cars, and now homes. Tesla said the factory will cut current battery production costs by up to 30 per cent, and will be powered predominantly by renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. Elsewhere, Mr Musk is already the chairman of SolarCity - a company that offers solar power systems for homes - and Tesla's home battery could be an extension of this. Following today's announcement, Tesla stock jumped more than three per cent to over $190 per share. The announcement has triggered the hashtag #TeslaNewProductGuesses, with Musk fans making

Summary: Elon Musk's tweet has triggered hashtag #TeslaNewProductGuesses . It will be revealed at company's California, Design Studio on April 30 . Launch date coincides with the arrival of Tesla's new home battery pack . Toyota already uses a fuel cell in its Mirai car that can also power a home .


A Hong Kong Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing after a bomb threat sparked a scare for the carrier and passengers today. The Airbus A330-200 was flying from Beijing to Hong Kong when the airline received a report that there could be a bomb on board. The security scare occurred as the National People’s Congress, a national legislature comprised of nearly 3,000 lawmakers, met in Beijing for China’s most important political gathering of the year. A Hong Kong Airlines flight was forced to land in Wuhan after someone claimed a bomb was on board . The Airbus A330-200 was met by police officers and firefighters when it landed at an airport in Wuhan . Flight HX337 was halfway into its three-hour journey when it was forced to make an emergency landing . Hong Kong Airlines confirmed that flight HX337 diverted to Wuhan Tianhe International Airport about halfway into its three-hour journey. The airline said it was notified of ‘a suspected bomb threat’ after the plane had departed Beijing Capital International Airport at 12:08pm local time. The plane, carrying 295 passengers and crew, was evacuated when it landed in Wuhan and was met by police officers and firefighters. Photos posted on China’s Weibo social-networking website showed passengers gathered on the tarmac, fire trucks parked next to the plane, and police officers inside the cabin. The plane was evacuated and passengers were taken into the terminal while it was searched . Hong Kong Airlines said authorities clear0ed the plane of any threat and allowed it to continue its journey . Photos posted on the Weibo social-networking website showed fire trucks parked next to the plane . Hong Kong Airlines said authorities did a sweep of the plane and cleared it of any threat. The granted permission for the plane to resume its journey to Hong Kong International Airport, but it was unable to depart because its crew had reached its maximum allowable hours for duty time and required rest. Hong Kong Airlines said it arranged for additional crew members to fly from Hong Kong to Wuhan and operate the rescheduled flight. The carrier said it offered food and hotel accommodation to the passengers, who were expected to face a delay of more than 10 hours.

Summary: Flight HX337 was carrying 295 people from Beijing to Hong Kong . It was forced to make an emergency landing at an airport in Wuhan . Airline said it received a bomb threat shortly after take-off . Authorities did a sweep of the plane and cleared it of any threat .


A poltergeist that maliciously terrorised a home for four months by hurling stones and knives at the people who lived there has been described as one of the most spookiest supernatural occupations in Australia. Tony Healy and Paul Cropper spent several days at the Humpty Doo home in the Northern Territory when the poltergeist was in full swing back in 1998. The pair have published details of the encounter in their new book Australian Poltergeist: The Stone-throwing Spook of Humpty Doo and Many Other Cases. Scroll down for video . Andrew Agius found the word CAR made from small pebbles in the bathroom of the Humpty Doo home in the Northern Territory back in 1998. Words referred to their friend Troy Raddatz who was incinerated in a car accident just a few kilometres from their house . The book details 50 of Australia's poltergeist occupations dating back to 1845 - with Humpty Doo coming in at number two. The ghostly encounters at the McMinns Drive property started in January 1998 when the poltergeist started dropping pebbles from the ceiling onto the floor, tables, beds and heads. On the same night, residents Andrew and Kirsty Agius, Dave Clark, his partner Jill Summerville and their mate Doug Murphy noticed knives, small batteries, spanners, shards of broken glass and other objects being dropped or hurled across rooms. They called in two Catholic priests and one Greek Orthodox priest to try and exorcise it. But all attempts failed and one priest even reported seeing a crucifix being hurled across the room. 'Whatever these things are they can run rings around us. My guess is some of the cases involve spirits of recently deceased people,' Mr Healy told Daily Mail Australia. Jill Summerville was photographed beside some of the graffiti left by the poltergeist on the walls of the house during its four month stint at the home . The ghostly encounters at the McMinns Drive property started in January 1998 when the poltergeist started dropping pebbles from the ceiling onto the floor, tables, beds and heads . The residents were soon subjected to sinister words and symbols being drawn on the walls and floor in marker pens, scrabble tiles and pebbles. The first series of words that appeared in the house - 'FIRE', 'SKIN', 'CAR', 'HELP' and 'TROY' - referred to their friend Troy Raddatz who was incinerated in a car accident just a few kilometres from their house before the first sign of the poltergeist appeared. Over the next couple of days the poltergeist cranked up the level of vandalism, causing serious damage - a CD player was thrown to the floor and destroyed, windows and glass cabinet doors were smashed by ashtrays and other flying objects. Healy and Cropper spent five days and nights at the property in April 1998. 'We don’t know of anyone who visited the house and left sceptical. The poltergeist was pretty obliging by turning it on,' Mr Healy said. Pebbles from the driveway would regularly shower from the ceiling without warning, while knives, small batteries, spanners, shards of broken

Summary: Northern Territory poltergeist is described as one of most spookiest occupations in the country . The ghost terrorised Humpty Doo house for four months back in 1998 . It dropped pebbles from ceiling and hurled knives and glass across room . Tony Healy and Paul Cropper spent several days there and published details of encounter in new book: Australian Poltergeist . They detail 11 separate cases and rate Humpty Doo in the top two .


Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has picked up a fair number of 'haters' en route to being one of the best managers in football. Pep Guardiola, Arsene Wenger, Iker Casillas and Cristiano Ronaldo all fall into the category of fellow professionals of the game that have had a public spat or falling out with the man. But it seems the Portuguese maestro also upsets people outside of football after movie star Viggo Mortensen revealed he is far from a fan. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger are kept apart by the fourth official . Lord of the Rings star Viggo Mortensen reveal he is far from a fan of Chelsea manager Mourinho . Mortensen, who is also known as the great nemesis of dark lord Sauron in Lord of the Rings, supports Real Madrid and has spoken of his disdain for the 52-year-old. He told Grantland: 'There's a real character whom I loathe but find entertaining and that's Jose Mourinho. 'I like Real Madrid, and when Mourinho coached them he basically destroyed the team psychologically. The damage he did to the fan base and the whole structure of the club will last for a while.' Mourinho shakes hands with Barcelona's coach Pep Guardiola before their Champions League semi-final .

Summary: Real Madrid fan Viggo Mortensen reveals his disdain for Jose Mourinho . Movie star Mortenson played Aragorn in Lord of the Rings trilogy . Mortenson is a Real Madrid fan and did not enjoy Mourinho's spell in Spain . Lord of the Rings actor claims he loathes the 52-year-old Portuguese boss .


