Cardiff City sign Steven Caulker from Tottenham for club record fee

Steven Caulker said he was 'excited for this fresh challenge' after joining Cardiff City from Tottenham Hotspur for about £8m. Photograph: Adam Davy/PA

The defender Steven Caulker has completed his move from Tottenham Hotspur to Cardiff City for what is believed to be a club record fee.

The 21-year-old England international underwent a medical on Wednesday afternoon and it is understood Cardiff agreed a fee of £8m to sign him on a four-year deal.

Caulker told Cardiff City Player: "First and foremost I want to say how happy I am to have signed with Cardiff City Football Club. I'm delighted to be here and excited for this fresh challenge.

"I spoke to the gaffer [Malky Mackay] yesterday, liked what he had to say and am excited about the plans he has for the football club.

"You get the sense of excitement from everybody at the club in the build-up to the season's kick-off at West Ham and I'm really looking forward to being part of it."

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Shillington record in Irish victory

Clare Shillington became the first Irish woman to score a Twenty20 century as the hosts opened the World Twenty20 qualifiers with victory over Japan.

Shillington hammered an unbeaten 114 from just 72 balls at The Hills to help Ireland to a total of 170-1, with Cecelia Joyce not out on 40.

Elena Tice took three wickets as Japan were skittled out for 53, giving the hosts a 117-run victory.

Ireland take on Canada in their next Group B game at Merrion on Thursday.

Shillington smashed 13 fours and two sixes in a superb knock in County Dublin.

Tice (3-10) and fellow teenagers Lucy O'Reilly (2-9) and Kim Garth (2-10) starred with the ball along with Melissa Scott-Hayward (2-8).

Ireland are aiming to clinch one of three qualifying places for the Women's World Twenty20 in Bangladesh next year.

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