Welsh View: Ireland Will Lose to Dragons’ X-Factor
Football reporter Mark Pitman has the hosts’ view ahead of the do-or-die Wales versus Ireland World Cup showdown in Cardiff. He answers our questions.
Whelan in the Years
His team-mate John O’Shea has called him an ‘unsung hero’ and while his partners in the Irish midfield have fallen in and out of favour, Glenn Whelan remains at the heart of Giovanni Trapattoni’s quest to reach the World Cup next summer. The Dubliner earns his 50th cap in Wales tonight.
Dunne and Dusted? Richard Out of Squad
Richard Dunne has been omitted from the Irish squad for the friendly clash with Wales in Cardiff. The new QPR signing’s return could depend on how much game-time he sees at Loftus Road. Meanwhile, Robbie Keane has not been asked to fly in from the States, and there’s another chance for Anthony Pilkington. Stephen Quinn is rewarded for his impressive display against Spain and is named in the squad for the August 15 friendly.