James Rodriguez is determined to make history at Real Madrid rather than crumble under the pressure of becoming the fourth most expensive player of all time.

Now the FAI have completed the legwork to prepare and submit their bid to see Dublin secure one of the 13 hosts cities for Euro 2020, chief executive John Delaney and his team must wait until September to discover their fate.

THE Europa League trophy was officially handed over to the city of Dublin yesterday, the ceremony in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham a reminder that the finals of Europe’s premier club competitions are now only two games away.

Poland and Ukraine have won a reprieve from UEFA and will remain as Euro 2012 joint hosts – but with a warning to speed up their preparations.