Chelsea again have outright possession of top spot in the Barclays Premier League following a 2-0 victory over Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.

Hull City 0 Everton 2

Giovanni Trapattoni has hinted that Sunderland star James McClean could be handed his first competitive start for the Republic of Ireland in their World Cup qualification clash in Kazakhstan on Friday.

Giovanni Trapattoni has warned Darron Gibson that there are plenty of other midfielders queuing up to take his place in the Republic of Ireland squad should the Everton player decide to prolong his exile from the international arena.

The Republic of Ireland squad to face Kazakhstan in the World Cup 2014 qualifier on September 7 has been named this afternoon.

The twelfth man of Poznan refused to accept Euro2012 was over just as it started for the Irish.

The Republic of Ireland squad have trained in Montacatini and the manager seems to have played his first choice selection during their session in a practice match between the squad.

This is the story of a Celtic footballer who jumped out of the Glasgow goldfish bowl, got two tickets to see Riverdance in Kerry, and ended up in Belfast.

GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI’S ultimatum to what he called the ‘disappeared’ appears to have had the desired effect, with all the squad players communicating clearly with the Irish camp ahead of this week’s friendly game against Croatia at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday.

TALK about tempting fate.

THE bad news was all on the Russian front yesterday as Spurs striker Roman Pavlyuchenko was ruled out of Friday’s European Championship qualifier in Dublin.

REPUBLIC of Ireland midfielder Keith Andrews has been ruled out of the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Armenia and Andorra after failing to recover from the groin strain that has kept him sidelined in recent weeks.

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has named his starting 11 for tomorrow evening's friendly with Poland at Croke Park.

The Republic of Ireland squad have been training in Malahide this afternoon ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Poland.

“THIS is a very, very important moment for Irish soccer. The next four years all depends on this,” explained Eamo before Saturday’s clash with Wales in Cardiff. Steady on.

Celtic were hit by a Colombian one-two as Juan Pablo Angel and compatriot Juan Toja gave the Major League Soccer All-Stars a 2-0 victory at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Denver, Colorado.

Ireland manager Steve Staunton is to start Kevin Doyle against Slovakia in the Euro 2008 qualifier at Croke Park tomorrow night.

BUSINESS was buzzing in Cork’s Friars Walk Tavern last night. Then again how often do you get to celebrate your favourite football club acquiring the signing of your city’s favourite son.

Don Givens has made six changes to his squad for the upcoming Under 21 European Championship game with Israel.

Irish captain Kenny Cunningham admits he has been impressed by the Republic of Ireland’s current crop of youngsters.

Brian Kerr makes no excuses for giving some of the Republic of Ireland’s squad players a taste of senior international football in the Unity Cup.

Brian Kerr believes it might take up to three years before the Republic of Ireland get the benefits of playing in the Unity Cup.

Shay Given has told the Republic of Ireland’s young hopefuls that the next fortnight is their chance to play their way into manager Brian Kerr’s World Cup qualifying plans.

Mark Gallagher

Brian Kerr today announced a 31-man squad for the Republic of Ireland’s upcoming four game series - and included young Celtic star Aidan McGeady among four new caps.

Irish manager Brian Kerr is due to name his squad today for the upcoming friendly game against Romania at Lansdowne Road.

Brian Kerr has named a squad of 22 players for the first qualifying phase of the European 2003 Under-17 Championships in Cork from October 21 to October 25, 2002.