Shrimpers to stand by Timlin

An injury-time goal from Harmeet Singh gave Norway a 2-2 draw with hosts Israel in the opening game of the European Under-21 Championship.

Singh came on with 14-minutes left and was on hand to break Israeli hearts as the home side looked on course for three points in Netanya.

Norway were the better side in the opening stages, but Israel went ahead on 16-minutes from the penalty spot.

Omri Ben Harush went down in the box following a challenge from Omar Elabdellaoui, a spot-kick was awarded and Israeli skipper Nir Biton made no mistake from 12-yards.

The Scandinavians soon restored parity, however, as Marcus Pedersen converted nicely from Stefan Johansen's cross just eight minutes after going behind.

Norway kept pushing, and Jo Inge Berget and Anders Konradssen both hit the woodwork.

But then Norway were reduced to 10-men on the stroke of half-time when Vegar Hedenstad pulled back Mohammad Kalibat as he looked to break clear.

Israel made their extra man count in the heat and they went ahead on 71-minutes when substitute Alon Turgeman hammered the ball home.

Israel keeper Boris Kleyman did his best to keep Norway at bay with a couple of smarts stops, but he could not prevent Singh's leveller as he smashed the ball home following good work from Havard Nielsen.

The Spaniard guided the Latics to their first senior trophy with victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final only to be relegated three days later.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan revealed the 39-year-old had told him he did not feel up to the task of battling to get the club out of the Championship and asked to leave.

But having previously turned down opportunities to go to Aston Villa and Liverpool in the two preceding summers Martinez felt the opening at Goodison Park following David Moyes' move to Old Trafford was an opportunity he had to take.

"It is simple: it came in a natural way. I just felt that it was the right time after four very special years to move on," he said.

"The circumstances of the club (Wigan) are completely different now - they are going to play in Europe and try to get out of the Championship as quick as they can.

"I felt that a new man is needed to take that job on board and for me it was time to look into a different challenge and carry on with a different football club.

"From that point on, it was clear that the only club I felt could fit in was Everton.

"That was a feeling after meeting the chairman (Bill Kenwright) and seeing him so passionate about this football club and I can't wait to get started.

"I knew Everton was the right club and it has been a natural transition.

"Just walking here today at Goodison Park it really feels a special place for the future for me."

But it is understood that other clubs have also made moves for the wing duo.

Blackpool boss Paul Ince is reluctant to let his son leave, whilst Scots winger Phillips is another key member of the squad.

However, former boss Ian Holloway - fresh from promotion - is keen to add both players to his squad, and he knows just what both are capable of having signed for the pair during his time at Bloomfield Road.

Holloway, though, does have competition to sign both players.

Cardiff City are believed to be stepping up their interest in Ince, whilst Bolton boss Dougie Freedman wants Phillips.

It is also understood a number of other clubs are ready to test Blackpool's resolve over the duo.

The 28-year-old, who made 35 appearances for the Shrimpers in League Two last season, was handed a custodial sentence after being found guilty of perverting the course of justice in Basildon Crown Court, having supplied false details to avoid a speeding fine.

But the Essex club have offered their full support to their man.

"Southend United Football Club have today been made aware that Michael Timlin has received a custodial sentence for a period of 84 days in relation to traffic offences," a club statement read.

"The club have always found Michael to be a most professional and honourable person and believe the error of judgement leading to his imprisonment totally out of character.

"At the time of this statement the club does not have the full details but it will be our intention to stand by Michael to help and support him in anyway possible.

"The club will provide a further update when more information is available."

Timlin did not feature for the Shrimpers after he broke his leg against Leyton Orient in February and is currently out of contract, though stated his desire to stay at Roots Hall last month.