Birmingham City have signed Republic of Ireland striker Caleb Folan and Cian Hughton — son of Blues manager Chris — until the end of the season.

Republic of Ireland U-21 2 Liechtenstein U-21 0

Republic of Ireland Under-21 boss Noel King has named a 16-man squad for the forthcoming UEFA U21 Championships Group Eight qualifying round fixture against Liechtenstein.

OWEN HARGREAVES enjoyed a sensational Manchester City debut as he opened the scoring in his side’s 2-0 Carling Cup triumph over Birmingham at the Etihad Stadium.

IRELAND U21 boss Noel King is adamant his side are still in the mix for reaching the 2013 European Championships after watching them suffer a first competitive loss under his reign in Manisa.

Under-21: Republic of Ireland 2 Hungary 1

RHYS MURPHY marked his international comeback with the winning goal as Ireland’s Under-21 European Championship qualifying campaign got off to a brilliant start.

Republic of Ireland under-21 manager Noel King has been forced to make a couple of changes to his squad for the forthcoming UEFA Under-21 Championship Group 7 fixtures against Hungary and Turkey.

Wigan midfielder James McCarthy has been named in Republic of Ireland squad for the forthcoming UEFA U-21 Championships qualifiers against Hungary and Turkey after being excluded from the senior squad yesterday.

FORMER Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr sympathises with Northern Ireland’s continued loss of young talent to his old side and admits players switching allegiance “doesn’t sit right” with him.

MANCHESTER UNITED winger Robbie Brady will be looking to put a disappointing few months at international level behind him tonight when he spearheads Ireland’s attack for the U21 friendly against Austria at the Showgrounds, Sligo (6pm).

GARETH MCAULEY has brushed aside James McClean’s decision to snub Northern Ireland and says the team’s Euro 2012 hopes will not be sidetracked by the issue.

Gareth McAuley has brushed aside James McClean's decision to snub Northern Ireland and says the team's Euro 2012 hopes will not be sidetracked by the issue.

Republic of Ireland U-21 team manager Noel King has named his squad for a friendly international against Austria at The Showgrounds, Sligo on Tuesday, August 9 (kick off: 6pm).

TWO late goals by Portugal brought a disappointing end to a promising Ireland U21 performance in last night’s friendly.

Republic of Ireland U-21s boss Noel King has handed first call-ups to Coventry keeper Michael Quirke and Preston midfielder Adam Barton.

Northern Ireland handed debuts to Preston midfielder Adam Barton and Watford defender Lee Hodson in tonight’s international friendly against Morocco.

Preston midfielder Adam Barton has had a sudden change of heart and decided to play for Northern Ireland after all.

'Emmerdale' triumphed at the TV Choice Awards 2010 last night.