Arguably the best left-sided defender in the world, Lizarazu's attack-minded play provides France with an extra offensive dimension, whilst his speed makes him one of the toughest defensive opponents around.

One of the best left-backs in world football today.

Phil Neville makes his return to the Everton starting line-up as David Moyes’ side look to kick-start their faltering season with a victory in the third round of the Carling Cup at Brentford.

Leading places in the European Ryder Cup tables after the Portugal Masters (top five in world list qualify, plus next five on the European points list. Captain Nick Faldo then adds two wild cards. Capitals denote players in qualifying positions).

Phil Vickery will be available for Wasps’ crucial Heineken Cup clash against Clermont Auvergne on Saturday – despite being cited.

Leinster have completed the signing of Australian international scrum-half Chris Whitaker.

Graham Poll will referee the UEFA Cup final between Sporting Lisbon and CKA Moscow.

Rob Andrew has predicted a show-stopping Powergen Cup final when his Newcastle team travel south next month for their third Twickenham appearance in six seasons.

Ireland are up one place to sixth in the International Rugby Board‘s latest world rankings while Wales, who beat the Irish in the World cup quarter-finals, are down two places to eighth.

Ryder Cup pair Lee Westwood and Paul Casey have both entered the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth on February 19-22.

IRELAND captain William Porterfield has admitted his team-mates are dreaming of doing “something special” and beating world champions Australia in their one-day international in Dublin today.

SPORT is political, sometimes deeply so. It is a conduit to our higher ambitions. It gives voice to our better angels and, unless corrupted, can distil principle more powerfully than any policy document drowning in caveats or derogations.

Connections of Gio Ponti have decided to skip taking on one superstar filly Zenyatta in the Breeders’ Cup Classic and will instead take on another in Goldikova in the Mile.

Gabriel Heinze’s fledgling Manchester United career is set to suffer further disruption from yet more international demands with Argentina.

POLICE will take action against a Senegalese World Cup footballer Khalilou Fadiga for stealing a $240 gold necklace from a shop, a news report said.

Russia midfielder Egor Titov has all the attributes of a potential World Cup superstar.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter will meet British Prime Minister Gordon Brown today with a potential bid by England for the 2018 World Cup top of the agenda.

A ground-breaking international against Japan is likely to be one of the many benefits for the FAI from Ireland's World Cup adventure in Asia.

Johnny Sexton has rejected suggestions that Ireland have peaked a year too early.