A Fashion Police insider has claimed that Kathy Griffin was about to be fired from the show before her unexpected Twitter resignation. In yet another twist to the saga, TMZ has claimed that producers had met and discussed booting her from the show. According to the report, a pitch meeting took a sour turn when somebody suggested a new segment called 'Whore Score', but Griffin shot it down for being too mean, claiming 'Name calling and alliteration with no comedic context is simply the lowest hanging fruit'. Scroll down for video . Jumped or pushed?: A Fashion Police insider has reportedly claimed Kathy Griffin was about to be fired from the show when she suddenly announced she was quitting on Twitter . She then went on a rant blasting the show as 'old school and tired' which infuriated production staff, who felt she was being hypocritical as her comedy routines have always been exactly what she was complaining about. However Griffin denied she was facing the axe, claiming the show's producers kept promising her she could host in her own comedy style but continuously reneging and forcing her to do the same old fare. The 54-year-old comedienne announced abruptly on Thursday with a lengthy Twitter message that she was abandoning the post she had filled following the death of legendary host Joan Rivers in September. Rally: The 54-year-old sent an email out to her celebrity friends asking them to support her decision publicly . 'After seven episodes of Fashion Police, I discovered that my style does not fit with the creative direction of the show and now it’s time to move on,' Kathy wrote, claiming that while she was happy to playfully tease people about their clothes, she did not want to 'contribute to a culture of unattainable perfectionism and intolerance towards difference'. It emerged on Friday that just after she jumped ship, Griffin emailed a number of her celebrity friends asking them to take to Twitter and make a public show of supporting her decision. The email, obtained by Buzzfeed, was subjected 'Here's why I need you...' was sent to a list of undisclosed recipients. Low hanging fruit: Critics have pointed out the comedienne has never been shy about laughing at other people's physicalities . What she said: Griffin wrote a lengthy letter explaining her decision . 'I went live with the following statement on my social media platforms this evening. I’m reaching out to you because I think you will understand why I have made this decision and I am asking for your support via Twitter, etc. IF you are comfortable,' she wrote . 'I admire you & your work and hope that you can stand by me. Once again, IF you are comfortable. Oh, and I am nervous and scared about this…in case you’re wondering :wink:' before signing off Thanks! XXOO, Kathy Griffin'. A host of celebrities, including Kelly Osbourne and Lena Dunham, immediately took to Twitter to applaud her departure after just seven episodes. Second exit: Kathy is the second person to quit Fashion Police after Kelly Osbourne,

Summary: Show insider claims Griffin was going to be fired right before she tweeted her resignation . Griffin allegedly emailed an undisclosed number of celebrity friends asking them to back her up on Twitter . The comedienne quit the show just days after fellow co-host Kelly Osbourne walked away . Claimed she no longer wanted 'contribute to a culture of intolerance towards difference' But critics say her comedy routine has always been about cruelly making fun of others . Osbourne, Lena Dunham and Rosie O'Donnell are among the first to rally behind her .


Since their son, Aiden, was born prematurely with a rare condition that baffled doctors, Karl Smith and Vikki Jackowiak have battled tirelessly to help him. Aiden, now four, was born with a growth on his face, back and leg and has brain damage that means he can't walk and talk. He had test after test to find out what was causing his problems and as a result, he was recently diagnosed with Clove Syndrome. Scroll down for video . Karl Smith and Vikki Jackowiak appeared on This Morning with their son, Aiden, who has Clove Syndrome . The condition was only discovered in 2011 and just 150 people have been diagnosed with it so far. Aiden's mother, Vikki, 40, from Alnwick, Northumberland, said the diagnosis was both a blessing and a curse - as it has dashed her hopes of one day finding a cure for her son. 'Once we got the diagnosis we looked it up on the internet and saw there was no cure which was disheartening. I always hoped diagnosis would lead to cure, an operation he could have,' she said on today's This Morning. Clove stands for Congenital, Lipomatous, Overgrowth, Vascular Malformations, Epidermal Nevi and Spinal/Skeletal Anomalies and/or Scoliosis. Aiden's condition causes facial deformity due to the accumulation of fatty masses . Symptoms include skin, limb, torso and spinal abnormalities such as like fatty masses or scoliosis (spinal deformity). There can also be vascular (blood vessel) abnormalities such as a birthmark. Aiden's father explained how it doesn't always affect people in the same way and Aiden is a particularly bad case. He said: 'There's no two children the same with Cloves. He's higher end of spectrum, he can't walk and talk like some others with it can.' The parents admitted that the diagnosis has brought them some comfort as they have been able to meet other families going through the same thing they are. The little boy has a great relationship with his older brother, Daniel, pictured right . Vikki and Karl had to see numerous doctors before Aiden was finally diagnosed . Karl, 35, said: 'It's an emotional journey, even though you have your family, meeting others is nice to have that rapport and discuss how you're feeling and how they are going through the same emotions as we are.' The couple, who also have a son, Daniel, 13, will share what life is like for the family in a Channel 5 documentary that airs tomorrow evening called Aidan: The Rarest Boy in the World. Vikki admitted there is always a new issue to deal with as so much is unknown about Cloves but now they have a diagnosis, they can try and give Aiden the best life they can and manage his symptoms. The family share their story in a Channel 5 documentary this week . The parents are striving to give Aiden the best life they can . For example, he's had operations to remove excess fat from his face and neck and could have back surgery in the future. He could also become a

Summary: Aiden, was born prematurely with a rare condition that baffled doctors . Now four, he has been diagnosed with Clove Syndrome . Only 150 people diagnosed with it so far after it was discovered in 2011 . Mother Vikki said they are glad they now know Aiden's condition . But was disheartened to learn there is no cure .


David Sisi will rejoin former club London Irish on a season-long loan from Bath this summer. The 22-year-old London Irish academy graduate will return to the Madejski Stadium club for the entire campaign, in a bid for regular first-team rugby. Sisi joined Bath in the summer of 2013 when the Recreation Ground club completed an extensive raid on some of Irish's prized assets. Bath back-rower David Sisi will rejoin London Irish on a season-long loan from next season . The Germany-born back-rower followed Jonathan Joseph, Anthony Watson and Matt Garvey in making the switch from Irish to Bath. Former London Irish coaches Toby Booth and Neal Hatley were able to entice that clutch of talent out along the M4 to Bath, and now Sisi is travelling the other way - in the short term, at least. 'I'm excited to be returning to London Irish on loan next season,' said Sisi. 'It will be great to go back to a club that has done so much for me in the past and I'm looking forward to making the most of the opportunity over the season. 'All young players need consistent game time to help them improve and learn, and the back row is such a competitive position at Bath that this is a really good opportunity for me to get that time on the pitch.' The German-born forward (centre) will return to his former club in a bid for regular first-team rugby . Full-back Tom Homer is the latest Irish player to make the Bath switch, joining head coach Mike Ford's squad earlier this term. Former Irish prop Max Lahiff has also joined Bath this season, further swelling the Reading ex-pats in the west country. Sisi will return to Bath for the 2016-17 season, by which time the coaching staff hope he will be ready to challenge the likes of Francois Louw and Leroy Houston for starts in the back-row. 'Dave is a very talented young player, so we're looking forward to seeing how he progresses with London Irish before coming back to us,' said Bath boss Mike Ford. 'We want our young players to become the best players they can be, and this loan move gives Dave that chance.' Sisi (top) joined Bath from Irish in the summer of 2013 - having graduated from the Exiles' academy system . Junior World Championship winner Sisi blazed a trail through London Irish's much-vaunted academy system, and operations director Bob Casey is delighted to welcome back the young talent. The Exiles are rebuilding under new ownership and more stable investment, with new coach Tom Coventry arriving to take the helm for next season. 'David joined London Irish at 16 and came through our AASE and academy programmes,' said Casey. 'We are delighted he will be returning to the club next season. 'He is young, English and can play across the entire back row and is ambitious and excited about the challenge of returning to London Irish.'

