Last week, Colm Greaves had a terrific piece in this paper speculating on what Charles Haughey’s political and personal career would have been like if he’d retained a financial interest in a lucrative filly he sold on, Ballidaress.

Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany has withdrawn from the Belgium squad for Saturday’s game against Bosnia with a small hamstring tear.

CROATIA squeezed past Israel 1-0 to consolidate their position at the top of England’s Group E and keep them on course for Euro 2008 qualification.

Finland failed to take advantage of a numerical advantage as 10-men Portugal earned a 1-1 draw in their opening Group A Euro 2008 qualifier.