The Morning Sports Briefing

Marcus Rashford helps United through in Europe

Manchester United are through to the last 16 of the Europa League after beating FC Midtjylland 5-1 at Old Trafford last night, winning the tie 6-3 on aggregate.

It has never been in United’s nature to go about things the easy way and for periods it looked like an embarrassing European exit at the hands of the Danish champions was on the cards.

However after going behind in the first half Louis van Gaal’s side rallied and a brace from 18-year-old Marcus Rashford, a late replacement for the injured Anthony Martial, helped United into the next round.

Elsewhere Tottenham Hotspur took their fine league form into Europe, beating Fiorentina 3-0 at White Hart Lane, while Liverpool are also in today’s 12pm draw after scraping past FC Augsburg at Anfield thanks to a James Milner penalty.

O’Neill says there are places up for grabs

Martin O'Neill has insisted there are a number of places up for grabs in his 23-man squad for Euro 2016, suggesting there are, "10, maybe 12" certainties for a spot on the plane to France.

McCloskey and van der Flier to make debuts

Joe Schmidt has handed Ireland debuts to Stuart McCloskey and Josh van der Flier for tomorrow's trip to play England at Twickenham, with the uncapped Ultan Dillane also on the bench.

England coach Eddie Jones attracted criticism yesterday for his comments about Johnny Sexton, he said: Sexton is an interesting one. They’ve talked about him having a whiplash injury, which is not a great thing to talk about. I’m sure his mother and father would be worried about that.”

O’Carroll casts doubt on future

Meanwhile Dublin footballer Rory O'Carroll has cast doubt over his inter-county future saying, "it could be six months or six years" before he returns from New Zealand.

Lowry starts well at Honda Classic

Sergio Garcia has the first round lead in the Honda Classic after an opening 65 in Florida. Shane Lowry sits two back on three under following a birdie-eagle finish, however defending champion Padraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy are well off the pace after shooting a 73 and 72 respectively.

What to watch out for:

Rugby

Wales take on France in Cardiff in the Six Nations (BBC 1, RTE, 8.05pm ko)

Ireland Under 20s look to turn their campaign around against England (SS3 6.05 pm ko)

Golf

Round two of the Honda Classic (SS4 7pm-11pm)

Football

The draw for the last 16 of the Europa League is made at 12pm