Summary: David Sisi left London Irish for Bath in the summer of 2013 . Sisi followed Jonathan Joseph, Anthony Watson and Matt Garvey in move . Germany-born back-rower will return to Bath for the 2016-17 season .


For Rangers captain Lee McCulloch, the SPFL Championship table has become a torment. A headache the arrival of a new board of directors simply can’t cure. Lying 22 points behind relentless leaders Hearts, there is now no hiding place for the Ibrox players. The off-field problems have eased, Stuart McCall is in place as manager and, simply put, there are no excuses left. ‘It is time for everybody to stand up and be men,’ said McCulloch. ‘Take the ball, demand the ball in front of a crowd, don’t hide and go and show that you’ re good enough to be here.’ Rangers captain Lee McCulloch has urged his team-mates to stand up and be counted . Under Kenny McDowall, Rangers played as if a grey, leaden cloud hung over Ibrox. In comparison, a home game with doomed Livingston offers McCall the chance to be a breath of fresh air around the place. Rangers need something to rescue a flailing season and advance from the play-offs to the Premiership by hook or by crook. ‘It’s been a frustrating season for everyone, fans, players, off-the-field,’ added McCulloch. ‘I think it would be a wasted season if we don’t go up. It would be a season that would go down as a massive failure. ‘For everyone, it has been frustrating, but it’s still in our own hands as players. Everything else seems to have been sorted out, so it’s basically up to us now to try and get a play-off place and see what happens.’ Currently third in the league, the gap on second place Hibernian is a manageable five points. Rangers have two games in hand and winning them would ease concerns they might slip out of the play-offs altogether — a state of affairs which would be completely unacceptable to their captain. ‘It’s not as if I’ve been going home and made a cup of tea and thinking everything’s all right,’ McCulloch insisted. ‘It’s killing me inside, to be honest with you. To see Hearts so far clear in the league and we’re nowhere near them. It’s not nice and it’s not what we want or are used to.’ The weeks ahead will reveal much about this Rangers team. Off-field turmoil drew attention from their failings. The managerial situation, where McDowall was a reluctant frontman, provided a further shield. McCulloch says Rangers must finish in the play-off positions this season . McCulloch and McCall referred to a crisis of confidence repeatedly yesterday. For many of these players, the suspicion is that Rangers may simply be too big for them. ‘The players have probably felt it even more since Ally (McCoist) left,’ added the captain. ‘It is amazing what he took on his shoulders. He shielded the players away from it. Since he left, the players as a squad have been getting it from all angles. ‘I think confidence has probably dipped because of that. ‘Everybody knows we haven’t been playing as well as we can or as well as we should have been. I think there are loads of small things that you

Summary: Lee McCulloch says Rangers must finish in the play-off positions . Stuart McCall begins reign with home game against Livingston .


An elderly man who has been on the run for 30 years was discovered by police after he refused to pass through an airport security scanner. Clements Lopez was charged with sexually assaulting a girl on 6 May, 1985, but he failed to attend the trial and a $5000 reward was offered. After evading police for three decades, the 86-year-old is being held in custody as his lawyers attempt to grant him bail, reports ABC. Darwin airport, where 86-year-old Clements Lopez was arrested on Thursday after 30 years on the run from police . After he refused to pass the security scanner, police led Mr Lopez aside and ran a security check on him, discovering a 30-year-old warrant for his arrest. Mr Lopez's defence lawyer applied for bail, but Chief Justice Trevor Riley said the charges facing the defendant were too serious. 'He hasn't been heard from since 1986 and now I'm not just going to let him walk away again,' Mr Riley said. Two witnesses who did not attend the original case are currently being sought by police. Clements Lopez was charged with sexually assaulting a girl on 6 May, 1985, but he failed to attend the trial . The defence told the court Mr Lopez's two Queensland based sons have been contacted to provide assurance of his attendance to court should he receive bail. The matter has been postponed until Friday, when a more substantial proposal for bail will be presented.

Summary: Clements Lopez was charged with sexually assaulting a girl in 1985 . The 86-year-old failed to attend the trial and has been at large ever since . Mr Lopez's defence are presenting a bail application on Friday .


It's Hot or Not time again as Ian Ladyman reveals what's been making him feel warm this week and what's been leaving him cold inside. Take a good look at a couple of stars at the World Cup, the best band from Leicester since Showaddywaddy and a tricky Red Devil. And peek through your hands at Poults in the pond. WHAT'S HOT . BIG HITTERS . While England's best cricketers have been riding open-top buses, the rest of the world has reinvented the game. Again. Watching batsmen like Brendon McCullum and AB de Villiers during this World Cup has been invigorating and depressing at the same time. AB de Villiers has been having a fair old hit during South Africa's World Cup campaign . And Brendon McCullum hasn't exactly been holding back for New Zealand . DUGOUT HONESTY . John Carver may not last long at Newcastle so let's enjoy him. Fan on Wednesday: 'Obertan is rubbish. Why don't you b****ck him?'. Carver: 'I have bloody b****cked him!!!'. Obertan – standing 10 yards away – chose not to contribute. John Carver found it hard to get the best out of Gabriel Obertan against Manchester United . Obertan didn't cover himself in glory against his former club and invited a b****cking from his boss . THE ANFIELD PLAY LIST . Thanks to 40 years of dedication from match announcer George Sephton, Liverpool have long since played the best pre-match music and now he chooses tunes with hidden messages. Rather more obvious, though, is his current fondness for the Kasabian hit: 'Stevie'. Is there another Stevie at Anfield apart from captain and Kop idol Gerrard? THE UNEXPECTED . What is sport if not a platform for genius? Even if you don't care for Rugby League, I urge you to check out this piece of magic from Salford's Rangi Chase against Hull FC last weekend. WHAT'S NOT . IAN POULTER . European golf fans will cherish Padraig Harrington's uplifting win at the Honda Classic but a final-round score of level par shouldn't have been enough. Sadly, Poulter's remarkable collapse – he found water five times in 10 holes – let Harrington past and his search for only his second US stroke-play victory continues. Ian Poulter wasn't a big fan of the fairways during the final round of the Honda Classic at PGA National . DAVID SAKER . England's bowling coach has a fine reputation but what has he been doing these last few years? Last winter's Ashes tour saw three of his charges virtually unselectable while it is pertinent to ask which – if any – of our bowlers have actually improved in recent times. David Saker (centre), with James Anderson (right) and Chris Woakes... so how's that all going, then? DAVID BENTLEY . Bentley quit football at the age of 29 after falling out of love with the game. Now he is trying his hand at Gaelic Football, an experiment you can watch on reality TV. Bentley had a real talent for football sadly not matched by his ability to make the right choices.

