London calling as Irish to face Samba Boys
Agreement has finally been reached for the glamour friendly between Brazil and Giovanni Trapattoni’s Republic to be hosted by Arsenal at their impressive 60,000-capacity Emirates Stadium on either March 2nd or 3rd.
Formal confirmation of the agreement is expected today.
Notwithstanding the Liam Brady connection, the FAI will be pleased with the venue, as it will further enhance links with the North London giants. Ireland used the club’s state of the art Shenley training base last year.
Agreement has been reached with sports management agency Kentaro, which acts on behalf of the Brazilians. The game could prove a financial fillip for the FAI, still reeling from the impact of their controversial failure to qualify for this year’s World Cup finals in South Africa.
While renting Croke Park was an option, the combined cost of it and the contract with Kentaro was prohibitive, even allowing for reported sweeteners from the GAA.
The FAI looked at options including Anfield, Celtic Park and Old Trafford. But they’ve gambled that sufficient numbers of travelling fans will bolster the swelling number of emigrants that have returned to the English capital in recent times.
By the time they face Dunga’s Brazil, Giovanni Trapattoni will know the identity of his group rivals in the Euro 2012 qualifiers, with the draw taking place in Warsaw on February 7.
Meanwhile, Hull manager Phil Brown believes Stephen Hunt can play a pivotal role in their fight for survival after the club announced the winger was not for sale. The Ireland international has reportedly been the subject of renewed speculation involving Wolves but Hull have moved quickly to fend off any further interest in the player.
Hunt has been a major success since his move from Reading last summer and Brown is adamant that the winger has an important role to play in the second half of the season.
Hunt, 28, has scored five goals for the struggling Tigers, including both strikes as Brown’s side battled back from 2-0 down to draw at relegation rivals Bolton last month.
“I think goals first and foremost have made him special this season,” said Brown. “But he is such a little character. He does things in the right way.
“He is a professional. What highlights Stephen Hunt for me is that he does things when nobody else is watching – professional things.
“He conducts himself in the right manner. When he crosses the white line, a full-back knows he will be up against it. He has got a tenacious attitude towards the game. For a little fella, he has got a big heart.
“Stephen has been at the forefront of assists, the forefront of goals scored and at the forefront of everything we’ve done.”
The club made it clear Hunt would remain at the KC Stadium in a statement yesterday. Chairman Adam Pearson has said the club are overspending by £9million on wages but efforts are being concentrated on moving on fringe players, not first-team regulars.
Brown is hoping to bring in one or two new faces though with Manchester City winger Vladimir Weiss a top target.
Brown had hoped to wrap up a deal for the 20-year-old this week, but City want a loan fee which has proved a sticking point.
The City boss also added that Irish international striker Caleb Folan was being chased by a host of other Championship sides after turning down a move to QPR. Brown’s Hull face Tottenham tomorrow.
