Gylfi Sigurdsson praised the character of his Swansea team-mates after they recovered from letting a two-goal lead slip to beat Liverpool 3-2 at Anfield. The Swans, who were bottom of the table going into the game, took a 2-0 lead through two Fernando Llorente goals before a Roberto Firmino brace pulled the hosts back.

Wales women put up a brave effort but a 2-0 defeat by Ireland dashed their hopes of a Hockey World League final spot. The Dragons were beaten by the higher-ranked world No 16 outfit who struck twice in quick succession in the first-half in Kuala Lumpur.

Cardiff Devils head coach Andrew Lord admits he is losing sleep when he ponders the remaining three months of this Elite League ice hockey season. Lord must find the answer to two big questions as leaders Devils aim to maintain their quest to be crowned champions.

Top seeds Joel Makin and Tesni Evans both cruised through their opening matches at the Welsh Closed Squash Championships. The defending champions won in straight games on the opening evening at the three-day event, being held at at the Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens.

Neil Warnock says Cardiff City’s home match against Burton Albion on Saturday is going to revive personal memories of a miraculous club . The Bluebirds team boss was manager of Albion for more than five years from 1981 and says: “It’s going to be a special feeling playing against them.

Cardiff Fire are still on course for an ice hockey triple crown after a perfect 10 start to the National Ice Hockey League season. Head coach Mark Cuddihy and his Fire team have played 10, won 10 in NIHL and cup, sweeping aside all opposition in their quest for trophies.

Paul Clement believes new blood can infuse Swansea City at Anfield on Saturday and pump fresh life into the club’s figCht against relegation. The Swans head coach is ready to pitch new signings Tom Carroll and Martin Olsson into the fray at Liverpool, where the visitors have never won in the Premier League.

Ospreys coach Steve Tandy has called on his team to make it a perfect six out of six under captain Rhys Webb on Saturday. Wales scrum-half Webb returns to skipper the region after recovering from long-term injury and will lead them in their final European Rugby Challenge Cup clash at Newcastle Falcons.

Welsh rivals Peter Creed and Joel Makin are set for a national squash title clash in Cardiff this weekend. The World-ranked players are top seeds for the Welsh Closed Championships at the Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens.

Leah Wilkinson says Wales are relishing facing Ireland as they bid for a spot in the World League Round 2 final in Kuala Lumpur. The vice-captain netted the late winner in Thursday’s 2-1 win over Kazakhstan in the quarter-finals.

Patrick Bordeleau, Cardiff Devils own ice hockey wrecking ball, is a man on a mission this weekend. The former NHL enforcer adds a tough, physical edge to the Devils team and has Coventry Blaze plus Sheffield Steelers in his sights.

Former Cardiff City defender Luke Coulson makes his debut against Newport County at Barnet’s Hive Stadium on Saturday (3pm). Coulson was an attacking full-back with the Bluebirds, but has been converted to lively winger and fired six goals in 17 National League starts for Eastleigh Town this season.

Former Cardiff City player Curtis McDonald returns to the Merthyr Town team for their Southern League trip to play Kettering Town on Saturday (3pm). Defender McDonald is likely to slot straight back into Merthyr’s back four as they set out to maintain their Premier Division promotion bid, while striker Ian Traylor is available.

Sam Underhill is set to be overlooked for the Six Nations by England coach Eddie Jones. The Ospreys flanker, who will leave Wales to join Bath at the end of the season, is likely to be left out by the Grand Slam champions in the defence of their title.

Welsh Premier League champions-elect The New Saints travel to the capital this weekend looking to pick up their first silverware of the season. The Saints will be expected to retain the Nathaniel MG Cup for the third year in a row when they come up against rank outsiders Barry Town.

Elfyn Evans saw his World Rally Championship return begin in dramatic fashion in Monte Carlo on Thursday night. The Dolgellau-born driver was just about to set off on the opening stage when Hyundai’s Hayden Paddon crashed.

Dave Jones and Kevin Cooper are ready start their newest managerial adventure in South Wales. Former Cardiff City team boss Jones is now in charge at League Two Hartlepool United with ex-Bluebirds winger Cooper at his side and their first match will be at Newport County on Saturday, January 28 (3pm).

Allan McGregor is Cardiff City’s new number one – and he is also number six! Edinburgh-born McGregor, 34, has joined the Bluebirds on loan until the end of this season and has been handed the number one jersey vacated by David Marshall when he left South Wales to sign for Hull City.

Jim Botham – grandson of Sir Ian – is poised to make his debut for the Wales Sevens squad in New Zealand next week. Teenager Botham, who joined the Cardiff Blues last season, has been named by Wales for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Wellington next weekend (28th-29th January).

Strapping centre-back Ben Turner returns to Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday for the first time since he left the Bluebirds last summer. The 6ft 4ins defender will be in a Burton Albion team aiming to stop Cardiff City earning a third successive Championship win.