Alittle bit of luck, some inspiration from Martin O’Neill’s footballing heroes and a firm belief in the collective strength of his own players.

HEINEKEN CUP POOL THREE:

Yaya Toure has spoken of his obsession with football and compared himself to a professor trying “to crack the mysteries of the game”.

THE 10th anniversary of the Bosman ruling, which revolutionised football transfers in Europe, has led UEFA to claim rich clubs are now richer, poorer clubs are poorer and unlawful traffic of young players from abroad has increased.