FOOTBALL SHORTS

EDDIE HOWE was forced to hold clear-the-air talks at Newcastle after Allan Saint-Maximin appeared to criticise his team-mates in an interview for not being able to convert the chances he creates. Howe said: ‘I don’t think I will fine him, it is more a case of making sure players know what we expect. Allan’s quotes didn’t come across how he meant.’

JESSE MARSCH has pledged his commitment to Leeds as the head coach prepares to move into a new house at the end of the season. ‘I love the club, we are really enjoying ourselves,’ he said.

DOHA’S new metro system failed its first big test ahead of November’s World Cup when stations had to close under the strain of crowds at Qatar’s Eid celebrations.