Key events

26 min ago - Guardiola calls for his own stand at Wembley
2 hrs ago - Manchester United set to confirm Carrick on two-year contract
2 hrs ago - Belgium reveals World Cup roster including Lukaku and De Bruyne
4 hrs ago - China-s CCTV to air 2026 and 2030 World Cups
5 hrs ago - Coleman to wrap up 17-year Everton playing career
5 hrs ago - Bournemouth reveals Senesi exit this summer
5 hrs ago - Premier League key award nominees announced
6 hrs ago - Mbappé refutes Arbeloa tensions but admits 'fourth choice' role at Madrid
6 hrs ago - Fletcher condemns FA Youth Cup final as 'Man City parade'
7 hrs ago - Preamble

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Ewan Murray

Ewan Murray shares thoughts on the eagerly anticipated Celtic vs Hearts clash.

Gary Mackay-s stunning strike for Hearts versus Clydebank in the near-final match of the 1985-86 campaign sparked a burst of 'Championees' from Tynecastle fans. Such celebrations have been absent this year, with caution prevailing. The next weekend 40 years back saw Hearts- title hopes crushed by late Dundee strikes at Dens Park. Like today, Hearts required just a point for the crown, while Celtic chased strongly. Hearts- fanzine 'Always The Bridesmaid' captured their recurring near-misses.

With the Scottish Premiership finale approaching, Colin Chisholm - singer of Hearts- iconic tune with band Bilbo, once linked to Bay City Rollers - offers this 1978 hit peaking at No. 42.

David Moyes reflects on outgoing Seamus Coleman, whom he brought to Everton in 2009: 'Credit goes to the scouts who found him in Ireland. He-s been invaluable to the club. You seek players for the squad, but 17 years here - even without my full involvement lately - he-s been the binding force. In tough times, he speaks up, rallies everyone. He earns praise as a person for his Everton contributions.'

Rick Harris emails: 'Premier League Player of the Season often hails from champions, so Gabriel, Declan Rice, David Raya qualify. Yet Bruno Fernandes stands out, doubling chances created over rivals, with 19-20 assists (Sesko-s Liverpool goal counts as his) plus 8 goals. Manager: Arteta if Arsenal triumphs, sustaining drive post three runner-up spots. Young Player: Close between Nico O-Reilly and Alex Scott; Bournemouth-s lad wins for frequent standout displays.'

Guardiola eyes a stand named after him at Wembley

Jamie Jackson

Ahead of Pep Guardiola-s 24th Wembley trip with Manchester City (sans league Spurs ties) for Saturday-s FA Cup final, he quipped: 'Disappointed no Pep stand or lounge exists after so many visits.' He added: 'Perhaps 24 more. Wembley-s special - Barca-s 1992 Champions League win as player, 2011 as coach vs United, plus semis and finals here. Great to return. Top.'

Additional Guardiola comments: 'Success hinges on trophies sometimes, but not always - trophy-less seasons can succeed, trophy-filled ones fail. Weeks back, I called this campaign strong. Very strong.' On Wembley stay-or-go talk: 'Maybe 24 more.' Regarding fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura and keeper coach Xabi Mancisidor-s rumored exits: 'Extended them three years.' On future hints: 'Nope.'

Manchester City contest their fourth straight FA Cup final, losing the prior two; Guardiola noted: 'Excitement builds. Hope to outperform last pair. New squad, fresh slate vs Chelsea. Must seize the trophy.'

Carrick praises assistant Steve Holland: 'Outstanding experience across highs and lows. Wise timing on advice, calm presence for staff and players. Brings fresh dynamics. No issue leaning on his expertise.'

Fresh twists in Southampton Spygate saga, per PA Media.

A Hull fan spending near £2,000 from Australia for the Championship play-off final blasts EFL-s 'fan disregard' amid 'Spygate' chaos delaying certainty. Jack Gorbert, ex-season ticket holder now in Melbourne, flew back post-Millwall win. £1,300 flight plus £700 extras leave him exposed if May 23 Southampton clash shifts.

Michael Carrick at Man Utd presser: 'My future resolves soon, end-of-season as planned. No shifts. It-s imminent.'

Complete Carrick appointment details here.

Manchester United poised to install Carrick on two-year deal

Will Unwin

Michael Carrick nears permanent Manchester United head coach role on two-year terms after 10 Premier League wins in 15 and Champions League qualification.

Afternoon, football fans. Current standings?

Today-s standout image: Cantona film premieres at Cannes; Eric arrives in style. I-m stepping out briefly - John Brewin takes over. Later!

Belgium unveils World Cup team - Lukaku, De Bruyne make cut

Romelu Lukaku-s injury recovery succeeds, earning Napoli forward Belgium World Cup spot Friday, per AP. He joins Kevin de Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois for fourth tournaments. Lukaku (124 caps), De Bruyne (117), Courtois (107) follow Axel Witsel (136, 37). Lukaku-s last Belgium outing: Wales qualifier June; limited to five sub Serie A games. Missed recent friendlies over fitness. Courtois skipped October onward but shines at Madrid. Trossard, Doku add PL flair. No 17-year-old Nathan de Cat despite US debut; Openda benched at Juventus omitted. Group G: Egypt June 15, Iran 21, New Zealand 27. Post-2018 semis, 2022 group exit.

Belgium World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Senne Lammens, Mike Penders.
Defenders: Timothy Castagne, Zeno Debast, Maxim de Cupyer, Koni de Winter, Brandon Mechele, Thomas Meunier, Nathan Ngoy, Joaquin Seys, Arthur Theate.
Midfielders: Kevin de Bruyne, Amadou Onana, Nicolas Raskin, Youri Tielemans, Hans Vanaken, Axel Witsel.
Forwards: Charles de Ketelaere, Jeremy Doku, Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Romelu Lukaku, Dodi Lukebakio, Diego Moreira, Alexis Saelemaekers, Leandro Trossard.

Email on Celtic penalty: 'Amid VAR uproar favoring Celtic Wednesday, note Maeda-s ignored penalty from Motherwell keeper-s challenge. Earlier, Hibs handled goal stood, Nygren shoved unpenalized. Fairness needed,' says Stephen McCrossan. Debates rage, but Scottish race: Hearts historic Old Firm upset after 66 years or Celtic-s fifth straight, 14th in 15. Equilibrium unlikely.

Hearts boss Derek McInnes on Celtic penalty and weekend ahead:

Last games raise concerns - questions due, but focus Saturday. Spotlight on officiating overshadows fine season: Motherwell, Falkirk, us, Celtic under O-Neill. Finish strong; ideal head-to-head decider. We aimed here - big Celtic Park test. They expect home title seal; we-ll challenge. Bullish after script-shredding year.

Andy Hunter reports on Seamus Coleman-s Everton farewell:

Séamus Coleman concludes 17-year Everton tenure post-contract expiry, playing future undecided.