1.   In Riga they paid Hughes the compliment of putting two defenders on him but that merely created space for the other Northern Ireland players.

2.   Even so, he sometimes at least shares the primary role with Duncan if an opponent puts a weaker defender on Robinson.

3.   If a player is double-teamed inside, putting two defenders on one scorer should leave someone open.

4.   Or the serviceable outside shot that put would-be defenders back on their heels.

5.   Still, Kidd, Mashburn and Seattle SuperSonics shooting guard Hersey Hawkins agree that Jackson lacks the explosive first step that put defenders on their heels last season.

6.   The Magic has to put a defender immediately in front of the ball-carrying Rockets player in the open court.

7.   Brothers Shota and Archil Arveladze, who play in the Dutch league, also put Italian defenders under steady pressure in the first part of the match.

8.   Southampton goalkeeper Dave Beasant reacted superbly to turn away a fierce Ablett shot after Barry Horne had put the defender clear.

9.   The Merseysiders also put Croatian defender Slaven Bilic on the transfer list.