The Sport Matrix: Tuesday 4 March 2014

Lallana: Shaw can be as good as Bale

As if a possible England debut against Denmark wasn't enough pressure, 18-year-old Luke Shaw has now been compared to £80m star Gareth Bale by Southampton team-mate Adam Lallana. "Gareth's gone on and never looked back. There are similarities there," he said.

Keane criticism was right, says the Ox

In his own words, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was "hammered" by ITV's Roy Keane after asking Neymar to swap shirts during England's friendly with Brazil last year, and the midfielder now says the Irishman was right. "I agree, it's not the way to go about things," he said. MORE

Pardew facing ban after FA charge

Alan Pardew is facing a long stadium ban after being charged on Monday by the Football Association with improper conduct for head-butting an opposing player. The Newcastle United manager lunged at Hull City midfielder David Meyler during a game on Saturday. MORE

Henry: Suarez did have £40m clause

Liverpool owner John W Henry has said that "contracts don't seem to hold in England" after revealing that Luis Suarez did in fact have a £40 million buy-out clause in his last deal. Arsenal offered £40m plus one pound for the striker last summer, but Liverpool rejected the bid. MORE

Agassi 'surprised' by league format

The credibility of the International Tennis Premier League is in doubt after two of its major attractions admitted knowing little about it. Andre Agassi said he had been allotted the wrong dates, while Pete Sampras may not be able to play. MORE

Flower handed new England role

Former England coach Andy Flower has been made technical director of elite coaching by the ECB. Flower left following the 5-0 Ashes defeat to Australia this winter. He will work with promising players and create a programme for youngsters. MORE

Lancaster: These lads aren't arrogant

Stuart Lancaster is adamant that the old "arrogant English" tag doesn't apply to his players ahead of the crucial Six Nations clash with Wales on Saturday. "I don't think it would be a fair reflection of this group of people," the head coach said.

Gleeson could lose his eye after brawl

The Hull KR centre Sean Gleeson may lose an eye after he was attacked outside a nightclub at the weekend. The 26-year-old was punched in the face a number of times following a row with three men in Wigan, at about 4am.

Track stars have "gone backwards"

British Cycling's head coach Shane Sutton has slammed his squad's below-par Track Cycling World Championships in Colombia. "We've gone backwards and I think the accountability rests with the riders," he said. MORE

Ian Herbert

There is so much sadness in the story of Ian Redford's life and premature death. The former Dundee United and Rangers player's autobiography reveals how the end of his career let his demons flourish. MORE