In Brief: Jones pays with his job for Owls’ failure to fly

Dave Jones has been sacked as manager of Sheffield Wednesday, the club confirmed last night.

The Owls, who have won just once all season, fell to a third successive defeat when they went down 2-0 at Blackpool on Saturday. They currently sit second from bottom in the Championship table, above Barnsley only on goal difference.

Commons sets his sights on a Celtic double

Celtic midfielder Kris Commons felt the 7-0 thrashing of Hearts in the Scottish Cup was the right response after crashing out of the Champions League in midweek. Commons hit a hat-trick in the emphatic win at Tynecastle and set his sights on a cup and league double. “It’s onwards and upwards now and hopefully we can retain this cup,” Commons said.

‘Perfect’ hat-trick makes Bale feel right at home

Gareth Bale has admitted he is finding his feet at Real Madrid after his “perfect” hat-trick in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Real Valladolid. The Welshman netted with his head, right foot and left foot with the injured Cristiano Ronaldo watching on. “I needed time to adapt after not having a pre-season, but I’m improving now,” said Bale. “Everything I hoped for has come true.”