JOE MURPHY is the first to admit that, after a meteoric rise, his career has been stuck in neutral for far too long.

Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has been praised for placing his trust in the country’s latest crop of emerging players during their week in the United States.

Republic Of Ireland 1 Bolivia 1

Barnsley 0 Sunderland 2

Cardiff 2 Barnsley 0

Paddy Kenny has asked Ireland manager Steve Staunton not to be considered for international duty for the foreseeable future.

Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has hailed Bobby Robson's rapid recovery from brain surgery as "unbelievable".

Ireland manager Steve Staunton has revealed that Bobby Robson was keen to join the international side for their game against Germany despite his planned surgery for a brain tumour.

VILLAIN-turned hero Nick Colgan summed up his roller-coaster Coca-Cola League One play-off final in just four words.

Barnsley 2 Swansea 2 (after extra time: Barnsley win 4-3 on penalties)

Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr today headed out to Cyprus with a 21-man squad following the withdrawal of Sunderland centre-back Gary Breen.

Potential Republic of Ireland debutant Kevin Doyle displayed the fearless attitude boss Brian Kerr’s side will require if they are to keep their World Cup dream alive.

Under-pressure Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr trained with a depleted squad ahead of his side’s critical forthcoming World Cup qualifying double-header.

Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane will not play in Republic of Ireland’s friendly against Italy at Lansdowne Road next week.

Nigeria 1 Rep of Ireland 0

THE circus that surrounded the return of Roy packed up, Brian Kerr was in good spirits at Dublin Airport yesterday, as his Irish squad flew out for the second game in their exhausting nine-day schedule.

ONE of manager Brian Kerr’s chief priorities in tonight’s friendly against Czech Republic at Lansdowne Road (7.30 ko) is to evaluate the potential of Sheffield Utd goalkeeper Paddy Kenny as he searches for a regular second choice to Shay Given.

NICK COLGAN’S misfortune became Paddy Kenny’s opportunity yesterday as Brian Kerr called the Sheffield United shot-stopper into the Irish squad for the first time, ahead of next week’s much-anticipated friendly with Brazil.

Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has been called into the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time for the friendly clash with Brazil on February 18 at Lansdowne Road.

TONIGHT’S friendly match against Canada at Lansdowne Road marks the start of a new era for Ireland.

Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr has given a starting role to Newcastle United’s Andy O’Brien and West Ham United striker David Connolly for tonight’s friendly international against Turkey at Lansdowne Road (kick-off 7.30pm).

THE big issue for Brian Kerr in tonight’s challenging game against a slick and sophisticated Turkey is what role to assign to Ireland’s outstanding player, Damien Duff.

Ireland’s preparations for next month’s crucial European Championship qualifiers were hit by a double injury blow at Lansdowne Road last night.

ANOTHER good night’s work for Ireland under Brian Kerr even if the consensus coming from the dressing room is that they didn’t play particularly well.

Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr faces an anxious 48 hours after his country’s 2-1 comeback win over Australia at Lansdowne Road tonight.

Man of the match Nick Colgan paid tribute to his team-mates after making his starting debut in the 2-1 friendly victory over Australia at Lansdowne Road.

Republic of Ireland 2 Australia 1

Harry Kewell pulled out of the Australia team to face Ireland at Lansdowne Road tonight one hour before kick-off.

Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr has named his team to face Australia in tonight’s friendly international at Lansdowne Road.

Republic of Ireland captain Kenny Cunningham has warned his team-mates they must be on their guard to avoid England-style embarrassment at Lansdowne Road tonight.

AUSTRALIA will provide Ireland with the type of challenge they can expect from Russia in three weeks time when they meet at Lansdowne Road tonight.

Republic of Ireland captain Kenny Cunningham is not underestimating the importance of tomorrow night’s Lansdowne Road friendly against Australia.

Steve Finnan and Clinton Morrison are back in Brian Kerr’s Republic of Ireland squad for the friendly against Australia at Lansdowne Road on Tuesday, August 19.

BOHEMIANS striker Glen Crowe has retained his place in Brian Kerr’s 23-man squad for the Republic of Ireland’s two Euro 2004 qualifiers against Albania and Georgia next month.

Gary Kelly, Colin Healy and Nick Colgan have been omitted from the Republic of Ireland squad for the Euro 2004 qualifiers against Albania and Georgia next month.

Ireland's Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Dean Kiely has retired from international football.

BRIAN KERR yesterday named an international squad for his first competitive international that might well have been selected by his predecessor Mick McCarthy.

Both managers were looking for firsts from this Hampden Park friendly – new Ireland boss Brian Kerr was seeking a win with his first team selection since succeeding Mick McCarthy, while Scotland manager Berti Vogts was targeting his first victory at the national stadium just days before he celebrates a year in the job.

Hibernian 0 Celtic 1

Hibernian 2 Rangers 4

THE return of Stephen Carr (Spurs) and Stephen McPhail (Leeds Utd) to Ireland’s international squad was the most welcome news from manager Mick McCarthy when he released the names of those who will travel to play Finland in a friendly international in Helsinki on August 21.

Bill George,

Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has drafted Rory Delap into his squad for the friendly international against the United States later this month.