If there’s one player, above all others, who personifies the concept of commitment to the Irish cause, then it must be Darren O’Dea.

AND so the week begins as it’s sure to go on, with Irish footballers being asked as many questions about a World Cup game against Cyprus which took place three years ago as about the World Cup game against Cyprus that’s coming up in just five days’ time.

A COUPLE of months back, Roy Keane ventured the opinion that Giovanni Trapattoni ought to sleep outside Stephen Ireland’s house if that’s what it was going to take to entice the Manchester City man back into the international fold.

IT WAS the obvious question to put to a player with 17 years and 604 league appearances under his belt: why do it?