MY ACCOUNT
Scotland in it to win it
Jack Hendry insists victory in Scotland’s World Cup play-off with Ukraine will mean just as much to his country as it does to their war-torn opponents.
The pair are set for an emotional meeting at Hamden on Wednesday night knowing the winner will play Wales for a place at this year’s tournament in Qatar.
Club Brugge defender Hendry, 27, has been supporting his team-mate Eduard Sobol during the Ukraine crisis but admitted friendships will be forgotten when they take to the field tomorrow evening.
He told Sky Sports: “Having him [Sobol] has given me an eye-opener about what’s happening in his country and how it’s affected him and his family.
“I’ve been there to support him during that difficult time and obviously I hope he plays on Wednesday night, but I won’t be wishing him any luck in the football match.
“I know how much it means to him and how much his team-mates will be up for this game, but there’s no doubt that we as a group of players from Scotland will match that and even more.
“We know how important it is to the county to try and achieve this, so come Wednesday it will be a friendship put aside for 90 minutes and it will be totally focusing on the best team coming out at the end of it.”
Spence wants Forest move
Djed Spence has admitted he would “love” to join Nottingham Forest permanently following their promotion to the Premier League.
The right-back, 21, has had an excellent season on loan from Middlesbrough and played a key role in their return to the top tier via Sunday’s 1-0 play-off final win over Huddersfield.
Reports indicate Forest are keen to seal a permanent deal but will face competition from Tottenham this summer, with a departure from Boro almost certain.
Speaking on his future, Spence told Nottinghamshire Live: “[This club] means everything to me. I’ve come here and the fans and gaffer have both taken me in. We lose together and win together.
“We’re going up together. This means everything to me. I would love to stay, but it’s not in my hands. We’ll see what the future holds.”
Later during the wild celebrations with supporters in Nottingham’s city centre, Spence admitted that he hopes to play at the top level regardless of whether Forest opt to sign him or not.
He added to Sky Sports News: “I feel like I’m in a good place with my career right now. I just want to get to the top, whether that’s with Forest or with someone else. I just want to enjoy it, really.
“I feel I’m ready [for the Premier League], I think everyone’s ready so we’ve just to prepare for the next step.”
PSG trigger Mendes switch
Paris Saint-Germain have triggered their option to sign teenager Nuno Mendes permanently from Sporting Lisbon.
The left-back, 19, made 37 appearances for the Parisians after joining on loan last summer.
The Portugal international was nominated for the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year and named as the league’s best left-back.
He has impressed enough for PSG to trigger their option for a permanent move from Sporting and will now remain at the Parc des Princes until 2026.
