comfortable

Ange Postecoglou says his Nottingham Forest players got too “comfortable” after Championship side Swansea scored twice in stoppage time to knock them out of the Carabao Cup.

Two first-half goals from Igor Jesus had put the Premier League side firmly in control of their third-round tie.

However, a Cameron Burgess goal gave the Swans hope and, in a stunning finale, Zan Vipotnik levelled before Australia international Burgess scored his second to send the 2013 winners into the last 16.

“We had to finish them off and we had plenty of opportunities to do that, and a couple of decisions didn’t go our way,” said Forest boss Postecoglou.

“I think the lads got a bit comfortable in that moment and you’ve got to know the warning signs.

“Players just thought it would naturally finish that way and we’ve paid a heavy price for that. We need to improve.”

The former Spurs boss had promised this would be the night fans started to see his imprint on the side he inherited from Nuno Espirito Santo at the City Ground.

Instead, Forest conceded three for a second game in a row under Postecoglou, who added: “Tonight was a great opportunity for us to progress in a cup and give ourselves an opportunity to that success – and to let it slip is hugely disappointing.

“But it doesn’t change anything – we understand some of the things we have to work on.”

Ireland front row Linda Djougang says her refusal to be in any way complacent has been a key factor in achieving the consistency which has seen her become an almost ‘ever-present’ in the side and reach her 50th cap against Spain in Sunday’s Rugby World Cup game at Northampton.

The Cameroon-born prop has missed just one Ireland match since making her international debut against England in 2019.

“It feels amazing. I haven’t really thought about it until this week. When I started rugby I never dreamt of this. I never imagined I would reach this milestone,” said Djougang.

“Every game I just try to do my best. For me it means so much to show the other girls in the squad that they can get there too.

“For me to be that role model for them, there aren’t really words, but we have a job to do against Spain to make it even more special. We’ve been so focused on the game and getting everything right for Sunday.”

The 29-year-old says she never takes anything for granted as regards selection.

“You never want to feel comfortable. In each training session you want to put your hand up for selection. As we all know rugby is such an unpredictable game.

“I always train like I’m on the bench and I want to get on the starting team. This milestone shows me what I’m capable of and pushes me to want more.

“It’s nice to be reminded of the achievement and I’ll celebrate with the girls as my journey started with them and this landmark deserves to be celebrated with them.”

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand paid tribute to the impact made by Djougang, and her influence on the squad.

“Linda is an incredible person, an incredible player. She can play both sides of the scrum and has such a level of resilience and robustness.

“It’s an incredible feat of endurance, of getting better all the time. She’s right at the centre of where we’ve come from, what we are now and where we’re trying to go.

“Hopefully we give a performance to do this milestone proud.”

England’s men claimed a comfortable 5-0 win over Poland as they get their Pool B campaign under way at the EuroHockey Championships in Monchengladbach.

David Goodfield put England ahead in the first half but the 2023 finalists were made to wait to extend their lead by a resolute Polish side that came through the qualifiers in Dublin last summer.

Jacob Payton swept in the second in the third quarter and Phil Roper, Sam Ward’s deflected penalty corner shot and a Tom Sorsby effort in the last minute, rounding off the scoring.

“We really stuck at our gameplan. I was really proud of the boys to keep digging in knowing we were doing the right thing and we perservered and scored a few more goals,” said midfielder Sorsby.

“I think I had more shots in that game than in my entire international career so far and I want to convert a few more.”

England will now face hosts Germany in their next fixture on Sunday, 14:00 BST, before taking on France on 12 August, 11:30 BST.

McCloskey, whose last Ireland start came against Italy in February 2024, is expected to partner Jamie Osborne in the midfield in Saturday’s Test against Georgia.

Osborne, 23, is known as one of Ireland’s most versatile players. He can play at either inside or outside centre and started at full-back and right wing against Wales and France in this year’s Six Nations.

