As expected Steve Staunton made one change for a match the Republic of Ireland realistically needed to win in order to maintain their hopes of qualifying for the Euro 2008 finals.

CESC FABREGAS stressed the side’s determination to make up for losing the 2006 Champions League final after Arsenal progressed to the group stages with a 5-0 aggregate victory over Sparta Prague.

ARSENAL moved a step closer to the lucrative group stages of the Champions League with a 2-0 away victory over Sparta Prague last night.

Sparta Prague 0 Arsenal 2

HEARTS’ European hopes were hanging by a thread after losing 2-0 to Sparta Prague in their UEFA Cup first round, first-leg tie at Murrayfield.