Former Republic of Ireland captain Matt Holland has moved to pay tribute to outgoing national team boss Giovanni Trapattoni.

Former Ireland boss Mick McCarthy was under no illusions about the size of the task in hand after taking over as manager at the Championship’s bottom side Ipswich Town yesterday — admitting the Suffolk club is a“million miles” from returning to the top flight.

Mick McCarthy is expected to be named the new Ipswich manager this morning.

Former Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy is set to be named new manager of Championship’s bottom side Ipswich Town, who parted company with Paul Jewell last week.

Irish internationals, past and present, and other well-known football personalities, have extended best wishes for a speedy recovery to Kevin Sheedy as he undergoes surgery for bowel cancer.

Looking at the human carnage in Sopot this morning, it’s no surprise Spain and Ireland are the basket cases of Europe.

June 16, 2002 should have been a memorable date for Donegal supporters.

You know you’ve arrived when they name a street after you.

It might not be the most captivating of games from a purist’s perspective, but today’s clash between Wolves and Bolton could prove one of the most important of the season.

Heroes of the Republic of Ireland’s opening games at Euro ’88 and Italia ’90 respectively, Packie Bonner and Kevin Sheedy know how crucial it is to hit the ground running at a major finals.

IF the sight of FAI chief executive John Delaney grinning after his team were drawn to face Estonia in the Euro 2012 qualifying play-off matches next month told its own story, the feeling was definitely mutual for his Estonian counterpart.

New Ipswich manager Roy Keane has targeted promotion to the Premier League “at the earliest opportunity” after taking over at Portman Road.

A clutch of chicks have “defied nature” by hatching six months early in sub-zero temperatures just in time for Christmas, photographs show today.

Charlton 2 Crystal Palace 0

Coca-Cola Championship leaders Watford came from two goals down to beat Colchester 3-2 at Layer Road and extend their advantage at the summit to four points.

Tottenham have confirmed the signing of Darren Bent from Charlton in a £16.5m deal, smashing the club’s transfer record.

RAFAEL BENITEZ admitted he was a minute too early in taking Robbie Fowler off to give him the chance of a standing ovation from his Anfield fans.

Liverpool 2 Charlton 2

Blackburn 4 Charlton 1

Everton 2 Charlton 1

Charlton 0 Reading 0

Matt Holland returns to the Charlton squad for tomorrow’s Premiership clash with Alan Pardew’s former club Reading at The Valley.

SO Stephen Ireland lives in England.

Watford moved off the bottom of the Premiership for the first time since early December but the 2-2 draw with Charlton effectively pushes both sides nearer to the drop.

Charlton 4 West Ham 0

Charlton boss Alan Pardew believes Matt Holland is leading by example as the Addicks look to escape relegation.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson believes his side will learn from the dramatic defeat by Arsenal.

Charlton will be without suspended full-back Osei Sankofa and leading scorer Darren Bent (knee) for tomorrow’s FA Cup third-round tie at Nottingham Forest.

Charlton midfielder Bryan Hughes climbed off the bench to give Alan Pardew the first win of his reign as Addicks boss today.

Charlton 2 Fulham 2

Julio Arca saved Middlesbrough from the grisly prospect of spending Christmas Day in the Barclays Premiership drop zone as his second-half strike sunk Charlton at the Riverside Stadium.

MOROCCAN defender Talal El Karkouri crashed home a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Charlton celebrated 14 years back at The Valley by climbing off the foot of the Barclays Premiership and giving new manager Les Reed his first win.

Charlton 1 Blackburn 0

Matt Holland has called on Charlton to show the strength of character needed to drag themselves out of a relegation “dogfight”.

Les Reed’s managerial debut ended in disappointing defeat after his Charlton side were out-played at Reading.

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill named an unchanged line-up for the home Premiership clash with Charlton.

Charlton 0 Portsmouth 1

Bolton’s new signing Nicolas Anelka will watch from the stands as his new team-mates take on winless Charlton at The Valley today.

MATT HOLLAND has every intention of showing new Charlton manager Iain Dowie just why he is worth keeping at The Valley.

Charlton 0 Blackburn 2

Middlesbrough 4 Charlton 2

Charlton 0 Everton 0

West Ham 0 Charlton 0

Charlton 0 Middlesbrough 0