Video: If Blatter goes down…..
…will we get in as the 33rd team?
State of Play: Ireland 1 Scotland 0
THERE was an element of the surreal about the end of the game against Scotland. Ok, it was a nothing tournament but there was a trophy for the victors and there was something dream-like about the paraphernalia of the presentation ceremony being erected in the Aviva Stadium. Robbie Keane looked almost bemused at first when he raised the Nations Cup aloft but there was a genuine outpouring of pride from the stands, even if it was on on a smaller, non-consequential scale.
Passage of Play: Robbie Keane
“IF people don’t want to play for Ireland, don’t declare yourself to play for Ireland. It’s simple. I have never once pulled out of a squad for any reason apart from being injured. I am a proud Irishman”…..
Video: Barcelona v Manchester United
Champions League Final 2011 , Wembley Awaits.
No injunction could be this super
“Not So Un-bee-lievable buzz About Bhoys’ kit
We’re not quite sure if Celtic fans will make a bee-line for next season’s away shirt.
State of Play: Republic of Ireland 5 Northern Ireland 0
For reasons best known to themselves, certain players did not report for duty for the Republic of Ireland this week. Those who claim injuries should normally be given the benefit of the doubt but to hell with that. Since Stephen Ireland decided to bury his perfectly-alive grannies, we no longer automatically believe the excuse of players who withdraw from the Irish squad. That is an indictment of the attitude of the modern day footballer. Once upon a time we thought Irish players were different. The Kevin Doyles and Shane Longs were normal lads who made their way from real football in the League of Ireland to the big time but didn’t forget those roots. We were naïve. And now when a club sends a medical scan to Dublin, we have to ask for a second opinion. For shame.
Preview: Tired of Irish Excuses
Not even a royal welcome for the Queen, our new favourite granny, can disguise the fact that Northern Ireland don’t exactly like us at the moment. It’s ironic that there seems plenty of players up there willing to line out for the southern neighbours while others named in the squad can’t do us the courtesy of coming up with a plausible excuse. The monarch of Britain and the President of the United States can turn up for the Republic. Tony Stokes and James McCarthy say “No we can’t.”