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• Reggae Girl Chantelle Swaby inks two-year deal with Leicester City

  Jamaica's senior Reggae Girl Chantelle Swaby is set to realise a lifelong dream of playing in the Barclay's Women's Super League (WSL), as she was signed by Leicester City on a free transfer.

  Swaby, agreed to a two-year deal with Leicester City after her contract with French club FC Fluery expired recently. 

  The versatile player, who has been capped 38 times for Jamaica, is eager to hit the ground running at the King Power Stadium.

   

  “It feels great to have signed for Leicester City.  I’ve been wanting to come to the WSL for years now, but I just haven’t had the chance to, so I’m happy to be here and can’t wait to get started," she told the club website.

  "I know this will be a really good experience and a great challenge for me, and I'm really excited. Playing as the home team at King Power Stadium will be a whole different experience, and I'm really looking forward to getting started with my teammates and meet the supporters,” Swaby added.

  The 25-year-old made 33 appearances across two seasons and helped FC Fleury finish fifth in the French top-flight league last season. Prior to that, she represented American outfit Sky Blue FC and had a one-year stint with Rangers in the Scottish Women's Premier League, where she won the 2021–22 title.

  Interestingly, Reggae Boy Bobby Reid was recently picked up by Leicester City's male team following their promotion to the English Premier League (EPL).

• Pope hails 'lucky charm' Ramsdale after Windies century

  Ollie Pope saluted "lucky charm" Aaron Ramsdale following his impressive century against West Indies.

  Pope struck 121 from 165 deliveries at Trent Bridge as England began the second Test of their series against the Windies in dominant fashion.

  Arsenal goalkeeper Ramsdale was a guest of Gunners fan Pope on Thursday, having also watched his double century against Ireland last year.

  And after his sixth Test century helped England to 416 all out, the 26-year-old feels Ramsdale, who was part of the Three Lions squad that reached the Euro 2024 final, is a lucky omen.

  "He messaged me last night and I managed to sort him a couple of tickets. He can come more often," Pope said.

  "I'm obviously a big Arsenal fan, so I go to support him a fair bit. He seems to be my lucky charm on the cricket pitch as well."

  Pope opened 2024 with a superb 196 against India in Hyderabad, but scored over 30 just once in the subsequent four Tests of the tour, while a contribution of 63 was his best for Surrey in this season's County Championship.

  The 26-year-old was left questioning his ability, but highlighted the influence of England batting coach Marcus Trescothick on his upturn in fortunes in this series.

  "I wouldn’t say I had doubts," Pope added, "but I was thinking: 'why is everyone else in the country scoring runs in county cricket, but England's number three isn't going out and averaging 50?'

  "[Marcus] came to London, and we did some really good work, which has put me in really good stead for the Test summer."

• Schmeichel reunites with Rodgers at Celtic

  Kasper Schmeichel has signed a one-year deal with Celtic, while reuniting with former Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers.

  The Denmark goalkeeper joins the reigning Scottish Premiership champions as a free agent after his departure from Belgian side Anderlecht, where he spent a single season.

  Schmeichel, who also spent a year with Ligue 1 outfit Nice in 2022-23, brings plenty of experience to Celtic Park, following his 11-year stint with Leicester.

  The 37-year-old helped the Foxes to their fairy-tale Premier League triumph in 2016, along with their FA Cup success five years later.

  Rodgers was Schmeichel's coach in his final three years at the King Power Stadium, and both are excited to renew that working relationship.

  "I am absolutely delighted to join Celtic and can't wait to get started," Schmeichel told the club's official website.

  "Celtic is one of the world's proper football clubs, a massive name and a place of real passion and success. Celtic is what football is all about. 

  "I know Brendan very well, too. He is a top manager and someone I can't wait to work with again. 

  "I'm really looking forward to meeting up with the boys [on their pre-season tour] in America and starting our work and then, of course, meeting our fans who bring so much to Celtic.

  "I will be doing all I can to keep Celtic on top and bring these brilliant supporters more and more success."

  "I am really pleased to bring Kasper to Celtic," Rodgers added. "He is a real quality keeper and someone with the ability and personality to be great for us.

  "He is a guy I trust and someone who knows how to win. He lives for football, and he is coming to a club where he will feel the same passion that he has for the game.

  "I know he will feel right at home at Celtic, and we look forward to working with him as we all aim for more success."