There was widespread shock in Galway yesterday after the sudden death of former Republic of Ireland international Eamon Deacy.

Aston Villa were meeting managerial target Alex McLeish at a secret location in London today, as their bitter battle with the Scot’s former club Birmingham continued.

Two-goal Cristiano Ronaldo's virtuoso performance and a superb strike from Paul Scholes helped put Manchester United's Barclays Premiership title challenge back on track against Aston Villa.