Modern American politics and 1950s’ Ireland might not be the most obvious of bedfellows, but TV viewers will discover over the next few days that these seemingly diverse settings have much in common.

Gabriel Byrne is set to star in a series of crime thrillers based on novels by Booker Prize winner John Banville.

The Football Association last night confirmed they will be speaking to both Bradford and Crawley after the brawl which marred their npower League Two clash at Valley Parade on Tuesday night.

Emma Watson is in talks to star in 'Beauty and the Beast'.

It’s been the best part of two decades since Alexandre Dumas’s legendary swordsmen declared, “One for all and all for one” on the big screen.

NEWCASTLE climbed back to the top of the Coca-Cola Championship last night but needed a lucky own goal from Sheffield United skipper Chris Morgan to do so.

Striker Ricardo Fuller is expected to return for Stoke tomorrow after completing a three-match ban for slapping his team-mate Andy Griffin.

Hartlepool 2 Stoke 0

Stoke boss Tony Pulis made seven changes for this afternoon’s FA Cup third round trip to Hartlepool.

Stoke 0 Manchester United 1

Stoke boss Tony Pulis insists he has yet to decide who will replace suspended five-goal top scorer Ricardo Fuller against West Brom tomorrow.

Only Amdy Faye (suspended) and the injured Andrew Davies will be absent when Stoke finalise preparations for tomorrow’s stiff test at Liverpool with a training session at Everton this morning.

Bristol Rovers 1 Southampton 0

Southampton manager George Burley praised his patched-up defence, as Stern John’s third goal in two games led them to a 1-0 victory over Cardiff.

Leicester chairman Milan Mandaric has warned manager Gary Megson in no uncertain terms his future lies at the Walkers Stadium ahead of today’s Coca-Cola Championship clash at Scunthorpe.

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate could go into Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash at Manchester City with just one fit striker.

Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate returns to the squad for tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Birmingham having been rested in midweek.

Wigan 1 Middlesbrough 0

Turkish international Tuncay Sanli will have his first taste of English football when he makes his Premiership bow for Middlesbrough at home to Blackburn tomorrow.

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is closing in on his fourth summer signing after Luke Young headed for Teesside today.

Wigan 0 Middlesbrough 1

STEVEN GERRARD’S double sent Liverpool back above Arsenal into third place in the Barclays Premiership.

Liverpool 2 Middlesbrough 0

West Brom 1 Middlesbrough 1 (after extra-time, Middlesbrough win 5-4 on penalties).

Reading boss Steve Coppell turns to his big guns once again as his surprise European contenders look to maintain their grip on a place in the Premiership’s top six today.

Chelsea provided further evidence of their determination to push Manchester United all the way before relinquishing their hold on the Barclays Premiership crown by handing Middlesbrough their first defeat of the year.

Chelsea welcomed back captain John Terry for his first start since December 13 but the champions lost his central defensive partner Ricardo Carvalho through illness.

Gareth Southgate will give inspirational skipper George Boateng every opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of tomorrow’s Barclays Premiership clash with Bolton.

England defender Jonathan Woodgate and keeper Mark Schwarzer could return for Middlesbrough’s bid for a first away win of the season at Charlton.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate will make a late decision on England defender Jonathan Woodgate ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup third round trip to Hull.

Blackburn 2 Middlesbrough 1

Andrew Johnson was again at the centre of a controversial penalty claim as Everton were left bitterly frustrated by Barclays Premiership strugglers Middlesbrough and referee Phil Dowd.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate insists splashing the cash might not be the only answer as he seeks to move his side further away from the Barclays Premiership relegation zone.

Middlesbrough skipper George Boateng will lead out his side for a must-win Barclays Premiership clash with Wigan after escaping a four-match ban.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate will make late checks on defenders Jonathan Woodgate and Abel Xavier ahead of tomorrow night’s Barclays Premiership trip to Tottenham.

Injury-prone Malcolm Christie is battling to overcome a groin strain picked up in training this week ahead of tomorrow’s clash with leaders Manchester United at the Riverside Stadium.

Middlesbrough 0 Liverpool 0

Watford finally broke their winless run in the Barclays Premiership thanks to this deserved victory over a poor Middlesbrough side.

Middlesbrough defender Andrew Davies could return to the side for tomorrow’s Barclays Premiership trip to Watford after shaking off a back problem.

Middlesbrough 1 Newcastle 0

Bolton 0 Middlesbrough 0

Middlesbrough 2 Chelsea 1

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho included new signing Khalid Boulahrouz among the substitutes for tonight’s Barclays Premiership trip to Chelsea.

WITH temperatures close to 30 degrees and wind speeds climbing to 15 knots, the 402 racing boats at Crosshaven spend yesterday asking was there a catch.