Electronic components maker Bourns, which has a base in Mahon in Cork, has bought Japanese firm Komatsulite Manufacturing in the largest acquisition in the company’s history.

Substitute Miroslav Radovic was the hero for 10-man Partizan Belgrade as his late strike sealed a 1-0 win on the day and progression to the last 16 of the UEFA Cup at the expense of Dnipro.

RANGERS joined Celtic on the European scrap heap after a Bonaventure Kalou double fired Auxerre to a 2-0 victory at Ibrox.

Greece may be the European Nations champions but their club sides struggled as the group stage of the UEFA Cup got underway with all three representatives beaten.

Robbie Fowler has rebuffed claims that Jari Litmanen's arrival at Anfield means the end of his association with the club.