They say you should be careful what you wish for, something which the FAI delegation in Nice last weekend must have had reason to ponder on the back of a testing Euro 2016 qualifying draw.

I brought some German colleagues to the dogs a few years ago. It might well be the last time anyone from their nation turned elsewhere for sporting inspiration.

IF anyone needed a measure of just how highly Richard Dunne is regarded within the Irish camp, then Marco Tardelli and Seán St Ledger were quick to provide the answer in Malahide yesterday.

ARSENE WENGER admits the next two weeks will decide Arsenal’s season.

Arsene Wenger maintains no English club has a divine right to win in Europe - and believes it is a “miracle” Arsenal manage to consistently qualify for the Champions League.