Summary: Brendon McCullum and AB de Villiers have shown England how to play . Ian Poulter's collapse allowed Padraig Harrington to win the Honda Classic . David Bentley's talent not matched by his ability to make the right choices .


A couple are being forced to shut their upmarket fireplace shop because of the sound of noisy swingers upstairs. Matthew and Cheryl Jewell have had enough of 'embarrassing' noises coming from the sex club above their Stovestore business in Chorley, Lancashire. Despite their attempts to drown out the sounds, they claim customers are being driven away by the noises, which start around lunchtime. Matthew and Cheryl Jewell (pictured) claim it is 'embarrassing' when customers in their shop can hear screaming from upstairs . Mrs Jewell said: 'Customers are stood here and they're screaming upstairs. I'm going red, customers are going red and they're leaving the shop. 'We've spent thousands of pounds here and we're going to have to leave. We have so many customers that return to us here.' Despite their protestations, a representative of the No 3 swingers club, which has been open for two years, claims they are doing nothing wrong. No 3 Club owner, who said she only wanted to known as Mary, said she had suggested soundproofing, and had changed a day the club opened so it did not conflict with when the Stovestore was open. She said: 'I've done everything I possibly can. I don't want them to move. I don't think they like my type of business. They knew what it was before they moved in. 'I'm very disappointed and quite upset they're moving. I'll be sorry. I don't want to interfere with anybody else's business.' Problems began for Mr and Mrs Jewell when the No 3 Club expanded its opening hours into the working day, as well as its late night and early hours opening. 'It's more frequent now, they're open from 1pm onwards,' said Mrs Jewell. 'We were changing all our days for when they were noisiest. 'We know what's going on up there, but we can't do anything about it. Nobody can help.' The club website advertises the first Wednesday of every month as 'greedy girl day' beginning at midday . The Jewell's business The Stovestore (pictured) may be forced to close due to the noises from upstairs . The couple, who have owned the shop for two years, have complained to Chorley Council, but say their only option is to leave. Mrs Jewell added: 'We've made a couple of complaints, but there's no law for sexual activities. It's two years now just wasted.' According to the No 3 Club website, daytime activities include 'greedy girl day', which takes place on the first Wednesday of every month, between noon and 10pm. The two businesses share a landlord, Frank Patterson, who said he has asked No 3 Club to take steps improve the situation. Mr Patterson said: 'The No 3 Club came into the unit five years ago, Cheryl and Matthew have been there two years. There were two other tenants before them and it wasn't a problem. 'Now the No 3 Club has extended its hours into the working day. 'I've heard the noises and it's not acceptable. I've spoken to the No 3 Club about it on numerous occasions on behalf of

Summary: Couple claim the noises from upstairs swingers club are 'embarrassing' Matthew and Cheryl Jewell say customers are driven away by the sounds . But a club staff member says she has 'done everything I possibly can' She added: 'I don't want to interfere with anybody else's business' The businesses shared landlord says he has heard 'unacceptable' noises .


Tony Pulis has told Saido Berahino that being selected for England Under-21s in a 'big honour in itself' after the West Bromwich Albion striker missed out on a senior call-up. Berahino was in Roy Hodgson's squad for the matches against Slovenia and Scotland last November but did not feature and will instead play for Gareth Southgate's junior side against the Czech Republic and Germany at the end of this month. Despite scoring 18 goals this season and four in his last seven games, Hodgson preferred Harry Kane, while also recalling fit-again Daniel Sturridge to his squad. West Brom striker Saido Berahino (left) has missed out on a call-up to the senior England squad this month . Instead, the forward, who has scored 18 goals this season, will play for Gareth Southgate's Under-21s . Baggies boss Tony Pulis has insisted that Berahino's call-up to the England Under-21s side is a 'big honour' 'I haven't spoken to him about it. I haven't got a clue,' Pulis said when asked about Berahino's mindset. 'I think if he gets selected for the U21s (side) that's a big honour in itself. 'The lad's been very good lately in his attitude and his approach to everything we have done has been excellent. 'He's not said anything to me about it. He has been carrying an injury for the past few weeks but has still shown great character.' On whether Kane might return to the England Under-21 team for the European Championships in the summer, Pulis said: 'I think England should pick their strongest team for every proper tournament but Roy will always have a young player who he think is ready for the senior squad.' In-form Tottenham forward Harry Kane (left) has made the senior England squad for the first time . 21-year-old Kane has scored 26 goals in all competitions for Spurs so far this season .

Summary: West Brom forward Saido Berahino has missed out on a senior England call-up . Instead, he will play for Gareth Southgate's Under 21s side . Baggies boss Tony Pulis insists that this is still a 'big honour in itself'


Father-of-two Michael Beard, 31, was killed when his bicycle was struck by a school bus just yards from the front gates . A teacher and 'inspirational' rugby coach was killed when his bicycle was struck by a school bus just yards from the front gates. Father-of-two Michael Beard, 31, was cycling to a youngster's rugby tournament when he was struck by a coach carrying pupils he had taught just minutes earlier on Wednesday. Horrified children on the bus were left in tears when they realised the cyclist lying in the road outside Lincoln Christ's Hospital School was Mr Beard. The popular teacher, who was also a coach with the RFU English Touch Association, had led a Touch Rugby class at the school just minutes before the fatal collision. Parent Jan Thomas, 34, whose two sons attend the 1,400-pupil school, said: 'It was a horrible thing to happen to someone so wonderfully popular with the children. 'Apparently when the accident happened some children on the bus rushed to the back and one boy who had just been taught by Mr Beard knew straight away it was him. 'It was a terrible thing for the children to witness.' The bus, operated by P.C.Coaches, collided with Mr Beard at a junction outside the Lincolnshire school, but the bus driver and passengers were not injured. Headteacher Martin Mckeown said: 'Understandably, the whole school is shocked and devastated. 'Mr Beard was a popular and dedicated member of staff who was committed to helping and motivating children to play rugby. 'He was on his way to a school rugby tournament when this tragedy happened. 'We are still coming to terms with this tragic loss and we are working in partnership with the police, Lincolnshire County Council and the Red Cross to support both students and staff. 'Our heart-felt thoughts and condolences are with Mr Beard's family.' Friends and colleagues have now paid tribute to the married father-of-two who was nominated in the Coach of the Year category in 2014. The 'inspirational' rugby coach had led a Touch class at the school just minutes before the fatal collision . Tributes have flooded in from pupils, colleagues and friends and flowers have been laid at the site of the collision in Lincolnshire . Marc Rhodes, marketing and events officer for Lincolnshire Sport and a friend of Mr Beard, said: 'We are devastated to learn of Michael's tragic passing. 'Mike was a true gentleman who always had a smile on his face and his enthusiasm and dedication to sport and the community was as infectious as it was inspirational. 'Mike worked tirelessly to support the development of Touch Rugby in the county and played a huge role in bringing the finals of the England Touch Series to Lincoln this coming summer. 'Our condolences go to Mike's friends and family and all those who were inspired by his personality and his passion for sport. He will be sorely missed by the whole sporting community.' His aim was to form a competitive team to play at a national level and aid the regional

Summary: Michael Beard, 31, was fatally struck by school bus outside front gates . Teacher and popular rugby coach was cycling to a youngster's tournament . Bus was carrying pupils he had taught minutes earlier at Lincoln school . Tributes for father-of-two have flooded in from friends and colleagues .


