McConnell keen to emulate O'Connor's Euro heroics

McConnell keen to emulate O'Connor's Euro heroics

McConnell won the Commonwealth Games 70kg title in July [Getty Images]

David Mohan - BBC Sport NI journalist

Ruck earns second silver, Knox third bronze for Canada at swimming World Cup

TASHKENT — Canadian swimmers Taylor Ruck and Finlay Knox added to their medal hauls Friday at the second stop of the three-meet World Aquatics Swimming World Cup series.

Canadian swimmer Taylor Ruck narrowly misses gold at World Cup stop in Uzbekistan

TASHKENT — Canadian Taylor Ruck narrowly missed gold in the women's 50-metre freestyle at the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup on Thursday.

'Phenomenal' Harry Kane backed to end England's Ballon d'Or drought by Gary Lineker

Gary Lineker has backed England captain Harry Kane to win the Ballon d'Or after a spectacular goalscoring run for Bayern Munich and the national team. The legendary striker believes the phenomenal forward heavily deserves the ultimate individual honour over teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

‘It must be a Frenchman!’ - Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni names three shock picks for 2026 Ballon d’Or

Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has revealed his top three candidates to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The France international has backed his compatriots, naming Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise as the deserving frontrunners for the prestigious award.

'This is not a friendly': Canadian women honing identity ahead of qualifiers

The head coach of Canada's women's soccer team says her group isn't playing games for fun in the lead-up to next summer's World Cup.

Arsenal starlet Max Dowman receives three Guinness World Records after making history for Mikel Arteta's side

Arsenal teenager Max Dowman has officially received three Guinness World Records certificates following his remarkable breakthrough into the senior squad under Mikel Arteta. The England youth international has rewritten the record books across domestic and continental competitions, cementing his status as one of Europe's premier rising talents.

Cristiano Ronaldo 'in good physical and mental shape' as Al-Nassr boss Ange Postecoglou dodges Portugal controversy

Al-Nassr head coach Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo is ready for domestic action following his early departure from the Portugal camp. The Australian tactician swiftly shut down questions regarding the forward's recent international drama, preferring to concentrate on his side's upcoming Saudi Pro League fixture.

Why Premier League transfer talk around USMNT star Cameron Carter-Vickers faded as former Celtic centre-half sends spending warning to Bhoys

Former Celtic defender Alan Stubbs has explained to GOAL why Premier League transfer talk has faded away for Hoops and USMNT centre-half Cameron Carter-Vickers. The Tottenham academy graduate was being heavily linked with a return to England at one stage, but plenty of difficult recruitment questions are now being asked at Parkhead.

Vincent Kompany hails 'world class' Michael Olise as Bayern Munich star continues incredible form

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has heaped praise on Michael Olise following his outstanding start of this season in Germany. The Belgian tactician insists the French attacking midfielder is already a world-class talent thanks to his elite mentality and incredible game intelligence.

Canadian phenom Kaylee Hunter 'just scratching the surface' with national team

MONTREAL — Janine Sonis has spent more than a decade in Canadian women's national team camps, and she believes teenage phenom Kaylee Hunter has the tools to go as far as she wants.

‘England is never a closed shop’ - Could James McAtee follow Elliot Anderson into the Three Lions squad after starting to justify £30m transfer fee at Nottingham Forest?

James McAtee has looked like a man reborn in 2026-27, having been handed a more prominent role at Nottingham Forest, and Reds legend Des Walker has told GOAL that the Manchester City academy graduate could follow former team-mate Elliot Anderson into the senior England squad. International success has previously been enjoyed as a European Championship-winning captain of the Three Lions’ U21 side.

Djokovic plans to reach out to Sinner after injury ended the No. 1 player's season

Novak Djokovic plans to reach out to Jannik Sinner after an injury ended the top-ranked player's season, saying Thursday he knows how difficult it is to come back after a lengthy layoff.

Jarell Quansah opens up on Thomas Tuchel trust and 'favourite position' as he battles former Liverpool team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold for England spot

Jarell Quansah has emerged as a vital component of Thomas Tuchel’s tactical blueprint for England, proving his versatility across the defensive line. Despite a challenging dismissal in a World Cup knockout match, the Bayer Leverkusen star has earned the manager's full confidence while competing for minutes against his former Liverpool mentor.

De Goede to captain Canada in rugby rematches with world champion England

TORONTO — World Rugby's reigning women's player of the year Sophie de Goede will captain Canada in its upcoming matches against world champion England.

Yakemchuk's winner lifts Senators to 2-1 victory over Flyers

OTTAWA — Carter Yakemchuk isn’t known for showing a lot of emotion but the Ottawa Senators defenceman had plenty to celebrate on Thursday night.

'I have poison in my veins' - Mikel Arteta opens up on Champions League heartbreak as Arsenal boss sets sights on European glory

Mikel Arteta has admitted that the agony of Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain remains a primary source of motivation for his squad. Despite ending the club's long wait for a Premier League title, the Spaniard insists the continental loss still stings as he looks toward the future in north London.

Nurse out, Aubin in at Canadian women's hockey team selection camp

QUÉBEC — Veteran forward Sarah Nurse has been removed from the Canadian women's hockey team selection camp roster for the upcoming world championship and replaced by college forward Alexia Aubin.

Andreeva beats Alexandrova to reach China Open semifinals and next faces Bartunkova

BEIJING (AP) — French Open champion Mirra Andreeva reached the semifinals of the China Open after battling past Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3) on Thursday.

Elise Mertens beats Iga Swiatek to set up semifinal against Zheng Qinwen in China Open

BEIJING (AP) — Elise Mertens beat Iga Swiatek 7-6 (0), 6-3 on Friday to book her place in the semifinals of the China Open.

Women's team pursuit discrimination complaint against Cycling Canada set for hearing

Ontario's Human Rights Tribunal has granted a hearing to five women who contend that Cycling Canada's decision to not enter a women's track pursuit team in the world championship was discriminatory.