Five Republic of Ireland players, including Kevin Doyle, Stephen Ward, Stephen Hunt, are the prospect of life in the third tier of English football today.

Hull failed to seal automatic promotion to the Barclays Premier League after they were beaten 2-0 by Barnsley, who climbed out of the npower Championship relegation zone as a result of the win.

Cardiff’s lead at the top of the npower Championship was cut to five points by Hull after the Bluebirds were beaten 2-0 by Brighton.