Shaqiri says he has clear conscience

LIVERPOOL new boy Xherdan Shaqiri insists his “conscience is clear” after criticism of his attitude while with Stoke.

The Switzerland international managed eight goals and seven assists last season, leading the relegated Potters in both categories.

But his inconsistency led to disapproval from the likes of pundits Gary and Phil Neville, former England internationals, who respectively labelled him “unprofessional” and “a disgrace”. Shaqiri, who moved to Anfield earlier this month for a fee understood to be £13million, is unconcerned by the pair’s opinions.

He said: “They were Man United players - maybe they don’t like Liverpool. I don’t know, it could be.

“Some people like you, some don’t. I’ve played three years in the Premier League. I’ve proved I can play in this league.

“I was the top scorer in the team with goals and assists. For me, my conscience is clear and I don’t have to comment any more on this.”

Chelsea have completed the signing of veteran goalkeeper Rob Green on a one-year deal.

The 38-year-old was released by Huddersfield at the end of last season and jumped at the chance of the move to Stamford Bridge.

Green is unlikely to figure in the Premier League this season as he will start as third choice behind Thibaut Courtois and Willy Caballero.

Derby have secured the signing of striker Jack Marriott from Peterborough for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old scored 33 goals in 56 games for Posh last season, making him League One’s leading scorer, and was coveted by a number of clubs.

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is in discussions to become Iraq’s new manager.

The 70-year-old, who managed the Three Lions between 2001 and 2006, has held talks with the Iraq Football Association. It is understood that no deal has yet been agreed but one could be tied up by the end of the week.

West Brom have offered their full support to Gareth Barry after it was confirmed his brother was killed in a road traffic accident last week.

Midfielder Barry was granted compassionate leave following the loss of 39-year-old Marc on Thursday morning and returned to training this week. CONCERNS about a lack of fire power continued as the Sky Blues failed to find the back of the net for the second consecutive game. Saturday’s goal shy display against League Two Stevenage was arguably more worrying, given the level of opposition.

We should, perhaps, cut City some slack against a very good Championship side who made the play-offs last season. However, it’s still difficult to see that there are enough goals in the side for the season ahead in the absence of a replacement for Marc McNulty.

A lack of chances is also a worry although the creativity is hoped to go up a notch or two once play-maker Tony Andreu gets up to speed after ten months out with injury.

This was a particularly high profile affair because of the presence of new Derby County manager Frank Lampard. The former Chelsea and England star was at the centre of attention before and after kick-off for autograph and selfie hunters.

However, City’s players were accused by their own boss of giving too much respect to their Championship opposition.

That couldn’t be levelled at Michael Doyle and Tom Davies, however, master and apprentice in the darker arts of the game, but for some of City’s younger players you could tell that they felt a bit overawed by the players they were

up against. Second choice goalkeeper Liam O’Brien has expressed a desire to play first team football and, as such, might be allowed to leave City if manager Mark Robins can find a suitably experienced player to replace him before the summer transfer window closes. In the meantime, however, the 26-year-old appears determined to stake a claim for a place in the starting line-up come August 4, putting in an inspired performance that included three decent saves and a superb penalty stop against the Rams.

While concerns persist at the sharp end of the pitch, City’s defence looks in pretty good shape considering what they were up against on Wednesday night. Centre-backs Tom Davies and Dom Hyam, in particular, read the game and competed well against Derby’s lively front three in as stern a test as they are likely to face in the forthcoming season.

Left-back Junior Brown, too, showed his pace and experience to sniff out and deal with danger and tight situations, and should be a solid addition to the side. Jack Grimmer

While concerns persist at the sharp end of the pitch, City’s defence looks in pretty good shape considering what they were up against.