LiveScore Daily: Today’s football news in bite-sized chunks

Gavin Glicksman
LiveScore
John Stones is relishing stepping into midfield
John Stones is relishing stepping into midfield

LiveScore Daily is here to deliver all the big talking points from the world of football throughout the day. Keep refreshing this page for the latest stories in bite-sized chunks.

Rolling Stones

John Stones is relishing his more advanced role for Manchester City.

The centre-back has been stepping into midfield recently when Pep Guardiola's team are on the ball. 

It is a challenge he has quickly adapted to and Guardiola is delighted Stones is taking the added responsibility in his stride. 

But the England international, 28, admits he is still far from the finished article. He told City's official website: "It's a big learning curve for me. 

"It doesn't come naturally when I'm in the middle but I'm willing to keep trying to improve and bring my qualities and skills to the team. 

"I'm giving everything and being as positive as I can be when I get the ball. The manager puts me there because he sees what I can do in training.

"I want to get the ball moving. It's worked quite well so far and I hope it keeps getting better. 

"It only does me good by adding these qualities and understanding of the game in different positions on the pitch. I'm really enjoying it."

Making an impact

Fuka Nagano has been a big hit since joining Liverpool earlier this year
Fuka Nagano has been a big hit since joining Liverpool earlier this year

Taylor Hinds has hailed Fuka Nagano's impact at Liverpool since joining from North Carolina Courage in January. 

Nagano has impressed team-mates and fans alike with her composed displays in the middle of the park for Matt Beard's side. 

Hinds, 23, said: "Fuka has been absolutely amazing in midfield.

"She's a funny character and personality off the pitch and on the pitch. She's been fantastic. 

"She's helped us with our structure and really stabilised that structure as well."

Liverpool return to action following the international break when they host rock-bottom Brighton on April 23. 

Keep your hands off

Jordan Pickford will not leave Everton if they fail to beat the drop
Jordan Pickford will not leave Everton if they fail to beat the drop

Sean Dyche has dismissed reports suggesting Everton have reached a verbal agreement for Jordan Pickford to leave if they are relegated. 

The England keeper, 29, signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal with Toffees earlier this year to commit his future to the club until June 2027. 

With his side in danger of slipping into the Championship, speculation is rife that he will move on should the Merseyside outfit fail to beat the drop. 

But Everton boss Dyche was quick to nip the rumours in the bud. Speaking ahead of Saturday's home game with Fulham, he said: "No, there's nothing in the story."

Plenty to do 

Julen Lopetegui insists Wolves cannot afford to ease up
Julen Lopetegui insists Wolves cannot afford to ease up

Julen Lopetegui reckons Wolves still have plenty of work to do to preserve their Premier League status. 

Last weekend's shock 1-0 win against Chelsea moved the Spaniard's side up to 13th in the table and four points above the relegation zone. 

But speaking ahead of Saturday's visit from Brentford, Lopetegui said: "We are in the middle of the work. This is my mentality. 

"We haven't done anything yet. We have the same possibility to be safe as the rest of the teams fighting with us. 

"We have to put the focus only on the next match. We are in the middle of the fight.

"It's a challenge to be consistent and continue in a good way. Each match is a new opportunity, so we prefer to be positive and look at the match as a chance. 

"We have to be ready to take advantage of the chance."

Six-match ban

Rangers coach Craig McPherson has been handed a six-match ban by the SFA for headbutting Celtic boss Fran Alonso at the end of a dramatic Scottish Women's Premier League match last month. 

Caitlin Hayes rescued a point for the visitors with the last kick of the match to ensure her side remained second in the table courtesy of a 1-1 draw. 

As players and staff were shaking hands on the pitch at full-time, McPherson butted Alonso from behind.

He later apologised for the unsavoury incident but it did not save him from Scottish football's governing body throwing the book at him. 

Tags

Premier LeagueManchester CityJohn StonesWomen’s Super LeagueLiverpoolLiverpool FC WomenEvertonJordan PickfordWolverhampton Wanderers