Wally’s bad bet
PHIL IS STER CRAZY
PHIL FODEN has hailed Raheem Sterling as the perfect role model as he tries to break into the Manchester City side.
The midfielder, 19, was given a rare start in City’s 3-0 Carabao Cup win at Preston on Tuesday, where Sterling scored one and set up another.
It was only Foden’s second appearance of the season and he has had to be patient for his chance to show his worth to boss Pep Guardiola on the pitch.
But in Sterling, Foden says he has the perfect example of what to aim for, with the England star setting a formidable standard for City’s youngsters.
“Raheem, every time I watch him I think ‘wow’ and he’s a better player every time I see him,” said Foden.
“He’s got a lot more to come and that’s what’s good about him. He’s still young and improving and wanting to improve.
“I know Raheem, he has high standards and that’s the level he’s set. He’s a role model and he helps me out a lot. I’m happy for him.
“In the game and in training and overall he’s helping me with my game, giving me tips and that’s what a young lad needs coming through.
“When he gets the ball, I don’t even know what it is, he just glides past players and gets in the right places to score goals. And he is always assisting.”
Asked if he was frustrated at his lack of game time this season, Foden added: “I played, so that is the main thing. I’m just looking (right) forward. I’m just trying to take my minutes any time they come and do my best.
“Any time I get game time is important. I just try and enjoy it.
“It’s my boyhood club and a dream to play for this club, so any time I put the shirt on I just enjoy it to the max.” WALLY DOWNES has been suspended by Wimbledon after being charged with breaching FA betting rules.
The League One club’s boss was yesterday charged over eight bets he allegedly placed from 2013 to 2019.
Downes, 58, has until Friday week to respond before facing an Independent Commission who will decide his fate.
Assistant manager Glyn Hodges will take charge of the team at Peterborough on Saturday.
Ex-Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge was fined £75,000 and banned for six weeks this summer for breaching betting regulations, a sentence reduced to two weeks on appeal.
Joey Barton, now Fleetwood boss, was banned for 18 months and fined £30,000 for betting irregularities in 2017 – his ban later reduced by five months.