Russian President Vladimir Putin has given several ministers purged from his Cabinet new positions in his administration.

RUSSIAN FA president Sergei Fursenko has given new coach Dick Advocaat a vote of confidence as the pressure mounts on the Dutchman before Friday’s Euro 2012 qualifying tie in Dublin.

Dick Advocaat is to replace fellow Dutchman Guus Hiddink as Russia coach, the Russian federation (RFS) confirmed today.

ROY KEANE believes Giovanni Trapattoni will be ‘rubbing his hands’ in anticipation after the draw for the 2012 European Championship qualifying groups presented Ireland with a realistic chance of reaching the finals in Poland and the Ukraine.