ROY KEANE believes Giovanni Trapattoni will be ‘rubbing his hands’ in anticipation after the draw for the 2012 European Championship qualifying groups presented Ireland with a realistic chance of reaching the finals in Poland and the Ukraine.

Veteran Russia midfielder Alexander Mostovoi admits it will be “extremely difficult” for his side to reach the Euro 2004 quarter-finals after injuries rocked the team’s preparations.

SPARTAK Moscow trainer Georgy Yartsev has been appointed coach of Russia’s struggling national team, the country’s soccer chief said yesterday.

RUSSIA’S new national team coach to succeed Valery Gazzayev will be appointed early next week, the country’s soccer chief said yesterday.