FOOTBALL DIGEST

CRYSTAL PALACE manager Roy Hodgson must today find a way to stop Wayne Rooney, the man he picked 42 times for England and a player he ranks as one of the best he has managed. ‘Wayne’s a top-class player, there’s no question about that,’ Hodgson said ahead of Everton’s trip to Selhurst Park today. ‘His goal record and his achievements speak for themselves.’

SUNDERLAND have released a special shirt in memory of Bradley Lowery, the six-year-old fan who died from cancer in July. Players’ shirts will be auctioned off and replicas will be sold, with all proceeds going towards a fund-raising campaign.

BOURNEMOUTH’S Jermain Defoe has what it takes to get back in the England squad before the World Cup, according to boss Eddie Howe. ‘You need leaders,’ said Howe. ‘And Jermain is someone who can come on late, change a game and nick a goal.’