Tottenham defender Danny Rose has withdrawn from the England squad to face Lithuania and Italy through injury. Rose was called into the squad after Luke Shaw withdrew on Saturday with a hamstring problem. But the left-back has now been sent back to his club with an injury of his own. Tottenham defender Danny Rose (centre) has withdrawn from the England squad to face Lithuania . Rose puts in a strong challenge on Leicester striker Leonardo Ulloa during Tottenham's 4-3 win on Saturday . An FA statement released on Wednesday night read: 'Tottenham Hotspur's Danny Rose has withdrawn from the England camp through injury. 'The left-back will play no further part in preparation for the forthcoming fixtures against Lithuania and Italy and has returned to his club.' After enjoying a good season with Tottenham, Rose was in line to make his England debut in either the Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania on Friday or the friendly in Italy four days later. Rose was called into the squad after Luke Shaw (right) withdrew on Saturday with a hamstring problem . But the 24-year-old is now back at Spurs having become the fifth player to pull out of the international double-header since Roy Hodgson announced his squad last week. Fraser Forster and Luke Shaw withdrew on Saturday and they were followed on Monday by Liverpool pair Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana. But Everton's Leighton Baines now looks set to start at left-back in both matches, provided he does not sustain an injury against Lithuania at Wembley. That there has been no replacement called up for Rose comes as something of a surprise as Ryan Bertrand has been enjoying a good season with Southampton.

Summary: Danny Rose was called into the squad as cover for Luke Shaw . Shaw withdrew on Saturday with a hamstring problem . Rose will play no part in the games against Lithuania and Italy .


Many football love stories start with a game shared with Dad. I never had this, but I’d heard the stories and was hoping for that father-son experience when I took my eldest son Jayden to Wembley on Sunday. He’s 10 and a Chelsea fan like his dad. Not like his brother Koby who is seven and declared recently that he’s changing teams to support Manchester United. On my mind was the Paris Metro incident. Not that I was worried about the real Chelsea fans but more so those idiots who put on the shirt claiming to be Chelsea fans without caring what image or message they send out, and are just out to cause trouble. Chelsea supporters pose with Michael Duberry (centre) and his eldest son, Jayden (second right) at Wembley . Chelsea fans cheer on their team in the Capital One Cup Final - and Duberry was one of the supporters at Wembley . Chelsea celebrate winning the Coca-Cola Cup at Wembley in 1998, Duberry's first trophy as a professional . I didn’t know what to expect. I wasn’t 100 per cent confident but we went by public transport on the Jubilee Line to Wembley Park because we wanted to walk down Wembley Way. A cup final wouldn’t be the same without it. It was great to see Jayden’s excited face counting down the stops as we neared the stadium. As soon as we stepped out of the station we saw waves of people in blue and white. What a great feeling it was walking down Wembley Way with my son. As a player you don’t get to experience this. I was loving it as much as him. The different races in Blue shirts walking towards the stadium was clear to see. It was nothing like the image those racist idiots painted of Chelsea fans on the Paris Metro. 'As a player you don’t get to experience the walk down Wembley Way. I loved it as much as my son', said Duberry . 'It was a great feeling it was walking down Wembley Way with my son among different races in Blue shirts' The scenes on Wembley Way vastly contrasted with the behaviour of some fans on the Paris Metro last month . Chelsea have a more cosmopolitan set of fans than when I was playing. You have fans from all nationalities and not only British descent. The club must be happy with the progress and that Paris incident must have felt like a painful kick in the short-and-curlies. After stopping to grab pizza, we went inside and when you see the pitch and the stadium, you can’t help but wish you were out there. I played my one and only Wembley cup final in March 1998 in this same competition, but known then as the Coca-Cola Cup. We beat Middlesbrough 2-0 and it was my first trophy as a professional. The Chelsea supporters at Wembley were a mixed set of fans from different races, families and groups . 'When John Terry scored the first Chelsea goal I enjoyed a brilliant,

Summary: I took my son to Wembley to support Chelsea in the Capital One Cup Final . Chelsea's support on the day was multicultural and welcoming . My only concern were the rude words that my 10-year-old son could hear . But news of more alleged racism by fans on a train was disappointing . I enjoyed the day as a black father and a Chelsea fan watching his team win .


A second man has appeared in court accused of killing his great-uncle outside a gipsy family wedding. William McGinley, 26, is charged the murder of Bernard McGinley close to a church in rural County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, last month moments before the traveller wedding was due to start. Last month's ceremony for the marriage of Matilda McGinley, 17, and Jimmy O'Connor, 16, was delayed for a short period after the shooting but still went ahead. William McGinley from County Longford, Ireland, appears at Omagh Court charged with the murder of great-uncle Bernard McGinley . The accused's father, Patrick McGinley, 46, has already appeared in court charged with the murder of the 63-year-old grandfather from County Longford in the Irish Republic who was shot in the chest in front of his wife, Brigid. William McGinley, who has been remanded in custody, is also charged with the attempted murder of the dead man's son. Victim: Barney McGinley, 63, was shot dead outside a church in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland . Bernard McGinley Jnr was injured in the same incident which took place outside St Mary's Catholic Church in the village of Newtownbutler- just before the bride was due to walk down the isle. The defendant, who is a cousin of the bride, appeared at Omagh Magistrates' Court wearing a grey fleece over a white T-shirt. William McGinley, who, like his father, is from Lisfarrell, Edgeworthstown, County Longford, spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood the charges he faces during the short hearing. McGinley's lawyer, Seamus Leonard, said his client denied involvement. 'This man has consistently denied any criminality,' he said, stressing that he had provided police with a 'full account' of what happened. Mr Leonard said it was not alleged that William McGinley fired the shot that killed Bernard McGinley. 'But it is alleged he fired the shot which attempted to murder Bernard McGinley Jnr,' he added. McGinley was remanded in custody to appear in court in Enniskillen, via video-link, alongside his father on March 16. Father Michael King said the wedding party had asked him for the service to take place as planned. Just married: Matilda McGinley, 17, and Jimmy O'Connor, 16, are pictured in the hours after their wedding . He explained: 'They said 'father, we would like you to proceed with the wedding', so I proceeded with the wedding. They spent at least half an hour inside the church at the end taking photographs.' The victim was flown to hospital from Lisnaskea in a police helicopter but died later. Tributes were later paid to him. Cousin Willie McGinley said on Facebook: 'R.I.P. Uncle Barney. Gone but will never be forgotten. Still can't believe he's gone. God only takes the best.' And Michaela Dinnegan added: 'R.I.P Barney. May you get the best bed in heaven and look over all your family and help them get through this hard time.' Dramatic: The bride and members of the wedding party leave the church after the service earlier this month . Outside court: Patrick McGinley, 46, is charged with the murder of

Summary: William McGinley remanded in custody accused of killing great-uncle . Bernard McGinley, 63, was shot dead near church in Northern Ireland . McGinley also charged with the attempted murder of the dead man's son . Accused's father Patrick McGinley charged with murder last month . Wedding had been delayed for a short period by shooting but went ahead .


