Sunderland winger James McClean has been included in Giovanni Trapattoni's squad for the upcoming friendly against Bosnia and the European Championships.

West Ham captain Kevin Nolan is hoping for a helping hand from already-relegated Coventry on Saturday as the Hammers look to pip Southampton to the second promotion spot from the npower Championship.

There is no place for Sunderland's James McClean in the Republic of Ireland starting line-up against the Czech Republic tomorrow night.

Jonathan Walters has been handed the task of partnering skipper Robbie Keane in attack as the Republic of Ireland aim launch their Euro 2012 play-off campaign with victory in Estonia tonight.

Giovanni Trapattoni has named Kevin Doyle, Shane Long and Robbie Keane in his squad for Ireland’s European Championship qualification play-offs against Estonia next month.

Kevin Doyle won a late reprieve as the Republic of Ireland attempted to edge their way closer to qualification for the Euro 2012 finals.

Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland

Roscommon are in pole position in Allianz Football League Division 4 thanks to a slender win over Wicklow, while their were also hard-earned victories for Carlow and Clare.

Liam Lawrence failed a fitness test on a leg injury today so Keith Fahey started tonight’s Euro 2012 qualifier in Zilina in midfield as one of two changes for the Republic of Ireland from Friday’s 3-2 defeat by Russia.

As confirmed by Giovanni Trapattoni yesterday, the Republic of Ireland line up for tonight’s key Euro 2012 qualifier against Russia with the same team that beat Andorra last month.

Struggling Wigan made six changes as they looked to kick-start their season against Championship side Preston in the Carling Cup tonight.

Republic of Ireland v Andorra

Republic of Ireland skipper Robbie Keane and experienced defender Richard Dunne were both able to start this evening’s opening Euro 2012 qualifier in Armenia after recovering from injury.

Teenage defender Greg Cunningham was handed a senior international debut as Ireland attempted to claim a second World Cup scalp inside four days.

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti made six changes to his side for this afternoon’s FA Cup fourth round tie at Deepdale.

Giovanni Trapattoni kept faith with the men who ran France close on Saturday for tonight’s decisive World Cup play-off clash in Paris.

Liam Lawrence was handed the task of shoring up the Republic of Ireland’s right flank in their World Cup play-off with France.

Shay Given and Kevin Kilbane have each been handed their 100th senior international caps as the Republic of Ireland bring their World Cup Group Eight qualifying campaign to a close against Montenegro tonight.

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni handed some of his fringe players the chance to play themselves into World Cup contention in tonight’s friendly clash with South Africa.

Republic of Ireland defender Sean St Ledger shook off his knee injury to line up against Cyprus in tonight’s crucial World Cup qualifier.

Republic of Ireland manager, Giovanni Trapattoni, has named a 24-man squad to face Australia in Thomond Park on Wednesday, August 12.

Bulgaria boss Stanimir Stolinov sent his big guns into battle with the Republic of Ireland as he looked to rekindle hopes of World Cup qualification.

THERE were new faces aplenty in the Irish side which shared the honours with Nigeria on the banks of the Thames last night but it was the old boys who shone the brightest, Robbie Keane scoring again for his country, Richard Dunne dominating at the back and Liam Miller having a fine game in the centre of the park.

Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni handed debuts to five players in his starting XI for the friendly against Nigeria at Craven Cottage.

Sheffield United 1 Preston 0 (Sheff Utd win 2-1 on aggregate)

Manchester City goalkeeper Nicky Weaver returns for this FA Cup fifth-round tie at Deepdale today.

Ireland manager Steve Staunton has revealed that Bobby Robson was keen to join the international side for their game against Germany despite his planned surgery for a brain tumour.