Ireland's all-time leading goal scorer will captain his country once more in a Sean Cox fundraiser.

Larry Ryan: Fashioning narratives out of the week’s big big game

“Sure there’s a catch, Doc Daneeka replied. “Catch-22. Anyone who wants to get out of combat duty isn’t really crazy.” — Joseph Heller, Catch-22

Just to undeceive you before you begin. This main piece is about the FA Cup semi-finals, what with the weekend that’s in it, and as a result the illustration was supposed to feature Pep and Arsene and Antonio and Mauricio, with — to give you added value after the week that was in it — a certain vociferous Clare man lurking in the background.

Mickey Quinn won’t collar Wayne Rooney:

Owen Hargreaves knew Bastian Schweinsteiger was different when the Manchester United midfielder approached him and demanded his boots.

Gary Lineker has been unveiled as the face of BT Sport’s coverage of the Champions League from next season.

As Jack Grealish awoke at his family home in Solihull yesterday morning, he was oblivious to the conversation progressing from the topic of his dazzling display at Wembley on Sunday onto which country he’ll represent at senior level.

Here's the sporting year in [guff] quotes.

The forward is targeting a return to action when the Premier League resumes after the current break with the match at Crystal Palace on Sunday November 23.

The world of soccer joined in unison with the people of Liverpool yesterday at a memorial service at Anfield to mark 25 years since the Hillsborough disaster claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool football fans.

Former Liverpool captain Ronnie Whelan believes the current crop of Reds are finishing the season stronger than their rivals and that gives them the best chance of winning the title.

Former Liverpool captain Ronnie Whelan believes the current crop of Reds are finishing the season stronger than their rivals and that gives them the best chance of winning the title.

PREMIER LEAGUE:

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admits it would be fitting if the current squad were to take some inspiration from events surrounding this year’s 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

Tony McCoy will have to wait until Chepstow today at the earliest for his 4,000th winner after drawing a blank with three rides at Exeter yesterday to remain on the 3,998 mark.

Former Liverpool player and manager Kenny Dalglish has returned to the club as a member of the board – 17 months after being sacked as Reds boss.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has embraced the club’s rich past in order to develop its future by drafting in former stars Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman and Rob Jones to help coach academy youngsters.

No matter how big or superficial it gets, we can always freestyle with that off button.

Some of Britain’s most successful sports stars will front BT Sport’s new programmes.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have been kept apart in the last eight of the Champions League following this morning's draw.

Huddersfield 1 Wigan 4

Cardiff’s Anthony Gerrard is devastated after missing the crucial penalty.

BY 5pm yesterday, journalists were queuing up on Twitter to condemn Alex Ferguson for enforcing a media blackout after Manchester United’s crushing defeat to Liverpool.

Replacing Roy Hodgson with Kenny Dalglish would not solve Liverpool’s deep-rooted problems, a trio of Anfield icons have warned.

Liverpool legends Kevin Keegan, John Barnes and Steve McManaman today insisted Roy Hodgson could survive as Liverpool manager, despite him appearing on the brink of the sack.

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher will discuss his Anfield future at the start of next season but the Reds’ vice-captain has stressed he does not want to play for another team.

Tottenham are yet to decide whether to make an improved offer for West Ham striker Craig Bellamy after an initial bid, believed to be around £6m, was turned down.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp believes clubs will want to cut their wage bills when the transfer window opens, raising hopes of bringing players to White Hart Lane on loan.

Birmingham have confirmed that co-owner David Sullivan and the Gold brothers, chairman David and Ralph, have taken an increased shareholding in the club.

Birmingham have confirmed today that shareholders have rejected Carson Yeung’s proposal to co-opt Steve McManaman and Fan Zhiyi onto the board of directors.

Birmingham are renewing their attempt to build a new stadium, which could be completed by 2014 if all goes to plan.

Steve McManaman has confirmed he will not be standing for election to the Birmingham board tonight.

Birmingham are bracing themselves for another battle with their leading shareholder Carson Yeung who wants to appoint former Liverpool star Steve McManaman and ex-Crystal Palace defender Fan Zhiyi as directors of the midlands club.

The Carson Yeung takeover of Birmingham appears to be off after his adviser Steve McManaman revealed there was little chance of meeting the City board’s deadline to complete a St Andrews buyout.

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez insists Peter Crouch is not for sale but has to earn himself a new contract.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insists Peter Crouch is not for sale but has to earn himself a new contract.

‘COMPETITION’ was the buzzword bouncing off the polished wood floors and shiny chrome fittings of central London’s Century Club yesterday.

Steve McManaman insists Liverpool still have a lot of ground to make up on Manchester United and Chelsea despite splashing out more than £20m on striker Fernando Torres from Atletico Madrid.

Former England and Liverpool winger Steve McManaman has been appointed to the board of the company buying into Barclays Premier League newcomers Birmingham.

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Steve McManaman’s dream of making a return to action with Hong Kong Rangers has been scuppered by a knee injury.