Mike Brown has been in the wars in recent weeks and he has the scars to prove it. But he insists he is ready to battle for his World Cup starting place and is also determined to inject some much-needed confidence into club-side Harlequins' stuttering season. Twelve months ago Brown concluded a Six Nations campaign that ended with an identical result, a second place in the table behind Joe Schmidt's Ireland. But he was also a winner, edging out retiring legend Brian O'Driscoll to be named player of the tournament, with four tries underlining his commitment to the cause. Mike Brown in action against France in the final Six Nations game of the tournament . This time around, there were no personal accolades to dull the disappointment of a fourth consecutive runners-up place. However, Brown believes the manner of England's memorable 55-35 victory over France is a reason to be optimistic ahead of this autumn's Rugby World Cup. But he refutes suggestions by RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie that another second place was 'unacceptable'. 'I haven't done too much reflecting but it's massively disappointing to end the way that we did,' said Brown, speaking at the Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Sevens - the world's largest schools rugby tournament. 'It was great how we went about the game and how we won but it's disappointing that we didn't achieve our goal of winning it. It's the fourth time I've been involved where I've come second but luckily I don't get bitter. Brown was disappointed with how the Six Nations ended, but says there were positives to take . 'We'll keep going as a squad, keep using things like this to develop us. There are still positives to take out of it and we have to look at the bigger picture.' The free-scoring, free-flowing nature of last weekend's classic at Twickenham was compared by many to a rugby league game. Brown is an admitted fan of the 13-man code and Quins famously released a statement titled 'Brown stays with rugby' when he briefly flirted with a switch. However, Brown believes he has done enough in recent weeks to cement his place as Stuart Lancaster's first choice full-back, ahead of rival Alex Goode, who deputised when he missed the defeat in Dublin after picking up a head injury early in the win over Italy. 'I was very happy with my tournament. When I actually played, I thought I did well,' added Brown, who was casting his eye over the next generation of stars at Rosslyn Park – an event that has previously produced the likes of Gareth Edwards, Lawrence Dallaglio, Will Carling, and Ugo Monye. 'I think my game has come on loads this season. Last year it was all about my running game but I think I've shown that my kicking game has come on alongside my passing game and my defensive game. As long as I can keep improving, I will be happy. Brown will not be in action for Harlequins when they face Saracens at Wembley on Saturday . 'It's just

Summary: Mike Brown says England can take plenty of positives from the Six Nations . Brown was happy with his own performance and thinks he has improved this season . Brown now looking to help Harlequins improve their season .


Jasmine Coleman, 12, has been found safe and well some 50 miles from her home . A 12-year-old girl who went missing from her family home at 2am amid fears she was driven away by an 'older man' has been found safe and well. Jasmine Coleman was reported as missing this morning after disappearing from her home in Lancing, West Sussex. The child was found this afternoon following a police appeal some 50miles away in Croydon, south east London. Police feared she may have been driven to London by an older man when they launched an appeal for information this morning. The schoolgirl had not been seen since 11.30pm on Friday night. Sussex Police said she may have been talking with someone on FaceTime before disappearing at around 2am. The force launched a public appeal for information on her whereabouts on Saturday morning. In it, she was described as fair with long, blonde hair and as having possibly been wearing black riding trousers and a polo shirt or a Paisley pattern dress. On Saturday afternoon the force confirmed she had been found safe and well in Croydon but could not confirm the circumstances under which police located her. No one has been arrested in connection with her disappearance. Shortly after 4pm a spokesman said: 'Jasmine Coleman, the 12-year-old girl from Lancing reported missing from home during the early hours of Saturday (21 March) was found safe and well later the same day in Croydon. 'Police would like to thank the media and members of the public for help given during efforts to trace her. ' West Sussex Police (headquarters pictured above) confirmed the child was found on Saturday afternoon .

Summary: Jasmine Coleman disappeared from her home at around 2am this morning . Police believed she may have been driven towards London by an older man . She has been found safe and well in Croydon, south east London today .


Three kids were seen clinging to the back of a subway car departing a station on Monday evening about 100 blocks south of where a woman fell to her death on train tracks earlier in the day. The children were on the back of an uptown express train leaving the 96th Street station on the Upper West Side at about 6pm. It may have been a 2, 3 or 5 train. Scroll down for video . Three kids were seen clinging to the back of an uptown express train leaving the 96th Street station on the Upper West Side at about 6pm on Monday evening . A concerned commuter snapped a photo of the kids and sent it to the West Side Rag. Lorraine Ogarro, 54, was killed by a subway train . MTA official Kevin Ortiz was shown the photo, PIX 11 reported. After seeing it, he said: 'Stupidity knows no bounds.' Earlier in the day, a woman who was trying to go between subway cars was hit by a train after she slipped and fell to the tracks below. Lorraine Ogarro of the Bronx was on a 1 train headed downtown when she fell off near the 207 Street station in Inwood around 10.30am, according to the New York Post. The 54-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. It is illegal to move between cars except in the case of an emergency. Ortiz said: 'Sadly, yesterday's incident provides a clear example of why riding between subway cars is dangerous and why it is prohibited.' Seven people have been struck and killed by subway trains so far this year, compared to 58 in 2014.

Summary: Kids were on uptown express train leaving 96th Street station on Monday . The 2, 3 or 5 train was leaving the Upper West Side station around 6pm . A woman from the Bronx fell off a 1 train on Monday morning in Inwood . Lorraine Ogarro, 54, was killed by a train under the 207 Street station .


In Japan working yourself to death is so common they even have a name for it - karoshi. Now the government is trying to cut the number of people who drop dead at their desks by making holidays compulsory. Laws currently being debated in the Japanese parliament will make it illegal not to take at least five days of holiday a year. A survey by the country's labour ministry in 2013 found employees only took nine out of their allotted 18.5 days of holiday. Another poll, according to the Japan Times, found one in six workers took no paid holiday at all. Scroll down for video . These so called 'salarymen' or office ladies fear resentment from their colleagues if they take days off, a real concern in a conformist culture that values harmony . The same workers clock up punishingly long hours with 22 per cent of Japanese working more than 49 hours a week, compared with 16 per cent of Americans and 11 per cent of French and Germans, according to data compiled by the Japanese government. These so called 'salarymen' or office ladies fear resentment from their colleagues if they take days off, a real concern in a conformist culture that values harmony. A video showing the brutal reality of a Tokyo 'salaryman' doing 80 hour working week recently went viral on YouTube, scoring 738,630 views. Japanese workers pack the subway - 22 per cent of Japanese work more than 49 hours a week . In it a 24-year-old man named Stuart, who works for a financial company, films himself rushing to squeeze in time to eat, shower and sleep, in between clocking up 78 hours at work in six days. He said: 'There are definitely people in Tokyo who do this all year round in order to support their families. I couldn't imagine having to do this if I had those kinds of responsibilities as well. 'Compared to my experiences in the UK, the management style here seems to focus slightly more on hours actually spent in the office, as opposed to actual work output. 'As a result you begin to create a level of inefficiency whereby employees will know how much work they need to do in a day, and spread this out over say 12 hours, instead of getting the work done in 8 and going home.' College-educated Eriko Sekiguchi, 36, who works for a major trading company, used just eight of her 20 paid vacation days last year. Six of those days were for being sick. She told the Associated Press: 'Nobody else uses their vacation days'. But this strict work ethic is coming at a terrible cost, with record numbers of Japanese workers suffering stress-related illness, premature death and suicide. If the law is passed more Japanese will be taking holidays in popular destinations like Hawaii . According to official data, about 200 people die every year from heart attacks, strokes and other karoshi events brought on by punishing work schedules. Japanese must use their vacations for sick days, although a separate law guarantees

Summary: Law being debated by Japanese parliament to ban taking less than five days holiday a year . Survey by Japan's labour ministry in 2013 found employees only took nine out of their allotted 18.5 days of holiday . 'Salarymen' or office ladies fear being ostracised by colleagues . Around 200 people die every year from heart attacks, strokes brought on by punishing work schedules .


