WITH everyone already thinking about the wonderful things which an east European summer might have in store, it’s the question that almost dares not speak its name.

BY NOW, the egg-chasing is well under way; interminable weeks of mismatches and dead rubbers before any half-serious participant starts all over again in the quarters.

THERE are no prizes for guessing the gift that Ireland’s captain, Kenny Cunningham, about to make his 50th international appearance, wants from this afternoon’s game against Russia.