Paddy Barnes was fortunate he was qualified for the Olympics before facing Turkish light flyweight Ferhat Pehlivan in yesterday’s semi-final in Trabzon because he was beaten in a result that will rank right up there with the big hometown decisions — although not as bad as the Joe Ward fiasco which cost him his place in London 2012.

ASTON VILLA crashed out of the Europa League last night at the final qualifying hurdle against Rapid Vienna for the second successive season despite twice being in front.

IRELAND injury concern Aiden McGeady came through 80 minutes of action but Celtic failed to gain closure on 25 years of hurt as they were held 1-1 by old foes Rapid Vienna in their Europa League clash at Parkhead last night.

Republic of Ireland winger Aiden McGeady has returned from an ankle injury for Celtic’s Europa League clash with Rapid Vienna at Parkhead tonight.

NIKICA JELAVIC scored inside a minute as Aston Villa were beaten by Rapid Vienna in the first leg of their Europa League qualifier last night.