If it were possible for anything to be hot in Buffalo this winter, it was the newfangled 'ice bikes' that debuted at an outdoor skating rink. The bicycles on ice skates were an immediate hit when they glided onto the Ice at Canalside the day the new rink opened on the city's waterfront. Since that December day, the bundled riders who have ignored breath-taking cold to rent them have convinced inventor Lisa Florczak that she's onto something. That, and the inquiries from several other cold-weather cities in Wyoming, Michigan, Minnesota and Canada interested in rolling them out next year. Scroll down for video . Lisa Florczak (pictured) came up with her version of the ice bike after seeing on the Internet that the contraptions were used in Beijing . 'I had no idea if this would work or how people would respond,' Ms Florczak said on a recent afternoon as some Parkinson's patients tested the bikes for their exercise potential. 'I thought I might end up being the laughingstock of the city.' Instead, she is relishing being part of Buffalo's efforts to revitalize its waterfront and draw people year-round, even when the Lake Erie breeze is something more endured than enjoyed. The bikes give even nonskaters a chance to try out the ice, along with the warm nuts, hot cocoa and craft beer sold at nearby kiosks. Florczak's family business, Water Bikes of Buffalo, rented pontoon bikes that let riders pedal the Buffalo River in warmer months. Then economic development officials put out a call for ideas for the 33,000-square-foot ice rink being built nearby on a recreation of the Erie Canal. 'They said the ice is going to be pretty large, and they thought they might need something more than just skating,' Ms Florczak said. Curling, hockey and broomball leagues emerged. 'I thought: `What a perfect opportunity to go from water biking to ice biking,' Ms Florczak said. The 26-inch bikes work with a dull blade in the front and a rectangular base attached to an ordinary bike frame . The inventor had looked up 'things to do on ice' on the Internet and saw that bikes that ride on ice were already being used in Beijing, she told The Boston Globe. She bought a bike off the rack at Wal-Mart and worked with General Welding and Fabricating in Elma on a design. The bikes had to be sturdy, not tip and co-exist with ice skaters. Prototype testing showed that sharper blades, like on ice skates, were too fast, as were flat blades that worked like a ski. The finished product is a 26-inch bike that sits on a rectangular base with a duller blade replacing the front wheel. While originally scared that the bikes would damage the ice, Ms Florczak told The Buffalo News 'The rink guards said they did as much to the ice as a 5-year-old would do while ice skating.' Stainless steel so they don't rust in the snow, the contraptions ride like a regular bicycle, only without the need to balance. Riders brake by pedaling backward.

Summary: Lisa Florczak bought a bike at Wal-Mart and began experimenting . Inventor thought her creation might make her a laughingstock . Bike with rectangular base glides easily on the ice, with no need to balance .


One man alone is not going to save English cricket. The Kevin Pietersen storyline is a good'un, full of rage, intrigue and hypocrisy. But the longer it goes on, the less we will be inclined to analyse what really ails our game. England will not win or lose the Ashes on the basis of whether Pietersen returns. There aren't, after all, many examples of Test series being won by a single player: Harold Larwood needed Bill Voce during Bodyline, Ian Botham needed Bob Willis in 1981, Mitchell Johnson needed Brad Haddin in 2013-14. And a 35-year-old Pietersen is unlikely to be in any of those categories. If he does return, we may – briefly – get more people talking about cricket; he may produce some magic to belie his age; critics of Paul Downton may feel vindicated; it will almost certainly be a whole lot of fun. Kevin Pietersen shows off his latest flamboyant hairstyle on his way to the Fox Sports studio on Tuesday . That's the best-case scenario. But let's not pretend it would solve much. English cricket has always presided over a deeply imperfect system, one hampered by a fear of revolution. Occasionally we commission a serious report, which makes us feel progress is being made. But entertaining diversions are just as crucial to the psyche of the English cricket lover: they mean we can go easy on the self-analysis. From WG’s gamesmanship via Compton’s knee through to Botham’s extra-curriculars and KP’s tweets, our game has always quietly welcomed the glamorous, scurrilous sideshow, the tabloid tittle-tattle to balance out broadsheet sobriety. Yet if the game is reduced over the coming months to a string of will-he-won’t-he bulletins about the future of a player who has, at best, two years left at the highest level, then we will be doing the game a disservice. (I hope Pietersen proves me wrong. If he returns to international cricket, I hope he scores lots more Test hundreds and gives us all something to cheer about. The point of this article is not to pick on Pietersen.) Pietersen is gunning for an England recall after his exile from the side, but turns 35 in the summer . The batsman has enjoyed some stellar achievements with England, such as here after the 2005 Ashes win . Pietersen's antics entertain the public just as Ian Botham's extra-curricular activities once did. Here the all-rounder was pictured dressed as a rabbit next to team-mate Phil deFreitas in Melbourne in 1986 . What should concern English cricket right now is how one of the best-resourced teams in the world spent the World Cup looking like one of the worst; how an air of fatalism about their chances became a self-fulfilling prophecy; and how Downton appeared so intensely relaxed about the fact that England were miles off the pace. In fact, batting was not even the half of their problems – another reason why the Pietersen debate risks straying into red-herring territory. Five members of the top seven averaged over 35, with strike-rates ranging from Jos Buttler’s 135 to Ian

Summary: Kevin Pietersen could be back in contention for England return . But controversial batsman will not win the Ashes on his own this summer . Peter Moores has more serious problem with England's bowling attack . James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Steven Finn et al are cause for concern .


La Liga champions Atletico Madrid surrendered third place in La Liga to Valencia when they had Miranda sent off for a brutal challenge in first-half added time and were held to a 0-0 draw at mid-table Espanyol on Saturday. Atletico had the better chances at Espanyol's Cornella-El Prat stadium in Barcelona before centre back Miranda was shown a straight red card when he felled Abraham with a leading arm as the pair jumped for a bouncing ball. Forward Fernando Torres had forced a fine save from Espanyol goalkeeper Kiko Casilla in the 11th minute and midfielder Koke fired narrowly wide a minute later. Miranda (centre) is shown a red card after a tough challenge on Espanyol's Cornella-El Prat . Diego Simeone barks instructions his his players during the 0-0 draw at the Power 8 Stadium . Playing with a man fewer in the second period Atletico struggled to create scoring opportunities but Raul Garcia came close to breaking the deadlock 13 minutes from time when his low shot was brilliantly tipped away by Casilla. Atletico, who are without a win in their last four games and need to overturn a 1-0 deficit when they host Bayer Leverkusen in a Champions League last 16, second leg tie on Tuesday, have 56 points in fourth with 11 games left. Valencia have 57 after Friday's 2-0 success at home to Deportivo La Coruna, while fifth-placed Sevilla (49) can close to within four points of Atletico by beating Elche on Sunday. Barcelona (62) can stretch their lead at the top over second-placed Real Madrid (61) to four points with a win at Eibar later on Saturday. Real, who play the 'Clasico' at Barca next weekend and are winless in their last three outings, host struggling Levante on Sunday. Antoine Greizmann (left) looks to evade the challenge of Anaitz Arbilla during the first half .

