With Gibraltar v Ireland on September 4 regarded by many – if not Martin O’Neill – as a foregone conclusion, there will almost be as much interest from Irish supporters in the Georgia v Scotland and Germany v Poland games which also take place in European Championship Group D on the same day.

Though we’re not sure what this says about the choices of Ireland’s finest footballers.

The hip thing to do in recent times at any mention of the romance of the FA Cup is to scoff, but is anyone else uplifted that for all the talk about a fitting Wembley send-off for Stevie G, the termination of that possibility has simultaneously opened up the prospect of a fairytale story for a Shay G?

Steve McClaren has distanced himself from the managerial vacancy at Aston Villa.

Aston Villa have announced the departure of manager Paul Lambert.

For all the esteem Roy Keane now holds rising star Jack Grealish in at club and international level, the player himself recalls a terrifying introduction to the Corkman back in July.

Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner has declared his intention to put the club up for sale.

Manchester City 1 Stoke 0

Nottingham Forest are prepared to smash their wage structure to lure Ireland striker Shane Long from the Premier League during next month’s transfer window.

Jon Walters has been forced to withdraw from Ireland’s squad to face Germany and Kazakhstan after a negative assessment on a groin problem following his substitution in Stoke City’s 1-0 loss to Fulham on Saturday.

Sunderland will take their time to make sure they find the right replacement for Paolo Di Canio after launching the search for his successor.

Hull, who were recently promoted to the Premier league, are being linked with former Republic of Ireland keeper Shay Given.

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick described Alex Ferguson as “arguably the best manager of all time” and said the mood among the squad was one of sadness when the players were told of his retirement.

Waves of relief resonated around the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon, but there was one corner that remained untouched by their restorative powers.

Alex McLeish has left his role as Nottingham Forest manager by mutual consent, the npower Championship club have confirmed.

Everton 3 Aston Villa 3

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert confirmed he has been told by club owner Randy Lerner that his job is safe but insists he will never be guilty of resting on his laurels.

Skipper Ron Vlaar insists Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert retains the full support of the players as they look to recover from Capital Cup One heartbreak.

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert says he will not press the panic button – but statistics would suggest he has every right to after his side slipped into the Barclays Premier League bottom three.

Nottingham Forest 2 Oldham 3

Nottingham Forest 2 Crystal Palace 2

Alex McLeish was back in management this morning as boss of npower Championship promotion hopefuls Nottingham Forest.

Roy Keane’s hopes of becoming Nottingham Forest’s next manager were dashed last night as the City Ground club appointed Alex McLeish instead — yet Blackburn remains another alternative destination for the Corkman.

Nottingham Forest have appointed Alex McLeish as their new manager.

Robbie Keane could be on his way to Queen’s Park Rangers and a reunion with Harry Redknapp after the former Tottenham manager admitted he is interested in taking the Ireland captain on loan.

Robbie Keane looks set to return for a spell in the Premier League this winter and Aston Villa are favourites to sign the 32-year-old again.

Support for Gordon Strachan to be named the next Scotland manager was beginning to grow last night, as the Scottish Football Association begin their search for Craig Levein's successor.

Owen Coyle firmly believes he has left Bolton in good shape after he was relieved of his management duties yesterday morning.

Aston Villa 2 Swansea 0

Gabriel Agbonlahor hopes Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert plays him in his preferred central striking role after the frustration of being used in several different positions last seaso

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has warned the rest of the Barclays Premier League that England striker Darren Bent is fit and raring to go for the new season.

Peter Lovenkrands has become Lee Clark’s first signing as Birmingham boss, subject to a medical.

Stiliyan Petrov will remain as Aston Villa captain as he continues his battle with acute leukaemia, the club have confirmed.

Paul Lambert begins work in earnest with Aston Villa's players today with the aim of making them "play to their strengths" after last season's disappointments.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan is close to re-signing for the midlands club, it is understood.

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert is hopeful of reaching a “positive conclusion” to his bid to sign Feyenoord midfielder Karim El Ahmadi.

Aston Villa have confirmed first-team coach Kevin MacDonald is to leave the club.

Norwich have called a press conference for 2.30pm this afternoon where it is expected Chris Hughton will be unveiled as their new manager.

Norwich have revealed they are yet to agree financial compensation with Aston Villa after Paul Lambert’s switch to the West Midlands club was confirmed today.

Aston Villa have today confirmed that former Norwich boss Paul Lambert is their new manager.

Norwich City yesterday confirmed that Aston Villa target Paul Lambert has offered his resignation.

Paul Lambert has offered his resignation as Norwich manager but the club this afternoon revealed in a statement that they have not accepted it.