There were only a couple of selection decisions Martin O’Neill needed to be convinced of last night and Kevin Long did well enough against Uruguay to show he’s capable of stepping up to the challenge of a World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

For those who do get to live the dream, how much harder then must it be to have to let it go and wake up to grim reality, asks Liam Mackey.

Sean St Ledger might be assured of a permanent place in the records as one of only five Irish players to score at the European Championship finals — even if his header in the 3-1 defeat to Croatia was, in the context of an otherwise miserable Euro 2012 for Ireland, the very definition of a consolation goal.

Sean St Ledger still hasn’t given up hope of an international recall...

Republic of Ireland defender Sean St Ledger has been released by MLS new boys Orlando City, reportedly for a “serious breach of club policy”.

I’m in the away dressing room of the Saputo Stadium and it’s all pretty quiet, sombre. The current occupants, Orlando City SC, have just lost to Montreal Impact in a run-of-the-mill MLS game and the deafening silence says much.

"I'm sitting on the fence, just like you do Tony."

Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy has revealed Ireland international Sean St Ledger has left the Championship club at the end of his short-term deal.

Former Cork City defender Brian Lenihan has had to cut short his loan spell at Blackpool and return to Hull City after suffering a patella tendon knee injury.

Sean St Ledger looks to have found a club at last.

The FAI has launched its own investigation into why a schoolboys soccer club was fined €200 after the manager of one of its underage teams took a stance against racism.

Martin O’Neill says the onus will be on Ireland to attack in Wednesday’s home game against Serbia.

If his team had been playing for points, Ireland would have four now, a healthy return for an opening home and away package.

Poland 0 Republic of Ireland 0

Poland 0 Republic of Ireland 0

Jon Walters has been handed the captain’s armband as Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill makes seven changes for the friendly clash with Poland in Poznan.

Joey O’Brien was expected to leave the Republic of Ireland squad on Sunday after undergoing a scan on a hamstring injury.

Andy Reid has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad with a hamstring injury.

Republic of Ireland defender Joey O’Brien was due to undergo a scan on a hamstring injury today.

A 27-man squad Republic of Ireland has been named for the upcoming friendlies against Latvia and Poland.

Ray Houghton insists Roy Keane is not expecting equal billing alongside Martin O’Neill when the duo take charge of the Republic of Ireland.

Tonight’s match against Germany in Cologne is as tough as it gets at international level, with a win for the hosts guaranteeing their inevitable place at the World Cup finals next summer in Brazil.

After narrowly avoiding a stray plastic bottle kicked in his direction on his last visit to the country, Ireland defender Seán St Ledger is hoping to dodge the full force of Germany’s attack on Friday.

Andy Reid, Darron Gibson and Anthony Stokes have been recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad in the wake of Giovanni Trapattoni’s departure.

Richard Keogh has admitted his disappointment at his omission from the Republic of Ireland squad for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Austria.

Giovanni Trapattoni would have no qualms about giving Anthony Pilkington his international debut against Sweden, according to Marco Tardelli.

Stephen Kelly has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Sweden.

Aiden McGeady’s difficulty could turn out to be Anthony Pilkington’s opportunity, as the winger’s withdrawal from the Irish squad is sure to prompt some deep thinking by Giovanni Trapattoni ahead of next Friday’s World Cup clash with Sweden.

Giovanni Trapattoni will be counting them all out and trusting he can count them all back in again this weekend.

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has seen his options hit ahead of next month’s key World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Austria after three players, headed by Aiden McGeady, dropped out of his squad.

Giovanni Trapattoni has warned his Republic of Ireland side tomorrow’s clash with Wales will be a friendly only in name.

In a fresh blow for Giovanni Trapattoni, Sean St Ledger now looks set to miss next month’s World Cup qualifiers with a knee injury that could keep him out of action for six weeks.

Giovanni Trapattoni has reiterated that Kevin Doyle’s Republic of Ireland career is far from over.

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni feels no player is worth the £105m fee Real Madrid are reportedly ready to pay for Wales international Gareth Bale.

Republic of Ireland defender Sean St Ledger snatched a last-gasp winner as Leicester reached the second round of the Capital One Cup with a 2-1 win over League Two outfit Wycombe.

On trial for his club and now on trial for his country —that’s the situation Richard Dunne finds himself in on the eve of what would appear to be a make or break season for the defender.

Wolves defender Richard Stearman could be available to Giovanni Trapattoni next season.

James McClean left Yankee Stadium still not quite knowing how Iker Casillas had denied him one of the biggest moments of his career to date.

Spain 2 Republic of Ireland 0

Two years ago, Ireland captain Robbie Keane didn’t have much faith in the future of Irish international football.

John O’ Shea has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad to face Spain in New York on Tuesday following the death of his uncle.

Robbie Keane will make a record-breaking 126th appearance for the Republic of Ireland in tomorrow night’s World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands.

When, and not if, the offer of managing in England is dangled in front of Neil Lennon, it’s the darker days of his first season in the Celtic hot seat he’ll take into account.

Richard Keogh has revealed James McClean delivered on a promise when he set him up for his first international goal.