#david-stockdale

#david-stockdale

Northern Ireland scored eight goals across two games against Malta, with six different players contributing, showcasing a significant improvement in their offensive capabilities.

Wrexham had not been at the races first half, but they levelled two minutes after the restart as Josh Windass curled home a beauty from 20 yards.

Wow at 16, they play at the highest level. And how they play – they play so well. They're special kids who are used to training with us, they're used to being around us. They had the opportunity, I think they took it, and I'm so happy for them.

Things are looking a bit brighter. Junior will be training on Monday, Sam Gallagher's back in on Monday, Gavin Bazunu will be fit by Monday. That's significant progress.

I think the defensive side of things has been a strength at times but in recent weeks that's gone out the window, they've been conceding goals for fun. In their last five games it's been at least two goals every game but what do you put that down to? And how hard is that going to be for him to turn around a team that this year is not scoring anywhere near enough when you look at some of the teams they are up against.

Caldwell, 43, has been in charge at Exeter City since 2022 but returns to the club where he spent six seasons as a player and 18 months in the dugout from April 2015. In his first spell, Caldwell could not prevent the Latics being relegated to League One but brought them back to the Championship as champions in 2016. He was, however, sacked in October of that year following a poor start to the season.

Illan Meslier has been linked with a move away from Leeds United in recent months. The French goalkeeper has fallen down the pecking order at the English club, and he needs to leave in order to play more often. Sitting on the bench at Leeds United will not benefit him. He has been linked with Turkish club Besiktas. The Turkish outfit is hoping to sign the player before the winter transfer window closes, but the player is reluctant to move to Turkey (h/t Leeds Live).

"I'm not scared because my event happened at a perfect age. I wasn't too young to not understand the kind of problem and I wasn't too old to have fear of something. "I'm a very rational person. I heard a lot of different doctors and we arrived at the conclusion that I am in good condition and can play without problems."