England star playing five-a-side fixtures with mates in balaclava to avoid being spotted

WHICH England ace still plays knockabout five-a-sides with his old mates —  wearing a BALACLAVA in case he is spotted?

The mystery man has never forgotten his roots and likes the odd kick-about with his chums when he is not on club or international duty.

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England interim chief Lee Carsley might have a mischievous mystery ace in his ranks – someone who plays with pals despite being at the top level[/caption]

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And the talented player is always a stand-out but keeps his identity hidden in case his jumpers-for-goalposts  secret comes out on social media and angers his bosses.

Big step to replace Schu

STOKE were looking to replace Steve Schumacher before the end of LAST season.

The Potters landed Schumacher from Plymouth but soon changed their mind on him and TWO senior bosses were quietly sounded out about taking over in the summer.

However, the pair turned down the chance of a job in the Championship and Schumacher survived — but not for long as he was axed last week.

One Heck of a spot-kick secret

PRESTON’S record-breaking penalty win hid a big secret — boss Paul Heckingbottom does not like to practise spot-kicks.

The 16-15 Carabao Cup shootout success against Fulham saw only one of 17 North End kicks saved.

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Boss Paul Heckingbottom, fourth right, saw Preston’s epic shootout win[/caption]

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But Hecky is not keen on rehearsing sudden-death penalties in training.

That’s because the last time he did his Sheffield United side lost in the play-offs to Nottingham Forest.

Latics hail Stones

WIGAN striker Josh Stones is wanted by Oldham for a second loan spell.

Stones, 20, had his stay with the National League side cut short by injury last season.

But Wigan may not be able to let him rejoin immediately.

Albanian can take cut of Blades

SHEFFIELD UNITED takeover bidder Tom Page hopes to ‘sign’ a mystery Albanian millionaire.

The exiled Englishman has spent months trying to seal a Blades deal.

Now Page is in talks with the US-based Albanian with football experience to add backing.