With both Aston Villa and Manchester City still harbouring hopes of taking seventh place in the Barclays Premier League and with it a UEFA Cup spot for next season, this game was far from a meaningless, end-of-season affair.

SATURDAY, March 26 could prove to be a pivotal date in Group 4 of the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho handed Czech Republic midfielder Jiri Jarosik a place in the starting line-up for today’s Barclays Premiership clash with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr believes next week’s friendly against Portugal will serve as “ideal preparation” for the vital World Cup qualifier with Israel at the end of March.

West Brom 2 Manchester City 0

IN the normal course of events, an Irish squad stripped of Roy Keane, Stephen Carr, Andy Reid, Clinton Morrison, Andy O’Brien and Matt Holland would have the headlines screaming about a personnel crisis for Brian Kerr.

SUNDERLAND’S Stephen Elliott has received his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland senior squad for next week’s friendly against Croatia at Lansdowne Road.

THE search must go on for the key to that elusive consistent performance that will lead to qualification for the World Cup finals once Brian Kerr has assessed Ireland's unpredictable form against Faroe Islands at Lansdowne Road.

THE return for Ireland from nine challenge games in ten months can only be regarded as disappointing. The results have been outstanding but the old selection problems remain, in spite of Brian Kerr's best efforts.

Ireland 1 Bulgaria 1

FINALLY, Brian Kerr’s Phoney War is over. Two years after first taking over as Ireland’s manager, the Dubliner can at last look forward to his first full campaign at the helm of the senior Irish side.

Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr will risk incurring the wrath of Jose Mourinho by handing Damien Duff a starting place in tomorrow’s friendly against Bulgaria.

Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr believes new recruit Jonathan Macken will provide him with some much-needed variety up front.

NEW recruit Jonathan Macken yesterday spoke of the 20 minutes in 1997 that threatened to ruin his prospects of playing international football for Ireland.

Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr has added Manchester City's Jonathan Macken to the Irish squad for the clash with Bulgaria on August 18.

Jonathan Macken scored for Manchester City in the final minute.

A row in the stands between former England striker Ian Wright and a Queen’s Park Rangers supporter over-shadowed Manchester City’s Carling Cup win at Loftus Road.