CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. Retired American caught with Latin book has to give way (7)

5. False work about outstanding soprano is withdrawn (6)

9. Awfully banal capital recalled in European country (7)

10. Soldier infiltrates boozer? That’s sensible (7)

11. Set of characters in winning hostelry (3)

12. Dishonesty for all to see by temporary residents or serving officers (11)

13. Film after test musical work (5)

14. Item used by a purchaser transforming bad credit (5,4)

16. A growth in fencing and the like? (5,4)

17. English author beginning to seem out of place (5)

19. Remain in tight-knit group to see thin creature (5,6)

22. A board game in the past (3)

23. Guards losing face making admissions (7)

24. Principal cricket side divided by a racket (7)

26. Environmentalist taken with singular healthy food? (6)

27. Contracted and deceived? (5,2)

Down

1. Element runs off to follow street for sports venue (7)

2. With no end to protest once, bitter man incites terribly powerful politician (7,8)

3. Reportedly, bring home tea container (3)

4. Courageous bachelor facing boisterous party? (5)

5. Friend goes over a chart that’s satisfactory (9)

6. Encourage, say, leaders of group over negotiations (3,2)

7. A condition meant getting prepared for removal of germs etc. (15)

8. Charlie has to get away from department inaccessible to the public? (6)

12. Illuminated man showing agility (5)

14. Doctor digs in so about a medical judgment (9)

15. Celebratory drink in honour of a revered figure (5)

16. Pamper group on south side of Greek island (6)

18. Firearm in time carried by Japanese commander (7)

20. Cut rise for some chief in Kabul (5)

21. Bring up story about island, Middle East tourist site (5)

25. Line that curves, we’re told, in rescue vessel (3)