When the football fails to satisfy us, there is always the laughter.

Football has had its fair share of comic characters over the years; those players and managers who have entertained us on and off the pitch when the beautiful game itself has failed to do so.

Think physical comedian Paul Gascoigne, stand-up comic Ian Holloway, clown prince Bruce Grobbelaar, funny man Moritz Volz and loveable loon Aki Riihilahti to mention just a few.

But a new, rather more unlikely, name should now be added to the list - England manager Steve McClaren.

McClaren is not particularly well known for his rib-tickling gags, but according to young Ashley Young, Macca could be the Stan Laurel of the new millennium.

You see, on receiving a call from McClaren informing him of his promotion to the senior England squad, Young thought he was the victim of a frankly hilarious prank call.

And he could be forgiven for thinking so, what with professional 'merker' Rio Ferdinand (please, stop it Rio, you're killing me) on the prowl.

But, contrary to what Young might believe and rather unfortunately for England fans, Macca is no comic genius. He is actually quite a serious man. Which is probably why he is in danger of becoming one of the least popular England managers in history, but that's another story.

It really was Macca on the blower, and yes, he really was giving Young the opportunity to step up into the senior squad, such is the extent of England's 'injury crisis'.

The decision has left many fans unsure of whether to laugh or cry, although one thing for sure is that, adding in Emile Heskey's shock recall to the mix, there won't be a dry eye in the house.

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For those who like a pun in their headlines, here is a selection of the best ones making the newspapers this morning:

Ball-axed - The Daily Star report on Michael Ballack's exclusion from Chelsea's Champions League squad.

Gotcha Kocha - Jay-Jay Okocha's move to Hull City, Sun -style.

Wenger Savaged - The Mirror says Robbie Savage has labelled Arsenal hypocrites for complaining about Blackburn's physical style of play.

Brond-ski beat - The Sun on Peter Schmeichel's failed takeover bid for former club Brondby.

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MUST READ: Eurosport.yahoo.com's Team of the Week is frankly a pain in the proverbial to compile, so make sure you click on the link below the photo and make us feel it was all worthwhile. Thanks.

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FOREIGN VIEW: Cristiano Ronaldo's alleged romp with a posse (is that the right word?) of escort girls is making headlines around the world, not least in Germany, where Bild in particular is revelling in the gloriously mucky story.

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