All around Gannon Park in Malahide, the atmosphere is as serene and as low-key as you might expect of a training session for a forgettable pre-season friendly against Serbia.

Fulham defender Zdenek Grygera has confirmed he will not play again this season, but is confident of returning from knee surgery next term.

Snow Hill

Chelsea and England defender John Terry will not face a criminal inquiry over claims that he injured a steward near the end of a Premier League match, police have said.

ALEX FERGUSON has opted to sidestep a confrontation with Wayne Rooney – and turn his sights on renowned knee surgeon Dr Richard Steadman instead.

Alex Ferguson has opted to sidestep a confrontation with Wayne Rooney – and turn his sights on renowned knee surgeon Dr Richard Steadman instead.

Alex Ferguson today sidestepped the Wayne Rooney issue ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League clash with West Brom at Old Trafford tomorrow.

CHELSEA midfielder Yossi Benayoun has been ruled out for up to six months due to an achilles injury suffered while on international duty with Israel.

TRYING to gain an edge, that’s what rugby is about at the top level, and that’s why — according to Ireland coach Declan Kidney — Scotland have a slight but perhaps crucial advantage going in to today’s Six-Nations match in Murrayfield.

Declan Kidney fears inside knowledge could be Ireland’s undoing in their quest for the RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam.

IF knowing your enemy is the key to sporting success, then Scotland hold a major advantage ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations clash with unbeaten Ireland.

FRANK HADDEN has lauded the impact former Ireland defence coach Graham Steadman has made on Scottish fortunes, saying the former rugby league star’s work will pay “rich dividends” in this year’s Six Nations.

Everton'sJames Vaughan has finally undergone surgery to his right knee, four weeks after twisting the joint in training.

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY is set to miss the rest of the Primera Liga season due to a knee injury, Real Madrid confirmed yesterday.

Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is keeping his fingers crossed his latest knee problem will only keep him sidelined until the middle of January.

Owen Hargreaves must put his career in the hands of leading knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman.

Mike Brewer and Graham Steadman have joined Scotland boss Frank Hadden's coaching staff.

Tiger Woods could be out of action for as little as three months after undergoing a knee reconstruction.

Ireland see no reason why the introduction of Paddy Wallace to the starting line-up should drastically alter their game plan for Saturday’s Test against New Zealand.

IF HE’S not careful, Tony McGahan could end up as the next Ireland defence and backs coach when the new coaching ticket is pieced together.

NIALL O’Donovan predicts Ireland have the potential to produce one big World Cup performance - and he’s confident tomorrow is the day.

Ireland defence coach Graham Steadman is confident the Stade de France will witness a major upset tomorrow night when his side go head to head with the tournament hosts.

Ireland’s defensive mastermind Graham Steadman believes shackling human wrecking ball Sebastien Chabal is the key to silencing French fans.

Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung has flown to meet American knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman for a diagnosis on the injury which has almost certainly ended his season.

THE small town of Vail, Colorado, is an unlikely place to find one of the key figures in world sport.

Aston Villa right-back Mark Delaney is to visit top knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman in America in a bid to solve the knee problem that has dogged him all season.

Celtic defender John Kennedy admits he has to control his desire to throw himself headlong into his return to playing.

Jimmy Bullard is prepared to sit out the remainder of the season after visiting top specialist Dr Richard Steadman about his knee injury.

Michael Owen can set his sights on a return to action after his second operation to repair his cruciate knee ligament “went extremely well”.

Bolton will be without defender Ricardo Gardner until October while he recovers from a third cruciate knee ligament operation.

England striker Michael Owen will jet out to America on Monday to see top specialist Richard Steadman about his knee injury.

FINE Gael and Labour yesterday boycotted a private briefing with Finance Minister Brian Cowen over allegations his department breached its confidential system for costing proposals put forward by political parties.

Aston Villa midfielder Patrik Berger will fly to America next week to try to solve the knee problem which has dogged his spell with the Midland club.

Aston Villa centre-back Martin Laursen is confident he will eventually resume his career following major knee surgery earlier in the season.

Oscar winner Jamie Foxx left pal Oprah Winfrey redfaced during her US daytime show yesterday when he refused to play down reports the pair were secretly dating.

THE IRFU have appointed three new members to the management of the national team.

MUNSTER coach Declan Kidney has delayed team selection for the Celtic League clash with champions Neath/Swansea Ospreys.

Aston Villa central defender Martin Laursen has vowed to prove he can eventually be a success in the Barclays Premiership as he prepares to fly out to America to find out the extent of his knee problem.

Celtic defender John Kennedy is more concerned with making a New Year return than getting an apology from Vio Ganea.

Declan Colley talks to coach Graham Steadman, who is confident of smart play by Munster tonight.

Barcelona striker Henrik Larsson will undergo surgery on his injured left knee at Richard Steadman's famous Colorado clinic on Friday.

Celtic defender John Kennedy admits he is resigned to going under the knife for a third time to rebuild his shattered knee.

Munster have enlisted Great Britain’s rugby league assistant coach, Graham Steadman, as their defensive coach.

CELTIC defender John Kennedy has said he has no fears about the operation that is set to save his career.