The Sport Matrix: Wednesday 22 August 2012

Pietersen England future in doubt after omissions

Kevin Pietersen's hopes of resurrecting his international career took a further knock when he was omitted from squads for the World Twenty20 and limited-overs series with South Africa. The 32-year-old appears as far as ever from settling differences between himself and the ECB, although talks are being arranged for next week. "These things should remain private," England coach Andy Flower maintained. "I don't think they should be played out in the media. Man to man is always the best way to resolve most issues." MORE

Advantage Celtic after first-leg win

Celtic have one foot in the group stages after winning the first leg of their play-off 2-0 in Helsingborgs last night. Kris Commons volleyed the Scottish side ahead after just two minutes before Giorigios Samaras headed home a second ahead of next Wednesday's return leg. MORE

Davies and Eagles earn Bolton victory

Bolton secured their first win back in the Championship, with late goals by Kevin Davies and Chris Eagles earning them a 2-0 victory over Derby. Davies gave them the lead on 77 minutes before Eagles wrapped up the points from range in injury time. MORE

Late goals give Blackpool points

Blackpool moved two points clear at the top of the table after coming from behind to beat Leeds United 2-1 at Bloomfield Road. Tom Lees headed the visitors in front after 16 minutes before Nouha Dicko and Matt Phillips replied in the final 20 minutes. MORE

Arsenal new boys need time – Arteta

Mikel Arteta has called on Arsenal supporters to allow the club's signings time to settle. "We have lost important players, so we will need some time," the Spaniard said. "Our new players can make the difference. We will have to give them a chance to settle into a new place."

Di Matteo backs Hazard to thrive

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has dismissed fears new signing Eden Hazard will become a marked man. "He'll be fine," the Italian said ahead of the visit of Reading. "I don't have concerns. He's got enough qualities to get away from people."

Richards: Owner’s ambition won me

Dean Richards has said it was the plans of Newcastle owner Semore Kurdi that persuaded him to join the club on his return from suspension. “[I] liked the person I saw,” he said. “I liked his vision and I decided to buy into his ambition.” MORE

Games hero Farah to run Birmingham

Double Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah is to race the two-miler at Sunday's Diamond League meet in Birmingham. The 29-year-old has already broken the British indoor record this year and may threaten Steve Ovett's 1978 outdoor mark.

Froome moves up Vuelta rankings

Chris Froome moved to within a second of the lead after yesterday's fourth stage of the Vuelta a Espana. The Tour de France runner-up moved up the rankings after overnight leader Alejandro Valverde lost significant ground. MORE

Murray's time is now, says Goran

Goran Ivanisevic has tipped Andy Murray to break his Grand Slam duck at next week's US Open. "I would really like to see him win it," he said. "He deserves it. The US Open is his best surface." MORE

Opinion: Is Frankel tested?

Racing fans will flock to York today when the horse hailed as the greatest ever is tried over 10 furlongs for the first time. But should master trainer Henry Cecil ask more of his champion? MORE