The Republic of Ireland’s youngsters failed to stop the rot of a seven-match sequence without a win as they lost to France in their UEFA U21 Championship qualifier in Cork.

Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan has already ruled Antoine Sibierski out of the Premiership clash with Chelsea on October 16.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has given Didier Drogba his seal of approval, claiming the forward would add another dimension to the Stamford Bridge attack.

Manchester City chairman John Wardle has admitted the club have contingencies in place should they lose their Premiership survival fight – but he is confident they will not be needed.