Djilobodji & M’Vila thrash out entertaining stalemate as Sunderland youngster takes on Rangers

Papy Djilobodji played 90 minutes in the middle of three central defenders in a back five as his Dijon side drew 2-2 with St Etienne at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard - picking up a yellow card in the process.

The giant former Chelsea defender found himself up against former Sunderland midfielder Yann M’Vila, as well as former Newcastle United men Remy Cabella and Mathieu Debuchy, but neither side were able to take the initiative in what was a back and forth game.

The draw result leaves the Senegalese international's side - nicknamed The Mustards - sitting 11th in Ligue 1 with 36 points from 28 matches as the French club enjoy a comfortable mid-table season.

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Sunderland U23 utility man Tom Beadling has impressed so far whilst out on loan at Dunfermline United. The 22-year-old has been used as both an attacking and defensive midfielder by his manager, former Sunderland winger Allan Johnston.

However, Dunfermline's Saturday Scottish Championship tie away to Livingston was postponed, meaning that Barrow-born Beadling missed out on the opportunity to further prove his worth.

The academy graduate has a fourteen-year association with the club but thus far has failed to make a single senior appearance for the Black Cats, with his long-term future as a Sunderland player not quite clear.

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Striker Andrew Nelson travelled to the Ibrox Stadium for biggest game of his fledgling career as Scottish Championship side Falkirk faced Glasgow Rangers in the Scottish Cup quarter final - a match which was televised live on Sky Sports.

The 20-year-old Stockton-born forward played the full 90 minutes but couldn't prevent his side succumbing to a Jason Cummings hat-trick as the Gers beat 4-1 Falkirk aside to reach the Scottish Cup semi-final.

Nelson has impressed so far with the Bairns due to his work ethic and versatility - welcome news back on Wearside, particularly as the youngster has another year left to run on his deal after signing a new contract before he left in the January transfer window.

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Wahbi Khazri can’t stop scoring in Ligue 1 for Stade Rennes - making Sunderland's decision to let the Tunisian international leave in the summer on loan a tad ridiculous.

The skilful forward bagged his ninth goal in 16 league appearances for Sabri Lamouchi’s side as they won away to Amiens, moving up to fifth in the Ligue 1 table.

The 26-year-old pounced on to a long ball, working hard to get into a good position before his strike deflected past the goalkeeper and into the net to give his side the lead.

Although, Lamouchi seems resigned to losing the former Bordeaux man to a higher bidder when his loan agreement with the french club ends in the summer, he is still pleased with the solid performances and commitment shown by Khazri.

Speaking to Ouest-France, Khazri’s boss explained;

He is a decisive player and the key that shows us the way to success. He is invested and focused on the Stade Rennais. We will try to have fun while his here and will see what happens at the end of the season.

Elsewhere, Fabio Borini was due start on the bench for AC Milan's in one of the world's biggest derby games against rivals Inter Milan - but the announcement of the tragic death of Fiorentina captain and Italian international David Astori meant that all Serie A games on Sunday were postponed as a mark of respect.