This is Ireland’s ninth time to be involved in a play-off for the right to participate at a major tournament.

IT had been a sharp learning curve for Mick McCarthy in his first campaign as Irish manager.

Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva suffered an horrific injury in this afternoon’s Barclays Premier League match at Birmingham. The Brazil-born Croatia star required more than eight minutes treatment for what looked to be a serious ankle injury before being carried off on a stretcher following a tackle from Martin Taylor. The Blues captain was sent off for the challenge which came less than three minutes into the game at St Andrews.

Ipswich 0 Aston Villa 0

Aston Villa striker Luc Nilis is set to announce his retirement next week after losing his fight to recover from his horrific leg injury.