Drogheda manager Paul Doolin is convinced summer football has improved the Republic of Ireland’s fortunes on the European stage.

Just 49 days after Steven Gerrard drove Liverpool to Champions League glory, the inspirational Anfield captain struck his first hat-trick for the club to make sure their defence of their crown did not end in embarrassment against a bunch of unknowns from mid-Wales.

Liverpool started the defence of their Champions League crown by fielding six of the heroes of Istanbul from the start against TNS.

POOR stock market returns and a change in accounting laws are forcing companies to abandon defined benefit pension plans, an expert has warned.