Summary: Espanyol earn 0-0 draw against Atletico Madrid at the Power 8 Stadium . Atleti defender Miranda sent off for foul on Cornella-El Prat . Diego Simeone's side are now fourth in La Liga .


As Lionel Messi took control of the ball in a crowded penalty area before bursting into the six-yard box and sitting the goalkeeper on his backside with the subtlest of feints, records went tumbling again. The Barcelona forward, as he so often does, stole the show at the Nou Camp on Sunday as Luis Enrique's side put Rayo Vallecano to the sword with a 6-1 victory that sent the Catalans to the top of La Liga. Rivals Real Madrid were beaten by Athletic Bilbao on Saturday and Barca took full advantage as they recorded their biggest league win since the opening day of the season to take control of the title race. Lionel Messi leaves the field with the match ball after netting a 12-minute hat-trick on Sunday . Barcelona forward Messi looks to the sky as he celebrates following his second goal against Rayo Vallecano . El Clasico all-time top scorer - 21 . Most goals in a single season - 73 . Ballon d'Or winner - 4 . Barcelona all-time goalscorer (official) - 395 . La Liga all time goalscorer - 273 . Champions League top scorer - 75 . La Liga assists - 106 . Catalan derby top scorer - 12 . Like our Barcelona Facebook page. Luis Suarez netted the first and last during the rout but in between, along with a Gerard Pique goal, the irrepressible Messi scored a 12-minute hat-trick - the fastest of his career - as 10-man Rayo crumpled in the second half. You would be forgiven for thinking there were any records left to break for the 27-year-old. The graphic above by Grup14.com perfectly illustrates Messi's dominance over the last decade. The Argentina forward has outperformed legends of the game such as Alfredo di Stefano, Gerd Muller and Michel Platini to lay claim to some illustrious accolades and Messi's record-breaking shows no sign of abating. Here, we look at the statistics following his latest goalscoring exploits. The Argentina international netted his first of the afternoon from the penalty spot . Messi celebrates after finding the bottom corner with his spot kick to make it 3-0 to Barcelona . The 27-year-old taps home from close range in front of a packed Nou Camp as Barca went top of La Liga . Messi's goalscoring rival Cristiano Ronaldo drew a blank against Athletic Bilbao as Real Madrid lost 1-0 . Messi brilliantly rounds Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper Cristian Alvarez to seal his hat-trick . Messi taps into the empty net after securing his hat-trick with a sublimely taken goal .

Summary: Barcelona beat Rayo Vallecano 6-1 at the Nou Camp in La Liga on Sunday . Win moved the Catalan side to the top of the table after Real Madrid lost . Lionel Messi scored a 12-minute hat-trick in the second half . The Barcelona forward set more records with his latest treble . CLICK HERE for all the latest Barcelona news . The hat-trick against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday was Messi's fifth treble of the season . Messi has now scored 24 La Liga hat-tricks, beating the record set by Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 23 . The Argentina forward has now scored more hat-tricks (32) in all competitions than any other player for a Spanish club, surpassing former Athletic Bilbao striker Telmo Zorra . The 27-year-old has now scored more than 40 goals in all competitions in six consecutive seasons . Despite Ronaldo's blistering start to the league campaign, Messi has now equalled the Portugal international's tally of 30 goals this season . Just for good measure the Argentine also leads the way for assists this season (14), four more than Ronaldo in second . Since the start of 2015 Messi has netted 15 league goals in just 10 games . The Barcelona forward has scored and assisted 22 goals in 2015, which is more than any other team in the top flight has scored .


Wolves kept their promotion hopes alive with a routine 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday. Bakary Sako's penalty and Benik Afobe's 27th goal of the season sent Kenny Jackett's side on their way as they kept in touch with the top six in the Sky Bet Championship. James Henry then added the gloss to a comfortable victory meaning Wolves have lost just once in their last seven games. Benik Afobe (left) celebrates after scoring Wolves' second in a comfortable win over Sheffield Wednesday . Bakary Sako opens the scoring for Wolves from the penalty spot after Nouha Dicko was fouled . Wolves XI: Kuszczak; Doherty, Batth (c), Stearman (Ebanks-Landell - 74), Golbourne; van La Parra (Henry - 53), McDonald (Edwards - 88), Price, Sako; Afobe, Dicko . Subs not used: McCarey, Evans, Doyle, Hause . Booked: . Goals: Sako (p) 18, Afobe 55, Henry 67 . Sheffield Wednesday XI: Westwood; Dielna, Lees, Hutchinson (Melo - 77), Vermijl; Helan, McGugan, Maghoma; May (Lavery - 64), Maguire, Nuhiu . Subs not used: Kirkland, Buxton, Mattock, Lee, De Havilland . Booked: Dielna, McGugan . Tomasz Kuszczak saved well from Jacques Maghoma but Wednesday are left marooned in mid-table with little but pride to play for. Wolves made two changes as Scott Golbourne and Nouha Dicko replaced Kortney Hause and Henry, while Stevie May returned for Wednesday along with Maghoma and Marnick Vermijl. And the visitors threatened first as Atdhe Nuhiu and Tom Lees headed wide before Wolves took the lead in controversial fashion after 19 minutes. Dicko burst down the right and skipped past one sloppy Wednesday tackle but then went down under a soft challenge from Claude Dielna in the area and referee Simon Hooper gave a penalty. The forward looked to have fallen easily but Sako sent Keiren Westwood the wrong way from the spot for his 12th goal of the season. James Henry runs to the crowd after finishing off the scoring with a stunning effort after 67 minutes . Maghoma fired at Kuszczak as the visitors tried to respond before Westwood saved well after Kevin McDonald squeezed in behind the Wednesday defence. And the keeper had to be at his best again on 31 minutes when he turned Dicko's 20-yard effort wide. A minute later and Jack Price shot straight at Westwood as Wednesday were once again opened up, this time by the lively Rajiv van La Parra. The winger fired home from the edge of the area and gave Kieran Westwood no chance of saving it . But Kuszczak kept Wolves ahead 10 minutes before the break when he clawed away Maghoma's header. The Wednesday striker had been their biggest threat and he shot just wide after the restart before Nuhiu headed over. Wolves' slow start gave the visitors encouragement but the hosts doubled their lead out of nothing on 55 minutes. Sako (centre) was a danger throughout and scored the opener from the spot but could have had more . Matt Doherty wriggled free on the right and crossed for the unmarked Afobe to thump a volley in off the

Summary: Wolves are three points off the play-off places with eight games remaining . Bakary Sako gave the home side the lead from the penalty spot . Benik Afobe and Karl Henry completed the rout in the second half .