“Jamie’s been great. He’s the kind of guy that slips into any position fairly well,” said McCloskey.

“You can play him anywhere over the backline and he’ll do a great job. We’ve had a good combination going there the last couple of days.

“He’s physical, he’s got all the skills and everything you’d want in a rugby player. I’m sure he’ll go on and get a lot more caps under his belt over the next 10 years.”

As for himself, McCloskey wants to use the Georgia and Portugal games to stake his claim ahead of a glamorous autumn programme that includes Ireland’s rematch against the All Blacks in Chicago and a home Test against double world champions South Africa.

That means impressing O’Connell, who he played against in the old Pro12 days.

“Ulster sent down the biggest B team of all time because it was a dead rubber at the end of the season and Munster had their best team out,” McCloskey recalls of Ulster’s 19-17 win at Thomond Park in May 2014.

“I remember it very well. Michael Heaney scored a try, they were trying to get to second and we were fourth, couldn’t go up or down, it was back in the Pro12 days and we got the win, I think it was my fourth cap.”

Perhaps he mentions it to O’Connell when the towering Irish icon brings us McCloskey’s age?

“No, but I like to think he knows it. I’m trying to get picked this week!”

Spending lots of time in the garden right now? A Dunelm sun lounger has dropped in price, and it’s great for kicking back on sunny days.

Usually, the lounger would come with a £79 price tag, but the deal cuts it to £55.30.

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Amsterdam Charcoal Lounger
£55.30 (was £79)

Several weeks of consistent hot weather in the UK means Brits have had the chance to spend more time outdoors soaking up the sun.

If you’re lucky enough to own a garden, that could mean simply stepping outside your back door without having to traipse to a park.

To fully make the most of your space this summer you’ll need some furniture, and a sun lounger is ideal for relaxing.

This Dunelm lounger is a comfortable option if you’re having a drink or reading, but you can also recline it for sunbathing or even to enjoy a mid-afternoon snooze.

The removable head pillow gives some raised support for the neck, making it that extra bit more comfortable, especially if you’ll be spending a couple of hours relaxing in it.

The Amsterdam Charcoal Lounger is great for having in the garden, but it’s also versatile enough to take with you on days out.

Thanks to the lightweight mesh material and foldable design, you could pop the chair in the car to take camping or to the beach.

Dunelm had a home and garden sale that ended this weekend, but the sun lounger is one of multiple items still on sale amongst the full price garden furniture.

As it’s not part of a timed sale, it’s not clear how long the £23.50 saving will last, but as with many Dunelm deals, there is always a risk of selling out.

With a 4.7 star rating, shoppers are full of praise for the garden bargain.

One shopper wrote: ‘’Another superb garden chair.’’

‘’Comfortable, adjustable – no assembly needed and a hugely satisfying price.’’

Another was impressed with the practical features, commenting: ‘’Very comfortable reclining lounger, well constructed, with an all weather covering.’’

 ‘’Perfect for relaxing in garden – tempted to buy a second one.’’

A third felt the chair was good value, saying: ‘’Better, smarter and cheaper than the expensive ones at the garden centre.’’

However, they did note the size of the chair, describing it as: ‘’very wide so takes up more space.’’

Amsterdam Charcoal Lounger
£55.30 (was £79)

As much as Brits love the sun, a heatwave can be uncomfortable, and if the current weather’s got you searching for a quick fix, it might be worth taking a look at the best portable air conditioners.

The heat can make sleep difficult too, and investing in one of the best cooling pillows could really help with getting a solid night’s rest.

There’s also a great deal on a popular fan right now – the Shark Flexbreeze fan is now under £100, and has a handy cordless option.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka says she is feeling “really comfortable” on the clay at the French Open after beating four-time champion Iga Swiatek in her semi-final.

Sabalenka will play Coco Gauff in Saturday’s final in Paris.

READ MORE: Sabalenka takes out Swiatek to reach French Open final