There was a painful inevitability about Arsenal and Chelsea releasing their last Irish players recently, continuing a trend which adversely reflects on this country’s reputation for producing talent capable of cutting it at the very top level.

THE Republic of Ireland could be forced to finish their World Cup qualifying campaign in Britain in the event of Brian Kerr’s team finishing second in Group 4 and having to take part in a two-leg play-off game.

SOCCER clubs at schoolboy and amateur level in the Republic of Ireland have benefited to the tune of a staggering €1 million plus in compensation payments from British clubs, thanks to former Irish boss Eoin Hand.